Youth Population Research Articles

Comparison of stigmatizing views towards COVID-19 and mental disorders among adolescent and young adult students in China.

Infectious diseases including COVID-19 and mental disorders are two of the most common health conditions associated with stigma. However, the comparative stigma of these two conditions has received less attention in research. This study aimed to compare the prevalence of stigmatizing views toward people with COVID-19 and mental disorders and the factors associated with these views, among a large sample of adolescent and young adult students in China. A total of 9,749 adolescents and young adults aged 15-24 years completed a survey on stigmatizing attitudes toward COVID-19 and mental disorders, as well as mental health-related factors, including general mental health status and symptoms of depression, anxiety, insomnia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with stigmatizing views. The prevalence of COVID-19 and mental disorders-related stigma was 17.2% and 40.7%, respectively. COVID-19-related stigma scores were significantly higher among male students (β = 0.025, p < 0.05), those without quarantine experience (β = 0.035, p < 0.001), those with lower educational level (p < 0.001), those with lower family income (p < 0.01), and those with higher PTSD symptoms (β = 0.045, p < 0.05). Mental disorder-related stigma scores were significantly higher among individuals with average and lower-than-average levels of family income (p < 0.01), depression symptoms (β = 0.056, p < 0.001), anxiety symptoms (β = 0.051, p < 0.001), and mental health problems (β = 0.027, p < 0.05). The stigma of mental disorders is higher in the youth population than the stigma of COVID-19. Factors associated with stigmatizing attitudes toward people with COVID-19 and mental disorders varied across the youth. Stigma-reduction interventions among the youth should be targeted specifically to COVID-19 or mental disorders conditions.

Dynamic Changes in Drinking Behaviour among Subpopulations of Youth during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prospective Cohort Study

Objective: Youth drinking is highly heterogenous, and subpopulations representing different alcohol use patterns may have responded differently to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined changing patterns of alcohol use in subpopulations of the youth population over the first two years of the pandemic. Method: We used linked survey data from 5367 Canadian secondary school students who participated in three consecutive waves of the COMPASS study between 2018/19 and 2020/21. Latent transition analysis (LTA) was used to identify patterns of alcohol use based on the frequency of drinking and frequency of binge drinking and to estimate the probability of transitioning between identified patterns. Results: LTA identified five patterns of alcohol use each representing a unique subpopulation: abstainer, occasional drinker-no binging, occasional binge drinker, monthly binge drinker, weekly binge drinker. Probability of being engaged in binge drinking for a subpopulation of occasional drinkers pre-pandemic was 61%, which reduced to 43% during the early-pandemic period. A lower proportion of occasional binge drinkers reported moving to monthly or weekly binge drinking. Female occasional drinkers were more likely to move to binge drinking patterns during the pandemic than males. Conclusions: Less frequent drinking and younger students were more likely to reduce their drinking and binge drinking than more established drinkers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding of heterogenous patterns of alcohol drinking and different responses to public health crises may inform future preventive programs tailored to target subpopulations more effectively.

Assessment of the Effectiveness of Jalaukavacharana (Leech therapy) and Shalmali Kantaka Lepa in a Mukhadushika (Acne Vulgaris): A Case Study

ABSTRACT Mukhadushika (acne vulgaris) has been described in the context of Kshudra roga in Ayurvedic classics. It occurs due to the vitiation of Vata and Kapha dosha and Rakta as important Dushyas. Acharya Sushruta has described Mukhadushika as a thorn-like eruption on the face. In the modern system, it can be called as acne vulgaris. It is a chronic inflammatory disease, characterized by papules, pustules, and often scarring, mainly on face, upper trunk, and back. Acne vulgaris is a nearly universal skin disorder affecting 79%–95% population of youths. In the current era, diet and lifestyle changes, stress, increasing pollution, and hormonal changes increases the problem of acne vulgaris. In the present case, the patient was treated with Shalmali Kantaka Lepa once in a day for 21 days and Jalaukavacharana (leech therapy) in four settings during 21 days with 7-day intervals. At the end of the therapy, patients had significant improvement in clinical features. From this case study, it can be concluded that seeks the attention of researchers to carry out the same therapeutic measures on lager sample sizes for fruitful clinical output.

