Open AccessWhat are we missing? Risk behaviors among Arab‐American adolescents and emerging adults
Author(s) -
MunroKramer Michelle L.,
Fava Nicole M.,
Saftner Melissa A.,
DarlingFisher Cynthia S.,
Tate Nutrena H.,
Stoddard Sarah A.,
Martyn Kristy K.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
journal of the american association of nurse practitioners
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.414
H-Index - 19
eISSN - 2327-6924
pISSN - 2327-6886
DOI - 10.1002/2327-6924.12352
Subject(s) - clinical practice , medicine , psychology , family medicine , gerontology
Background and purpose Research on Arab‐Americans as a distinct ethnic group is limited, especially when considering the health of Arab‐American youth. This study describes health risk (substance use, violence); health promotive behaviors (hope, spirituality); and sexual activity (oral, vaginal, anal sex) of Arab‐American adolescents and emerging adults (aged 15–23) within their life context, as well as the association between these behaviors. Methods A secondary analysis of data on a subset of Arab‐American participants obtained from a randomized‐control trial was utilized to conduct mixed methods analyses. Qualitative analyses completed on the open‐ended questions used the constant comparative method for a subsample ( n = 24) of participants. Descriptive quantitative analyses of survey data utilized bivariate analyses and stepwise logistic regression to explore the relation between risk behaviors and sexual activity among the full sample ( n = 57). Conclusions Qualitative analyses revealed two groups of participants: (a) multiple risk behaviors and negative life‐events, and (b) minimal risk behaviors and positive life‐events. Quantitative analyses indicated older youth, smokers, and those with higher hope pathways were more likely to report vaginal sex. Implications for practice The unique cultural and social contexts of Arab‐American youth provide a framework for recommendations for the prevention of risk behaviors.