Perceptions of South Dakota Adults Concerning Selected Adolescent Health Problems

A telephone survey conducted to assess adults’ perceptions of selected adolescent problems found that a majority of respondents indicated that alcohol & drug abuse, & teen pregnancy are a problem for teens. Up to 1/2 of respondents indicated that suicide attempts are a problem. Respondents overwhelmingly agreed that health education programs in schools can help prevent alcohol & drug abuse, teen pregnancy, & suicide attempts among seventh to twelfth graders.