Mental health disparities and high ‐risk alcohol use among non‐heterosexual high school students

AbstractPurposeTo examine disparities in mental health and high ‐risk alcohol use among high school students by sexual orientation, and the impact of having access to an adult with whom to talk.Design and MethodsCross ‐sectional survey, from the 2015 Kentucky Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Logistic regression estimated the relationship between being “non‐heterosexual” on mental health (e.g, suicidal ideation/attempt) and alcohol behaviors (e.g, binge drinking), controlling for demographics and “having an a dult to talk to.”FindingsNon ‐heterosexual students were more likely to report all adverse outcomes and risk was lower among students who report “having an adult to talk to.”Practice ImplicationsPsychiatric nurses need to assess sexual minority youth for access to positive adult relationships.
Source: Perspectives in Psychiatric Care - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research