The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #41102

Lisa R. Fortuna, MD, MPH, Massachusetts General Hospital/Center for Child & Adolescent Health Policy, Harvard University, 50 Staniford Street, Suite 901, Boston, MA 02114, 617-724-4098, LFortuna@partners.org and Lynn Roberts, PhD, Urban Public Health Program, Hunter College of the City University of New York, 425 East 25th Street, Box 766, New York, NY 07666.

The racial disparities in health outcomes for adolescent females have been attributed to the structural inequalities in educational and economic opportunities that exist in American society. Due to a long history of racial discrimination, race and ethnicity are inextricably linked to conditions of poverty. Poverty is heavily concentrated in the inner cities. However, recent studies suggest that the problems of the inner city are increasingly becoming problems in suburban communities and this may have unique consequences for African American adolescent females. The proximity of suburban communities to large urban centers increases the likelihood of social diffusion of infectious diseases, crime, and violence. We will discuss the results and implications of a study examining and comparing the experiences, health perceptions and health risks of African American girls from urban and suburban environments.

Learning Objectives:

• 1.Understand the urban and suburban context of African American female health beliefs, knowledge and health risks.
• 2.Recognize similarities and differences in both groups regarding their health service and health education needs.
• 3.Discuss results from both in depth interviews and nationally representative data regarding the health of urban and suburban African American girls.

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Ethnic Minorities

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.