Citation

Champion JD, Kelly P. Issues Ment. Health Nurs. 2002; 23(3): 191-207.

Affiliation

School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78284, USA. Dimmitt@Uthscsa.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11942187

Abstract

Studies of adolescent risk and protective behaviors have focused on identifying modifiable psychosocial variables that predict differential outcomes for subsequent intervention efforts. Research has been scarce in studies of rural minority adolescent women. This study examined the protective and risk behaviors of these women and their relationship to physical or sexual abuse. Rural minority adolescent women endured high levels of psychological distress and many high risk behaviors, yet experienced many protective behaviors. Barriers to health care included access and confidentiality. Physically or sexually abused adolescents endured relatively greater risk and fewer protective behaviors than nonabused adolescents. The prevalence of risk behaviors and abuse among rural minority adolescent women presents a need for development of psychotherapeutic interventions as part of behavioral interventions for risk reduction. These women may benefit from confidential identification and assessment of abuse history and risk and protective behaviors so that appropriate psychological treatment can accompany accessible medical treatment.

Language: en