Objective: To prospectively identify psychosocial predictors of low scores on the Rosenberg self-esteem scale, among African-American adolescent females residing in a high-risk environment. Methods: African-American females 14-18 years of age were recruited from schools and health clinics in low-income neighborhoods of Birmingham, Alabama. Adolescents completed an in-depth survey at baseline and again 6 months later. The study achieved an 85.7% baseline participation rate (N=522) and 92% (N=482) returned at follow-up. Inter-item reliability of the self-esteem measure was adequate (alpha=.79) at both administrations. Baseline self-esteem scores were controlled in multivariate logistic regression analysis used to identify independent contributions of significant bivariate predictors. Results: Based on a natural break in the distribution, 20% of the adolescents were classified as having low-esteem at follow-up. The model explained 34% of the variance in low versus high self-esteem and classified 83% correctly. Significant bivariate baseline predictors included sexist beliefs favoring males (scale a=.53), recent depression (scale alpha=.83), low body image (scale alpha=.73), and low social support (scale alpha=.85). Significant multivariate baseline predictors were: low perceived control over life events (scale alpha=.51, AOR=2.5, P<.01), non-egalitarian dating-relationship norms (scale alpha=.72, AOR=2.3, P<.008), and low ethnic pride (scale alpha=.74, AOR=2.3, P<.007). Discussion: Controlled, prospective, analysis suggests that African-American adolescent females perceiving less control over life events, having non-egalitarian norms, or low ethnic pride may be more likely to have low self-esteem in subsequent months. Because self-esteem is an important determinant of adolescents' health-compromising behaviors, clinic, school, and community-based interventions designed to address the identified constructs may be warranted.
Learning Objectives: 1. Audience members will be able to identify factors likely to predict continued low self-esteem among high-risk minority female youth. 2. Audience members will be able to apply these factors (see objective 1) to the planning of clinic, school, and community-based health education programs designed to promote health-protective behaviors among youth.
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Health Education Strategies
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.