US Teenagers Research Articles

Evaluating the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities associated with pediatric scoliosis utilizing ResearchMatch.

The goal of this study is to characterize the self-reported prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities among patients with adolescent scoliosis. Eligible patients across the US were surveyed using ResearchMatch, a validated online platform. The survey collected patient demographics, type of scoliosis, scoliosis treatment received, and the mental health diagnoses and interventions. Nearly all (98%) of the 162 respondents were patients themselves, the remainder of which were parents. The majority of whom were female (93%), Caucasian (85%), and diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis (63%). The median age of diagnosis was 13 (IQR 11-18). Most respondents had mild to moderate scoliosis (65%), and 17% received surgical treatment. 76 of 158 (48%) responded that scoliosis affected their overall mental health, and 92 (58%) had received a mental health diagnosis-76% were diagnosed after their scoliosis diagnosis. Of the 92 with mental health diagnoses, the most common diagnoses were clinical depression (83%), anxiety (71%), negative body image (62%). Over 80% of patients received medical treatment or therapy. Of those with depression, 38.4% received counseling and 45.2% received medication. 52% of the respondents also had immediate family members with mental health diagnoses, with siblings (48%) having the highest proportion. According to the CDC, the prevalence of US teenagers with diagnosed depression was found to be 3.9% and anxiety disorder to be 4.7%, notably higher among adolescent girls. In this national sample, over half of adolescent scoliosis patients report psychiatric comorbidity, often diagnosed years later. The most prevalent psychiatric condition is depression, anxiety, and body-image disturbances. These findings highlight the importance of awareness of the psychiatric impact of adolescent scoliosis, and importance of screening and treatment of comorbid mental health conditions. IV.

Prevalence and Profiles of Risky Driving Behavior Among US Teenagers

This survey study updates prevalence data on risky driving behaviors in a nationally representative sample of young people in the US and characterizes profiles of drivers according to the types of risky behaviors they engaged in.

Association between weight-adjusted waist index and bone mineral density in adolescents

The negative effects of obesity and excess body fat on bone mineral density (BMD) have been widely reported. As opposed to waist circumference (WC) or body mass index (BMI), weight-adjusted waist index (WWI) is a superior method for assessing obesity. WWI also indicates centripetal obesity independently of the weight of the individual. An investigation of WWI and adolescents’ BMD was conducted in this study. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2018 provided the data for this cross-sectional investigation. In this study, weighted multivariate logit models were employed to assess the correlation between teenage BMD and WWI. Additionally, we conducted interaction tests and subgroup analysis. Through multivariate linear regression, we discovered that WWI was negatively linked with lumbar, trunk, and total BMD but not pelvis BMD in this study, which included 6828 subjects. We found that each unit increase in WWI resulted in a lumbar BMD decline of 0.04 g/cm2 (95%CI −0.04, −0.04), a trunk BMD decrease of 0.03 g/cm2 (95%CI −0.03, −0.02), and a total BMD decrease of 0.02 g/cm2 (95%CI −0.02, −0.02). In conclusion, in US teenagers, there were negative connections discovered between WWI and lumbar, trunk, and total BMD, but not pelvis BMD.

Liver Transplantation Profile Among Teenagers in the United States

PurposeIndications for liver transplantation (LT) vary across age groups. We identified predictors of outcomes for teenage LT waitlisted candidates and recipients in the United States from 2008 to 2022. MethodsThe Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients 2008–2022 provided data (clinical, sociodemographic, indications for LT, outcomes) for all teenagers (13–19 years) waitlisted for LT in the United States. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, including primary listing diagnoses, were evaluated and compared by age group (13–16 vs. 17–19 years) among waitlisted teenage candidates. ResultsThere were 2,813 teenage LT candidates listed between 2008 and 2022. The most common LT indication was acute liver disease (23.5%), followed by biliary atresia or hypoplasia (11.9%), autoimmune hepatitis (11.1%), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (9.7%). In contrast, chronic viral hepatitis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, and alcohol-related liver disease (the most common indications in adults) did not exceed 1% each; 2.8% had hepatocellular carcinoma. Excluding the two most recent years, 67.2% of candidates received a transplant; mean time to transplant was 217.0 days (standard deviation 371.6). Independent predictors of receiving a transplant were a more recent calendar year, younger age, higher model for end-stage liver disease score, and an acute liver disease diagnosis (all p < .05). Among the LT group, 3-year survival was 90%, with an improving survival trend. Higher post-transplant mortality was associated with earlier years of transplantation, older age, having Medicaid, being retransplanted, and having hepatocellular carcinoma (adjusted hazard ratios >1, all p < .05). DiscussionIndications for LT among US teenagers are different from adults or younger children. There is a trend toward improved post-transplant outcomes.

