The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #55843

Lise M. Youngblade, PhD¹, Laura Curry, MS², W. Bruce Vogel, PhD³, Maureen A. Novak, MD⁴, and Elizabeth A. Shenkman, PhD¹. (1) Dept. of Pediatrics and Institute for Child Health Policy, University of Florida, 5700 SW 34th St., Suite 323, Gainesville, FL 32608, (352)392-5904, ext 262, lmy@ichp.edu, (2) Dept. of Psychology and Institute for Child Health Policy, University of Florida, 5700 SW 34th St., Suite 323, Gainesville, FL 32608, (3) Health Policy and Epidemiology, University of Florida, PO Box 100177, Gainesville, FL 32610, (4) Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, PO Box 100296, Gainesville, FL 32611

Estimated at more than $33.5 billion annually, the significant cost of treating risky-behavior-related morbidities underscores the importance of analyzing adolescents’ risky behaviors in depth. Despite significant costs from these behaviors, comprehensive models that examine the predictive power of multiple domains, and include both risk and protective factors, are scant. Especially absent is an analysis of community factors that contribute to the odds of risky behavior and its concomitant healthcare use and expenditure patterns. The goal of this study was to examine (a) community-level characteristics that predict adolescent risky behavior; (b) relations between adolescent risky behavior and healthcare utilization and expenditure patterns; and (c) the direct effects and indirect effects, through their impact on risky behavior, of community factors on healthcare use and expenditures. Claims data from over 10,000 adolescents aged 12-18 enrolled during FY 2001 in Florida’s Healthy Kids Program were analyzed. Background analyses indicate that adolescents engaging in risky behavior consume significantly more health care services than adolescents who are not. Moreover, their higher use and expenditures are attributable not only to risky-behavior-related costs, but also to their higher use of general health care services as well. We are currently modeling the effects of community characteristics on risky behavior and healthcare use and expenditures. Findings are discussed in terms of developing adequate service delivery systems to best meet the needs of adolescents, as well as education, prevention, and intervention programs that can be delivered through the health care system and its links to social services and community supports.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the presentation, attendees will be able to:
• describe the community risks and supports that impact the likelihood of adolescent risky behavior; and
• recognize the direct and indirect effects of community characteristics on risky behavior and concomitant healthcare utilization and expenditures.

Keywords: Risky Behaviors, Adolescent Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.