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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. Methods: Analysis of data from middle and high school students referred to a comprehensive school based health promotion center (SBHPC). Results: 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

Article

Publication Date

4-2009

Notes/Citation Information

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

© 2009 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.

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

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

Reprinted as a book chapter in Rural Child Health: International Aspects. Erica Bell, & Joav Merrick, (Eds.). p. 1-4.

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