Relationships between childhood trauma and dimensional schizotypy: A network analysis and replication

Childhood trauma (CT) has been found to increase the risk of developing schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders. Little is known regarding the complex interplay between CT, subclinical psychotic, and affective symptoms in the general population. This cross-sectional study adopted network analysis to examine such a complex relationship. We hypothesized that CT would show strong connections with schizotypy dimensions, and the high schizotypy subgroup would show a network with higher global strength compared with the low schizotypy subgroup. A total of 1813 college students completed a set of self-report questionnaires measuring CT, schizotypal features, bipolar traits, and depressive symptoms. The subscales of these questionnaires were used as nodes, and the partial correlations between nodes were used as edges to construct a network. Network Comparison Tests were used to investigate the differences between participants with high schizotypy and low schizotypy. An independent sample (n=427) was used to examine the replicability of the results. Findings from the main dataset showed that CT was closely connected with schizotypy and motivation, after controlling for the inter-relationships between all nodes in the network. Relative to the low schizotypy subgroup, the network of the high schizotypy subgroup showed higher global strength. The two subgroups did not differ in network structure. Network analysis using the replication dataset showed comparable global strength and network structure. Our findings support specific links between CT and schizotypy dimensions in healthy youth populations, and such links appear to become stronger in those with high schizotypy.

Quantitative Assessment of High School Students' Poly-drug Use: Related Social Aspects and School Dropout.

Poly-drug use has increased in recent decades, especially in young drugusing groups. Classic epidemiological indicators of drug use, such as prevalence and incidence of users of specific substances, are not adequate as measures of the possible harms of poly-drug use. We applied poly-drug use indicators, based on substance-specific harm scores reported by van Amsterdam and Nutt in 2015, to data from high school student surveys, showing their usefulness in identifying high-risk drug consumption. Analysing the 'correlation' between high-risk drug use of high school students and school dropout allows the evaluation of adopted prevention policies and may suggest more suitable approaches. Each drug user is characterized by two specific scores: overall frequency of use of substances during the period of interest (FUS) and poly-drug use score (PDS). The poly-drug use score is a weighted average of the harm scores of the individual substances used multiplied by their respective frequencies of use. The PDS increases with the frequency of use, with the number of substances used, and with the specific harm scores of each substance. This indicator consists of two components, one representing the health harm score toward self and the other the social harm score toward others. The indicators have been applied to sample data involving youth population, specifically the ESPAD®Italia survey data on high school students conducted annually in Italy. The trends of poly-drug use at different ages of students, 15-19 years, over time, and gender have been studied. The results have been linked to educational outcomes, early school leaving and social aspects, making it possible to assess present prevention interventions and suggest appropriate planning of future prevention interventions. Poly-drug use indicators allow a comprehensive quantitative evaluation of the risks of drug use. The analysis of the links between heavy use of drugs, school performance and dropout, and the social variables that influence them, shown in this work, suggests how best to plan secondary or indicated prevention interventions at school. The problem of including "new" NPS in analyses is also briefly discussed.

The success of the African Continental Free Trade Area: potentials and constraints

