The relationship between adolescent depression and a history of sexual abuse.
The purpose of this study was to examine the occurrence of depression among adolescents attending family planning clinics, and to determine the relationship among depression, a history of sexual abuse, and other risk behaviors. The sample consisted of 279 minority females. Results of the study indicated that 40 adolescents (14.3%) scored at or above a raw score of 77 for depression based on the Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale (RADS). This suggests that these adolescents should be identified for further evaluation. Results of the Stepwise Linear Regression indicated that a history of sexual abuse was the most potent factor in predicting depression. These findings highlight the importance of screening concurrently for depression and a history of sexual abuse in family planning and other healthcare settings.
Buzi
Ruth S
RS
Teen Health Clinic, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. rbuzi@bcm.edu
Weinman
Maxine L
ML
Smith
Peggy B
PB
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent / Q000379:methods; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D015206:Southwestern United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires