Predictors of Runaway Behavior Among At-Risk Youth

This study examines the factors influencing runaway experiences among at-risk youth. Using the data of 1,743 at-risk youth from the 2016 survey of Korean adolescents' contact with media usage and harmful environment, a logistic regression analysis was conducted. This study shows that factors associated with the adolescents' experiences of family relationships, violence victimization, and harmful environment influence the occurrence of runaway behavior in at-risk adolescents. A significant outcome of this study is the identification of a harmful environment as a factor affecting runaway behavior. The factors identified need to be considered in the development of prevention programs targeting runway behavior among at-risk youth. School nurses are uniquely positioned to review and revise educational strategies to raise adolescents' awareness regarding the effects of harmful environments and to promote violence prevention. This framework provides school nurses with systematic methods for early identification and management of risk factors among at-risk youth runway behavior.