A positive psychology framework for understanding teenage driving behaviors: Examining the role of life purpose and mindfulness

Objective The overwhelming majority of teenage driving research in the US is framed around characteristics associated with risk, rather than factors that promote safety. In this study, we examine the role of purpose in life and mindfulness as two factors that may be associated with safer driving behaviors. Methods Using survey responses from a nationally representative sample of teenagers (aged 16–19) we used structural equation modeling to construct three latent variables – sense of purpose, mindfulness, and risky driving—and evaluate the associations between these latent variables among teenage drivers. Risky driving was based on measures of self-reported distracted driving, drunk driving, driving under the influence of marijuana and other drugs, inconsistent seatbelt use, and riding with an impaired driver. Results We found that sense of purpose and mindfulness were associated with fewer risky driving behaviors. We also identified mindfulness as a mediator between sense of purpose and risky driving. Conclusions Purpose in life and mindfulness are associated with fewer risky driving behaviors among US teenagers. Driver education and training could include components related to purpose and mindfulness, in order to promote safer driving behaviors in this population.

Mpox.

Human mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is a zoonotic disease that causes a smallpox-like infection in humans. The mpox virus, the causative agent of mpox, was first reported to cause human disease in a 9-month-old infant in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970. Since that time, periodic outbreaks in primarily endemic regions have occurred, typically secondary to transmission from wildlife reservoirs. However, in May 2022, after a rapid rise in worldwide cases in largely nonendemic countries, the World Health Organization declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. As of January 2022, more than 80,000 cases of mpox in nonendemic countries have occurred, and more than 25,000 cases in the United States alone. Most of these cases occurred in adults, with the highest frequency among men who had sex with men. Children and adolescents represented only 0.3% of US cases as of September 2022, with most infections in young children the result of direct contact with an infected household member. Although infection remains uncommon in US children and teens, pediatric emergency and urgent care providers should be aware of the clinical features, treatment, and prophylaxis of this important emerging infectious disease.

Associations between experiencing violence, owning a firearm for protection and firearm storage: a nationally representative analysis of US caregivers of teens

ObjectiveTo study the interaction between violence exposure and motivations for firearm ownership in their associations with firearm storage among caregivers of teens in the United States.MethodsIn June–July 2020, we conducted...

Intakes of Added Sugars, with a Focus on Beverages and the Associations with Micronutrient Adequacy in US Children, Adolescents, and Teens (NHANES 2003-2018).

Added sugars intake from sweetened beverages among children, adolescents, and teens is a public health concern. This study examined the relationships between added sugars intake from specific types of beverages with added sugars and from the rest of the diet (excluding beverages with added sugars) and micronutrient adequacy among US children, adolescents, and teens. Data from eight consecutive 2 y cycles of NHANES were combined (2003-04 through 2017-18), and regression analysis was conducted to test for trends in quantiles of added sugars intake from each beverage source (soft drinks, fruit drinks, sport and energy drinks, coffee and tea, and flavored milk) and the rest of the diet (excluding those beverages) and micronutrient adequacy among children (2-8 y) and adolescents and teens (9-18 y). Among those aged 2-8 y, higher added sugars from flavored milk were associated with lower percentages below the estimated average requirement (EAR) for calcium. Among those aged 9-18 y, higher added sugars from soft drinks or coffee and tea were associated with higher percentages below the EAR for magnesium and vitamins A and C. In contrast, higher added sugars from fruit drinks or flavored milk were associated with lower percentages below the EAR (higher percentages above the adequate intake (AI)) for vitamin C (fruit drinks) and calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin A, and potassium (flavored milk). Regarding the rest of the diet, higher added sugars were associated with lower percentages below the EAR (higher percentages above the AI) for most micronutrients examined. The results suggest that the relationship between added sugars intake and micronutrient adequacy depends on the added sugar sources and their nutrient composition. Continued monitoring of sweetened beverage consumption, including beverage type, and the association with added sugars intake, micronutrient adequacy, and diet quality is warranted, given the changes in consumption and product development over time.

