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Colleen DiIorio, PhD, RN, Erika I. Pluhar, PhD, Frances McCarty, PhD, and Terry Wang, MPH. Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Department of Behavioral Sciences & Health Education, 1520 Clifton Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, 404-727-8741, cdiiori@sph.emory.edu
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify school, family, peer, and community factors that are related to problem behaviors in children ages 6-10. While the ultimate goal of this research is to identify factors related to early initiation of sexual behaviors in children ages 6-12, the focus of the present analysis is on general problem behaviors in the younger age group. Because of the relatively low frequency of sexual behaviors in this age group, problem behavior was chosen as an outcome because it has been linked with early initiation of sexual behaviors. METHODS: We used a subsample of 200 primarily lower-income, African American children ages 6-10. Participants were recruited with their mothers through a youth-serving, community-based organization in a large urban area in the southeastern United States. Children and their mothers completed a one-time interview to assess risk and resilience factors that may contribute to involvment in problem behaviors. Data were analyzed using multiple regression with the mothers' ratings of child problem behaviors serving as the dependent variable and mothers' reports for school, family, peer, and community variables. RESULTS: In the final model (adjusted R2=.42, F(8, 191)=18.805, p<.001), factors that were statistically significant predictors (p<.05) of problem behaviors were child bonding and attitudes toward school, parent-school contact, family cohesion, social skills and prosocial behaviors. All relationships were in the theoretically expected direction. CONCLUSIONS: Results point to positive school experiences and healthy family relationships as protective factors against problem behaviors during middle childhood. Funded by NICHD Grant R01 HD39541.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to
Keywords: Risk Factors, Child Health Promotion
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.