Is Cultural Connectedness a Protective Factor?

Abstracts / 46 (2010) S1–S16

S4

about cultural models to predict high risk behavior among African American late adolescents. Sources of Support: NICHD.

2. IS CULTURAL CONNECTEDNESS A PROTECTIVE FACTOR? Colleen Poon, PhD1, Yuko Homma, MS3, Elizabeth Saewyc, PhD, RN2, Annie Smith, ALM1. 1McCreary Centre Society; 2University of British Columbia; 3University of British Columbia School of Nursing Purpose: Given growing ethno-cultural diversity, a sense of cultural connection may be a key factor in risk prevention and health promotion for North American youth. We studied the psychometric properties of a cultural connectedness measure and its utility as a protective factor. Methods: Over 29,000 grade 7-12 students from diverse ethnic groups took part in the 2008 BC Adolescent Health Survey, a provincial stratified cluster survey. A 6-item short form of the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM) assessed youth efforts to learn about their ethnic group and sense of belonging to the group (score range ¼ 1-5). We tested the factor structure with confirmatory factor analyses using polychoric correlations and weighted least squares estimation. Age-adjusted logistic regressions, separate by gender, were then used to see if cultural connectedness was protective for a number of behaviors (e.g., substance use). Results: A two-factor model of exploration and commitment (RMSEA ¼ .07, CFI ¼ .98) fit the data slightly better than a one-factor model (RMSEA ¼ .09, CFI ¼ .97), but high factor correlation (r ¼ .91) allowed a combined score of connectedness (Cronbach’s a ¼ .89). Regression analyses showed higher cultural connectedness was linked with lower odds of substance use and ever having sex, and greater odds of higher educational goals and art/club participation. Among females, connectedness was also protective for suicidal ideation and self-esteem. Adjusted ORs (99% CIs) for cultural connectedness and health (all p < .01)

Ever tried marijuana Ever tried alcohol Binge drank past month Ever had sex Plan to graduate college/university Participated in arts/clubs

Males

Females

.75 (.70-.79) .81 (.76-.85) .75 (.70-.81) .79 (.73-.86) 1.40 (1.28-1.53) 1.26 (1.17-1.35)

.60 (.56-.64) .62 (.58-.66) .60 (.56-.65) .62 (.57-.67) 1.50 (1.34-1.68) 1.28 (1.20-1.35)

Conclusions: The MEIM measures two distinct but strongly related dimensions of cultural connectedness. Greater connectedness reduced the likelihood of several risk behaviors and increased the likelihood of some positive outcomes. Youth health interventions could include elements to foster cultural connection. The MEIM may be useful in evaluating intervention effectiveness by measuring changes in connectedness. Sources of Support: Province of BC, Child Health BC, Centre for Addictions Research BC, and CIHR.

and encouraged youth participation in the creation of these policies. Initial reports show a lack of youth participation in community wellness discussions. This participatory action research study used qualitative methods to demonstrate how early adolescents were able to socially construct a shared understanding, or social representation, of the word ‘‘wellness;’’ their perceptions of how their community settings affect their wellness; and their recommendations for modification of their settings in order to enhance their well-being. Methods: A purposive sample of ten early adolescents (ages 9 – 11) was recruited from a local after-school program to participate in a study utilizing Photovoice and Literacy Through Photography methods, and a survey to capture demographic information. Data collection occurred during seven sessions over a three and a half week period; which included a photography assignment, written narratives, group discussions, and an exhibit and group discussion with community leaders. Data were analyzed using Atlas-ti and Microsoft Excel. Anderson and Herr’s (2005) validity criteria for action research guided all aspects of this study. Results: The following themes emerged throughout all the data demonstrating that saturation of a group conceptualization of wellness was reached. The participants categorized wellness as related to personal, relational, and collective themes, which included: environment, physical activity, safety, food, freedom, self-directed learning opportunities, transportation, and social relationships. Participants stressed the need for access to nature. Consumption of fruits, vegetables, and drinking water were seen as essential for the youth and their family members. Participants highlighted the need for physical activity and active transportation opportunities. Recess, physical education, and healthy food options were identified as important wellness enhancers in the school setting. Participants recognized the need for positive relationships within their diverse networks and settings. Community settings that create opportunities for self-directed learning were seen as critical. Participants acknowledged that wellness can be a social justice issue (demonstrating sociopolitical development), as some of their peers live in conditions that detract from their wellness due to exposure to violence and lack of access to wellness-enhancing community assets. Conclusions: The results from this study demonstrate that youth view wellness as more than just nutrition and physical activity, the primary components of most school district wellness policies. The participants’ conceptualization of wellness fit with Prilleltensky & Fox’s (2007) dimensions of wellness: personal, relational, and collective; thus demonstrating that early adolescents are able to think critically about wellness in a holistic manner and appreciate that wellness and justice are related. Participants expressed that environmental settings can have an impact on wellness; a concept congruent with the social ecological approach in health promotion planning. The study’s findings demonstrate that youth are able to conceptualize wellness and make a contribution to their community’s wellness discussions. Sources of Support: None.

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EARLY ADOLESCENT SOCIAL REPRESENTATIONS OF WELLNESS: A PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH STUDY Christine Bozlak, MPH, Michele Kelley, ScD, MSW, MA. University of Illinois at Chicago

DO FAMILIES KNOW WHAT ADOLESCENTS WANT? AN END-OF-LIFE (EOL) SURVEY OF ADOLESCENTS WITH HIV/AIDS AND THEIR FAMILIES Maureen Lyon, PhD1, Patricia Garvie, PhD3, Linda Briggs, MS, MA, RN2, Jiangping He, MS1, Robert McCarter, ScD1, Lawrence D’Angelo, MD, MPH1. 1Children’s National Medical Center; 2Gundersen Lutheran; 3St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Purpose: The Child Nutrition Reauthorization Act of 2004 mandated the creation of wellness policies in all school districts

Purpose: To fill the gap in our knowledge about attitudes, beliefs and experiences with hospice and palliative care of primarily

3.