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Joanne Brady, MS, Beth Weitzman, PhD, and Tod Mijanovich, MPA. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, New York University, Center for Health and Public Service Research, 726 Broadway, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10003, 212-998-7466, jeb20@nyu.edu
Urban living and teen risk behaviors are frequently linked in public perception and some studies of adolescents. Other research focused on youth well-being indicates that urbanicity is not associated with increased risk behaviors. These contradictory findings regarding urban-suburban health effects on teens suggest a more complicated relationship that varies according to the particular risk behavior (e.g., tobacco use versus early sexual activity) and by the conceptual and operational definitions of urbanicity (e.g., political boundaries versus neighborhood characteristics). Since city characteristics vary widely throughout the United States, such distinctions may be more pronounced in different parts of the country. Therefore, it is important to appropriately define the nature of the urban or suburban environment.
Our investigation examines the extent of the association between urbanicity and risk behaviors for youth in large economically distressed cities and their suburbs. We define urbanicity as living in cities characterized by poverty, population loss, and high concentrations of African-Americans, while prosperity, growth, and high concentrations of Whites characterize suburban areas. Our analysis uses data from the Survey of Adults and Youth, a national telephone household survey of approximately 14,000 households conducted in 2001-2. This survey is part of the evaluation of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Urban Health Initiative, a ten-year effort to improve the health and safety of youth in disadvantaged U.S. cities. Specifically, we explore self-reports concerning the extent of specific risk behaviors (including tobacco, alcohol, and drugs) within the youth’s peer group and compare the degree to which urbanicity predicts greater risk
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Risk Behavior, Adolescent Health
Related Web page: www.nyu.edu/wagner/chpsr/
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: grants