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Can Physicians Help Curb Adolescent Violence?

NCJ Number
138612
Journal
Hospital Practice Dated: (June 15, 1992) Pages: 193-207
Author(s)
D Prothrow-Stith
Date Published
1992
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This article identifies violence by and among adolescents as a significant public health epidemic, such that physicians should become involved in the diagnosis and treatment of adolescents at high risk for violent behavior.
Abstract
Some of the factors associated with adolescent violence, such as poverty and racism, can be resolved only through massive societal change; however, behavioral and biological factors associated with violent behavior can be addressed through public health intervention strategies. One obvious contact point is the emergency room, where the casualties of street battles usually come. Emergency room workers must resort to secondary intervention strategies, because they are faced with a person at considerable risk for future morbidity or mortality that results from violence. Pediatricians and family physicians have the opportunity to practice primary prevention and refer older siblings for appropriate help. When behavior modification strategies are applied at such early contact points, the likelihood of success is considerably greater and the cost to society dramatically less. Routine screening of children and teenagers for a history of family or peer violence, substance abuse, depression, low self-esteem, and other factors that predispose juveniles to intentional injury can provide early identification of those at highest risk. Responsive mental health services are also needed, along with school-based preventive education programs and active community support. 5 figures and 10 selected readings