Fostering Digital Life Skills Through Social Media With Adolescents in 6 German States: Protocol for an Accessibility Study According to the RE-AIM Framework.

Social media is essential in the lives of adolescents, with 97% of US teenagers engaging daily. While it facilitates communication, learning, and identity development, it also poses risks like harmful content exposure and psychological distress, particularly for adolescents in their critical developmental stage. Teaching digital life skills innovatively counters these risks, adapting traditional competencies such as decision-making, problem-solving, creative and critical thinking, communication, interpersonal skills, self-awareness, empathy, and emotional and stress management to digital challenges. This study evaluates the accessibility of the "leduin" program, a novel intervention designed to impart digital life skills through Instagram. The program aims to leverage social media's educational potential, focusing on effective strategies to engage adolescents. Emphasizing accessibility is crucial, as it determines the program's overall impact. The leduin program, developed through intervention mapping, applies behavior change techniques via social media for 9th and 10th graders. It is a 14-week spaced learning curriculum with daily sessions <5 minutes. Emphasizing the "reach" aspect of the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance (RE-AIM) model, the recruitment targets diverse educational settings across 6 German states, aiming for inclusivity. Recruitment will involve schools, youth centers, and therapeutic facilities. The study seeks at least 128 participants, a calculated minimum to detect medium-sized effects in the quasi-experimental design and explore varying engagement levels and program responses. Data collection includes preintervention, postintervention, and 6-month follow-up surveys, using multilevel regression, latent growth models, and qualitative analysis to extensively assess reach and gain first insights on effectiveness, acceptance, implementation, and maintenance. The study aims to reveal key factors influencing program participation and interaction; a detailed analysis of engagement patterns will reveal the effectiveness of the recruitment strategies and barriers to participation. Additionally, initial indications of the program's impact on life skills, social media-related skills, health status, risk behaviors, and academic performance will be analyzed. Recruitment was planned from May 2023 until the beginning of the leduin program in October 2023. As of March 2024, we have recruited 283 participants. The leduin program stands as an innovative and essential initiative in adolescent health promotion, harnessing the power of social media to teach important digital life skills. This study highlights the critical role of accessibility in the success of social media interventions. Effective adolescent engagement strategies are imperative, as they dictate the overall impact of such interventions. The insights gained from this study will be instrumental in shaping future programs, laying groundwork for a subsequent, more comprehensive cluster-randomized controlled trial. The study's design acknowledges the limitations of the current quasi-experimental approach, including the anticipated sample size and the absence of a control group, and aims to provide a foundational understanding for future research in this field. Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien DRKS00032308; https://drks.de/search/de/trial/DRKS00032308. PRR1-10.2196/51085.

Firearms Availability Among High-School Age Youth With Recent Depression or Suicidality.

Limiting firearm access is essential to decreasing teen suicide. Previous efforts have focused on household firearms; however, less is known about firearm access and possession among teens at increased suicide risk. Our objective was to estimate prevalence of firearm possession and access among high school-aged teens with recent depression and/or lifetime history of suicidality (DLHS). We conducted a probability-based, cross-sectional Web survey of 1914 parent-teen dyads between June 24, 2020, and July 22, 2020, with data weighted to generate a nationally representative sample of US teenagers (aged 14-18). Logistic regression analyses examined the difference between teens with and without DLHS for: (1) personal firearm possession, (2) perceived firearm access, and (3) method of firearm attainment. Among high school-aged teens, 22.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 19.4-25.8) reported DLHS, 11.5% (95% CI, 8.7-14.3) reported personal firearm possession, and 44.2% (95% CI, 40.2-48.2) endorsed firearm access. Teens experiencing DLHS had increased perceived access (adjusted odds ratio, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.07-2.28) compared with non-DLHS peers. There was no association between DLHS and personal firearm possession (adjusted odds ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.47-2.00). Among teens reporting firearm possession, those with DLHS were more likely to have acquired it by buying/trading for it (odds ratio, 5.66; 95% CI, 1.17-27.37) and less likely receiving it as a gift (odds ratio, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.01-0.36). High school-aged teens experiencing DLHS have higher perceived firearm access compared with lower-risk peers. Providers should speak directly to high school-aged teens at increased suicide risk about firearm access, in addition to counseling parents.

