Predicting adolescent risk behaviors based on an ecological framework and assets.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship between an aggregate risk score (smoking, drinking, and number of sex partners) and measures of youth assets in a sample of 3439 youth aged 14-18 years.


METHODS
Linear regression models for African American and white males and females predicted an aggregate risk score.


RESULTS
After adjustments, the youth asset most predictive of risk was self/peer values regarding risk behaviors. Perceived school support was also predictive.


CONCLUSIONS
Taking an ecological approach to the measurement of adolescent health behaviors contributes to our understanding of these risk behaviors.
Reininger
Belinda M
BM
University of Texas-Houston, School of Public Health, Regional Campus at Brownsville, Brownsville, TX 78520, USA. breininger@sph.uth.tmc.edu
Evans
Alexandra E
AE
Griffin
Sarah F
SF
Sanderson
Maureen
M
Vincent
Murray L
ML
Valois
Robert F
RF
Parra-Medina
Deborah
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007086:Illegitimacy / Q000517:prevention & control; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011247:Pregnancy; D011275:Pregnancy, Unwanted / Q000523:psychology; D011336:Probability; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012736:Sex Education; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D012945:Social Values; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires