Youth Programs Research Articles

Substance Use Disorders among Adolescents in the United States: 2000-2019.

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are characterized by impairment caused by the recurrent use of alcohol, illicit drugs, or both. SUDs are pervasive and endemic among US adolescents, with potentially negative health and social consequences. Although the term experimentation normalizes adolescent substance abuse, the long-term consequences of this behavior beginning in adolescence can be detrimental to not only the adolescent but also the adult into which he or she develops. Our objective was to examine the epidemiology of SUD among hospitalized US adolescents, 13 to 19 years of age, during the time period 2000-2019. A case-control study was conducted using 5,260,104 hospital discharge records (394,952 SUD and 4,865,152 non-SUD) from the 2000-2019 Kids' Inpatient Database. SUD and clinical outcomes variables were identified based on the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth/Tenth Revisions, Clinical Modification, coding. SUD rates (per 1000 discharges) were calculated and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed using logistic regression models for predictors of SUDs among hospitalized adolescents. The prevalence of SUDs was estimated to be 75.10 cases per 1000 discharges (95% CI 74.86-75.31). Demographically, the highest crude rates (per 1000 discharges) were seen among Native American (139.58) and White (91.97) patients. Adolescent patients who experienced SUD were twice as likely as nonusers to be 16 to 19 years of age (aOR 2.2, 95% CI 2.13-2.19) or to be male (aOR 2.2, 95% CI 2.22-2.27). SUD was significantly associated with cooccurring conditions, including anxiety (aOR 2.5, 95% CI 2.48-2.53), depression (aOR 2.3, 95% CI 2.30-2.35), mood disorder (aOR 2.17, 95% CI 2.14-2.20), schizophrenia (aOR 2.6, 95% CI 2.52-2.64), sexually transmitted infections (aOR 2.3, 95% CI 2.23-2.45), hepatitis (aOR 3.0, 95% CI 2.87-3.15), and suicide (aOR 1.33, 95% CI 1.30-1.35). The study examined the epidemiology, risk factors, and common characteristics of hospitalized adolescent patients with SUDs. The high burden of psychiatric and medical comorbidities observed among this patient group warrants designing effective and comprehensive substance use prevention and treatment programs for youths.

긍정심리 집단상담 프로그램이 위기청소년의 자아존중감, 정서조절력, 회복탄력성에 미치는 효과

Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine whether a positive psychology group counseling program had a positive effect on the self-esteem, emotional control, and resilience of the youth at risk.
 Methods To this end, we developed a group counseling program for organizational youth based on positive psy-chology through a four-step process of goal setting, preliminary research, program and improvement. In early April 2023, problem youth were identified through a screening scale, and after going through the process of agreeing to participate, on September 10th, starting in April, once a week for 2 hours (100 minutes) for a total of 10 people. The program was explained 7 times, a total of 14 times. Mann-Whitney U insurance is claimed to verify the homo-geneity of the experimental group and comparison group, Wilcoxen Matched Pair Signed-Rank claim is claimed to claim the pre-post score change of the experimental group and comparison group, and group is claimed. Analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test.
 Results As a result of analyzing the effectiveness of a positive psychology group counseling program for at-risk youth, the post-average for self-esteem, emotional control, and resilience all increased statistically significantly compared to the pre-average. Through this, it can be seen that the positive psychology group counseling program has a positive effect on the self-esteem, emotional control, and resilience of the youth at risk.
 Conclusions The possibility of a positive psychology group counseling program was confirmed as a way to in-crease the self-esteem, emotional control, and resilience of the youth at risk. In other words, it is very important for youth in crisis to focus on positive aspects such as personal strengths and virtues, rather than focusing on neg-ative aspects.

Healthcare coaching program for youth with type 1 diabetes in South Korea: a pilot study.