Purpose. This study aims to demonstrate the variables on which African nations depended to realise their desire to create an area of free trade. It also intends to investigate these countries’ constraints in establishing the area, which may stymie their efforts.&#x0D; Results. After thoroughly examining the Free Trade Area’s opportunities and limitations, the study came to the following findings: (1) the African countries’ long-term economic growth and social progress will be made possible by the African Continental Free Trade Area, whose very ambitious goals are based on Agenda 2063’s objectives; (2) African countries and the African Union aim to create a thriving free trade area based on several vital factors. One key factor is the potential to expand the African market, which could reach up to 1.2 billion people, providing abundant opportunities for intra-trade. Many African countries hope to boost neighbouring economies by reducing barriers and improving growth rates. Additionally, the continent's youthful population and wealth of natural resources can facilitate the development of various industries and the availability of diverse products for the continental market; (3) the countries in the continent have been facing long-standing issues that are not new to them. Firstly, trade constraints are seen as non-tariff barriers and high levels of informal trade, making it challenging to establish transparent, free trade zones. In addition, there are weaknesses in intra-regional trade structures and multiple regional agreements. Secondly, there are structural constraints that impede intra-African trade. A lack of manufacturing capabilities is one of these constraints, as most African countries generate income by exporting raw materials without converting them. Furthermore, the youth’s lack of education and skills makes structural transformation in African countries difficult. Furthermore, due to the size of the debt, the vast majority of revenues are directed towards debt repayment rather than investment. Thirdly, because of the social, political, and security constraints that poverty, food insecurity, and political and security instability represent in many African countries, solving these issues for those nations should take precedence over taking part in the free trade area implementation; (4) to sum up, even though there are several necessary components for creating a thriving trade area, they are not enough to overcome the multitude of obstacles and problems that many African nations face. These barriers will hinder the formation of a prosperous free trade zone that includes all African countries, which is essential for achieving overall continental growth that aligns with the region’s goals and Agenda 2063.&#x0D; Scientific novelty. The study explored the potential success of the African Continental Free Trade Area, examining the resources and strengths African countries possess to achieve their goals, as well as the challenges and risks they face. After weighing these factors, the study concluded that achieving the ambitious goals of the free trade zone will be difficult due to the many obstacles it faces.&#x0D; Practical value. The findings of this study hold immense value for African nations aspiring to forge lucrative commercial alliances under the Free Trade Area Agreement. Armed with the insights presented, these nations’ businesses are empowered to select politically and securely steadfast countries, economically and commercially varied nations, and those least burdened by social challenges, particularly poverty and food insecurity.

김해시의 사회복지의 현황과 전망

The purpose of this study is to examine the current status of social welfare in Gimhae-si. To this end, we looked at the social welfare ordinances enacted in Gimhae-si and social welfare statistics in Gimhae-si. Based on this, I would like to suggest the outlook for social welfare in Gimhae-si. As a result of the study, first, it is necessary to create an environment to strengthen the welfare of Gimhae-si, that is, the social safety net. Gimhae-si, where the number of single-person households is increasing, needs to increase the level of community welfare by strengthening community ties. Gimhae-si shall endeavor to expand and supplement the welfare system and increase the level of welfare in Gimhae by expanding social solidarity to effectively achieve it. Second, Gimhae City’s welfare policy needs to be approached with an integrated system. It is necessary to systematically enforce the responsibility so that local governments can play an active role. Gimhae City’s welfare policy needs to be operated in connection with employment policy (labor market policy), family policy, women’s policy, and childcare and parenting policy. Third, a policy on the welfare of young people is needed. Although the proportion of the youth population is high, there are relatively few ordinances or welfare policies for young people. It is necessary to closely examine the problems and achievements of the youth allowance system implemented in other cities and experiment with basic youth income. Fourth, welfare education for all citizens is needed to increase the effectiveness of Gimhae City’s welfare policy. Welfare is a special area where the results can be confirmed by improving satisfaction and life, not by producing products. The result of welfare is happiness in life. A high understanding of policies can also increase the efficiency of policies. Therefore, welfare education is needed to improve the understanding of policies. Welfare education is not only necessary for those in specific fields related to welfare, but also welfare education as civic education. Welfare education is needed for all generations, from children to the elderly.

The Effects of Pubertal Timing on Academic Performance in Adolescence and Career Success in Adulthood: Evidence from a 16-year Longitudinal Study.

