Behaviors In African American Adolescents Research Articles

Maternal caregiver's typologies and internalized behaviors in African American adolescents living in urban public housing.

This study explores how variations in maternal caregiver types may be associated with adolescents' internalized behaviors (i.e., depressive symptoms) and resources (i.e., attitudes toward delinquent behaviors and efficacious beliefs). Using a sample of 375 African American youth from public housing in three large US cities, we used Latent Profile Analysis to identify various maternal caregiver classes. Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess whether youth can be correctly classified into maternal caregiver classes based on their internalized behaviors. Three maternal caregiver classes were identified. Results suggest youth living with high encouragement and high (supervision) maternal caregivers were associated with more conventional attitudes, higher self-efficacy, and lower depressive symptoms. Findings highlight how maternal caregivers can influence the internalizing behaviors of African American youth in US public housing. Individual, community, and system-level interventions can be leveraged to support the impact of these maternal caregivers.

Associations between racial and socioeconomic discrimination and risk behaviors among African-American adolescents and young adults: a latent class analysis.

Discrimination is a common stressor among African Americans and may increase vulnerability to risk behaviors, such as early initiation of substance use, substance use problems, and physical aggression; however, few studies have examined different types of discrimination and their associations with patterns of risk behaviors. This study examines the relationship between experiences of racial and socioeconomic discrimination and risk behaviors in African-American adolescents and young adults. We investigated associations of two discrimination types with risk behavior patterns identified with latent class analysis in a high-risk sample of African Americans (N = 797, Mage = 17.9years, 50.2% female). Four distinct classes of risk behaviors were characterized by High Use and Aggression (10%), Moderate Use and Aggression (10%), High Alcohol (17%), and Low Use and Aggression (63%). Classes that exhibit general risk behaviors, including substance use and aggression, were significantly associated with racial and socioeconomic discrimination, even in the fully adjusted model. Relative to other classes, the High Use and Aggression class demonstrated an elevated likelihood of experiencing both racial and socioeconomic discrimination. Findings support a link between racial and socioeconomic discrimination and risk behavior in African-American youth, which may be stronger for socioeconomic discrimination. Understanding the relationship between discrimination and risk behavior can inform future interventions to prevent substance misuse and conduct problems in youth. Further study is needed to elucidate the relationship between discrimination and other risk behaviors.

The Changing Characteristics of African-American Adolescent Suicides, 2001-2017.

African-American (AA) adolescents (13-19years of age) have disproportionately higher rates of suicide. In this study, to explore the nature of suicidal deaths and suicide attempts in African- American adolescents, we utilized the Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (YRBS) and the Web-Based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) database from years 2001 to 2017. The rate of AA male suicides increased by 60% and for AA females increased by 182% from 2001 to 2017. Suicides were the second leading cause of death for AA adolescents. Additionally, in 2017 alone, 68,528 AA males and 94,760 AA females made suicide attempts serious enough that they had to be treated by health professionals. Males were most likely to use firearms (52%) or to hang/suffocate themselves (34%) to commit suicide. Females used hanging/suffocation (56%) or firearms (21%) to commit suicides. The ten states with the greatest number of AA adolescent suicides (2015-2017) were: Georgia, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, and Missouri. There is an urgent need to further explore the changing nature and epidemiology of AA adolescent suicides and to study for whom and under what circumstances interventions can reduce suicides and suicidal behaviors in AA adolescents.

From Family Support to Goal-Directed Behaviors: Examining the Mediating Role of Cognitive Well-Being Factors

Based on the engine of well-being model (Jayawickreme et al. in Rev Gen Psychol 16(4):327, 2012), we examined the potential mediating role of two cognitive well-being factors (i.e., hope and life satisfaction) in the relation between perceived family support and goal-directed behaviors (i.e., engagement in meaningful instrumental activity). We employed a longitudinal mediation design, using three waves of data across 3 years from a large sample of adolescents (Mage = 14.6 years, SD = 2.06). We tested the model in the full sample first and then in two racial groups via multi-group comparison. In the full sample, we found that hope fully mediated the relation between perceived family support and engagement in meaningful instrumental activity. The mediation effect of life satisfaction was non-significant. Multi-group analysis revealed that for European American adolescents, the total effect of perceived family support on goal-directed behaviors was non-significant, but hope fully mediated the relation between family support and engagement in meaningful instrumental activity. For African American adolescents, the total effect of perceived family support on goal-directed behaviors was significant, and hope fully mediated the association between family support and meaningful instrumental activity. These findings suggest that perceived family support exerts a stronger effect on positive behaviors in African American adolescents compared to European American adolescents, but hope functioned as the “engine” in the proposed model, transferring energy from perceived family support to goal-directed behaviors in adolescents, regardless of race. Future directions and implications are discussed.