This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility, preliminary efficacy, and effects of a mobile app healthcare coaching program developed based on self-regulation theory among youths with type 1 diabetes. A mixed-method design was utilized. Participants were randomly assigned into intervention (n=23, 12-week coaching program) or control groups (n=16, usual care). Pre- and post-intervention assessments included self-efficacy, diabetes management behavior, and health outcomes (quality of life, depression, and HbA1c). Quantitative data were analyzed with SPSS/WIN ver. 26.0. The narrative information from the participants in the healthcare coaching program underwent content analyzed. The intervention group had significantly lower depression scores (t=2.57, p=.014) than the control group. No significant differences were observed in self-efficacy, diabetes management behavior, and health outcomes between the two groups. The average frequency of health behavior monitoring per week among the participants was 1.86±1.60. The qualitative findings indicated that participants perceived improved diabetes self-management with the intervention; however, challenges during vacations, dietary control difficulties, and a lack of disease awareness were identified. The healthcare coaching program improved psychological aspects for youth with type 1 diabetes. Further research is needed to develop and implement mobile app interventions aimed at enhancing compliance with diabetes management in pediatric and adolescent populations.

Assessing Camp Provider Needs Related to the Mental, Emotional, and Social Health of Youth and Staff: Implications for Parent Communication, Human Resources, and Transition of Care

Children, adolescents, and young adults are experiencing increases in mental, emotional, and social health (MESH) challenges including anxiety and depression. Out-of-school time (OST) program providers such as summer camps rely on effective communication with parents and other stakeholders to provide for these MESH needs, and the development of before and after program communication processes are viewed as a promising strategy for MESH response across youth program settings. In addition, OST program providers seek human and educational resources for meeting the MESH needs of program participants, and they also try to match available MESH resources to the work demands of their frontline staff who are tasked with responding to youth MESH needs when they arise. The importance of these topics is not reflected in available research informing recommended OST provider practices. Thus, this study examined program provider communications with parents about their youth’s MESH needs as well as program provider MESH resource utilization. Our three research questions were as follows: (1) What parent communication approaches do camp providers use to support youth MESH needs?; (2) What information is communicated to parents, teachers, or healthcare providers regarding youth MESH before and after camp?; and (3) What supports and resources do camp providers need to better manage MESH issues? Findings from this research highlight camp provider MESH-related parent communications and resource utilization. Notably, while respondents indicated requesting general MESH information on the health history form, further assessment and documentation of these identified MESH issues within- and across-camp seasons was lacking. Respondents also indicated camp nurses as the most prevalent human resource. Collectively, these results indicate that camp providers and out-of-camp stakeholders acknowledge the benefit of health history reporting and communication with regard to MESH challenges as well as providing MESH resources to meet employee job demands.

Anatomy Camp: A Medical Student-Run Outreach Program

Anatomy Camp is a medical student-run program for underserved youth from communities near the university. Middle and high school students are invited to visit the medical school for an afternoon of interacting with medical students, informal learning of anatomy and wellness, and becoming inspired to consider medical and STEM professions.

The Resilient Youth Program: a promising skills-based online program for resiliency and stress management.

Prevention programs that target resilience may help youth address mental health difficulties and promote well-being during public health crises. To examine the preliminary efficacy of the Resilient Youth Program (RYP). The RYP was delivered remotely from a US academic medical centre to youth in the community via a naturalistic pilot study. Data from 66 youth (ages 6-18, Mage = 11.65, SD = 3.02) and their parents were collected via quality assurance procedures (May 2020 to March 2021). Pre/post-intervention child/parent-reported psychological and stress symptoms as well as well-being measures were compared via Wilcoxon signed rank tests. Child/parent-reported skills use data were collected. Among child-reported outcomes, there were significant decreases in physical stress (p = .03), anxiety (p = .004), depressive symptoms (p < .001) and anger (p = .002), as well as increased life satisfaction (p = .02). There were no significant differences in child-reported psychological stress (p = .06) or positive affect (p = .09). Among parent-reported child outcomes, there were significant decreases in psychological (p < .001) and physical stress (p = .03), anxiety (p < .001), depressive symptoms (p < .001), and anger (p < .002) as well as increased positive affect (p < .001) and life satisfaction (p < .001). Effect sizes ranged from small to medium; 77% of youth (73% of parents) reported using RYP skills. Age and gender were not associated with outcome change. The RYP may help reduce psychological/stress symptoms and increase well-being among youth; further research is needed.

