Theories on the etiology of drug use postulate that risk factors in the individual, family, school, peer group, neighborhood/community and society may precipitate, coexist with, or in some way be associated with drug use. Kumfer confirmed a model of risk and protective factors for adolescent alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use (ATOD) called the Social Ecology Model in a general population sample (1991) and later in a Latino sample (1993). Specifically the model holds that family climate and school climate strongly influence youth self esteem, school bonding, and eventual choice of peers. Kumfer noted that while the impact of family was indirect for the primarily white sample, a direct pathway between family relations and youth ATOD use was found in the Latino sample.
Creciendo Saludable, a primary prevention program structured around Kumfer's Social Ecology Model, services a population that is 99% Latino. The neighborhood the program is set in exhibits all the risk factors that are common to many urban communities across the country: high population density; high levels of gang activity; and extremely high levels of poverty (90%). The school-based program services elementary age students and their families and tracks students to middle school where drug initiation usually begins. The American Drug and Alcohol Survey is given each year to all middle school students. This paper will examine baseline differences in risk and protective factors between the program's population and the general population. Implications of the findings will support Kazdin's (1993) and Kumfer's (1994) recommendations for culturally relevant principals for programs.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. Identify developmentally appropriate precusors of early initiation of ATOD. 2. Discuss interventions that impact risk and protective factors in youth. 3. Understand the need to be sensitive to ethnic difference and make culturally appropriate modifications to primary prevention programs
Keywords: Primary Prevention, Risk Factors
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.