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Teen Violence
This study will use national data to assess the prevalence of violence among rural youth, define risk factors for violence exposure among rural youth, and assess the current ability of rural school systems to provide appropriate mental health care and/or referrals for youth exposed to violence. Violence is both a primary indictor of and a pre-cursor to child mental health problems, as well as a significant cause of mortality. Youth exposed to violence report more psychiatric symptoms, such as anger and dissociation, as well as lower life satisfaction. However, youth exposed to violence rarely receive mental health interventions. Delivery of mental health services to youth, in both rural and urban areas, is hindered by the limited number of child and adolescent psychiatrists and the reluctance of children or their families to use mental health services not provided within a school setting. A national assessment of the prevalence of violence among rural youth, and of resources available to combat the causes and sequelae of violence, has not been performed. Comparisons of urban/rural areas, and of particular problems faced by rural minority youth, could be used to help community mental health centers plan effective interventions.
Publications
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Violence And Rural Teens: Teen Violence, Drug Use, And School-Based Prevention Services In Rural America
Author(s): Michael D. Mink, Charity G. Moore, Andy Johnson, Janice C. Probst, Amy Martin
Date: 03 / 2005
Describes a study which had three main purposes: (1) to explore the prevalence of violence-related exposures and drug use among rural teens, (2) to investigate the effects of race and gender on the risk of exposure to violence and drug use, and (3) to compare the policies and mental health care services of rural and urban schools. This study found no evidence to support the common assumption that rural youth are protected from exposure to violence. Rural teens are equally or more likely than suburban and urban teens to be exposed to violent activities, including weapons carrying, fighting, fear of violence, and suicide behaviors. Rural teens are at significantly greater risk of using cigarettes, chewing tobacco, crack/cocaine, and steroids than both suburban and urban teens. Of important note is the high prevalence of "crystal-meth" use among rural teens. Executive summary available online.
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Violence and Rural Teens: Teen Violence, Drug Use, and School-Based Prevention Services in Rural America (Fact Sheet)
Date: 2005
Fact sheet covering the key findings from a study of violence and drug use among rural teens. A full report is also available.
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