Moitra, Modhurima
(2015)
Patterns of mental health symptoms, violence exposure, and health service utilization among adolescents: results from the healthy Allegheny teens survey.
Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh.
(Unpublished)
Abstract
Introduction: Mental illness is widely known to be a serious public health concern. This study attempts to examine area-level differences in mental health symptoms, violence, and health utilization services. It also explores any demographic differences in the above measures across age, sex, and race.
Method: The sample comprised 1813 teenagers aged 14-19 residing in Allegheny County completed the Healthy Allegheny Teens Survey via telephone interviews. Differences among variables of interest were examined using categorical data analyses. Binary and multivariate logistic regression models were used to test associations between variables of interest.
Results: Significant differences across age, race, and sex were found for the above variables. For area-level differences, Medically Under-served Areas and municipalities with high homicide rates reported greater disparities in mental health symptoms, experiences with violence, and health service use. Measures of violence remained significant even after adjusting for age, race, and sex.
Public Health Significance: This study is the first of its kind to examine adolescent mental health across Allegheny County using an area-level perspective. Future interventions can be designed to target specific areas of the County which report the greatest need. These findings can also guide the local health policy decision-making process and result in efficient distribution of public health resources.
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Details
| Item Type: |
University of Pittsburgh ETD
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| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
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| ETD Committee: |
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| Date: |
28 September 2015 |
| Date Type: |
Publication |
| Defense Date: |
10 July 2015 |
| Approval Date: |
28 September 2015 |
| Submission Date: |
17 July 2015 |
| Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
| Number of Pages: |
59 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Public Health > Behavioral and Community Health Sciences |
| Degree: |
MPH - Master of Public Health |
| Thesis Type: |
Master's Thesis |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
area level differences, mental health, violence, health services, adolescents |
| Date Deposited: |
28 Sep 2015 17:17 |
| Last Modified: |
19 Dec 2016 14:42 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/25658 |
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