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Community-Based Participatory Research: Engaging Youth to Provide Perspective on Risk and Protective Factors
Beth McMahon1, Jennifer L Rudella2, Mary McMahon3
1Lock Haven University, 131 Willis Health Professions, Lock Haven, PA, 17728.
Background:
The Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) is administered biennially to adolescents; it covers knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors about risk and protective factors.
Purpose:
This study explored 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students' attitudes and beliefs about current trends regarding drugs, alcohol, and mental health.
Methods:
We asked persons a series of questions in semi-structured focus groups (102 participants) while they were being presented with the PAYS data.
Results:
Participants expressed significant insight on root causes of risk behaviors. They recommended a decreased emphasis on grades and class rank, and recommended addressing mental health stigma, educating about vaping and marijuana effects, and obtaining support from families, schools, and communities.
Conclusion:
Youth expressed interest in being an integral part of the planning and decision-making efforts that impact them. Our results support the Whole School, Community, and Child (WSCC) model.
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