Hispanic high school students may be at greater risk for drug use and suicide attempts than their black or white classmates, according to a new survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The study, reported by the Associated Press, is the latest in a series of surveys of American high school students conducted each two years.
Among its results: Black and white high school students report less sexual activity in the past, but there was no drop among Hispanics. Also, Hispanic students were more likely than their classmates to attempt suicide; use cocaine, heroin or ecstasy; ride with a driver who had been drinking; drink on school property; sell or be offered drugs; or skip school because of fear for their safety.
Those results do not necessarily reflect the reality for students in Tahlequah and Cherokee County, say local authorities who work with young people.
"Tahlequah Public Schools participates in these national surveys, but the last one taken did not indicate that our Hispanic students were more at risk for risky behaviors than our Native American or white students," said Val Dobbins, who coordinates the safe school/healthy school programs at Tahlequah Middle School.
She said the district will participate in the 2009 survey, and this data will provide updated information.
"We have found that at an elementary level, our Hispanic families are among some of the most responsible and caring of their children attending our schools, meaning their children make great students," she said.
Between 1990 and 2000, the U.S. Census Bureau ranked Cherokee County among the highest ratings in the nation in the growth of its Hispanic population, with an increase of more than 200 percent. Between 40 and 49 percent of those Hispanics were under age 18.
And the number has continued to grow since 2000, the Census Bureau estimates.
Experts interviewed by the AP about the study could come up with no explanation for why the Hispanic behavior trends differed. They speculated the school environment faced by many of the Hispanics may differ considerably from those of other students, and Hispanics and blacks more commonly attend highly segregated schools.
Students who do experience problems may find it harder to obtain the counseling they need than their white counterparts.
There is an increasing gap in counseling services for Hispanic youth, said Lynne McAllister, licensed clinical social worker and coordinator of guidance clinic services at the Cherokee County Health Department. For an effective impact on counseling in a family situation, the counselor must be bilingual.
"There is too much of a chance for miscommunication when you don't have a bilingual therapist. Words and phrases vary in the translation; cultural differences, parenting roles may vary; and even a seasoned therapist cannot bridge the gap in families unless they are bilingual," McAllister said. "With the influx of Hispanics in our community, there continues to be gaps in counseling services for them."
The health department has no bilingual counselors, but has two translators who have helped with counseling, as well as in the health clinic. However, translation is more effective when dealing with specific physical symptoms and advice on such issues as family planning than it is in a counseling setting.
Dobbins said the Hispanics in the national study may be different than the ones here, who most often come from families that have immigrated to this country relatively recently.
These families tend to be strong and encourage their children to do well.
However, one statistic that is applicable to Cherokee County, whatever the ethnic group, is suicide. The leading causes of death for teens are vehicle accidents, homicide and suicide.
In Cherokee County, suicide among people ages 15 to 24 is ranked second in the state, according to Vital Statistics, Health Care Information Division, Oklahoma State Department of Health.
"Part of the challenge as parents is to recognize the signs and symptoms of depression and seek counseling/support for your teen whenever possible," McAllister said. "Teens are struggling to be independent, fit in at school, home and with friends. Oftentimes, it is critical to continue to provide guidance, support and boundaries for an adolescent who clearly wants to ‘be their own person.'"
With all the challenges facing young people today, it is more important than ever for parents to have good communication with their children, she said.
She said parents can look for these warning signs that their teens are struggling with depression:
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits.
• Frequent absences from school or poor school performance.
• Lack of interest in activities, friends, or hobbies.
• Difficulty concentrating in school.
• Running away from home.
• Lack of interest in personal appearance.
• Physical symptoms.
• Talking about death or suicide.
• Suicide attempts.
