Barbara R. Kelley

Self-esteem and risk behaviors of Dominican adolescents.

During the transition from childhood to adulthood, adolescents establish patterns of behavior and make lifestyle choices that affect both their current and future health. Adolescence is a time of rapid developmental change and engagement in risk-taking behaviors. Research has supported the notion that adolescent risk behaviors are functional, purposive, instrumental, and goal directed (Le Breton, 2004). The major causes of morbidity and mortality for adolescents are not diseases but preventable behaviors. For example, the major causes of death in individuals between the ages of 1019 are accidents (especially traffic accidents), suicide, and violence (World Health Organization [WHO], 2008); and adolescent health problems (morbidity and mortality) are related to sexual and reproductive health behaviors and use of alcohol, tobacco, and other illegal substances (WHO, 2008). Risk behaviors also have psychological and social outcomes, in that they may interfere with the accomplishment of normal developmental tasks and fulfillment of expected social roles (Jessor, 1991). Because of this, there is increasing interest among health

Perceived social support self esteem and pregnancy status among Dominican adolescents.

UNLABELLED Adolescent pregnancy is a major health concern among Dominicans in the U.S. and in the Dominican Republic (DR). Twenty three percent of adolescents age 15-19 have experienced pregnancy and this trend is rising. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to explore and compare social support, self-esteem and pregnancy between Dominican adolescents in the DR with those who have immigrated to the U.S. METHODS This study used an exploratory, descriptive design including study samples from both the U.S. and DR. Findings showed that young women with stronger social support and higher self esteem experienced lower pregnancy rates in both the DR and U.S. RESULTS Neither self esteem nor social support was found to be predictors of pregnancy. CONCLUSION Important findings from this study will inform the development of interventions aimed at preventing pregnancy in adolescents.

Violence prevention: a community approach.

Violence among children and adolescents has been elevated to the status of a public health problem in the United States today. Pediatric nurse practitioners are in a unique position to play a major role in violence prevention. This article describes the impact of violence on the preschool child including developmental and behavioral issues. Violence prevention must be all-inclusive as a routine component of anticipatory guidance for preschool children and their families. Ways to integrate violence prevention into a primary care approach are addressed. Community-based outreach programs that further buffer the impact of violence on these children are discussed.