Youth empowerment implementation project evaluation results: A program designed to improve the health and well-being of low-income African-American adolescents

ABSTRACT

Adolescent obesity is a major health issue facing today’s youth. This may be the first generation to have a lower life expectancy than their parents. The Youth Empowerment Implementation Project’s (YEIP) goal was to increase fruit and vegetable intake, lower junk food consumption, and increase physical activity among low-income African-American youth living in the Midwest. Thirty middle school aged youth participated in an evidenced-based program (i.e., Botvin’s Life Skills Training) and were engaged in health education and physical activities. The results from baseline to follow-up demonstrated a reduction in junk food intake for participants and an increase in fruit and vegetable intake but not for physical activity. The health behaviors of participants improved for three out of four indicators following the intervention. Limitations, future research, and implications for future programs are also discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• African–American adolescents
• community-based participatory research
• community partnerships
• fruit and vegetable intake nutrition

Acknowledgments

The Youth Empowerment Implementation Project would like to acknowledge the following community partners who made the project successful: The Office of Minority Health, USD 259 school district, Principal Stephanie Stovall, Dr. Rosemary Mohr, Ms. Renee Sweeney, Rev. Carieta Grizzell, Rev. Martin Grizzell, Ms. Connie Franklin, Ms. Goldie Davis, Ms. Shirley Faucette, Program Officer Ms. Monica Daley, Mr. Jeff Jacobs, Head Master Jamie Hutchinson, Assistant Principal Alford, Ms. Soutdaly Sysavath, Mrs. Stacy Morris, Ms. Mary Hall, Ms. Thomas, Ms. Furrow, Mr. Hammerstein, Ms. Shirley Smith, Ms. Brooks, Ms. Edwards, and Ms. Balleau, Ms. Motter, Ms. Williams, Ms. Davna Gould, The Youth Empowerment Implementation Project Parents, and Ms. Denise Hunter-Mitchell.