Michelle Kegler, Sharon Rodine, LaDonna Marshall, Roy Oman and Kenneth McLeroy
Evidence is accumulating to suggest that positive youth development may be an effective approach to preventing teen pregnancy. Studies show that selected protective factors or…
Abstract
Evidence is accumulating to suggest that positive youth development may be an effective approach to preventing teen pregnancy. Studies show that selected protective factors or “youth assets” are associated with lower levels of adolescent sexual risk behavior. This paper describes the development of “Healthy, empowered and responsible teens of Oklahoma City” (HEART of OKC), one of 13 CDC‐funded demonstration projects designed to mobilize community resources to prevent teen pregnancy. During a two‐year planning phase, HEART of OKC conducted needs and assets assessments in five, very diverse, inner‐city neighborhoods. Data collection methods included geocoding and mapping of teen birth rates and census data, over 100 key informant interviews, and 23 focus groups with 168 teens from the priority neighborhoods. Focus group findings suggested numerous opportunities for asset‐based interventions. Assessment findings were used to develop a conceptual model that served as the foundation of the project. Assessment findings were also helpful in the development of a survey instrument used in a major research project to provide baseline data for HEART of OKC and to examine the relationship between specific “youth assets” and several adolescent risk behaviors, including sexual activity.
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Paul Agu Igwe, Chinedu Ochinanwata, Nonso Ochinanwata, Jonathan Olufemi Adeyeye, Isaac Monday Ikpor, Sanita Ekwutosi Nwakpu, Obiamaka P. Egbo, Ike E. Onyishi, Olusegun Vincent, Kenneth Chukwuma Nwekpa, Kingsley Onuoha Nwakpu, Ayodeji Adeyinka Adeoye, Precious Onyinyechi Odika, Henrietta Fakah, Olaleke Oluseye Ogunnaike and Evelyn Iyose Umemezia
During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic lockdowns, stay at home or work from home, many have argued that the westernised non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) do not provide…
Abstract
Purpose
During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic lockdowns, stay at home or work from home, many have argued that the westernised non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) do not provide remedial in low-income countries like Nigeria, where informal job seekers, street traders, informal labourers and artisans depend mainly on the informal economy. By applying social solidarity (SS) and community-based approach (CBA), the authors evaluate individual acts (trust, altruism and reciprocity) during the lockdown and how these practices evolve from individual approaches to collective actions.
Design/methodology/approach
This study reflects on pragmatism research paradigm that enables researchers to maintain both subjectivity in their reflections and objectivity in data collection and analysis. The authors adopt a qualitative method through purposeful and convenience sampling procedure. Data were analysed thematically to identify elements of SS, individual acts, collective or community actions and perceptions.
Findings
The findings reveal that COVID-19 had a disproportionate impact (lack of food and a fall in daily income) on workers, informal job seekers, informal businesses operators and the poor households. As such, the study developed a reflective model of solidarity exhibited by individual acts and collective acts (practices of resource pooling, information sharing, women empowerment, distribution of palliatives and donations) within trusted circles that helped people cope with the lockdown experiences.
Practical implications
Solidarity represents beliefs, practices of values and norms. The SS exhibited by people through NPI would have implications on planning and monitoring the effectiveness of public health programmes during a pandemic in the future.
Social implications
The findings of citizens and community actions have implications related to the process of building communities – coming together – and solidarity that enhances social development with implications on community health policy agenda during disasters, emergencies and health pandemic.
Originality/value
This is one of the first studies to analyse the relationship between trust, altruism, reciprocity, SS and CBA during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, it seems reasonable to clarify the concept of SS given the lack of clarity about the definitions from previous studies.