The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #37760

Trixie M. Quijada, MPH, School of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion and Education, Evaluation and Research Unit, Loma Linda University, 10970 Parkland Avenue, Loma Linda, CA 92350, (909) 558-8395, tquijada@sph.llu.edu, Shiva Metghalchi, BS, MPH, School of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion and Education, Evaluation Research Unit, Loma Linda University, 10970 Parkland Avenue, Loma Linda, CA 92350, Susanne B Montgomery, PhD, MPH, Dept. of Health Promotion & Education, School of Public Health, Loma Linda University, Nicol Hall Room 1511, Loma Linda, CA 92350, and Jerry Lee, PhD, Dept. of Health Promotion and Education, Loma Linda University School of Public Health, Nicol Hall Room 1511, Loma Linda, CA 92350.

Introduction: Birth rates for females age 15-19 (1997-2000) have slowly declined in the U. S. and California. Though the decline may be symptomatic of improved service deliveries of health related topics, change in health care policies and practices, teen pregnancy is still a social problem to several sub-populations and individuals. Birth rates (1997-2000), for females age 15 to 19 in the County of San Bernardino exceed the nation and California. In 1997, the CDC funded thirteen sites with high teen pregnancy rates to participate in a national demonstration project. The imPACCT Project(San Bernardino)was one of the sites chosen to facilitate a coalition based intervention approach to reduce teen pregnancy. Based on CDC directive, imPACCT formed coalitions to provide a positive youth development environment. Methods: This paper will discuss the qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods used, and results of the youth coalitions. Key informant interviews, and focus groups were conducted. The key informant interviews and focus group outlines were based on grounded theory utilizing models such as the Health Belief Model. The interviews and focus groups were transcribed and analyzed for repetitive themes related to high-risk behaviors. Pre/post tests were given at baseline and follow-up. Results: The study will discuss the level of change in program participant knowledge, behavior, belief, attitude, self-efficacy, norms, and intentions towards high-risk behavior that might lead to teen pregnancy. Conclusion: The findings of the study may have significant implications in service delivery of public health practices, specifically regarding teen pregnancy.

Learning Objectives:

• At the end of the session, the audience will have an increased knowledge of youth school-based coalitions as a strategy for program planning and implementation to reduce high-risk behaviors.
• At the end of the session, the audience will have an increased knowledge of qualitative evaluation methods used to evaluate coalitions.
• At the end of the session, the audience will have an increase in knowledge of quantitative evaluation methods in identifying variables that are effective in reducing high-risk behaviors via coalitions.
• At the end of the session, the audience will be able to discuss the importance of school-based youth coalitions in the reduction of high-risk behaviors.

Keywords: Evaluation, Coalition

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Department of Public Health, San Bernardino Children's Network, San Bernardino imPACCT Project, San Bernardino Loma Linda University, School of Public Health
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.