A Social Process Model of forms of aggression and victimization and internalizing problems

Using one-year longitudinal data, the present study examined the association between forms of aggression and internalizing problems and whether peer rejection and victimization mediated this association among Taiwanese children. Participants in the current study were 269 fourth and fifth graders (51% boys and 49% girls; M age = 10.02 for boys and 9.99 for girls, at the first time point) from four public elementary schools in northern Taiwan. Data was collected at three time points during one calendar year, six months apart (fall of grades 4 and 5, spring of grades 4 and 5, fall of grades 5 and 6). Serial mediation models were tested in which independent variables were forms of aggression (relational and physical), mediators were peer rejection and forms of peer victimization (relational and physical), and dependent variables were internalizing problems. Results indicated that peer rejection and relational victimization, in that order, mediated the association between relational aggression and internalizing problems, while controlling for gender (serial mediation: relational aggression → peer rejection → relational victimization → internalizing problems). In contrast, the results did not support the mediation or indirect effect of physical aggression on internalizing problems through peer rejection and physical victimization. However, physical aggression directly predicted internalizing problems during one school year. These differences in the pathways from each form of aggression to internalizing problems via peer rejection and forms of peer victimization suggest the need for differentiated intervention and prevention programs for at-risk youth with forms of aggression and victimization in Taiwanese schools.

Adaptation of a trauma-informed intervention to prevent opioid use among youth in the legal system

IntroductionYouth in the legal system are at high risk for opioid and other substance use problems and exhibit high rates of trauma exposure. Trauma-focused therapeutic approaches to prevent substance use show promise, but few evidence-based interventions are designed with justice-involved youth in mind. Consequently, implementing trauma-informed, evidence-based interventions within juvenile justice systems is challenging. The current paper describes the systematic adaptation of Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) as a family-centered substance use prevention program for youth transitioning from secure residential facilities. MethodsThe study utilized the ADAPT-ITT methodological framework to adapt TBRI Caregiver Training, an evidence-based, trauma-informed intervention designed to help caregivers support children and youth with histories of trauma. Phases of adaptation included (1) Assessment, (2) Decision, (3) Prototype Development, and (4) Testing and Integration. The adaptation process explored contextual factors (e.g., systems, facilities, and staff) and the needs of the new target population (i.e., youth in the legal system and their caregivers). Adaptations were made to both content (e.g., terminology and activities) and structure (e.g., session duration and delivery setting) with input from participants from the target population, key stakeholders, and content experts. ResultsThe systematic adaptation of the intervention model resulted in a two-phase, four-component intervention package that can be implemented in juvenile justice settings as part of youth reentry services. The primary intervention, delivered while youth are in residential facilities, includes the TBRI Caregiver Curriculum, TBRI Youth & Young Adult Curriculum, and TBRI Nurture Groups. The secondary intervention, delivered after youth transition home, includes the TBRI Family Coaching Curriculum. ConclusionsUtilizing a systematic methodological framework to guide adaptation has implications for developing accessible, culturally relevant, and contextually appropriate interventions. Accounting for contextual factors and population needs can improve the fit of evidence-based interventions for youth in the legal system, facilitating uptake and ultimately improving outcomes for youth at risk for substance use problems. Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04678960.

Youth Aggression and Peer Victimization as Predictors of Adolescent Alcohol and Marijuana Use: A Longitudinal Analysis of Youth with Aggressive Behavior Problems.

