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

Abstract #63583

Sara K. Vesely, PhD¹, Roy F. Oman, PhD², Cheryl Blalock Aspy, PhD³, Kenneth R. McLeroy, PhD⁴, and Christi Luby². (1) Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, PO Box 26901, CHB, Room 309, Oklahoma City, OK 73190, 405-271-2229, sara-vesely@ouhsc.edu, (2) Department of Health Promotion Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, P.O. Box 26901, Rm. 369, Oklahoma City, OK 73190, (3) Family & Preventive Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 900 NE 10th St. - FMC 2209, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, (4) School of Rural Public Health, 3000 Briarcrest Drive, Suite 310, Bryan, TX 77802

Youth development research typically investigates the association between one asset and one risk behavior. The study’s purpose was to examine the effect of multiple youth assets on the use of alcohol and drugs. 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, controlling for associated demographic variables, with nine youth assets as potential predictor variables and the outcome variables non-use of drugs and alcohol. For non-use of drugs the Peer Role Models, Responsible Choices and Use of Time (Religion) assets were significant in the model together, indicating each asset increases the odds of non-drug use even after accounting for the demographic variables and the two other assets. A composite variable, comparing youth with all three significant assets to youth with less than three of the significant assets, was created. The odds ratio (OR) for this composite variable, controlling for associated demographic variables, was 5.6 (95% CI 2.8-11.1); odds of non-drug use are over five times higher among youth with all three assets compared to youth with two or fewer assets. For non-use of alcohol the same three assets were significant in the model in addition to the Family Communication and Community Involvement assets. The OR for the composite variable of the four variables (Community Involvement was excluded due to a significant interaction), controlling for associated demographic variables, was 4.5 (95% CI 2.6-7.7). Programs that promote multiple assets may be most effective in preventing youth drug and alcohol use.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant in this session will be able to:
• 1)List the set of assets associated with non-use of alcohol and non-use of drugs.
• 2)Recognize that youth with a group of particular assets may have increased odds of not participating in risk behaviors as compared to youth without all the assets in the group.

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.