Adolescent perceptions of teenage morbidity and mortality in a rural population.

Health-related questionnaires were administered to 742 high school seniors in small towns in rural West Virginia. Students tended to overestimate the immediate threat to their health from cancer, heart disease and AIDS. They recognized a threat from auto accidents to their life and health in the immediate future, but nevertheless indulged in high-risk drinking and driving behavior. A surprisingly high percentage were concerned about stress and depression (40 percent) and suicide (11 percent). One-third of students had either planned or attempted suicide, suggesting that appropriate health education for this age group should include more emphasis on psychosocial issues and stress management.