TY - JOUR
T1 - The prevalence of sexual abuse among adolescents in school.
AU - Saewyc, Elizabeth M.
AU - Pettingell, Sandra
AU - Magee, Lara L.
PY - 2003/10
Y1 - 2003/10
N2 - Sexual abuse is a profound stressor that complicates the development and health of adolescents, yet its prevalence has been difficult to estimate among adolescents in school populations. This study explored the prevalence of both incest and nonfamily abuse in 2 cohorts of adolescents in Minnesota in the 1990s (1992: N = 77374; 1998: N = 81247). Findings indicate that sexual abuse was reported by both boys and girls and among students of all ethnic groups. Approximately 10% of adolescents reported sexual abuse in each cohort, with girls 5 times more likely to report abuse than boys. Ethnic variation was minor, with African American, Native American, and Hispanic teens slightly more likely to report abuse than White or Asian American youth. School nurses should routinely assess for a history of sexual abuse in adolescents and should be prepared to provide support and referral for abused students and their families.
AB - Sexual abuse is a profound stressor that complicates the development and health of adolescents, yet its prevalence has been difficult to estimate among adolescents in school populations. This study explored the prevalence of both incest and nonfamily abuse in 2 cohorts of adolescents in Minnesota in the 1990s (1992: N = 77374; 1998: N = 81247). Findings indicate that sexual abuse was reported by both boys and girls and among students of all ethnic groups. Approximately 10% of adolescents reported sexual abuse in each cohort, with girls 5 times more likely to report abuse than boys. Ethnic variation was minor, with African American, Native American, and Hispanic teens slightly more likely to report abuse than White or Asian American youth. School nurses should routinely assess for a history of sexual abuse in adolescents and should be prepared to provide support and referral for abused students and their families.
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U2 - 10.1177/10598405030190050401
DO - 10.1177/10598405030190050401
M3 - Article
C2 - 2003168943
AN - SCOPUS:0642318397
SN - 1059-8405
VL - 19
SP - 266
EP - 272
JO - The Journal of school nursing : the official publication of the National Association of School Nurses
JF - The Journal of school nursing : the official publication of the National Association of School Nurses
IS - 5
ER -