Prevention and wellness for teenagers: An evidence-based intervention to reduce risky behaviors- The role of parents and peers in promoting wellness

Teenagers are at risk for health problems related to alcohol/drug use, smoking and sexual activity like STD's, HIV/AIDS. Teenagers are vulnerable to negative peer pressures like engaging in sex,drinking. Parental communication and positive peer pressure can reduce risky behaviors. This presentation describes: an intervention to reduce risky behaviors and promote wellness in teenagers which fosters positive peer/parental relationships; outcomes for intervention and comparison group teenagers(no intervention). Methods: Pretest posttest design. Intervention (223girls/165 boys)/comparison(151 girls/158 boys) participants from four intervention/five comparison schools. Intervention participants were randomly selected. Comparison participants were convenience sample. Schools were matched on demographic variables. Instruments: AFL Core and Demographic Questionnaires. Pearson Chi Square, Mann Whitney U statistics and .05 level of significance were used. Bandura's social learning theory guided the intervention focusing on sexuality discussions, mentoring, health classes, cultural events, community service, recognition. Post-test II Results: Significantly more intervention than comparison participants reported: saying no to wrong activities(p=.003); staying away from trouble(p=.007); dating/party rules(p=.034);important to remain abstinent (p<.001);abstinence avoids pregnancy/STD's/health problems (p=.047); friends who think no sex(p<.001). Significantly more comparison participants reported:drinking (p<.001); friends who drink(p<.001)/tried marijuana/drugs (p=.001); smoking (p=.005); pressure to do things leading to trouble (p=.004). Intervention girls(p=.038) and boys (p=.042) reported parents do not ignore breaking rules. Conclusions: Intervention participants have more significant outcomes related to less risky behaviors like drug/alcohol use, positive parental communication, supportive peers than comparison participants. Findings have implications for development of interventions which prevent risky behaviors, promote wellness and foster positive peer and parental communication with teenagers.