Relational victimization and peer affiliate prosocial behaviors in African American adolescents: Moderating effects of gender and antisocial behavior

IntroductionExperiencing relational victimization (e.g., peer exclusion, untrue rumors) during adolescence can have negative social–emotional consequences, including increased antisocial behavior and substance use. The negative impact of relational victimization may be lessened by spending time with supportive, prosocial peers. MethodsThis study examined the concurrent and predictive associations between relational victimization and peer affiliates' prosocial behaviors in 244 predominately African American adolescents (ages 13–14) living in U.S. urban neighborhoods. Questionnaires were collected every six months for two years. Overt victimization was controlled for in the analysis and the moderation of gender and antisocial behaviors were tested. ResultsPeer affiliates' prosocial behavior was stable across the two years. Relational victimization was not associated with peers' prosocial behavior at baseline or across time. Gender did not moderate the association between relational victimization and peers' prosocial behavior. Moderating effects were found for antisocial behavior; relational victimization was positively associated with peer affiliates' prosocial behavior but only for adolescents who were low on antisocial behavior at baseline. ConclusionsFor African American youth, efforts to reduce relational aggression and increase peer support in prosocial activities prior to adolescence may be useful for preventing social–emotional problems.

Application of the Transtheoretical Model to Physical Activity and Exercise Behaviors in African-American Adolescents.

Objectives: In this study, we examined the inter-relationships between Transtheoretical Model (TTM) constructs (stages of change, self-efficacy, decisional balance, processes of change) and determined the utility of TTM to predict physical activity in African-American youth. Methods: A community-based sample of 109 African-American youth (62% girls, age: 14.8 ± 0.2 years) were included in this analysis. TTM constructs were assessed using the Patient-Centered Assessment and Counseling for Exercise questionnaire. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and total physical activity (TPA) were measured objectively using accelerometry. Results: Higher self-efficacy was observed at higher stages of change in both boys and girls (p = .02). Despite higher MVPA (p < .001) and TPA (p < .001) in boys, there were no sex differences in TTM constructs (p > .05). Stages of change predicted MVPA in girls, with those in the maintenance stage reporting significantly more MVPA compared to those in precontemplation/contemplation (p = .03) and preparation stages (p = .04). Cons predicted higher TPA in boys only (p = .02). Conclusions: These findings suggest specific TTM constructs relate to physical activity in African-American youth and the importance of these constructs may differ by sex.

Impact of an Intervention Designed to Reduce Sexual Health Risk Behaviors of African American Adolescents: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

To replicate an evidence-based HIV risk reduction program and assess its impact on 2 behavioral outcomes-inconsistency of condom use and frequency of sex-6 months after the program. The study was an individual-level randomized controlled trial in which we randomly assigned 850 youths (aged 14-18 years) to 1 of 2 conditions. The treatment (Becoming a Responsible Teen) is a group-level sociocognitive and skills training sexual education course; the control is a general health intervention that includes the same initial informational component as the treatment. Participants were recruited over 3 summers (2012-2014) from a summer employment program in New Orleans, Louisiana, that serves primarily African American adolescents. Six months after program exposure, we found no statistically significant difference between treatment and control group members' self-reported inconsistency of condom use or frequency of sex (P > .05). Although previous evidence has indicated that this particular program can be effective, this study's findings indicate that it was not effective in this setting with this specific population. Results should provide an incentive to learn why the intervention works in some cases and what conditions are necessary for causal impacts.

African American Adolescent Sexuality: Influences on Sexual Scripting and Sexual Risk Behaviors

Because of numerous documented disparities in the sexual risk behaviors of African American adolescents compared to their peers from other ethnic groups, it is necessary to better understand the context in which their sexual socialization occurs. Sexual scripting is the process of developing frameworks that adolescents use to organize and process their sexual experiences. Sexual scripts help to fill the gap in understanding key contexts of African American youth, because they are developed through exposure to multiple contexts, including mass media, the community, and peers and family. These sources of sexual information interact with characteristics of the individual to determine how an adolescent will respond to these messages. Basic research findings suggest useful ways that clinicians may address influences on sexual scripts to decrease the sexual risk behaviors of African American youth. They also lead to a model to direct future research, given that much remains unknown. Alternatively, evidence-based intervention (EBI) programs can prevent and address sexual risk behaviors, although they need adaptation to make them relevant, sustainable, and acceptable to African American youth. Guidelines for adaptation of EBIs and the usefulness of an ecologically sound approach for this population are discussed. Research on such adaptations can determine the mechanisms behind the racial, gender, and class factors affecting interventions, incorporate technology and other factors relevant to these youths’ contexts, and determine answers to current questions such as the advisability of abstinence or comprehensive sex education with these youth. Such data will ensure that future programs are sensitively adapted to the cultural, racial, and gendered context of African American youth, including their strengths.