Previous research showed inconsistent effects of pubertal timing on adolescent academic performance and adult career success. Moreover, the relative importance of biological vs. perceived pubertal timing has not been examined. This study examined effects of biological and perceived pubertal timing on academic performance throughout adolescence and career success in adulthood together with sex differences in an understudied population of pre-dominantly Black youth from lower income families. The sample included 704 youth (52% male, 76% Black, 22% White) interviewed at four time points (Mean ages: 11.8, 13.2, 17.6, and 27.7 years). The results from a mediation path model showed that among males, perceived off-time pubertal timing uniquely predicted lower concurrent academic performance as well as lower objective career success in adulthood; this effect was mediated by lower academic performance throughout adolescence. Additionally, results from bivariate correlation analyses showed associations between early biological pubertal timing and lower concurrent academic performance in males and early perceived pubertal timing and lower concurrent academic performance among females. These findings contribute to the understanding of more nuanced links between pubertal timing, academic performance and subsequent career success in an understudied population of pre-dominantly Black youth from lower income families.

673-P: Youth with Type 1 Diabetes and Elevated A1C during the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic—Examination of Family, Caregiver, and Medical Team Factors

Introduction: A subset of youth with T1D experience avoidable health problems, but it is unclear how specific social factors relate to these problems, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined how systemic factors (caregiver, family, medical team) were related to medical outcomes in youth with elevated A1c from five academic medical centers during the pandemic. Methods: Youth 12-17 yrs with 1) T1D for ≥1 yr and 2) A1c≥10% in the past year were enrolled. Caregivers and youth completed measures of family conflict (Diabetes Family Conflict Scale-R); parent practices, stress, and health literacy (Alabama Parenting Questionnaire, Stress Index for Parents of Adolescents, BRIEF Health Literacy Scale); youth strengths and social support (Diabetes Strengths and Resilience, PROMIS); and family-medical team relationship (Quality of Healthcare Relationship) with EHR review including baseline A1c and acute complications (e.g., ED visits). Results: Participants were 157 youth with mean age 14.6 ± 1.6 years and mean A1c 11.0% ± 1.9%. 51% self-identified as Non-Hispanic White. Caregiver, family, and relational factors were significantly (p&amp;lt;.05) related to frequency of complications and A1c, with higher family conflict associated with higher A1c (r=.23) and more ED visits (r=.18). For caregivers, low health literacy (r=.17), inconsistent discipline practices (r=.20), and high parental stress related to low adolescent achievement (r=.26), were significantly (p&amp;lt;.05) associated with acute complications, as was youth report of low social support (r=-.20, p&amp;lt;.01). Positive family-medical team relationship was strongly related to lower A1c (r=-.30, p&amp;lt;.01). Discussion: Given these findings, screening and intervention efforts should emphasize targeting multiple systems and relationships with this population of youth, potentially with increased focus on the family-medical team relationship. Disclosure D.V.Wagner: None. L.Yglecias: None. J.Flores garcia: None. A.Torres sanchez: None. A.Bonilla ospina: None. J.Raymond: None. M.A.Harris: None. M.Perry: None. M.A.Clements: Consultant; Glooko, Inc., Research Support; Dexcom, Inc., Abbott Diabetes. J.C.Wong: Research Support; Dexcom, Inc., Tandem Diabetes Care, Inc. D.Naranjo: None. A.Reed: None. C.Jenisch: None. C.Cruz: None. S.Mitchell: None. Funding JDRF

Understanding youth circumstances in workforce development programs: Opportunities for social work

Summary Youth who are disconnected from both education and work are at risk for a difficult life trajectory. This population requires policy and practice attention from social work. In this article, we report results from two research studies in the United States focused on the workforce development system serving the disconnected youth population. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 61 respondents in various geographic areas. Findings The focus of the analysis was data related to youth strengths and employment-related realities. Additionally, we examined the extent to which social work was reportedly engaged in this work. Respondents identified strengths of the youth population to include resilience, creativity, and willingness to contribute their perspectives. The described realities of employment suggest many challenges (e.g., employer reluctance, limited information on opportunities, and immediate economic realities). Social work was only mentioned in a few instances but in a positive light. Applications The findings have direct application for guiding further social work engagement in this practice and policy area. These applications include providing leadership to workforce development systems in the use of strengths perspectives, meeting youth where they are at, engaging in holistic interventions to address basic needs, and strengthening collaborations. Applications to social work research and education are also identified.