Youth who are behaviorally aggressive and victimized by their peers comprise a significant population with specific risks and vulnerabilities relative to substance use. The goals of the current study were to examine the roles that youth aggression and peer victimization play in determining the timing of alcohol and marijuana use initiation and the frequency of use 5-years later in a sample of at-risk, aggressive youth. 360 youth (Mage= 10.17 years; 65% boys, 35% girls; 78.1% African American, 20.3% Caucasian, 1.4% Hispanic, and 0.3% other) recruited for a prevention program for at-risk youth were followed for 5 years (4th - 9th grade). Cox PH regressions were conducted to predict timing of alcohol and marijuana use initiation. Zero-inflated negative binomial regressions were used to predict frequency of alcohol and marijuana use 5 years later. Results showed that peer victimization inferred decreased risk of alcohol use initiation. However, this effect was only observed for youth with relatively moderate, and low levels of aggression. Findings suggest that differences in youth aggression and victimization interact to predict distinct outcomes, suggesting the need for a more comprehensive approach when working with aggressive youth who have experienced peer victimization.

Configurational determinants of time-to-win in NSFC youth program funding: Insights from Chinese library and information science

While extensive research has delved into various facets of science funding outputs and the determinants of funding approval, prevailing methodologies predominantly rely on descriptive statistics or regression analyses. These approaches often miss a holistic view that integrates the interplay of multiple influential factors. In this study, we leverage the scientific research productivity model to introduce the Institution-Capability-Demographics framework, encompassing three pivotal dimensions: institutional characteristics, individual capabilities, and individual demographics. Adopting a configuration perspective, we scrutinize the synergistic effects of these dimensions on the time-to-win in science funding applications. Our empirical analysis draws from data of 72 young scholars affiliated with the Youth Program for Library and Information Science (LIS) of the NSFC, all of whom secured funding between 2003 and 2019. Through the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), this study delineates four distinct mechanisms that expedite the application process for the NSFC's Youth Program: demographic-capability-institution synergy, capability-centric balance, demographic-capability harmony, and capability-institution equilibrium. The findings elucidate the intricate interdependencies of factors influencing the time-to-win in science funding, offering valuable guidance for science fund managers and fostering the growth of emerging scholars.

Do Self-Processes and Parenting Mediate the Effects of Anxious Parents' Psychopathology on Youth Depression and Suicidality?

To understand how anxious parents' global psychopathology increases children's risks for depression and suicidality, we tested mediational pathways through which parent global psychopathology was associated with youth depression and suicidality over a six-year period. Parents (n = 136) who had an anxiety disorder at baseline reported global psychopathology and youth internalizing problems. Youth did not have any psychiatric disorder at baseline and they reported self-esteem, perceived control, and perceived parental warmth and rejection at baseline and 1-year follow-up. At 6-year follow-up, youth depression and suicidality were assessed via multiple reporters including the self, parent, and/or an independent evaluator. Results showed that parental psychopathology had an indirect but not direct effect on youth depression and suicidality via perceived control. No associations were found for the other hypothesized mediators. Perceived control might be a transdiagnostic intervention target in depression and suicide prevention programs for youth exposed to parental anxiety.

An exploratory evaluation of a model of care for youth who are at risk of sexual exploitation and human trafficking

AbstractThe sexual exploitation of children and youth remains a critical issue within the child welfare system, despite the limited availability of models of care to support these vulnerable individuals. The START with the YOUTH (STAR‐Y) program adopts a preventative approach, offering personalized care and wraparound support to youth exhibiting at‐risk behaviours. This paper employs a case study methodology using both thematic and content analyses to longitudinally assess the effectiveness of this exploratory program. This evaluation encompasses a comprehensive assessment of various factors associated with the risk of sexual exploitation among program participants. Throughout the program's extended duration (originally planned for one year), predefined risk factors, including concerning Internet behaviours, were monitored and analysed. Qualitative data were gathered through interviews and observations, focusing on the experiences of both the youth and their foster parents. The results highlight the program's successful implementation, with youth enrollment (N = 3) demonstrating a reduction in sexual exploitation risk factors over time, including a decrease in behaviours such as concerning Internet usage. The importance of wraparound support and the foster parent‐youth relationship in mitigating risk and nurturing resilience became evident. This exploratory evaluation serves as the initial phase of a comprehensive assessment aimed at understanding how to effectively support youth within this population, including those at higher risk, such as those possibly involved in sex trafficking. The study's findings provide valuable insights into strategies for mitigating the risk of sexual exploitation among vulnerable youth, informing future endeavours to develop and implement similar programs within the child welfare system.