Difference of glucose and lipid metabolism abnormalities and body fat between the Chinese and USA teenagers.

Comparing body fat and the effect of body fat on metabolic abnormalities in Chinese and USA teenagers may provide clues for the early prevention and control of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to compare the prevalence of glucose and lipid metabolism abnormalities, body fat amount and distribution, and the effect of body fat on glucose and lipid metabolism in Chinese and US teenagers. We included 5424 Chinese teenagers (48.5% male) from the China Child and Adolescent Cardiovascular Health (CCACH) study and 8704 USA teenagers (55.6% male) from the USA National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Blood lipid, blood glucose, and body fat indicators were obtained using the same standardised measurements. The prevalence of dyslipidaemia in Chinese teenagers was of those in the USA (hypercholesterolaemia = 3.5% vs 7.4%; high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) = 3.6% vs 5.0%; low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) = 9.9% vs 14.3%; hypertriglyceridaemia = 3.7% vs 10.1%) (P < 0.05). However, with the increase in body mass index (BMI), the prevalence of high LDL-C increased more in Chinese than in US teenagers, even exceeding them in the obese group (2.7% in non-overweight to 9.7% in overweight group in China, P < 0.05; 3.5% in non-overweight to 6.5% in the obese group in the USA, P < 0.05). The prevalence of impaired fasting glucose was higher in China than in the USA (28.0% vs 17.5%, P < 0.05). Besides, Chinese adolescents are more likely to accumulate fat in the abdomen, and the per-unit fat increase would bring a higher risk of dyslipidaemia in Chinese boys than in USA boys. Dyslipidaemia was more prevalent in US teenagers than in Chinese teenagers, but with the increase in BMI, the prevalence of high LDL-C increased more in Chinese than in US teenagers. Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) was significantly more prevalent in China than in the USA. The unfavoured body fat and higher risk of body fat on metabolic disorders in Chinese teenagers suggest that Chinese teenagers should pay more attention to the adverse effect of body fat on metabolic abnormalities.

The association between witnessing firearm violence and firearm carriage: Results from a national study of teens

The association between witnessing firearm-involved violence and firearm carriage among teens, independent of non-firearm involved violence, has yet to be identified. The present analyses estimate associations of witnessing firearm-involved violence and non-firearm involved violence with firearm carriage in a nationally representative sample of teens. Data are from the FACTS National Survey—a cross-sectional web-based survey of 2140 US teenagers (ages 14–18) fielded in June–July 2020. The team first estimated the correlation between witnessing firearm-involved and non-firearm involved violence. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression then assessed the associations of witnessing firearm-involved and non-firearm involved violence with firearm carriage. The team pooled results over fifteen imputed datasets to account for missing data, and analyses incorporated survey weights to create nationally representative estimates. The correlation between witnessing firearm-involved and non-firearm involved violence was low (ϕ = 0.19[0.15, 0.23]). Witnessing firearm-involved violence and witnessing non-firearm involved violence were both associated with teen firearm carriage in bivariate models (OR: 3.55[1.86, 6.79]; 4.51[1.75, 11.6]). These associations persisted in the multivariable model that adjusted for violence victimization, demographic characteristics, and both witnessing firearm-involved and non-firearm involved violence (aOR for witnessing firearm-involved violence = 3.67[1.77, 7.59]; aOR for witnessing non-firearm involved violence = 4.30[1.56, 11.9]). We found no difference in the strength of these associations (Wald χ2(df = 1) = 0.25, p = 0.80). Results suggest that witnessing firearm-involved and non-firearm involved violence are uniquely associated with teens' firearm carriage. Identifying means to reduce both exposures, in addition to recognizing factors that may weaken the associations between witnessing different types of violence and firearm carriage, may disrupt cycles of violence.