Community-Based Narcotics Prevention: An Effective Approach Towards Youth Drug Abuse Mitigation

This study focuses on the escalating issue of narcotics misuse and its deleterious effects on health, families, and society, emphasizing the role of preventive socialization in addressing this crisis. Utilizing a community-based approach, Leihitu District KKN students implemented a "Drug Prevention Socialization" program, targeted at thirty local youths in Ureng Country. The objectives of this initiative were to enhance knowledge about the perils of drug addiction, foster resilience against drug involvement, and instigate motivation for drug prevention among these individuals. Through interactive counseling sessions, the program disseminated crucial information about the legal, health, and societal repercussions of narcotics abuse. Post-program assessments revealed a significant improvement in participants' understanding of drug misuse consequences and strategies to resist involvement. Thus, this study underscores the effectiveness of community-based drug prevention socialization in fostering informed and resistant youth populations, thereby contributing to wider efforts to combat the narcotics crisis.Highlights:&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Successful execution of the "Drug Prevention Socialization" program.&#x0D; Proven effectiveness of community-based prevention.&#x0D; Education-based approach fosters drug resistance.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Community-based Prevention, Narcotics Abuse, Youth Education, Drug Prevention Socialization, Substance Misuse

Community-Based Narcotics Prevention: An Effective Approach Towards Youth Drug Abuse Mitigation

This study focuses on the escalating issue of narcotics misuse and its deleterious effects on health, families, and society, emphasizing the role of preventive socialization in addressing this crisis. Utilizing a community-based approach, Leihitu District KKN students implemented a "Drug Prevention Socialization" program, targeted at thirty local youths in Ureng Country. The objectives of this initiative were to enhance knowledge about the perils of drug addiction, foster resilience against drug involvement, and instigate motivation for drug prevention among these individuals. Through interactive counseling sessions, the program disseminated crucial information about the legal, health, and societal repercussions of narcotics abuse. Post-program assessments revealed a significant improvement in participants' understanding of drug misuse consequences and strategies to resist involvement. Thus, this study underscores the effectiveness of community-based drug prevention socialization in fostering informed and resistant youth populations, thereby contributing to wider efforts to combat the narcotics crisis.Highlights:&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Successful execution of the "Drug Prevention Socialization" program.&#x0D; Proven effectiveness of community-based prevention.&#x0D; Education-based approach fosters drug resistance.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Community-based Prevention, Narcotics Abuse, Youth Education, Drug Prevention Socialization, Substance Misuse

Sleep and Diurnal Cortisol Patterns: Cultural Prediction and Moderation Among Latino College Students

Sleep is a bioregulatory mechanism that promotes healthy physiological stress processes. Little research has examined daily links between sleep and diurnal cortisol patterns in minoritized youth populations, or explored whether such links are predicted by developmentallysalient cultural factors. Using a strengths-based approach to understanding cultural neurobiology, we examined individual (e.g., familism values) and institutional (i.e., changes in co-ethnic concentration) predictors of diurnal cortisol patterns, and whether cultural factors moderated daily links between sleep and cortisol. Methods: Salivary cortisol was collected five times a day in conjunction with actigraphy sleep across three weekdays in a sample of 180 Latino first-year college students (Mage=18.95; 64.4% female). High school and college institutional characteristics and self-reported cultural values were also collected. Results: Three-level growth curve analyses revealed greater sleep duration one night was linked with higher waking cortisol (γ=.119, p<.01), lower cortisol awakening responses (CAR; γ=-.070, p=.01), and steeper cortisol slopes (DCS; γ=-.035, p<.01) the next day. Experiencing more congruent campus contexts, but not familism, was associated with greater CAR (γ=.251, p<.05), on average. Familism values moderated day-to-day associations; greater sleep duration one night was associated with steeper DCS the next day for individuals reporting low (b=-.053, p=.003) or average levels of familism (b=-.036, p=.001). Conclusion: Findings illustrate cultural neurobiological processes as longer sleep was linked with healthier diurnal profiles in Latino college students and individual cultural values and exposure to coethnic peers served as protective and promotive factors, respectively.

