Year: 2009 Source: Pediatrics, v.124, no.1, (July 2009), p.81-88 SIEC No: 20090372

The proportion of American youth who anticipate a high likelihood of early mortality & relationships with health status & risk behaviors over time were examined. Data from Time 1 (1995), Time 2 (1996), & Time 3 (2001-2002) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health were examined. At Time 1, 14.7% of the 20,594 respondents reported at least a 50/50 chance they would not live to age 35. In adjusted models, illicit drug use, suicide attempt, fight-related injury, police arrest, unsafe sexual activity, & a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS predicted early death perception at Time 2, 3, or both. Given its frequency & influence on behaviour & health, adolescents’ perceived risk for early death should be incorporated into psychosocial assessments & interviews. (41 refs.)