Key factors that protect against health risks in youth: Further evidence

Objective: To test the consistency of the findings from the Add Health project that are related to the primary protective / risk factors in adolescents. Methods: Statistical analysis strategies that were similar to the Add Health project were applied to data collected from a representative sample of high school students in a suburban district in the southeast United States. Results: Findings related to family and school contexts, and individual characteristics generally supported those in the Add Health report. Conclusion: Although factors in the larger society may influence health-related behaviors, the importance of parents and schools should not be underestimated. Both play an important role in "immunizing" young people from high risks.