Age-Varying Links Between Violence Exposure and Behavioral, Mental, and Physical Health

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21 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose To examine age-varying prevalence rates and health implications of weapon-related violence exposure (WRVE) from adolescence to young adulthood (ages 14–30) using time-varying effect modeling. Methods Data were from the Add Health study, a longitudinal study of adolescents in the United States (N = 5,103) followed into young adulthood across four assessment waves from age 14–30. Results WRVE rates varied with age, peaking during mid-to-late adolescence (ages 16–18). Rates were higher for males (vs. females) and African-American youth (vs. white) across nearly all ages. Rates were higher for Hispanic youth (vs. white) during adolescence. WRVE was positively associated with frequent heavy episodic drinking and negatively associated with self-reported general health; these associations were significant during adolescence and early adulthood (ages 15–24). WRVE was positively associated with depressive symptoms. This association remained stable over age and was stronger for females from ages 16–21. The association between violence exposure and decreased general physical health was stronger for white versus African-American youth from ages 15–17, with no significant association observed for African-American youth at any age. Conclusions Despite its severity, WRVE is prevalent among U.S. youth during adolescence and young adulthood, particularly among males and African-Americans during mid-to-late adolescence. The associations between WRVE and health were stronger during adolescence and differed by sex and race/ethnicity. This information may assist in the timing and targeting of intervention efforts aimed at interrupting the effects of violence exposure on youth behavioral, mental, and physical health.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)189-196
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Adolescent Health
Volume59
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1 2016

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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