Maltreatment histories and mental health problems are common among runaway adolescents in Spain

Abstract

A survey of the sociofamiliar characteristics and healthcare needs among runaway adolescents admitted to a short-term institutional foster-care facility in Zaragoza City (Spain) was carried out from 1992 to 2001. Within 72 h of admission a psychosocial interview and a health screening examination were performed according to the published healthcare guidelines for runaway youth to assess the sociofamiliar profile risk behaviours and health needs and to identify acute or chronic illness. Health screening included a medical and social history a complete physical and anthropometric examination and a laboratory assessment with those tests indicated by historical or physical findings. During the study period 153 runaway adolescents were admitted to the juvenile facility (18.6% of the total admissions). However only 100 of those admitted were assessed because 53 of them ran away from the centre within 72 h of admission before the psychosocial interview and the medical screening could be done. Of the assessed youths 60% were male and 40% were female ages ranging between 11 and 17 y with an average age of 15.2 y. (excerpt)