The Associations Between Immigrant Status and Risk-Behavior Patterns in Latino Adolescents

During 1988-1989, a Teen Health Risk Survey was given to 1789 students at 2 California high schools. Latino adolescents were divided into 2 groups: those born in the USA & those who immigrated to the USA. 8 risk-taking behaviours were studied including self-violence. The mean number of risk behaviours was highest among Latino immigrants. They did not exhibit anticipated cultural protective factors associated with recent immigrants. Results show the need for culturally sensitive health services.