Diverse e-cigarette regulations in the Asia Pacific: A health economic perspective.

Diverse e-cigarette regulations in the Asia Pacific: A health economic perspective.

The impact of the European social fund on youth education and employment

The effectiveness of the European Union's Cohesion Policy in reducing regional socio-economic gaps remains an open empirical issue, while evidence as to how the policy is affected by specific territorial factors and which social groups benefit most from it remains sparse. This article seeks to address this gap by disentangling the impact of the European Social Fund (ESF) on youth education and employment prospects. Drawing on macro-level data for the European NUTS-2 regions, we assess the impact that this fund has on different education-specific youth population shares and employment rates. In the case of education, we find that the receipt of funding is associated with a human capital polarization of regional populations. Specifically, we identify a positive impact of the ESF on population shares with lower-secondary and tertiary education, and a simultaneous negative impact on the share of those with upper-secondary education. In the case of employment, we find a positive response for youth of all education levels. A heterogeneity analysis indicates that both the education and employment responses of the youth population to the receipt of the ESF are strongly influenced by local specialization in high-skilled activities.

Indonesia youth population norms for EQ-5D-Y-3 L, EQ-5D-Y-5 L and the PedsQL generic core scale: lower health related quality of life relates to high economic status and stress

BackgroundThe availability of population norms from generic health-related quality of life (HRQoL) instruments can support the interpretation of health outcomes. This study aimed to provide Indonesian youth population norms for the generic HRQoL measures: EQ-5D-Y-3 L, EQ-5D-Y-5 L, and the PedsQL Generic Core Scales. In addition the opportunity arising from the generation of a large representative sample was taken to explore the relationships between HRQoL, health, and socio-economic factors.MethodsA representative sample of 1103 Indonesian children (aged 8–16 years) completed EQ-5D-Y-3 L, EQ-5D-Y-5 L, the PedsQL Generic Core Scales, and questions related to demographic data and self-reported health status. A stratified quota sampling design was used to represent Indonesian children in terms of residence, age, gender, and geographical area. Family expenses per capita per month were retrieved from parents to determine a child’s economic status.ResultsThe total sample was representative of the Indonesian youth general population. The proportions of participants who reported problems were 43.35% (EQ-5D-Y-3 L), 44.10% (EQ-5D-Y-5 L), and 94.93% (PedsQL Generic), with 31.7% of children reporting health complaints. Older children (13–16 years) reported more problems than younger children (8–12 years). Children living in urban areas reported more problems than children living in rural areas. The lowest value health state reported was ‘12332’ (valued at 0.54), and the minimum EQ VAS score was 60.00. Moderate correlations were found between EQ-5D-Y-3 L values to EQ VAS scores and to PedsQL Total Score. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that females, older age, and having health complaints contributed to a lower level of HRQoL as measured by EQ-5D-Y-3 L values, EQ VAS, and PedsQL Total Score. Remarkably, children with high economic status had lower EQ VAS and PedsQL Total Scores. Among symptoms, ‘having stress’ had the largest influence with respect to lower EQ-5D-Y-3L values, EQ VAS, and PedsQL Total Score.ConclusionsPopulation norms for children’s HRQoL as measured by EQ-5D-Y-3 L, EQ-5D-Y-5 L, and the PedsQL Generic Scales are now available for Indonesia. Age, gender, economic status, and health complaints were related to children’s HRQoL. These results provide a basis for health studies and health policy for the youth population of Indonesia.