Children and youth programmes on the Hunga¬rian Broadcast of the (Czech)Slovak Radio in the second half of the 20th century

Children and youth programmes on the Hunga¬rian Broadcast of the (Czech)Slovak Radio in the second half of the 20th century

A mixed-methods study to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of delivering the optimal health program (OHP) for youth at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis: A study protocol.

Individuals with clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis experience significant distress, impaired general functioning and a high lifetime risk of self-harm and attempted suicide. The CHR period is an important phase in an individual's mental health where appropriate interventions may reduce the risk of progression to several negative outcomes, including the development of schizophrenia. Given that up to 80% of individuals with CHR have another diagnosable mental illness and almost half experience poor psychosocial functioning, developing interventions that address psychosocial functioning in young people with CHR is of great importance. This mixed-methods study aims to employ qualitative and quantitative methods to adapt an evidence-based comprehensive psychosocial and mental health self-efficacy program, the Optimal Health Program (OHP), and evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary clinical efficacy in young people with CHR. We aim to recruit 30 CHR participants (age 16-29 years) in a single-arm 12-week exploratory clinical trial. Feasibility metrics will include recruitment, retention, and data completion rates. Acceptability will be informed by the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire. Clinical assessments (psychosis spectrum symptoms, depression, and anxiety), functional measures, and cognitive outcomes will be completed at study entry and repeated post-intervention at 12-weeks. We will run pre-post test data analysis to examine changes following engagement in the OHP intervention. Qualitative interviews will be conducted post-intervention to further evaluate the acceptability of the intervention and the trial design, and will be analyzed using thematic analysis. OHP may enhance the long-term mental health, well-being and functioning of CHR youth. However, the intervention must first be adapted to a CHR population; then, the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of delivering an intervention tailored around the varied needs of the CHR group must be established before a larger-scale appropriately powered study is pursued. Trial registration: The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05757128.

PREVENTION OF OFFENSES AMONG UNORGANIZED YOUTH

In the last decade, the organization of work with young people has been implemented through a project-based approach. The eventfulness in the field of youth policy is mainly represented by youth projects and programs at the regional level, often without conceptual foundations. This does not ensure the consistency of work, the coherence of various directions is lost, which, of course, negatively affects not only the final result, but also the quality of current activities.

Improving transition of care from pediatric to adult endocrinology for adolescents with diabetes

IntroductionAdolescence is a challenging time in a child’s life and can be even more stressful for those with a chronic medical condition such as diabetes mellitus. Adolescents and young adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes experience worsening glycemic levels as they enter adulthood. Data suggest that a formalized health care transition process and beginning transition preparation in early adolescence leads to better transition outcomes. MethodsThe aim of this study was to create a transition of care program for youth with diabetes in a standalone children’s hospital by following the Got Transition Six Core Elements of Health Care Transition. First, we implemented a transition of care policy and formalized how we discussed transition of care with patients and families in early adolescence. Further improvements have included assessing readiness to transition, designing a curriculum centered around adolescent-specific issues and how they relate to diabetes management, and forming connections with adult endocrinologists in the area to establish a seamless transition process. ResultsAfter implementing our program, 90 % (28/31) of our patients indicated they were very or somewhat ready to transition to adult care. DiscussionWe outline our process for developing a transition of care program and provide a practical tool for other pediatric diabetes providers who are interested in implementing a similar program.

