Survey Provides Insight Into Young Blacks’ Views on Health, Social Issues
Youth believe that blacks face many obstacles in society related to health, social and other issues, according to a report released Thursday by the University of Chicago, USA Today reports. For the report, Cathy Cohen, director of the University of Chicago's Black Youth Project, and colleagues surveyed 1,590 young adults ages 15 to 25 in 2005. Participants included 635 blacks, 567 whites, 314 Hispanics and 74 people who were Asian/Pacific Islander, American Indian or an unspecified race. Researchers asked 240 questions during 45-minute telephone interviews. The survey found that:
- 68% of young blacks, 34% of whites and 50% of Hispanics believe the government would do more to find a cure for AIDS if more whites were infected (Jayson, USA Today, 1/31);
- More blacks reported using condoms or other birth control methods than whites or Hispanics;
- More blacks than whites said they opposed abortion but most did not support making it illegal;
- Most blacks reported receiving health care from public clinics rather than private doctors;
- Respondents of all races agreed that sexual education in schools is inadequate and recommended more comprehensive education beyond abstinence, and most wanted condoms distributed in schools.
The Tribune reports that despite "responding to many questions with pessimism" -- especially concerning health care and lack of job security -- respondents remained "optimistic that their lives can make a difference." Cohen said, "We've heard a lot about what politicians and others think about this demographic group, but we wanted to give young people a chance to speak for themselves" (Torriero, Chicago Tribune, 2/1). This is part of the Morning Briefing, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.