The Relationship Between Locale and the Risk of Mental Health Problems for US Teenagers

The problem of mental health, especially in teenagers, is an important and growing concern in American society. And this problem is not, in any way, unique to the US. It is an increasing global issue. There are many factors in determining a youth’s mental well-being. The goal is to look into the relationship between an individual’s locale and their risk of getting a mental illness, more specifically, the causes of any disparity found in mental well-being based on locale. First, we will examine the conclusions reached by previous studies. Then, the causes for the correlation will be established by further data and research. From the previous steps, the data indicates that minors in rural areas are in the greatest danger for mental health problems and youths living in urban areas are at less risk. A main cause of this variation is how often youths use mental health services. Urban youths have been found to use it far more often than their counterparts in rural areas. This gap has been traced to four important elements: availability, acceptability, affordability, and accessibility. Without any of these factors, youths will be impeded, if not completely prevented from receiving this critical service which can, and does, save lives.

Tox and Detox

Tox and Detox

141. Exploring Preferences for Outreach and the Impact of Engaging With Depression-Related Social Media Content: Self-Reported Responses From Teens Who Have Experienced Self-Injury and Suicidal Ideation

Engagement with social media (SM) among US teens has been found to parallel the rise in negative mental health outcomes, including depression, among this group. Teens who experience suicidal ideation (SI) or engage in non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) may engage with SM more often than their peers. However, previous literature has not examined how engagement with depression-related SM content may impact these groups differently than teens who do not report these experiences. Such studies may have implications for reaching youth in need remotely- both now and post pandemic.

Trends in Added Sugars Intake and Sources Among US Children, Adolescents, and Teens Using NHANES 2001–2018

BackgroundOver the past 2 decades, there has been an increased emphasis on added sugars intake in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), which has been accompanied by policies and interventions aimed at reducing intake, particularly among children, adolescents, and teens. ObjectivesThe present study provides a comprehensive time-trends analysis of added sugars intakes and contributing sources in the diets of US children, adolescents, and teens (2–18 years) from 2001–2018, focusing on variations according to sociodemographic factors (age, sex, race and ethnicity, income), food assistance, and health-related factors (physical activity level, body weight status). MethodsData from 9 consecutive 2-year cycles of the NHANES were combined and regression analyses were conducted to test for trends in added sugars intake and sources from 2001–2018 for the overall age group (2–18 years) and for 2 age subgroups (2–8 and 9–18 years). Trends were also examined on subsamples stratified by sex, race and ethnicity (Hispanic, non-Hispanic Asian, non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic White), income (household poverty income ratio), food assistance, physical activity level, and body weight status. ResultsFrom 2001–2018, added sugars intakes decreased significantly (P < 0.01), from 15.6% to 12.6% kcal among children (2–8 years) and from 18.4% to 14.3% kcal among adolescents and teens (9–18 years), mainly due to significant declines in added sugars from sweetened beverages, which remained the top source. Declines in added sugars intakes were observed for all strata, albeit to varying degrees. ConclusionsDeclines in added sugars intakes were observed among children, adolescents, and teens from 2001–2018, regardless of sociodemographic factors, food assistance, physical activity level, or body weight status, but variations in the magnitudes of decline suggest persistent disparities related to race and ethnicity and to income. Despite these declines, intakes remain above the DGA recommendation; thus, continued monitoring is warranted.

Early life lead exposure from private well water increases juvenile delinquency risk among US teens

Early life exposure to environmental lead (Pb) has been linked to decreased IQ, behavior problems, lower lifetime earnings, and increased criminal activity. Beginning in the 1970s, limits on Pb in paint, gasoline, food cans, and regulated water utilities sharply curtailed US environmental Pb exposure. Nonetheless, hundreds of thousands of US children remain at risk. This study reports on how unregulated private well water is an underrecognized Pb exposure source that is associated with an increased risk of teenage juvenile delinquency. We build a longitudinal dataset linking blood Pb measurements for 13,580 children under age 6 to their drinking water source, individual- and neighborhood-level demographics, and reported juvenile delinquency records. We estimate how early life Pb exposure from private well water influences reported delinquency. On average, children in homes with unregulated private wells had 11% higher blood Pb than those with community water service. This higher blood Pb was significantly associated with reported delinquency. Compared to children with community water service, those relying on private wells had a 21% (95% CI: 5 to 40%) higher risk of being reported for any delinquency and a 38% (95% CI: 10 to 73%) increased risk of being reported for serious delinquency after age 14. These results suggest that there could be substantial but as-yet-unrecognized social benefits from intervention programs to prevent children's exposure to Pb from private wells, on which 13% of the US population relies.

