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Ramey HL, Lawford HL, Berardini Y, Mahdy SS, Khanna N, Ross MD, von Hugo TK. Safer spaces in youth development programs and health in Canadian youth. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:daad166. [PMID: 38091620 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daad166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Engagement in youth programs is a potential means to promote health and well-being across populations of young people. Safer spaces in these youth programs are likely critical in fostering positive health outcomes, but current research on the links between safer spaces and health is limited. In this exploratory study, we examined links between program safety in youth development programs and minoritized status, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychosomatic health complaints. Participants (N = 282; Mean age = 16.97 years; SD = 2.97) self-identified across various minority status groups, including LGBTQ (30%) and a range of perceived income levels. We tested a statistical model in which safer spaces, LGBTQ status and perceived income predicted HRQoL and health complaints in youth development program participants. LGBTQ status and lower perceived income were related to lower HRQoL and more health complaints, and safer space in youth development programs was related to better HRQoL. We also found an interaction effect, such that safer spaces in youth programs appeared to be especially beneficial for HRQoL for youth with higher incomes. Findings reinforce past research on LGBTQ status and income as factors for youth wellness and mental health. Findings also suggest that perceived safer spaces in youth development programs support better HRQoL and lower health complaints, across populations of participating youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather L Ramey
- Child & Youth Studies Department, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, Ontario, L2S 3A1, Canada
- Students Commission of Canada, 23 Isabella Street, Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 1M7, Canada
| | - Heather L Lawford
- Students Commission of Canada, 23 Isabella Street, Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 1M7, Canada
- Psychology Department, Bishop's University, 2600 College, Sherbrooke, Québec, J1M 1Z7, Canada
| | - Yana Berardini
- Students Commission of Canada, 23 Isabella Street, Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 1M7, Canada
- Department of Child & Youth Studies, Trent University, 55 Thornton Rd S, Oshawa, Ontario, L1J 5Y1, Canada
| | - Sharif S Mahdy
- The Students Commission of Canada, 23 Isabella Street, Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 1M7, Canada
| | - Nishad Khanna
- The Students Commission of Canada, 23 Isabella Street, Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 1M7, Canada
| | - Madeleine D Ross
- The Students Commission of Canada, 23 Isabella Street, Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 1M7, Canada
| | - Tonia K von Hugo
- Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario, N1G 2W1, Canada
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