The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #57402

Anca Codruta Rafiroiu, MD, PhD, Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, Cleveland State University, 2451 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115, (216) 687-4873, A.RAFIROIU@CSUOHIO.EDU

Violence-related behaviors such as physical fighting and weapon carrying are associated with serious physical and psychological consequences for adolescents. Few studies have examined trends over time in these behaviors. The purpose of this study was to assess self-reported prevalence rates of violent behaviors such as weapon carrying, physical fighting, fighting-related injuries, feeling unsafe and violence on school property among adolescents, and changes across age, gender and race categories over time. Methods: The 1991-1999 South Carolina Youth Risk Behavior Surveys were analyzed using weighted bivariate methods and linear regression. Results: Every year males and students in lower grades were significantly more likely to engage in violent behaviors both outside school and on the school property (p< .001). The prevalence of students carrying a weapon such as gun, knife or club exhibited a significant negative linear trend overall and across all sex, racial and grade subgroups (p< .001). The prevalence of students engaging in physical fight also exhibited significant negative linear trend from 1991 to 1999 overall and across all sex, racial and grade subgroups (p< .001), except Black females, for which the prevalence remained stable. All forms of violent behavior on school property exhibited significant negative linear trends over time overall and across all subgroups. Prevalence of students feeling unsafe at school remained low and stable over time, except for White Males. Conclusions: Declines in prevalence rates of violent behaviors among adolescents are encouraging. However, some of these behaviors are still frequent and should be continually monitored.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:
• Identify major trends that occurred over the past decade in violence-related behaviors among public high-school adolescents.
• Discuss subgroup gender, age and race differences in violent behaviors over the past decade among public high-school adolescents.

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.