Recently, researchers and youth advocates have reconsidered the relationships between youth and family demographic factors and youth risk behaviors. This study assessed the effects of race, income, and family structure on youth tobacco, alcohol and drug use, weapon carrying, violent behavior, and sexual intercourse. A study of inner-city youth and their parents was conducted using in-home interviews (N=1,350 youth/parent paired interviews) to investigate potential relationships among demographic factors and risk behaviors. Youth (Mean age=15.4±1.7 years; 52% female; 47% White, 22% African-American, 19% Hispanic, 10% Native American) were stratified into 3 age groups (13-14, 15-17, and 18-19 years) to investigate the risk behaviors using a developmental perspective. Pearson chi-square analyses indicated numerous significant differences in risk behaviors by youth and family demographic factors. For example, family structure (1 versus 2 parent household) was significantly associated (p<.05) with adolescent alcohol and drug use (except for 18-19 year olds), and ever having had sexual intercourse (in all age groups). Also, lower income was significantly associated (p<.05) with greater incidence of violence (except for 13-14 year olds). Logistic regression analyses results, although typically statistically significant (p<.05), indicated that after controlling for gender the youth and family demographic factors accounted for only a small amount of variance in the youth risk behaviors (R2s ranged from .01 to .09). These results, taken together with results from other studies, suggest that youth programming is proceeding in the appropriate direction by emphasizing a youth development framework and specifically, youth, family, and community assets, as a primary prevention strategy.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1.Identify specific significant relationships between the demographic factors and youth risk behaviors. 2.Be familiar with the youth development framework and youth assets. 3.Discuss variation in youth risk behaviors across developmental age groups.
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Social Class
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.