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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Nadia Abuzaineh, MPH 2006¹, Alina Engelman, MPH 2007¹, Margaret Ptacek, MPH 2006¹, Constance Catrone, MSW², and Denise Stevens, PhD³. (1) School of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College St., New Haven, CT 06510, (818) 426-0409, nadia.abuzaineh@yale.edu, (2) School-Based Health Centers, City of Bridgeport, 752 East Main Street, Bridgeport, CT 06608, (3) MATRIX Public Health Consultants, Inc, 85 Willow Street Suite 3, New Haven, CT 06511

Background: High rates of poverty, substance abuse and violence often lead to academic problems among inner-city youth, a population already at increased risk for developing mental health conditions and/or multiple problem behaviors. Schools are in a unique position to deliver preventive programs to vulnerable adolescents. Objective: To evaluate the effects of Reconnecting Youth (RY), a nationwide school-based prevention program targeting at-risk youth, on participating students at one high school in Bridgeport, CT and to identify what types of students are most receptive to the program. Methods: The evaluation includes both quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative analysis includes the following outcome measures: GPA, attendance, tardiness, and suspension to determine the effect of RY on students. Two focus groups with current and former RY students, observation of RY classes and in-depth key-informant interviews with school personnel were conducted. Qualitative characteristics will be compared to the quantitative data on the effects of race/ethnicity, gender and grade-level on academic improvement after RY participation. Results: Pre- and post-test comparison of quantitative data are expected to demonstrate significant improvement in GPA and reduction in tardiness, unexcused absences and suspensions after RY participation. Based on previous research, we anticipate the qualitative components will support RY's success in providing a positive experience for students. However, we anticipate variability in results across race/ethnicity, gender, and grade-level. Significance: School-based prevention interventions, such RY, are crucial in promoting the development of pro-social behaviors among at-risk students in an environment that would otherwise perpetuate high-risk activities.

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