Prevalence and early risk factors for bulimia nervosa symptoms in inner-city youth: gender and ethnicity perspectives

Background Research on risk factors associated with bulimia nervosa symptoms (BN) in ethnic minorities has been limited. This study adds to the existing literature by providing the ethnicity- and gender-specific prevalence of BN in US inner-city youth and by exploring the longitudinal associations between a clinical level of BN and early risk factors assessed one year previously. Methods The study was conducted on a representative sample of predominantly ethnic minority youth (N = 2794; 54.1% female; age 11–16 years old (M(SD) = 12.77(1.29)); 60.0% African-American, 26.1% Hispanic American, 13.9% White). Self-reported information was obtained on BN and early risk factors (e.g., depressive and anxiety symptoms, posttraumatic stress, somatic complaints). Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to examine the longitudinal associations. Results The 3-month BN prevalence was higher in girls (5.1%) than in boys (2.3%) (ratio 2.22:1). Significant differences in BN rates were found between White and African American students (higher in Whites), whereas Hispanic-Americans did not differ significantly from either group. Individuals with BN had significantly higher levels of early risk factors one year prior. Conclusions Timely recognition of BN and associated early risk factors is important for early prevention and intervention strategies.

The Protective Effects of Social Support on Hypertension Among African American Adolescents Exposed to Violence

African Americans develop hypertension earlier in life than Whites and the racial/ethnic disparities in blood pressure level can appear as early as adolescence. Violence victimization, a prevalent environmental stressor among inner-city youth, may play a role in such disparities. In a sample of inner-city youth in the United States, the current study examines the relationship between violence victimization and hypertension while investigating the role of social support in moderating that relationship. We analyzed eight waves of data from a longitudinal study of African American youth ( n = 353, 56.7% female) from mid-adolescence (9th grade, mean age = 14.9 years old) to emerging adulthood (mean age = 23.1 years old) using probit regression. Higher levels of self-reported violence victimization during ages 14–18 was associated with more reports of hypertension during ages 20–23, after adjusting for sex, socioeconomic status, substance use, and mental distress. The relationship of violence victimization with hypertension was moderated by friends’ support, but not parental support. The association between victimization and hypertension was weaker and non-significant among individuals with more peer support compared to those with less support. Researchers have reported many instances of associations of early violence exposure to later risk for hypertension; however, most have focused on childhood maltreatment or intimate partner violence. We extend these findings to violence victimization in an African American sample of youth from adolescence to early adulthood, while examining social support modifiers. The disparity in African American hypertension rates relative to Whites may partly be explained by differential exposure to violence. Our findings also suggest that having supportive friends when faced with violence can be beneficial for young adulthood health outcomes.

A Social Marketing Intervention to Prevent Drowning Among Inner-City Youth

Background. Water-related injuries and fatalities pose serious public health issues, especially to African American youth, a demographic group that drowns at disproportionately high rates. Aim. The purpose of this study was to determine if a social marketing intervention targeting the parents and guardians of inner-city youth (U.S. Midwest) could positively influence their perceptions concerning water safety. Method. Researchers employed a quasi-experimental design using matched pairs to evaluate the intervention. Participants consisted of parents who enrolled their children in a six-session survival-swimming course. Guided by the Health Belief Model, the researchers disseminated six prevention messages using six different channels (brochure, e-mail, SMS text message, postcard, Facebook, and window cling). Results. The findings from a two-way analysis of covariance revealed that treatment group participants’ knowledge and perceptions of water-related threat all changed favorably. Additionally, all participants planned to reenroll their children in swim lessons. Discussion. A social marketing campaign using the Health Belief Model improved inner-city parents’ knowledge regarding water safety and enhanced their self-efficacy. Conclusion. This study provides practitioners with feasible strategies (prevention messages) to supplement swim lessons, with the ultimate goal of preventing drowning among at-risk youth.