The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #62679

Roy F. Oman, PhD¹, Sara K Vesely, PhD², Cheryl Aspy, PhD³, and Christi Luby¹. (1) Department of Health Promotion Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, P.O. Box 26901, Rm. 369, Oklahoma City, OK 73190, 405-271-2017 x46752, Roy-Oman@ouhsc.edu, (2) Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, PO Box 26901, CHB, Room 309, Oklahoma City, OK 73190, (3) Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 900 NE 10th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73104

Considerable research indicates that youth living in one-parent households are significantly more likely to engage in risk behaviors. Youth assets have been proposed as potential positive factors that may protect youth from engaging in risk behavior. This studys purpose was to identify youth assets associated with a reduction in the risk behavior of youth only for those residing in one-parent households (i.e., compared to two-parent households). Data were collected from inner-city youth and their parents using in-home, in-person interviews (N=1,350 youth/parent pairs). Logistic regression analyses were conducted, stratifying by one-and two-parent household status, and controlling for several demographic factors. Assets were the independent variables and risk behaviors were the dependent variables. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated to assess the strength of each asset/risk behavior relationship by comparing youth with and without each asset. Youth living in one-parent households with the Non-Parental Adult Role Models (OR= 2.3), Family Communication (OR=1.6), or Use of Time (Religion) (OR=1.5) assets were significantly less likely to be involved in fighting. Youth living in one-parent households with the Use of Time (Groups/Sports) (OR=1.8), Good Health Practices (Exercise/Nutrition) (OR=1.6) or Community Involvement (OR=2.6) asset were significantly less likely to use either drugs or alcohol. Youth living in one-parent households with the Use of Time (Groups/Sports) (OR=2.2) asset were significantly less likely to use tobacco. None of these asset/risk behavior relationships were significant for youth living in two-parent households. The results suggest there are specific youth assets that are particularly important for youth living in one-parent households.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant in this session will be able to:
• Identify specific youth assets that appear to be protective from risk behavior for youth living in one-parent households.
• Create informed programming to reduce fighting and alcohol, drug, and tobacco use for youth who are at greatest risk for these behaviors.

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Risk Behavior

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.