AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ON MINORITY ADOLESCENT ENGAGEMENT IN SEXUAL HEALTH PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Abstract

Abstract Background Adolescents use social media to access information, including electronic health (eHealth) applications, and some of the sites are unreliable. The current project builds on a larger study of adolescent sexual health that began in 2018 in collaboration with the non-profit organization, the Boys & Girls Clubs (BGC) of eastern North Carolina (NC). The purpose of this study was to identify leadership behaviors and technology use among minority adolescents for the development of a mobile application that would promote healthy sexual relationships.

Methodology An observational study began in January 2022 in collaboration with staff of the BGC of eastern NC. One senior nursing honors student made site visits to one BGC to document leadership behaviors of youth and their use of mobile technology. The research questions were: What are the prevalent leadership behaviors of youth? and How do youth leaders use technology for health information? Following posting of the research flyers, observations were conducted in locations specifically serving Latinx and Black communities.

Results Findings were generated from 16 hours of observations over six days at one site with between 15-47 predominantly Black youth between the ages of 12-18. Prevalent leadership behaviors were distributing food, cleaning, encouraging cooperation, and tutoring. Boys performed leadership roles more often than girls. Older youth were more likely to serve in leadership capacities compared to younger teens. Dominant forms of technology were mobile phones and gaming devices. Inappropriate social media use led to a temporary ban on smartphone access.

Discussion Five youth leaders have been identified with skills in leadership and technology. These youth leaders will be invited to work with university researchers to beta test a sexual eHealth application that will promote safe, healthy relationships among teens.