SELF-REPORTED HEALTH AND BEHAVIORAL-PROBLEMS AMONG ADOLESCENT VICTIMSOF RAPE IN FRANCE - RESULTS OF A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

Objectives: To measure the prevalence rate of rape among French adoles cents; to analyze the associated health and behavioral problems; to an alyze the use of the health care system by rape victims. Method: A nat ional representative sample of 8,140 students attending public seconda ry schools in France (grades 8 to 12) filled in a self-administered qu estionnaire (274 questions) on health and behavior problems (acceptanc e rate = 87%). Each rape victim in the sample (n = 61) was matched to two nonvictims (n = 122). Results: The reported prevalence rate of rap e was .8% (.9% among girls, .6% among boys). For both boys and girls, there was a relationship between rape and current sleep difficulties, depressive symptoms, somatic complaints, tobacco consumption, and beha vior problems (running away, violent behavior, stealing, and school ab senteeism). Additional problems were associated for boy rape victims: attempted suicide, regular use of alcohol and of illicit drugs. Rape v ictims did consult health professionals, but the majority saw neither a mental health specialist nor a social worker. Conclusion: The findin gs indicate that rape victims, especially boys, have more behavior pro blems and health problems than nonrape victims. Authors suggest that a dolescents who have ran away from home, attempted suicide, or manifest ed violent behavior should be systematically asked about rape. (C) 199 7 Elsevier Science Ltd.