Citation
Kodjo, C.; Auinger, P.; & Fingado, E. (2004). Risk behaviors in adopted adolescents and subsequent outcomes in young adulthood. Journal of Adolescent Health. vol. 34 (2) pp. 137-137Abstract
PurposeThe rate of childhood adoption, particularly international adoption, has increased over the past two decades. This increase has created a need for research within this population, particularly among adopted adolescents (AA). Little is known about risk behaviors in AA or the outcomes of their risk behaviors as they transition into young adulthood. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of risk behaviors, and long-term outcomes, among AA compared to non-adopted adolescents (NA).
Methods
Secondary analysis of the restricted-use National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Linking Waves 1 (1994–95) and 3 (2001–2002), the sample consisted of 18,250 NA and 656 AA.Risk behaviors from Wave 1 included trying to lose weight, alcohol use, marijuana use, other drug use, sexual activity, violence, and suicidal attempts. Outcomes from Wave 3 included diagnosed eating disorder, drug/alcohol treatment, sexually transmitted disease, emergency room injury treatment, and treatment for mental illness. SUDAAN was used for all analyses. AA and NA were compared on all variables from Wave 1. Those who reported engaging in specific risk behaviors in Wave 1 were then compared on related outcome variables from Wave 3. Bivariate analyses included X2- and t-testing for categorical and continuous variables, respectively (p < 0.05).
Results
The racial/ethnic breakdown of AA from Wave 1 was: 76% White; 11% Black; 6% Hispanic; 3% Asian/PI; 2% Native American; 1% “Other”. Of AA, 51% were female and 66% were less than 17 years of age. There were no significant differences in household income between AA and NA; nor were there significant differences in self-esteem. However, AA were more likely to report more emotional distress (means: 173 vs. 129, p < 0.01) and less family connectedness (means: 690 vs. 717, p < 0.01). Regarding risk behaviors, there were no significant differences between AA and NA to engage in losing weight, alcohol use, marijuana use, other drug use, sexual activity, violence, or suicidal attempts. As for adverse outcomes as young adults, there were no significant differences.
Conclusions
Despite significant differences in emotional distress and family connectedness in AA vs. NA, AA were not more likely than NA to engage in risk behaviors. Also, AA were not more likely to have adverse outcomes as young adults. Further research needs to be done with larger samples of AA in order to gain a consensus about their risk behaviors and outcomes.
Copyright © 2004 Society for Adolescent Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
URL
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2003.11.021Keyword(s)
AdoptionReference Type
Journal ArticleJournal Title
Journal of Adolescent HealthAuthor(s)
Kodjo, C.Auinger, P.
Fingado, E.