Association of adolescent physical and emotional health with perceived severity of parental substance abuse.

PURPOSE: This study aims to examine the association between adolescent health, including physical complaints, mood, and social adjustment, and perceived severity of parental substance abuse.

DESIGN AND

METHODS

Baseline data from a study of school-based support groups for adolescents with substance-abusing family members (n = 121) were used to examine the relationship between the severity of substance abuse and adolescent health.

RESULTS

Participants were divided into three groups on the basis of severity of parental substance abuse. The high-severity group had significantly more medical conditions, physical symptoms, and negative moods than those in the low- or moderate-severity groups (p < .02).

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Nurses can use the Children of Alcoholics Screening Tool to assess severity of parental substance abuse and its impact on adolescents' physical and emotional health.