Challenges in esports: interview study of professional gamers in India

The growth of esports into a worldwide phenomenon is astounding. With more and more young people trying to make a living as gamers, there has never been a better time to dive into the subject. Despite having the world’s largest youth population and the fifth largest ­economy (both promising grounds for esports), India’s esports industry is still underdeveloped. Forty-one Indian professional gamers were interviewed to determine what factors are holding back the growth of esports in the country. Our research illuminates the complex realities of professional gamers in India and the obstacles they confront on their path to the top. Findings from a thematic analysis of the data show that the difficulties of pursuing a career in esports in India are rooted in techno-economic, sociocultural-political, and psychological challenges. The best way for India to establish itself in the esports industry would be to learn from other nations’ successes and implement a localized approach uniquely suited to India’s demographic and cultural makeup.

Non-linear effect of manufacturing on an environmental pollution index in Latin America.

Manufacturing is one of the primary sources of environmental pollution due to the emission of polluting gases and waste generation. This research aims to examine the manufacturing industry's effect on an environmental pollution index in nineteen Latin American countries using non-linear methods. The youth population, globalization, property rights, civil liberties, the unemployment gap, and government stability moderate the relationship between the two variables. The research has a temporal coverage between 1990 and 2017 and uses threshold regressions to verify the hypotheses. In order to obtain more specific inferences, we group countries according to the trade block and geographic region to which they belong. Our findings indicate that manufacturing has limited explanatory power for environmental pollution. This finding is supported by the fact that the manufacturing industry in the region is scarce. In addition, we find a threshold effect on the youth population, globalization, property rights, civil liberties, and government stability. Consequently, our results highlight the importance of institutional factors in designing and applying environmental mitigation mechanisms in developing regions.

"I Ran to Make a Point": Predicting and Preventing Youth Runaway from Foster Care.

Youth who run away from foster care experience danger to health and safety and increased risk of adverse child welfare outcomes. By applying a concurrent mixed-methods approach, this study aimed to develop a deeper understanding of runaway risk that used a person-centered lens and amplified youth voices. Collectively, this approach can inform service innovations to support youth placed in out-of-home care. Working with a foster care agency in Kansas, data sources comprised administrative data for youth ages 12 + in care, and interview data with 20 youth, 12 + in care. Quantitative analyses involved latent class analysis followed by multinomial logistic regression to investigate whether the population of youth in care was comprised of subpopulations with differential runaway risk and whether subpopulations would predict runaway behaviors. Qualitative analyses applied modified analytic inductive thematic analysis to explore critical life experiences that may act as risk or protective factors of running away from care. Results revealed four sub-populations which were characterized by their previous family and system experiences. Additionally, class membership, gender, number of siblings, and age were statistically significant predictors of runway behaviors. Youth interviews revealed five key themes on life experiences that mitigate or exacerbate youths' runaway behaviors. Recommendations resulting from this study were provided in three key areas: (1) improving family visitation and maintaining youth connections with self-identified family and non-relative kin; (2) supporting service approaches for youth that honor and amplify their voices, choices, and family connections; and (3) improving placement quality and individualization of services.

Investigating the Relationships Between Safety and Adverse Experiences for the Children of Immigrants

As the population of children of immigrants increases within the United States, the importance of ensuring the safety, while understanding and addressing adverse experiences with victimization and perpetration, of this segment of the youth population has become paramount. Segmented assimilation theory, which postulates that discrimination, prejudice, and adverse life experiences could place the children of immigrants on a path towards detrimental outcomes, guides this study. In this research, data is drawn from the Children of Immigrant Longitudinal Study to explore if prior detrimental experiences of the children of immigrants, such as discrimination and perceptions of racial/ethnic prejudice, are associated with more frequent reports of being victimized and getting into fights at school, as well as feeling unsafe. Findings suggest racial/ethnic distinctions and nuances regarding how discrimination and prejudice contribute to these school outcomes for the children of immigrants. The implications of these findings are discussed.