Are American Indian/Alaska Native Adolescent Health Behaviors Different? A Review of AI/AN Youth Involved in Native STAND Curriculum, 2014\u20132017 United States

ObjectivesTo explore health behavior profiles of AI/AN youth involved in native students together against negative decisions (STAND), a national culture-based curriculum.MethodsWe analyzed data from 1236 surveys conducted among AI/AN youth at 40 native STAND implementation sites located in 16 states throughout the US from 2014 to 2017. Health profiles included demographics, sexual orientation, sexual activity, STI testing, cigarette use, and suicide attempts in the past 12-months. We used t-tests and chi square tests of independence to compare risk behavior prevalence among the sample.ResultsHealth behavior profiles of AI/AN youth indicate that 45.6% of youth did not use condoms the last time they had sex, and 82.7% have never been tested for STIs. Differences in cigarette smoking were observed in questioning youth (questioning: 80.3%, straight/heterosexual: 63.8%, LGBTQ2S + : 49.9%, p = 0.03).Conclusions for PracticeHealth behaviors related to sex, substance, violence and self-harm, are at least as common for AI/AN youth as those observed in other US teens. Future research should consider similarities and differences in health profiles of AI/AN youth when designing interventions that affect them. Further, our findings underscore the need for culturally-relevant curricula like native STAND, not because their health behavior is different, but because their socio-ecologic environment is different.

3.2 TIKTOK: A NEW PLAYGROUND FOR THE CHILD PSYCHIATRIST?

This presentation aims to detail how mental health practitioners are utilizing TikTok to provide psychoeducation and how their participation has grown during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ashvin Sood, MD, will present on data (age, daily use of SMP, interests, and gender) collected from January 1, 2018 to February 1, 2021 from App Ape and Hootsuite/We Are Social to examine adolescent TikTok use. He will examine trends among other social medial platforms compared to TikTok. Afterwards, he will present 4 therapist TikTok profiles to illustrate their growth in following narrative messages they portray during the COVID-19 pandemic to children and teens. TikTok has over 1 billion users worldwide, with 69% of users between the ages of 10 and 19 years. Twenty-nine percent of US teens have marketed TikTok as their favorite social media platform. The 4 therapists that will be examined have between 134,700 and 932,000 followers, with increased subscription to a therapist’s TikTok occurring during the pandemic. Video content from therapists include coping techniques, understanding anxiety and depression, and how to seek mental health treatment. The presentation will highlight how prevalent TikTok has become among the child and adolescent populations around the world. Mental health providers can offer psychoeducation through social media platforms, which is an opportunity to reach child and adolescent populations on a global scale.

Network analysis of a community-wide teenage pregnancy prevention initiative.

Although US teenage birth rates substantially decreased over the past two decades, it still remains the highest in the developed world. More innovative, community-wide initiatives are needed to combat the issue. In Oklahoma County, Oklahoma, the Central Oklahoma Teen Pregnancy Prevention Collaboration is utilizing the collective impact model to convene multiple organizations with the goal of making systems-level changes related to teenage pregnancy within the community. This study used an interorganizational network analysis to evaluate the current strength of relationships between organizations in the Collaboration. An interorganizational network survey assessed collaborative relationships (e.g. information sharing and joint planning) within the network. Using R software, network diagrams were developed to depict partner relationships, and network measures, including node-, group- and network-level measures, were calculated. The network depiction (n = 23) revealed that the network core was composed of organizations from multiple sectors, and the backbone organization served as the most central organization for most centrality measures. This study provides insight into how organizational relationships can be assessed in order to increase community capacity to address teenage pregnancy. Continuous monitoring of the strength of relationships is important to ensure success in achieving goals as well as collective impact.