236944 Peacocks and pigeons: An analysis of adolescent male health disparities using the 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) data and the financial impact of prevention

Tuesday, November 1, 2011: 5:30 PM

James Leone, PhD, MS, CHES , College of Education and Allied Studies, Bridgewater State University, Bridgewater, MA
Data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) informs public health officials as well as others about potentially risky and risky health behaviors and outcomes of adolescents. Data pertaining to issues such as drug use, sexual practices, and mental health outcomes are assessed in the report which is conducted every two years. This report aligns with Healthy People 2010/2020 initiatives for enhancing length and quality of life and reducing health-related disparities in all citizens. In the present research, data from the 2009 YRBS was analyzed and stratified by sex (male/female) of the participants. Health-related outcomes for all major categories were stratified by sex which demonstrated markedly higher rates for negative health practices and outcomes for adolescent males. Using these data, we superimposed these results into a racial and economic model to explain the relative value of identifying sex and racial/ethnic disparities in the context of enhancing public health. The relative cost of health-negative practices and behaviors was accounted for and a cost-savings analysis was included to demonstrate the economic and social value of preventative health services addressing adolescent males in particular. Additionally, the disparate costs associated with race/ethnicity variables were explored and presented suggesting that in addition to being male, being a male of “minority” status greatly negatively impacted relative health risks and outcomes for adolescent males and their respective communities according to the YRBS. Lastly, we present possible public health strategies to help close the gap in health and community-related disparities in adolescent males.

Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Advocacy for health and health education
Biostatistics, economics
Epidemiology
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Provision of health care to the public

Learning Objectives:
Participants will: •Identify the leading causes of health risks in adolescent males according to data from the 2009 YRBSS •Evaluate health-related differences (disparities) in adolescents males compared to females according to data from the 2009 YRBSS •Evaluate health-related outcomes between minority and non-minority males according to data from the 2009 YRBSS •Define practical, alternative approaches when addressing youth-related gender health care disparities in diverse settings •Discuss the financial impact (burden) of addressing and not addressing disparities in youth

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Male Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to deliver this session because I have extensively researched this topic and have published empirical data on the topic. I have written a book on male health and have planned and conducted numerous studies concerning adolescent health, male health, and health disparities.
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.

See more of: Men's Health.....overlooked in Maternal and Child Health
See more of: Maternal and Child Health