Citation

Pack RP, Wallander JL, Browne D. Am. J. Ment. Retard. 1998; 102(4): 409-420.

Affiliation

Civitan International Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham 35294-0017, USA. wallander@civmail.circ.uab.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, American Association on Mental Retardation)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

9475948

Abstract

Health risk behaviors (e.g., substance use, violence, suicide, and car safety) of 194 14- to 17-year-old African American urban adolescents with mild mental retardation from special education classes were measured. One group was assessed using a confidential individual interview method, and an individually matched group was assessed with an anonymous group survey method. Participants completing the anonymous survey reported engaging more frequently in risk behaviors that respondents typically consider sensitive. In comparison to national and state populations of African American adolescents, urban African American adolescents with mild mental retardation appear to be at substantial elevated risk for engaging in alcohol binge drinking and weapon and gun carrying. Findings were discussed relative to cognitive and social deficits inherent in mild mental retardation.