An Examination of Eating Behaviors, Physical Activity, and Obesity in African American Adolescents: Gender, Socioeconomic Status, and Residential Status Differences

BackgroundAfrican American adolescents experience higher rates of obesity and have an increased risk of obesity-related diseases than do White American adolescents. Despite culturally sensitive obesity preventive interventions, obesity rates are increasing within the African American adolescent population. Current obesity interventions do not usually address the heterogeneity (e.g., socioeconomic status [SES], gender, and residential status differences) within the African American adolescent community that can affect the efficacy of these interventions. PurposeTo examine the gender, SES, and residential status differences related to obesity and weight behaviors in African American adolescents. MethodsA descriptive correlational study was conducted with 15- to 17-year-old African American adolescents (n = 145) from community clinics, youth organizations, churches, and social networks in metropolitan and inner-city Detroit. Data were collected through use of survey methods and analyzed with use of descriptive statistics, independent sample t tests, and multiple regression equations. ResultsFemale adolescents consumed foods higher in fat and calories (t = −2.36, p = .019) and had more body fat (t = −9.37, p = .000) than did males. Adolescents of lower SES consumed food higher in fat and calories (t = −2.23, p = .027) and had higher body mass (t = −2.57, p = .011) than did adolescents of higher SES. Inner-city African American adolescents had higher levels of physical activity (t = −2.39, p = .018) and higher body mass (t = 2.24, p = .027) than did suburban African American adolescent counterparts. Gender, SES, and residential status were statistically significant predictors of eating behaviors, physical activity, body mass index, and body fat. ConclusionsThe initial findings from the study will assist in better understanding the obesity epidemic that affects African American adolescents in disparate proportions. ImplicationsFurther examination of the study variables is essential to serve as a basis for developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant targeted interventions with this population. Health care providers and obesity researchers who work with youth can use the initial findings from this study to advocate for healthy lifestyles while reducing the obesity disparity within the African American adolescent population.

Sociocultural Influences on Weight-Related Behaviors in African American Adolescents.

The purpose of this study was to examine the sociocultural factors related to weight behaviors in African American adolescents utilizing a social ecological approach. A descriptive correlational design included a sample of 145 African American adolescents. Perceived familial socialization, ethnic identity, physical activity, and eating behavior patterns were measured. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson product-moment correlations, and multiple regression equations. Perceived maternal socialization was significantly related to adolescent eating behaviors and physical activity whereas perceived paternal socialization was significantly related only to their physical activity. The adolescents' ethnic identity was not significantly related to their eating behaviors or physical activity. Health care providers who work with adolescents and their families can use the initial findings from this study to encourage healthy weight-related behaviors while reducing the obesity epidemic within the African American adolescent population in a developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive manner.

Gambling and sexual behaviors in African-American adolescents

ObjectivesLate adolescence represents a developmental risk period when many youth become involved in multiple forms of high-risk behaviors with adverse consequences. This study assessed the degree to which two such behaviors, adolescent sexual behaviors and gambling, were associated in a community-based sample with a large African-American presence. Study designData are derived from a cohort study. This study focuses on 427 African-American participants with complete information on gambling and sexual behaviors by age 18 (72% of original cohort). Gambling involvement and related problems were based on responses to the South Oaks Gambling Screen — Revised for Adolescents. Several questions assessed sexual behaviors, including age of initiation. Multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for demographics, intervention status, impulsivity, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and alcohol and illegal drug use. ResultsAlmost half of the sample (49%, n=211) had gambled at least once before age 18. More gamblers than non-gamblers had initiated sexual intercourse by age 18 (aOR: 2.29 [1.16, 4.52]). Among those who had initiated sexual activity, more gamblers than non-gamblers with high impulsivity levels at age 13 (vs. low impulsivity levels) had become pregnant or had impregnated someone. Among those who had initiated sexual activity by age 18, more male gamblers had impregnated someone by age 18 as compared to female gamblers becoming pregnant. ConclusionsGambling and sexual behaviors often co-occur among adolescents. Such findings prompt the need for the inclusion of gambling, an often overlooked risky behavior, in behavioral prevention/intervention programs targeting adolescents.

