Adolescent Health in the Caribbean: Risk and Protective Factors

Abstract

When the identified risk and protective factors were compared with those seen among young people in the United States, similarities as well as important differences were found.

Comprehensive assessment of youth violence in five Caribbean countries: Gender and age differences

“…Crime or violence in CARICOM Member States is characterized by homicides and wounding and is associated with the illicit drug trade, gang warfare, revenge and perception of disrespect. Young men are disproportionally affected when compared with girls and younger boys (Blum et al, 2003;Katz, 2015;Katz & Fox, 2010;Ohene et al, 2005). According to the UNDP (2012), approximately six percent of youth may have been affiliated with a gang.…”

“…Additionally, a larger number of risk factors were more likely to increase violent activities for males, whereas protective factors were more likely to reduce violent activities for females (Baum & Ireland, 2004). Similarly, Blum et al (2003) indicated that different age groups had different factors for violent activities. For example, parental connectedness was a protective factor for youth younger than 16 years old, while attendance at religious services was a protective factor for those older than 16 years old.…”

Sport for development with ‘at risk’ girls in St. Lucia

“…Building positive peer and mentor relationships is a key element to youth development (Blum et al 2003;Cunningham 2003). Sport activities and programmes can provide valuable opportunities for young people to gather in safe spaces to socialise (Brady 2005).…”

“…A Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) report also indicates that girls and women face unequal outcomes in terms of education (CARICOM 2003). Furthermore, scholars have found that girls and women in the Eastern Caribbean are highly vulnerable to gender discrimination, sexual assault and abuse (Barrow 2007;Blum et al 2003;UNICEF 2006). Other scholars note that a male-dominated, hegemonic culture exists throughout this region and serves as a disempowering influence to girls and women (Parpart, Connelly, and Barriteau 2000) Finally, cultural concepts of body image influence development efforts, particularly for females.…”

“…As discussed in the literature review, self-efficacy is a key component to building human capability and can be honed through sport by facing the challenge of developing skills (Blum et al 2003;Coalter and Taylor 2010). Furthermore, improving self-efficacy is often a primary objective in the field of sport for development, especially for at risk youth (Coalter and Taylor 2010).…”