Background:The substantial increase in youth obesity during the last two decades may have serious biological as well as behavioral/mental health consequences. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess how ecological factors and hence overall well-being were related to body mass index (BMI) in youths. Methods: Three BMI categories (normal; at risk for overweight; overweight) were calculated for 847 adolescents. Behavioral/mental associations were assessed for each category as well as between normal and at risk for overweight and overweight combined. Results: Signifi cant associations existed between BMI and depression, suicidal ideation (combined data), use/abuse of drugs (combined data), race, age, parental marital status, and parental employment status. No signifi cant associations were found between BMI and anxiety, use/abuse of alcohol, or gender. Discussion: The signifi cant associations between BMI and depression/suicidal ideation suggest thorough screening with at-risk youths, especially those from ethnic minority groups and those experiencing changes in parental marital or employment status. Translation to Health Education Practice: It is imperative that health care professionals who work with weight problems attend to the ecological contexts of clients/patients. Data supports the need for collaboration between the medical and mental health communities in this regard.

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This study examined factors that contributed to fathers being perceived as good or poor sexuality educators by their daughters. The data from 10 female participant interviews were analyzed (five fathers were rated as quality educators and five as poor educators). Good Paternal Educators were perceived as being emotionally close to their daughter, displayed attentiveness to her comfort level during sexual conversations, were open and honest when discussing sexual topics, monitored her behaviors with a level of trust, and were direct communicators. Conversely, Poor Paternal Educators were viewed as not being close to their daughters, not talking regularly in general, appeared uncomfortable when talking about sex, attempted to avoid sexual conversations, used humor to avoid a serious conversation, and had ambiguous or indirect forms of monitoring.

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Research has shown that African American and Hispanic/Latino youth are at an increased risk of contracting STIs/STDs and HIV/AIDS. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with condom use among African American and Hispanic/Latino youths. Results: Among African American youth, condom use was more likely among males (2.09; 95% CI:1.45-3.02) compared to females and less likely among gays/lesbians compared to heterosexuals (0.33; 95% CI: 0.12-0.90), adjusted for cofounders. Among Hispanic/Latino youth, condom use was more likely among males (1.70; 95% CI: 1.25-2.31) compared to females and less likely among gays/lesbians (0.16; 95% CI: 0.57-0.44) and those who used alcohol/drugs during last sex (0.54; 95% CI: 0.37-0.78), adjusted for cofounders. Conclusion: For both racial groups', females and those identifying as gay or lesbian were more at risk of not using condoms. For Hispanic/Latino youth who used alcohol/drugs during last sex they were more at risk of not using a condom. This study can be used to identify culturally appropriate interventions that must be implemented to encourage greater condom use amongst African American and Hispanic/Latino youth.