Laritza Ruiz
Health Promotion & Role Development in Adv. Nursing Practice
In the context of socioeconomic inequalities exacerbated by policies like redlining, certain risk behaviors among adolescents can have profound long-term implications. Three such behaviors prevalent in many communities are substance abuse, involvement in gang activities, and poor academic engagement (Rocha et al., 2021).
Substance abuse among adolescents is not just a health issue but also a significant social concern. Early exposure to drugs and alcohol can set the stage for long-term dependency, potentially leading to chronic health issues, including mental health disorders and increased mortality rates. Additionally, substance abuse can impair cognitive development and decision-making skills, affecting educational achievements and future employment opportunities.
Gang involvement is another critical risk behavior influenced by socioeconomic disenfranchisement. It offers a false sense of belonging and protection in areas where other social structures have failed (Mihor et al., 2020). This involvement can lead to a cycle of violence, legal issues, and continued socioeconomic marginalization. Lastly, poor academic engagement often results from and contributes to these factors. Lack of interest or performance in school reduces the likelihood of pursuing higher education or vocational training, thereby limiting job prospects and perpetuating the cycles of poverty and disenfranchisement.
These insights are drawn from a variety of sources, including longitudinal studies published in social science and public health journals, reports from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and crime statistics from governmental agencies (Clouston et al., 2021). These sources provide a well-rounded understanding of how early behaviors can predict and influence adult outcomes, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions in adolescent development.
References
Clouston, S. A., Natale, G., & Link, B. G. (2021). Socioeconomic inequalities in the spread of coronavirus-19 in the United States: A examination of the emergence of social inequalities. Social Science & Medicine, 268, 113554.
Mihor, A., Tomsic, S., Zagar, T., Lokar, K., & Zadnik, V. (2020). Socioeconomic inequalities in cancer incidence in Europe: a comprehensive review of population-based epidemiological studies. Radiology and oncology, 54(1), 1-13.
Rocha, R., Atun, R., Massuda, A., Rache, B., Spinola, P., Nunes, L., … & Castro, M. C. (2021). Effect of socioeconomic inequalities and vulnerabilities on health-system preparedness and response to COVID-19 in Brazil: a comprehensive analysis. The Lancet Global Health, 9(6), e782-e792.
