Omar, Yozwiak Among Presenters at International Conference on Youth Development in Hong Kong

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 22, 2012) - Dr. Hatim Omar and Dr. John Yozwiak traveled to Hong Kong in May to participate in the International Conference on Youth Development in the Global Context.

The conference is a product of the collaboration among institutions -- including the University of Kentucky College of Medicine -- that developed the PATHS project, a program funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, which denotes, "Positive Adolescent Training through Holistic Social Programmes."

Omar, chief of the Division of Adolescent Medicine and professor of pediatrics and obstetrics/gynecology in the UK College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, presented a paper titled, "Adolescent Risk Behavior in the U.S. -- Phenomena and Solutions." The discussion focused on the increased incidents of accidents, homicides and suicides in adolescents that result from risk-taking behavior as well as prevention and treatment strategies.

Yozwiak, assistant professor in the Division of Adolescent Medicine in the UK College of Medicine's Department of Pediatrics, presented a paper, "Suicide and Suicidal Ideation Among College Students - Prevalence and Intervention." The discussion focused on the prevalence data for suicidal thoughts and suicidal behavior among college students, as well as associated risk factors.

Also presenting at the conference were Dr. Joav Merrick and Dr. Daniel Shek, both voluntary/adjunct faculty from the UK Division of Adolescent Medicine, that also serve on the PATHS project.

The conference was part of the Hong Kong Jockey Club's Youth Enhancement program, providing a platform for both local and international experts to explore youth development issues across the world. The club's program helps adolescent students deal with detrimental issues, explore their potential, and develop positive values.