222394 Role of local setting characteristics in enhancing sociopolitical development among Latino youth

Wednesday, November 10, 2010 : 1:15 PM - 1:30 PM

Mayra L. Estrella, MPH, PhD candidate , School of Public Health, Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
Michele A. Kelley, ScD, MSW, MA , School of Public Health, Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
  
Often overlooked aspects of youth development are the ability to analyze social context and take responsible action toward resisting oppression; two concepts that also lead to community health improvement. Few studies examine the potential role that organizational or setting characteristics play in fostering youth sociopolitical development (SPD) (Watts 2003).

The objective of this study was to apply a conceptual framework (Maton 2008) to analyze the role of setting level factors in promoting SPD in a Latino youth-led community development program.

Preliminary analysis of eight in-depth interviews with youth leaders ages 18-26 were coded, applying Maton's six empowering organization dimensions, using the qualitative software package Atlas.ti.

The analysis, backed by participant observation, illustrated the role that specific setting characteristics play in promoting youth SPD. A network diagram and text table describing relationships among setting attributes (e.g. group based belief system; opportunity role structure) as well as the attributes and SPD were developed.

As youth-led community health and development initiatives become more commonplace, it will be important to capture the transformative impact of these programs on youth beyond reducing health risks. By taking into account potential setting effects on youth development, especially SPD, the effect of any program on fostering social justice and community capacity can be enhanced.

Learning Areas:
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs

Learning Objectives:
1. To be able to describe the significance of youth sociopolitical development in community based interventions. 2. To discuss the impact of empowering community settings on adolescent well-being, community development and social change.

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Community Programs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have worked on the data analysis, generation of themes from the data, and writing abstract. I am a PhD candidate and graduate research assistant at the University of Illinois.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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