A sports‐related injury prevention program for Dutch youth volleyball players: Process evaluation alongside a quasi‐randomized controlled trial

AbstractObjectiveThis process evaluation aimed to gain insight into the implementation of the VolleyVeilig Youth program by Dutch volleyball clubs within the context of an effectiveness trial.MethodsWe applied the UK Medical Research Council framework for process evaluations and assessed the context, implementation and mechanisms of impact. Trainers participating in the effectiveness trial were asked to complete a questionnaire at the end of the study. A subsample of the trainers based on the self‐reported adherence score was invited to participate in an interview accordingly. We used a thematic analysis to present the data.ResultsThirty‐one trainers (100%) completed the questionnaire, and seven agreed to participate in an interview. Although adherence gradually decreased over the volleyball season, most trainers reported partially adhere with the program until the end of the study. The main themes included factors associated with the (1) VolleyVeilig Youth program, (2) trainer, (3) players, and (4) volleyball club.ConclusionAlthough (partial) adherence to the VolleyVeilig Youth program was high in this study, implementation strategies must be developed to target the barriers reported by the trainers before the program can be successfully implemented nationwide in the Netherlands.

Impact of Temporary Migration on Long-Run Economic Development: The Legacy of the Sent-Down Youth Program

Impact of Temporary Migration on Long-Run Economic Development: The Legacy of the Sent-Down Youth Program

Community Participation and Sustainability of Youth Livelihood Projects in Uganda: A Case of Northern Uganda Youth Entrepreneurship Project (NUYEP)

Purpose: This study examined the effect of community participation on sustainability of youth livelihood projects in Uganda, using a case of Northern Uganda Youth Entrepreneurship Project (NUYEP). The specific objectives of the study were to determine the effect of community participation in planning, implementation and monitoring on sustainability of NUYEP. Methodology: The study adopted a cross-sectional design with both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. Data was collected from a sample of 152 project beneficiaries and 10 local leaders using a self-administered questionnaire and interview guide. The data was analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation and regression analysis with the help of SPSS v25. Findings: The study found a significant positive relationship between community participation in planning (rs= 0.406**, p=0.000); participation in implementation (rs= 0.655**, p=0.000); and participation in monitoring (rs= 0.365**, p = 0.000) and project sustainability. Collectively, the predictor variables explain 52.1% of the variation in project sustainability. Conclusion: It is concluded that community participation improves the sustainability of Youth Livelihood projects. Recommendations: It is recommended that future projects do prioritize community participation in project definition, implementation and monitoring. This should be a key aspect of project programming. Contribution: This study contributes to the understanding of how community participation is aiding the sustainability of the NUYEP project. In addition, most studies do explore the aspect of project performance with very few handling the aspect of project sustainability especially involving the youth programmes.

Building economic strengthening programmes for youth in South Africa: determinants of success and failure

Africa, conceptually, geographically, politically, economically, religiously and socially is in bondage and this bondage is South Africa has one of the worst youth unemployment problems in the world. The high rate of youth unemployment results in multi-dimensional range of social challenges that negatively affect the wider community and economy. Social workers in non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are adopting economic strengthening programmes (ESP) to empower unemployed youth. However, factors that are key to determining success of ESP are not precisely understood. The study utilised qualitative case study research design. Data was collected using in-depth interviews from 30 purposively selected youth aged 15–24 years, 6 NGO practitioners and 5 Department of Social Development (DSD). The Ubuntu philosophy was used as a theory for analysing and interpreting data. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Fort Hare. The aim of the study was to explore the determinants of youth’s success in ESP in South African NGOs. Findings established that lack of access to start-up finance, poor links to strategic partnerships and mentorship platforms were inhibiting factors for youth to establish successful enterprises. The study recommends social workers and NGOs to merge efforts and resources with other stakeholders to foster implementation of effective ESP in marginalised communities. How to reference using ASWNet style: Zibengwa, E. &amp; Tanga, P. T. (2023). Building economic strengthening programmes for youth in South Africa: determinants of success and failure. African Journal of Social Work, 13(3), 325-332. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v13i6.6 Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net