National survey data suggest the prevalence of youth alcohol use has declined sharply from 50% in 1979 to 20% in 1998. However, alcohol use and its related problem are still common among youth; about 100,000 deaths annually in the U.S. are related to alcohol consumption. Recently, youth development as a strategy for reducing youth risk behaviors, such as alcohol use received substantial attention. In a youth development framework, youth and family assets are viewed as protecting youth from problem behaviors. The HEART of OKC project (Healthy, Empowered, And Responsible Teens of Oklahoma City) is one of 13 projects funded by the CDC as part of a national teen pregnancy prevention initiative that is attempting to reduce youth risk behavior by strengthening youth assets. A study of inner-city youth (N=1,350) and their parents was conducted using in-home interviews to investigate potential relationships between youth assets and risk behaviors. Logistic regression analysis for each asset construct was conducted separately controlling for age, sex and race. Seven of 10 youth assets (e.g., family communication, service to others, employment skills) were significantly related (p<0.05) to youth alcohol consumption in the past 30 days. The odds ratios ranged from 0.46 to 0.86, indicating that youth reporting stronger assets were significantly less likely to have consumed alcohol in the past 30 days than youth reporting weaker assets. The results suggest that youth assets may have a protective effect for alcohol use. Strengthening youth assets may be an important intervention strategy for reducing youth alcohol use.
Learning Objectives: 1. Discuss items that comprise each youth asset construct. 2. Comprehend the potential relationships between youth assets and youth alcohol use.
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Alcohol Use
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.