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Racial/ethnic differences in adolescents' physical symptoms
1Department of Family, Community and Mental Health Systems, University of Virginia, School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. hrk3@virginia.edu
Journal of Pediatric Nursing
|June 4, 2005
Summary
Racial disparities exist in adolescent physical symptoms, with White youth reporting headaches and musculoskeletal pain, while Black youth report other symptoms. Socioeconomic status and depression influence these differences.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Racial and ethnic variations in physical symptom prevalence among adolescents are not well understood.
- Socioeconomic status (SES) and depressive symptoms may play a role in these disparities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine race/ethnic-specific prevalence of 10 physical symptoms in American youth.
- To investigate the influence of SES and depressive symptoms on racial differences in adolescent physical symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Descriptive study utilizing a cross-sectional analysis of survey data.
- Data from Wave I of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N = 20,000+).
- Inclusion of adolescents in Grades 7-12, examining self-reported physical symptoms over the past 12 months.
Main Results:
- White adolescents reported higher frequencies of headaches, musculoskeletal pain, and dizziness.
- Black adolescents reported higher frequencies of feeling hot, chest pain, cold sweats, and urinary symptoms.
- Racial differences in symptoms reported by White youth persisted after controlling for SES and depression; differences for Black youth were explained by these factors.
Conclusions:
- Significant racial differences exist in the types of physical symptoms experienced by adolescents.
- Family income and depressive symptoms are key factors explaining racial disparities in certain physical symptoms among youth.
- Healthcare providers should avoid stereotyping symptom presentation based on race and socioeconomic status.
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