237068 Domino effect in the community: The consequences of risky behaviors among young people

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Jacqueline Marhoff, BS , School of Public Health, Dept. Health Promotion & Education, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Dhara Patel, BS , School of Public Health, Dept. Health Promotion & Education, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Lian Liu, BA , School of Public Health, Dept. Health Promotion & Education, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Sherie Lou Santos, BS , School of Public Health, Dept. Health Promotion & Education, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Jennifer Drader, BS , School of Public Health, Dept. Health Promotion & Education, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Patti Herring, PhD, RN , School of Public Health, Dept. Health Promotion & Ed, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Susanne Montgomery, PhD, MPH, MS , Behavioral Health Institute, Loma Linda University, Redlands, CA
Although the rate of risky behaviors among adolescents has decreased over the past 20 years, experts report that many young people and especially those who have fallen “through-the-cracks” of traditional systems are still engaging in high levels of risky behaviors including alcohol and drug use, risky sexual behaviors and violence. In San Bernardino County, CA the rates of these behaviors are higher than the national average. To inform program development graduate students conducted a targeted needs and assets assessment at a provisional learning center (PAL) offering educational employment programs and resources to at-risk youth ages 18-22. In collaboration with the young people we explored their reasons for and attitudes and beliefs about risky behaviors as well as their thoughts about what they felt they should and could change. Data were collected through ethnographies, windshield surveys, literature reviews, semi-structured interviews, guided by a theory-based interview guide, and a confirmatory focus group. Data were coded, themed and analyzed using inductive Grounded Theory methods. Emergent themes were participants' lack of personal responsibility in performing risky behaviors, lack of perceived consequences from alcohol and marijuana use, perceived adequate knowledge and skills for responsible decisions about sex, but also an interest in learning about HIV/AIDS and STDs, attitudes of acceptance and helplessness towards violence, a need for social support, and high self-efficacy in substance abuse behavior change. Using the data we developed, implemented and evaluated a pilot program using process and impact evaluation for program improvement. Results will be discussed in light of program sustainability.

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

Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the risks and consequences associated with underserved young people’s risky behaviors. 2. Identify high risk situations where certain high-risk- behaviors are more likely to occur. 3. Describe how perceived sense of responsibilities among at-risk-young people can be used as a tool for behavior change.

Keywords: Community-Based Health Promotion, Community Collaboration

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a graduate student, along with other students, conducting research and program planning as part of our graduate studies.
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.