Adolescent Perceptions of Teenage Morbidity and Mortality in a Rural Population

Health-related questionnaires were administered to 742 high school seniors in small towns in rural West Virginia. Results showed that a surprisingly high percentage were concerned about stress & depression (40%) & suicide (11%). One-third of students had either planned or attempted suicide, suggesting that appropriate health education for this age group should include more emphasis on psychosocial issues & stress management. (5 refs.)