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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Emma Ilori, BA¹, Byron Nate, BS², Janet Koh, BS¹, Leila Gholamrezaei, BS¹, Katie Packer, BS¹, Lindon Leach, MD¹, Patti Herring, PhD, RN³, Kiti Freier, PhD⁴, Maisha Parnell, MPH³, and Carine Bieme-Ndi¹. (1) School of Public Health Dept. of Health Promotion & Education, Loma Linda University, Nichol Hall, Loma Linda, CA 92350, 909-266-9284, emmailori@hotmail.com, (2) School of Public Health, Dept. of Health Promotion & Education, Loma Linda University, Nichol Hall, Loma Linda, CA 92350, (3) School of Public Health, Dept. Health Promotion & Ed, Loma Linda University, Nichol Hall, Loma Linda, CA 92350, (4) School of Science & Technology, Loma Linda University, Graduate School, Central Building 11130 Anderson, Loma Linda, CA 92350

The youth today are at increased risk of engaging in risky behaviors. Research indicates that youth are more likely to engage in risky behaviors during the peak hours between 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm when most parents are still at work and most children are left unsupervised. During this time, risky behaviors such as drinking, drug use, criminal acts, and sexual behaviors are at an all-time high. Research also indicates that the prevalence of these behaviors can be greatly reduced with after school programs which keep children supervised and engaged in stimulating activities. To address this issue in the best way, a needs assessment was conducted with neighborhood children in San Bernardino, CA. Ethnographic observations, 12 key informant interviews, and a focus group were conducted in order to gather qualitative data directly from the youth for planning, implementing and evaluating a program to address their needs and desires for keeping them off the streets. Respondents were identified through theoretical sampling and interviewed using a theory based key informant and focus group guide. Using ground theory methods, the resulting transcripts were coded and themed for emerging response patterns. The results indicate that these children struggle with a lack of supervision after school leading to less help with homework, less time with parents, more time to engage in risky behaviors and not enough engaging activities to do after school. With this information a pilot program was developed, implemented, and evaluated for program improvement and sustainability.

Learning Objectives: By the end of the session, participants will be able to

• Identify three factors leading to risky behaviors in adolescents if left unsupervised after school.
• Identify barriers that inhibit youth from getting proper guidance and supervision after school.
• Assess the needs of youth living in impoverished neighborhoods in terms of neighborhood safety and crime avoidance.
• Describe how they would apply the project’s lessons learned about the need to their own community setting.

Keywords: Health Disparities, Adolescents

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered