Applying Ecological Positive Youth Development Theory to Address Co-Occurring Health Disparities Among Immigrant Latino Youth.

TitleApplying Ecological Positive Youth Development Theory to Address Co-Occurring Health Disparities Among Immigrant Latino Youth.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2017
AuthorsEdberg MC, Cleary SD, Andrade EL, W Evans D, Simmons LK, Cubilla-Batista I
JournalHealth Promot Pract
Volume18
Issue4
Pagination488-496
Date Published2017 Jul
ISSN1524-8399
KeywordsAdolescent, Adolescent Development, Cooperative Behavior, Emigrants and Immigrants, Family Relations, Health Promotion, Health Status Disparities, Hispanic or Latino, Humans, Leadership, Sexual Behavior, Sexual Health, Social Environment, Substance-Related Disorders, Violence
Abstract

This article outlines the theory and resulting approach employed in a multilevel, integrated, collaborative community intervention called Adelante, implemented by a university-community partnership in a Latino immigrant community to address co-occurring health disparities of substance abuse, sex risk, and interpersonal violence among youth. The basis for the intervention is a social-ecological interpretation of positive youth development theory, which focuses on changes in the person environment context and community assets as a preventive mechanism. This approach is viewed as appropriate for a community facing multiple barriers to health equity. The article describes the translation of this positive youth development model to practice, including the design of the intervention, intervention components, and the protocol for evaluation. The Adelante intervention is intended to reduce health disparities and, in addition, to add a broader community model to the evidence base.

DOI10.1177/1524839916638302
Alternate JournalHealth Promot Pract
PubMed ID27091606
Grant ListP20 MD006898 / MD / NIMHD NIH HHS / United States
U58 DP005819 / DP / NCCDPHP CDC HHS / United States