Gance-Cleveland Bonnie, Mays Mary Z, Steffen Ann
Center for Improving Health Outcomes in Children, Teens, and Families, College of Nursing and Healthcare Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA.
J Spec Pediatr Nurs. 2008 Jan;13(1):15-25. doi: 10.1111/j.1744-6155.2008.00130.x.
This study aims to examine the association between adolescent health, including physical complaints, mood, and social adjustment, and perceived severity of parental substance abuse.
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.
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).
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.
