OBJECTIVES: We examined perceived frequency and intensity of racial/ethnic discrimination and associations with high-risk behaviors/conditions among adolescents. DESIGN:With surveys from 2490 racial/ethnic minority adolescents primarily with low socioeconomic status, we used regression analysis to examine associations between racial/ethnic discrimination and behavioral health outcomes (alcohol use, marijuana use, physical aggression, delinquency, victimization, depression, suicidal ideation, and sexual behaviors). RESULTS: Most adolescents (73%) experienced racial/ethnic discrimination and 42% of experiences were 'somewhat-' or 'very disturbing.' Adolescents reporting frequent and disturbing racial/ethnic discrimination were at increased risk of all measured behaviors, except alcohol and marijuana use. Adolescents who experienced any racial/ethnic discrimination were at increased risk for victimization and depression. Regardless of intensity, adolescents who experienced racial/ethnic discrimination at least occasionally were more likely to report greater physical aggression, delinquency, suicidal ideation, younger age at first oral sex, unprotected sex during last intercourse, and more lifetime sexual partners. CONCLUSION: Most adolescents had experienced racial/ethnic discrimination due to their race/ethnicity. Even occasional experiences of racial/ethnic discrimination likely contribute to maladaptive behavioral and mental health outcomes among adolescents. Prevention and coping strategies are important targets for intervention.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVES: We examined perceived frequency and intensity of racial/ethnic discrimination and associations with high-risk behaviors/conditions among adolescents. DESIGN: With surveys from 2490 racial/ethnic minority adolescents primarily with low socioeconomic status, we used regression analysis to examine associations between racial/ethnic discrimination and behavioral health outcomes (alcohol use, marijuana use, physical aggression, delinquency, victimization, depression, suicidal ideation, and sexual behaviors). RESULTS: Most adolescents (73%) experienced racial/ethnic discrimination and 42% of experiences were 'somewhat-' or 'very disturbing.' Adolescents reporting frequent and disturbing racial/ethnic discrimination were at increased risk of all measured behaviors, except alcohol and marijuana use. Adolescents who experienced any racial/ethnic discrimination were at increased risk for victimization and depression. Regardless of intensity, adolescents who experienced racial/ethnic discrimination at least occasionally were more likely to report greater physical aggression, delinquency, suicidal ideation, younger age at first oral sex, unprotected sex during last intercourse, and more lifetime sexual partners. CONCLUSION: Most adolescents had experienced racial/ethnic discrimination due to their race/ethnicity. Even occasional experiences of racial/ethnic discrimination likely contribute to maladaptive behavioral and mental health outcomes among adolescents. Prevention and coping strategies are important targets for intervention.
Authors: Kelli A Komro; Cheryl L Perry; Sara Veblen-Mortenson; Kian Farbakhsh; Traci L Toomey; Melissa H Stigler; Rhonda Jones-Webb; Kari C Kugler; Keryn E Pasch; Carolyn L Williams Journal: Addiction Date: 2008-02-04 Impact factor: 6.526
Authors: A M Bardone; T E Moffitt; A Caspi; N Dickson; W R Stanton; P A Silva Journal: J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry Date: 1998-06 Impact factor: 8.829
Authors: Chandra L Ford; Mark Daniel; Jo Anne L Earp; Jay S Kaufman; Carol E Golin; William C Miller Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2009-02-12 Impact factor: 9.308
Authors: Hashim Moomal; Pamela B Jackson; Dan J Stein; Allen Herman; Landon Myer; Soraya Seedat; Edith Madela-Mntla; D R Williams Journal: S Afr Med J Date: 2009-05
Authors: Gayle R Byck; John Bolland; Danielle Dick; Alan W Ashbeck; Brian S Mustanski Journal: Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol Date: 2013-02-06 Impact factor: 4.328