Substance Use Among African American Adolescents in the Midwest

The purpose of this article is to examine the attitudes and substance use behaviors of African American adolescents living in the Midwest. A baseline survey was administered to 463 African American teens between the ages of 11–19. The article examines the relationship between attitudes toward drugs and drug-using behavior in this African American sample. Drug use will be compared to national drug use norms established by the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey. Overall participants had fairly negative attitudes toward drugs. Sixty percent of the sample reported that they were committed to a drug-free life, 74% had made a decision to stay away from marijuana, 79% reported making a decision not to smoke cigarettes, and 71% reported they would not get drunk in the next year. Females were more likely to stay away from marijuana than males. In this current study there is cause for alarm; participants reported higher percentages of ever smoking cigarettes and marijuana than the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey. This study shows there is a need to provide substance abuse prevention programs for African American adolescents. Limitations and future directions are also discussed.

A Pilot Study of Motivational Interviewing Targeting Weight-Related Behaviors in Overweight or Obese African American Adolescents

To pilot motivational interviewing (MI) targeting weight-related behaviors in African American adolescents with body mass index ≥85th percentile. A total of 44 adolescents were randomly assigned to MI or nutrition counseling with baseline and 3-month assessment. MI group reported improved eating behaviors and activity motivation. Brief clinic-based MI interventions merit further study in this population.

Long Term Effects of Community-Based STI Screening and Mass Media HIV Prevention Messages on Sexual Risk Behaviors of African American Adolescents

We examined the long-term effects of two interventions designed to reduce sexual risk behavior among African American adolescents. African American adolescents (N = 1383, ages 14-17) were recruited from community-based organizations over a period of 16 months in two northeastern and two southeastern mid-sized U.S. cities with high rates of sexually transmitted infection (STI). Participants were screened for three STIs (gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis) and completed an audio computer-assisted attitude, intention, and behavior self-interview. Youth who tested positive for an STI (8.3%) received treatment and risk reduction counseling. In addition, television and radio HIV-prevention messages were delivered during the recruitment period and 18 months of follow-up in one randomly selected city in each region. Analyses determined effects of the media program for those receiving a positive versus negative STI test result on number of sexual partners and occurrence of unprotected sex. Adolescents who tested STI-positive reduced their number of vaginal sex partners and the probability of unprotected sex over the first 6 months. However, in the absence of the mass media program, adolescents returned to their previously high levels of sexual risk behavior after 6 months. Adolescents who tested STI-positive and received the mass media program showed more stable reductions in unprotected sex. Community-based STI treatment and counseling can achieve significant, but short-lived reductions in sexual risk behavior among STI-positive youth. A culturally sensitive mass media program has the potential to achieve more stable reductions in sexual risk behavior and can help to optimize the effects of community-based STI screening.

The Impact of Community-Based Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening Results on Sexual Risk Behaviors of African American Adolescents

To examine the effect of a community-based sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening program on sexual risk behavior among African American adolescents. We hypothesized that adolescents testing positive for an STI and receiving post-test counseling would reduce risky sexual practices, whereas STI-negative adolescents would show little or no change in protective sexual behavior after screening. From August 2006 to January 2008, we recruited 636 sexually active African American adolescents (age, 14-17) from community-based organizations in two mid-sized U.S. cities with high STI prevalence. Participants were screened for three STIs (gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis) and completed an audio computer-assisted self-interview. Youth who tested positive for an STI (6.6%) received treatment and counseling. Youth testing negative received no further intervention. Approximately 85% of participants completed 3- and 6-month follow-up assessments. Generalized estimating equations determined the effects of STI screening on adolescents' number of sexual partners and occurrence of unprotected sex. Adolescents who tested positive for an STI reduced their number of vaginal and oral sex partners and the probability of unprotected sex. STI-negative adolescents demonstrated no change for numbers of partners or unprotected sex. Community-based STI screening can help to reduce sexual risk behavior in youth who test positive for STIs. Alternative approaches will be needed to reduce risk behavior in youth who test negative but who are nevertheless at risk for acquiring an STI.

