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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Elizabeth B. Dowdell, PhD, RN, College of Nursing, Villanova University, St. Mary's Hall, 800 Lancaster Ave, Villanova, PA 19085, 610-519-6820, elizabeth.dowdell@villanova.edu and Mary Ellen santucci, DNSc, RN, CHP; Department of Nursing, Thomas Jefferson University, Edison Bldg, 9th and Walnut st, Philadelphi, PA 19107.
A nationwide increase has been widely reported in the number of juveniles committing violent crimes, the number of juvenile victims and the number of juveniles witnessing violence. To better understand adolescents' exposure to violence, a descriptive, correlational study, using the Youth Risk Behaviors Surveillance System Questionnaire (YRBSS) (CDC, 1996), was funded and undertaken at one urban middle school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The study purpose was to describe (1) the types of health risk behaviors being undertaken by one seventh grade student population, (2) the frequency of health risk behaviors, and (3) the age of initiation of the health risk behavior.
Findings indicated that the sample of 54 adolescent males and females, aged 11 to 13 years, had significant fears related to their environment, their exposure to violence, and were fearful of being hurt. Factor analysis and correlational statistics indicated correlation's between this fear and the use of alcohol and tobacco with a) carrying a weapon, b) a recent physical fight, and c) school absenteeism. Surprisingly, school was consistently identified as a place where these adolescents feel safe. The findings suggest a need to focus on adolescent fear of harm to self and the effects of witnessed violence. Nurses are in an ideal position to provide a safe and effective environment to provide education and support to this at risk population.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Violence
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.