Archived

This content is available here strictly for research, reference, and/or recordkeeping and as such it may not be fully accessible. If you work or study at University of Kentucky and would like to request an accessible version, please use the SensusAccess Document Converter.

Abstract

In many rural areas in Kentucky, adolescents lack the basic assets for a good quality of life, such as having caring adults, a safe place and useful activities after school. In this chapter we analyze data from middle and high school students referred to a comprehensive school based health promotion center (SBHPC). From August 2006 to February 2008, a total of 382 students (200 female, 182 male, aged 12-18 years) were referred to the SBHPC for help. Only two (0.5%) students had two parents living with them and 12 (3.1 %) had safe, organized after school activities. 19.9% of the total were suicidal, 27.2% used drugs, 44% smoked, 26.7% used alcohol, 45% were depressed, 29.3% had conduct problems, 37.4% had school problems, 43% were overweight, 50% lacked safety procedures (seat belts, access to guns) and 17.5% had other mental health problems. Conclusions: Poor quality of life is a major factor leading to negative outcomes in rural adolescents.

Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

2010

Notes/Citation Information

Published in Rural Child Health: International Aspects. Erica Bell, & Joav Merrick, (Eds.). p. 1-4.

©2010 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

The copyright holder has granted permission for posting the chapter here.

Reprinted as a book chapter in Child Health and Human Development Yearbook 2009. Joav Merrick, (Ed.). p. 229-232.

Reprinted as an article in International Journal of Child Health and Human Development, v. 2, issue 2, article 13, p. 203-205.

Download

Share

COinS