Pathways and predictors of antisocial behaviors in African American adolescents from poor neighborhoods

Antisocial behavior among youth remains a serious personal and social problem in the United States. The purposes of this study were to (1) identify the shape and number of developmental trajectories of antisocial behavior in a sample of poor, inner-city African American youth, and (2) test predictors of group membership and the developmental course of antisocial behaviors. Using growth mixture modeling, we examined predictors of antisocial behavior pathways and the likelihood of arrest in a sample of 566 poor, urban African American adolescents (ages 11 to 16). Three distinct trajectory classes of antisocial behavior were identified over a period of six years: one low-risk group ( low steady) and two high-risk groups ( incremental and high starter). The conditional probabilities for being arrested during ages 14–16 were 0.18 for the low steady class, 0.68 for the incremental class, and 0.31 for the high starter class. Prevention strategies for adolescents at high risk are discussed.

Baseline Results of the Self-Reported Sexual Behaviors of Midwestern African American Adolescents

The purpose of this article is to examine the self-reported sexual behaviors of African American adolescents living in the Midwest. A baseline survey was administered to 448 African American youth between the ages of 12 and 17. The article examines the self-reported sexual behaviors of African American adolescents in comparison to U.S. norms using the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey and the Kansas Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey. The results indicate that this African American sample was slightly younger than the U.S. sample and reported better safer sex practices. Limitations and future research are also discussed.

Health Attitudes and Behaviors of African American Adolescents

African Americans continue to die disproportionately from chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. Eating fruits and vegetables have been shown to reduce those risks yet little is known about the health attitudes of African American adolescents and their eating habits and engagement in physical activity. A survey was administered to African American adolescents in a Midwestern city to determine the health attitudes and behaviors related to dietary intake and physical activity. The total sample consisted of 448 African American adolescents aged 12-17. Forty-seven percent were males and 53% were females. The findings show that African American adolescents did have poor fruit and vegetable intake and fairly low rates of exercise. The study also showed there were statistically significant differences between males and females regarding eating a balanced diet, reducing the amount of fat in diets and engaging in physical activity. African American females were more likely to eat a balanced diet and have reduced the fat in their diets than males but African American males were more likely to engage in physical activity in the past 7 days than females. Findings suggest more efforts are needed to curb the poor eating and exercising habits of African American adolescents if a reduction in chronic disease is to be met for this population.

Correlates of HIV-Related Risk Behaviors in African American Adolescents from Substance-Using Families: Patterns of Adolescent-Level Factors Associated with Sexual Experience and Substance Use

Purpose To examine adolescent-level correlates of HIV-related risk behaviors among urban African American adolescents whose mothers use crack cocaine. Methods Interviews were conducted with 208 African American adolescents (aged 12–17 years) to assess psychosocial, behavioral, and perceived environment correlates of HIV-related risk behavior. Adolescents were children of community-recruited African American women not currently in drug treatment who reported crack cocaine use (in last 6 months). Bivariate and multivariate regression models were used to evaluate associations among adolescent-level factors, sexual experience, and substance use. Results Of the adolescents, 30% reported being sexually experienced, and 23% reported alcohol or drug use in the past month. Older age and lower school satisfaction were associated with both sexual experience and substance use, but no other factors were associated with both risk behaviors. Male gender, current substance use, high HIV/AIDS knowledge, and high risk perception were associated with being sexual experienced. Sexual experience and lower expectations for future life outcomes were associated with substance use. A general pattern of protective factors related to attitudes about future goals, help-seeking behavior, and positive feelings about school emerged for substance use. Conclusions These results suggest that the patterns of adolescent-level risk and protective factors for sexual experience and substance use may be unique in African American adolescents from substance-abusing families. Instead of an increase in problem behaviors associated with using substances, protective factors were evident, suggesting these adolescents may have resiliency for dealing with environmental stressors related to substance use. Implications for HIV prevention programs involving mentoring and goal development are discussed.

Qualitative Study of Suicidality and Help‐Seeking Behaviors in African American Adolescents

This qualitative study explores adolescents' perceptions of help-seeking behaviors in the context of a hypothetical suicide crisis. Cauce and colleague's (2002, Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 70, 44-55) model was used to examine help-seeking behaviors in 3 domains: problem recognition, decision to seek help, and selection of helpers. Forty-two church-going African American adolescents participated in 1 of 6 focus groups that discussed ways to help a hypothetically suicidal student in a vignette. Findings suggest that although the majority of youth had been exposed to a suicidal peer (76%), they were unsure of the seriousness of suicide as a problem in the African American community. The findings suggest that youth were less comfortable with formal interventions in school, religious institutions or traditional mental health settings. However, youth were open to community-based programs that could be located in school, church or community settings if helpers were: young adults, empathic listeners, non-judgmental, maintained confidentiality, and viewed as "natural helpers". Implications for developing church-based suicide interventions are discussed.