Health Risk Behaviors of African American Adolescents With Mild Mental Retardation: Prevalence Depends on Measurement Method

Health risk behaviors (including suicide) of 194 14- to 17-year-old African American urban adolescents with mild mental retardation were measured using two different methods. In comparison to national & state populations of African American adolescents, they were found to be at substantially elevated risk for engaging in alcohol binge drinking & weapon & gun carrying. Findings were discussed relative to cognitive & social deficits inherent in mild mental retardation. (41 refs)