Correlates of Physical Status and Length of Time in Foster Care among Former Foster Youth

Aim: The aim of this pilot study was to describe correlates of physical and mental health status with length of time in the foster care system, among former foster youth, ages 18-25

Background: Young adults who are former foster youth (FFY) experienced early life adversity through physical or sexual abuse, or through physical neglect. Although research highlights the link between early life adversity and morbidity/mortality, little is known about correlates of mental/physical health status and length of time in foster care among former foster youth.

Methods: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional pilot study where physical and mental health status data were collected at baseline and three months later. Data collected were perceived health, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, BMI, depression symptoms, and length of time in foster care, as well as socio-demographic data.

Results: A total of 18 men and women, ages 18 to 25, participated. Mean age was 19.4 (SD=1.04); participants were primarily Hispanic (50%) and African American (43%). Average length of time in foster care was 8.7 years (SD=6.25); perceived health at baseline and three months later was reported as “very good.” Mean BMI, depression symptoms and systolic blood pressure, however, were not within normal limits according to adult health maintenance guidelines. Using spearman correlation, years in the foster care system was significantly associated with BMI at .45 and depression symptoms at .52. Baseline depression symptoms and BMI also were significantly associated with a correlation of .69.  There also was a significant negative correlation at .70 between perceived health and diastolic blood pressure at baseline. Significant correlates at three months, after baseline data collection, also will be presented.

 

Implications: Based on Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute guidelines as well as US Prevention Services Task Force guidelines for adult health maintenance, former foster youth participants scored out of normal range on blood pressure, BMI, and depression symptoms. These preliminary findings are consistent with literature documenting the association between early life adversity and poor health outcomes and highlight the need for health maintenance interventions targeted to former foster youth.