College mentors: A view from the inside of an intervention to promote health behaviors and prevent obesity among low-income, urban, african american adolescents

Maureen M. Black, Sonia S. Arteaga, Jo Ann Sanders, Erin R. Hager, Jean A. Anliker, Joel Gittelsohn, Yan Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

This article examined the views of college mentors who administered Challenge!-a home-and community-based health promotion/overweight prevention intervention that effectively reduced the progression to overweight among African American adolescents. In-depth qualitative interviews among 17 mentors (81%) conducted 1 year following the intervention yielded four primary findings: (a) the importance of a strong mentor-mentee relationship often extending beyond the issues of diet and physical activity, (b) concern at the adversities the adolescents faced (e.g., poverty and household instability); (c) the personal impact of the mentoring process on the mentors' own dietary and physical activity behavior and career choices; and (d) recommendations regarding subsequent mentoring programs. In summary, college students are a valuable resource as mentors for low-income, African American adolescents and provide insights into the success of health promotion/overweight prevention interventions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)238-244
Number of pages7
JournalHealth promotion practice
Volume13
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2012

Keywords

  • African American
  • adolescent
  • college mentors
  • health promotion
  • obesity
  • overweight prevention

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Nursing (miscellaneous)

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