Health risk behaviors of Texas students attending dropout prevention/recovery schools in 1997

Nancy F. Weller, Susan R. Tortolero, Steven H. Kelder, Jo Anne Grunbaum, Scott C. Carvajal, Phyllis M. Gingiss

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

44 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study determined prevalence of health risk behaviors of 9th through 12th grade students attending dropout prevention/recovery alternative schools in Texas in 1997. Participants were 470 youth whose health risk behaviors were assessed using the Youth Risk Behavior Survey in an anonymous, self-administered format. Behaviors measured included frequence of weapon-carrying and fighting, suicide-related behaviors, substance use, and sexual behaviors. A substantial percentage of alternative school students reported participating in behaviors that placed them at acute or chronic health risk. Differences in the prevalence of risk behaviors were noted by gender, racial/ethnic, and age subgroups. In addition, alternative school students frequently engaged in multiple risk behaviors. These findings suggest a need for comprehensive school-based health education/intervention programs to reduce the prevalence of risk behaviors in populations of alternative school students.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)22-28
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of School Health
Volume69
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1999
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Education
  • Philosophy
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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