VIOLENCE AND MENTAL-HEALTH PROBLEMS AMONG URBAN HIGH-SCHOOL-STUDENTS

Purpose: We sought to determine the extent of exposure to violence and its relationship to other mental health risks among an urban teenage population. Methods: Students attending regularly scheduled physical e ducation classes completed a Violence Survey, a Suicidal Ideation Surv ey, the Depression Self-Rating Scale (DSRS), and the Adolescent Alcoho l Involvement Scale. Of the 630 students who completed the anonymous a ssessment 45% were male, 55% female, 61%: black, 30% Hispanic; 54% gra des 9-10, and 46% grades 11-12. Results: Half of the students reported knowing someone who had been murdered, 61% indicated they had witness ed a robbery, 59% had witnessed a beating, 37% had witnessed a shootin g, and 31% had witnessed a stabbing. Mental health problems reported b y these students included: depression (DSRS score > 13) in 31%, suicid al ideation in 16%, suicide attempts in 10%, drinking > 1 x per month in 21%, and drinking daily in 5%. Univariate analysis revealed that st udents who witnessed a shooting or stabbing were more likely (p < .05) to be both male and black. Multivariate analysis revealed that studen ts reporting knowing someone who was murdered were twice as likely to report suicidal ideation and four times as likely to report suicide at tempts. Witnessing a stabbing was associated with twice the likelihood of reporting suicide ideation and three times the likelihood of repor ting suicide attempts. Witnessing a shooting was associated with twice the likelihood of alcohol use. Witnessing a beating or robbery had no significant relationship to measured variables. Conclusions: Among th is population of urban teenagers there are many who have witnessed vio lence and a subgroup who have witnessed shootings and stabbings and ar e at increased risk for mental health problems. A comprehensive medica l and psychosocial history should include a violence assessment for al l urban teens.