Current research identifies behavioral factors such as diet, physical activity, and tobacco use as key contributors to the chronic diseases that are the major killers in the US. Despite this knowledge, current trends indicate that rates of sedentary behavior, poor eating, and tobacco use continue to increase among young people at a time when future habits are being shaped. There are many challenges when addressing risk reduction for long term health outcomes among youth, including working with a population that is more focused on short term needs, and limited time for health promotion during the school day. Engaging youth as advocates for change is one way to address these challenges. Results from the qualitative evaluation of a youth advocacy program demonstrate that this approach addresses some of the challenges of health promotion to youth. Youth advocacy can give young people an immediate goal to work towards while addressing the environmental and interpersonal factors that can contribute to good health in the long term. In addition, it addresses the challenges of health promotion in schools by integrating projects into existing curriculum and by reaching students outside of the classroom setting. By engaging youth as catalysts for change, youth advocacy approaches may lead to solutions to that are meaningful and enduring to the intended audience. This presentation will present the findings from the qualitative evaluation of a youth advocacy program to highlight the benefits and limitations of a youth advocacy approach to health promotion, and make recommendations for future research.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Define youth advocacy; 2. Describe how youth advocacy can be used to enhance health promotion efforts and; 3. Identify the appropriate settings for youth advocacy efforts
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Health Education Strategies
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: American Cancer Society
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am an employee of the American Cancer Society