ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Toward developing attractive and effective means to reduce cancer risks faced by Native American people, this study developed and tested interactive computer software to improve dietary choices and prevent tobacco use among Native American adolescents. METHODS: Based on a legend of the Seneca Nation, a cancer prevention lesson was developed and programmed for software. A sample of 368 Native American adolescents were divided randomly into intervention and control arms. Youths in both arms were pre-tested, youths in the intervention arm interacted with the software, and all youths were post-tested. Pre-test and post-test measures covered information and attitudes about cancer risks from dietary practices and tobacco use. RESULTS: Pre-test scores differed between the two arms on youths' age and on one outcome variable. Relative to their counterparts in the control arm, youths in the intervention arm increased their post-test scores on 8 of 12 outcome measurement variables. Process data gathered during intervention delivery indicated that nearly all youths were involved with the interactive software and lesson. CONCLUSION: Interactive computer software holds promise for delivering cancer risk reduction intervention aimed at modifying dietary habits and preventing tobacco use among Native American youth.
Subject(s)
Computer-Assisted Instruction/methods , Indians, North American , Neoplasms/prevention & control , Software , Adolescent , Child , Cultural Characteristics , Educational Measurement , Female , Humans , Male , Neoplasms/ethnology , New York/epidemiology , Nutritional Sciences/education , Primary Prevention , Risk Factors , Smoking PreventionABSTRACT
This article reviews psychosocial correlates of adolescent substance use by focusing on the recent empirical literature. Using a tabular format, an attempt is made to provide a facile tool for referencing the literature. Examination of the literature reveals considerable diversity among explanations regarding the variance explained by many of the correlates studied. While the field strives toward a consistent theoretical base from which effective interventions may be developed, researchers must specify the nature of their study populations, designs, methodological approaches, and any issues of generalizability. Only in this way will inconsistencies in study findings be reconciled and progress toward culturally specific intervention techniques be furthered.
Subject(s)
Substance-Related Disorders/psychology , Adolescent , Adolescent Behavior , Adult , Alcohol Drinking , Alcoholism/etiology , Alcoholism/psychology , Child , Female , Humans , Illicit Drugs , Male , Meta-Analysis as Topic , Research Design , Smoking/psychology , Substance-Related Disorders/etiologyABSTRACT
Substance use and abuse poses serious risks for American-Indian youth, their families, and their communities. This article briefly reviews the relevant social epidemiological data followed by a discussion of culturally relevant etiological factors. Current strategies for identification of youth at high risk for substance use are highlighted, concentrating primarily on the theoretical and methodological aspects appropriate for this population. In this context, data from recent work are reported. Given the nascent state of culturally appropriate prevention technology, issues of sensitive technology transfer and stereotyping are discussed in the context of current research. Study results from this sample, although dramatic, should not be overgeneralized to all American-Indian youth.
Subject(s)
Indians, North American/statistics & numerical data , Substance-Related Disorders/epidemiology , Adolescent , Child , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Incidence , Male , Risk Factors , United States/epidemiologySubject(s)
Cultural Characteristics , Culture , Indians, North American , Neoplasms/mortality , Urban Population , Child , Female , Humans , Male , New York City/epidemiologyABSTRACT
The current study analyzed empirical work examining the relationship of self-efficacy to subsequent behavior in children under the age of 16. Applying meta-analytic techniques to 26 studies (N = 1692) published in the psychological literature between 1977 and 1989 resulted in a mean effect size (r) of .334 across studies.
Subject(s)
Personality Development , Self Concept , Adolescent , Child , Humans , Meta-Analysis as TopicSubject(s)
Indians, North American , Nicotiana , Plants, Toxic , Smoking/epidemiology , Tobacco, Smokeless , Adolescent , Child , Female , Humans , Male , United StatesABSTRACT
Hispanic adolescents are the fastest growing ethnic-minority age group in America. They are also at high risk for drug, alcohol, and tobacco use. In this paper, the authors discuss the etiology of Hispanic adolescents' substance abuse, as explained in part by psychological stress. Based on the authors' research and on other data, a model for preventing substance abuse among Hispanic youths is presented. The model draws from coping, acculturation, social learning, and informal network theories. Concluding with a research agenda, the paper calls for descriptive, correlative, and intervention outcome studies to scientifically understand and prevent substance use among Hispanic adolescents.
