Patterns of mental health symptoms, violence exposure, and health service utilization among adolescents: results from the healthy Allegheny teens survey

Introduction: Mental illness is widely known to be a serious public health concern. This study attempts to examine area-level differences in mental health symptoms, violence, and health utilization services. It also explores any demographic differences in the above measures across age, sex, and race. \ud Method: The sample comprised 1813 teenagers aged 14-19 residing in Allegheny County completed the Healthy Allegheny Teens Survey via telephone interviews. Differences among variables of interest were examined using categorical data analyses. Binary and multivariate logistic regression models were used to test associations between variables of interest. \ud Results: Significant differences across age, race, and sex were found for the above variables. For area-level differences, Medically Under-served Areas and municipalities with high homicide rates reported greater disparities in mental health symptoms, experiences with violence, and health service use. Measures of violence remained significant even after adjusting for age, race, and sex. \ud Public Health Significance: This study is the first of its kind to examine adolescent mental health across Allegheny County using an area-level perspective. Future interventions can be designed to target specific areas of the County which report the greatest need. These findings can also guide the local health policy decision-making process and result in efficient distribution of public health resources. \u