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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Von Nebbitt, PhD, School of Social Work, Howard University, 601 Howard, Pl. NW, Washington, DC 20059, 202-806-4720, vnebbitt_@howard.edu

The mental health of children and adolescents is a significant public health concern. Healthy People 2010, indicates that one in five youth has a diagnosable mental disorder each year (HHS, 2000). Nevertheless, the prevalence of PTSD symptoms, and their environmental correlates, among African American adolescents in public housing is unclear. The purpose of this study is to: 1) assess the prevalence of PTSD symptoms; 2) assess the influence of environmental correlates and aggressive behavior on PTSD symptoms; and 3) assess the mediating effects of attitudes and parental behavior on PTSD symptoms.

Data was collected from 238 African American adolescents ages 13 to 19 living in public housing. Univariate, bivariate, and hierarchical regression analyses were used to assess prevalence of symptoms and strength of relationships.

No gender or age differences were detected for PTSD symptoms. When controlling for age and gender, PTSD symptoms were positively correlated to aggressive behavior, exposure to aggressive peers and exposure to neighborhood risk. Individual characteristics, parental behavior did not buffer the effect of neighborhood risk on PTSD symptoms. The relationship between neighborhood risk and PTSD symptoms was exacerbated by a youth's involvement in aggressive behavior and a youth's exposure to aggressive peers.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, attendees will

• Understand the prevalence of PTSD symptoms among urban African American adolescents;
• Understand how delinquent peers exacerbate the relationship neighborhood risk and PTSD symptoms;
• Understand how parental supervision and encouragement and conventional beliefs have a protective effect on depressive symptoms over and beyond the negative effects of neighborhood.

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Public Housing

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered