The Moderating Effects of Risk, Protection and Desistance on Violence in Female Adolescents

The major focus of this study was to test the theory driven conceptual model derived from the literature regarding risk, protective and desistance factors in relation to violent behavior of female adolescents. This study utilized The National Longitudinal Adolescent Health Study (Add Health) dataset and included 2,031 female participants. The conceptual model developed was based on life course perspective as it relates to violent behavior in adolescents. The tested SEM model suggested: (1) that each of the latent variables of risk (β = .06, t = .02, p < .001) and protective factors (β = −.07, t = .01, p < .001) were significantly directly associated with violent behavior, (2) the latent variable, desistance factors (β = .01, t = .06, p > .05), was not significantly directly associated with violent behavior, (3) there were mediating effects between risk factors, protective factors and violent behavior (β = −.12, t = .04, p < .05) and (4) there were no mediating effects between risk factors, desistance factors and violent behavior (β = −1.28, t = 2.99, p > .05).     

Risk in childhood family environments and loneliness in college students: Implications for health

Abstract

Objective: To investigate associations between risk in family environments and health-relevant outcomes in college and the role of loneliness. Participants: College students at a state university (N?=?360). Methods: We utilized linear regression to examine relationships between risk in family environments and loneliness, perceived stress, affect, and self-rated health. We tested for indirect effects of risk in family environments on outcomes through loneliness Results: Analyses showed that risk in family environments associated with loneliness (β?=?0.12 t[358]?=?2.22, p = .03, R² change = .02), perceived social stress (β?=?0.20, t[357]?=?3.88, p?<?0.001, R² change = .04), negative and positive affect (β?=?2.44, t[357]?=?3.95, p < .001, R² change = .04), and (β = –0.18 t[357]= –3.44, p = .001, R² change = .03 respectively), and self-rated health (β?=?0.19, t[359]?=?4.57, p < .001, R² change = .10). Significant indirect effects were observed for risk in early family on all outcomes through loneliness. Conclusion: These findings provide initial evidence that risk in childhood family environments may negatively affect health by increasing loneliness in college students.     

Perceptions of Environmental Supports on the Physical Activity Behaviors of University Men and Women: A Preliminary Investigation

Objective To examine perception differences between genders of university sidewalks and safety from crime on the physical activity (PA) behaviors of undergraduate students. Participants Five hundred and sixty undergraduate students participated in this study. Methods The authors derived questions from the South Carolina Environmental Supports for Physical Activity Questionnaire (SCESPAQ) and National College Health Risk Behavior Survey (NCHRS) PA module. Results The authors found a significant mean difference between genders for the Moderate Intensity Item (eg, walking and biking) and the Flexibility Item, t(558) = 3.602, p = .001, and t(558) = 1.946, p = .050, respectively. Of participants surveyed, 30% of women perceived this campus to be extremely safe compared with 49% of men, t(558) = 4.240, p = .001. Gender and the perceptions of sidewalk presence were significantly related (p < .05) to respondents' walking or bicycling patterns. Conclusions Perceptions of sidewalks and safety from crime on this university campus were related to students' PA behaviors.     

The effects of a pedometer-based intervention on first-year university students: A randomized control trial

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To assess the effects of a 12-week pedometer-based intervention on the physical activity behavior, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and psychological well-being of first-year university students. Participants: First-year university students (N = 184) were recruited during September 2012 and randomly assigned to an intervention or a control group. Methods: Intervention participants were provided with a pedometer, monthly tracking logs, and follow-up e-mails. Control participants received no intervention. Physical activity, HRQOL, and psychological well-being were measured at baseline and post intervention. Data were analyzed using multivariate/univariate analysis of variance (MANOVA/ANOVA). Results: All participants experienced an increase in mild physical activity (p < .01) from baseline to follow-up. The intervention failed to produce significant differences between groups for physical activity (p = .28), HRQOL (p = .80), or psychological well-being (p = .72). Psychological well-being (p < .001), vigorous physical activity (p = .04), and mental health status (p < .001) decreased across the duration of the study. Conclusions: More intensive interventions may be required to elicit physical activity behavior change.     

Reducing depression among mothers in a residential treatment setting: building evidence for the PST4PPD intervention

ABSTRACT

Objective

The prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) nearly doubles among low-income mothers in the United States compared to the general population. Problem Solving Therapy (PST) is an effective treatment for populations of low-income women and more accessible than costly, long term interventions. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of implementing a problem-solving-focused intervention originally designed for home visits. Method: This study was conducted in a residential treatment facility (RTF). A chemical dependency counselor delivered the 5-session intervention named “PST4PPD”. A one-group pretest/posttest design was adopted. The standardized tools: Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used to assess depressive symptoms. The New General Self-Efficacy Scale (NGSE) was used to measure self-efficacy. Results: Among the 41 eligible women, 90% (n = 37) completed the intervention. The research found statistically significant decreases in depression (EPDS t(36) = 6.70, p <.001; PHQ-9 t(36) = 4.67, p <.001) and increases in self-efficacy (NGSE t(36) = ?2.41, p =.02). Conclusions: This pilot study finds positive results and feasibility of “PST4PPD”, a community-based, affordable intervention to lower symptoms of postpartum depression. Recommendations for future research and practice, including suggestions for engaging and retaining low-income mothers in PPD interventions, are discussed.     

Biochemical markers of bone metabolism in healthy elderly men. The relationship to physical activity

The purpose of the present study was to examine the serum levels of bone turnover markers and interleukin 1β in healthy elderly men with different levels of habitual physical activity. The study was conducted on 40 healthy men aged between 65 and 85 years (mean 74.0?±?7.55 years). The study population was divided into two groups with respect to the level of physical activity: 22 less active subjects (energy expenditure related to physical activity below 1600?kcal per week) and 18 more active subjects (above 1600?kcal per week). To estimate the physical activity of the study population, weekly energy expenditure was measured in each subject with use of Caltrac accelerometer. In the blood serum levels of bone formation marker – osteocalcin and resorption marker – the C-terminal telopeptide of collagen I (ICTP), and interleukin-1β were determined. Concentrations of osteocalcin and ICTP in less active subjects were significantly higher (by 3.62?ng/ml and by 1.21?μg/l respectively, p?<?0.05), reflecting the higher bone turnover in comparison to values determined in more active subjects. Positive correlations between ICTP and osteocalcin levels (r?=?0.5814 and r?=?0.6526; p?<?0.05), and between ICTP and IL-1β (r?=?0.5823 and r =?0.6040; p?<?0.05) in less and more active men were found. On the ground of the presented study it can be concluded that the decreased bone turnover occurred in men with higher level of habitual physical activity. This study showed the relationship between serum level of IL-1β and bone resorption but the habitual physical activity has no effect on this cytokine activity.     

Quality indicator survey versus traditional survey in New York State: a comparison of results from annual nursing home surveys

Despite the passage of OBRA’87 for nursing home reform, concerns about care in facilities continue. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid developed new regulations and the Traditional Survey (TS) process for annual nursing home survey. The survey is conducted by state regional offices to determine facility compliance with federal regulations. Despite the regulations and new survey process, the TS inconsistently identified problems. A computerized process called the Quality Indicator Survey (QIS) was subsequently developed. This study was designed to compare results from TS and QIS on overall deficiencies, select quality indicators, high-severity deficiencies, and severity differences of seven quality indicators in New York State over a 6-year period from 2010 through 2015. Results of t-tests determined a significant difference in the overall mean number of deficiencies (p < .001), and on four indicators: choices (p < .001), nursing staff (p < .001), dental (p < .001), and dignity (p < .05). Facilities using the TS showed a higher mean number of harm level or higher deficiencies (p < .001). Chi-square tests for severity levels showed significantly more higher severity deficiencies on two quality indicators: nutrition (p < 0.001) and hydration (p < 0.05). Thus, the QIS produced a greater mean number of deficiencies, while TS produced more higher severity deficiencies in New York State.     

Top–Down Eco-Systems of Social Bonding on Juvenile Violent Behavior: Gender Sensitive Analysis

The aim of this study is to test a multifaceted model across gender, consisting of bonding systems in relation to violent behaviors of youth and explaining the relationships among them. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health in 2006 was the source of data. This paper reports findings of a study examining gender-sensitive models with adolescent violent behavior, by testing multiple bonding systems in the adolescents’ environment simultaneously with use of (1) bi-variate statistical test, (2) t test, and (3) estimation of the structural equation modeling among all the concepts of violent behavior and bonding systems for the whole juvenile sample and separated sample of male and female juveniles. Both peer bonding and school bonding have an effect in decreasing violent behavior of both male and female youth. However, some different bonding systems were found to be effective only for a certain gender, community bonding for male youths and parental bonding for female youths. The satisfactory model fit was confirmed with whole, male-only, and female-only samples, along with new findings of several male-only and one female-only significant causal linkage among bonding systems.     

The relationship between binge drinking and prosocial bystander behavior among college men

Abstract

Objectives: This study prospectively examined binge drinking’s effect on prosocial bystander behavior and indicators of bystander behavior: intentions to intervene, self-efficacy to intervene, and positive outcome expectancies for intervening. Participants: College men were recruited from February to April 2010. Methods: Pre- and posttest surveys were administered as part of a randomized controlled trial (n?=?743). Potential confounders were identified using Pearson product-moment correlations. Controlling for covariates, multiple linear regression was used to examine whether binge drinking was predictive of prosocial bystander behavior and indicators of bystander behavior. Results: Binge drinking was related to lower bystander behavior (p<.05), lower intentions to intervene (p<.001), and less positive outcome expectancies for intervening (p<.05). Conclusions: Binge drinking may reduce the ability to notice a risk situation and intervene as a prosocial bystander. Results highlight the need for bystander programs to address alcohol use within the context of bystander behavior.     

Development,Implementation, and Evaluation of a Comprehensive Course on Suicide in a Master’s of Social Work Program

ABSTRACT

Most master of social work (MSW) programs provide minimal education or training on suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention despite that the majority of social workers encounter suicidal clients during their professional careers. This study describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a course on suicide in an MSW program. Changes in student suicide-related knowledge, confidence, and preparedness were evaluated using a pre/post design. We found statistically significant increases in knowledge (t [df = 21] = 4.79; p < .001), confidence (t [df = 17] = 8.55; p < .001), and preparedness (t [df = 20] = 7.28; p < .001) from pretest to posttest. Knowledge, confidence, and preparedness were significantly positively correlated, indicating that confidence and preparedness did not increase without a corresponding increase in knowledge. Given the prevalence of suicide and the frequency with which social workers serve populations affected by suicide, it is critical that MSW programs provide effective training on understanding suicide.     

School bullying and health-related quality of life in Chinese school-aged children and adolescents

To explore the association between bullying and HRQoL among Chinese school-aged children and adolescents utilizing a cross-sectional survey design. Bivariate associations were used to determine the correlation between the experience of bullying and lower HRQoL, and multivariate logistic regressions were evaluated. A total of 2,155 participants, 32.57%, reported experiencing bullying: traditional bullying, 27.80% (n = 599) (β = −3.55, p < .001, SE = 0.41), and cyberbullying, 7.47% (n = 161) (β = −2.50, p < .001, SE = 0.71). The degree of traditional bullying (β = −10.28, p < .001, SE = 1.19) was negatively significantly associated with HRQoL. Other determinants of the impact of the bullying in this cohort were the children's school performance and their relationship with parents, teachers and classmates.     

Psychiatric,Family, and Ethnicity-Related Factors That Can Impact Treatment Utilization Among Hispanic Substance Abusing Adolescents

SUMMARY

There is great significance to improving our understanding of predictors of treatment utilization among Hispanic substance abusing youth. One hundred and ten Hispanic substance abusing adolescents and their parents participated in a study of treatment utilization. Analyses showed that adolescents with lower numbers of externalizing disorders (χ² = 4.18, df = 1, p < .05) and parents with better parenting strategies (χ² = 8.73, df = 2, p < .05), predicted overall treatment utilization (residential + outpatient). Better parenting practices and higher parental years in the U.S. predicted more utilization of outpatient services and lower parenting stress predicted more utilization of residential services. Without specialized engagement strategies, adolescents and families most in need may be the least likely to engage in recommended treatment.     

The Efficacy of a Modified Theory of Reasoned Action to Explain Gambling Behavior in College Students

Recently, Thrasher et al. (College Student Affairs Journal 27(1): 57–75, 2007) explored the efficacy of the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA; Ajzen and Fishbein, Attitudes, personality, and behavior, 1980) in explaining gambling behavior of college students. However, their study found the TRA only predicted small amounts of variance in gambling intentions. Heeding their call to enhance the efficacy of the TRA through the addition of explanatory variables to the model, the present study incorporated gambling motivations and locus of control as moderating variables within the TRA to test the potential of a modified TRA in explaining gambling behavior of college students. A total of 345 students at a major metropolitan research university in the Midwest volunteered to participate in the study. A series of hierarchical linear regressions indicated intrinsic motivation to accomplish (p = .002) significantly moderated the relationship between gambling attitudes and gambling intentions. Further, internal locus of control (p < .001), chance locus of control (p < .001), and powerful others locus of control (p < .001) also significantly moderated the relationship between gambling attitudes and gambling intentions. The significant impact of the moderating variables on the relationship between gambling attitudes and intentions suggests intrinsic motivation and locus of control can alter the impact of the relationship between gambling attitudes and gambling intentions.     

Importance of Self-Forgiveness and Social Support in Potentially Reducing Loneliness in Men Who Have Sex with Men

Abstract

Higher levels of loneliness in men who have sex with men (MSM) are associated with negative outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and sexual impulsivity. By identifying what may reduce loneliness in MSM, counselors and public health professionals can alleviate the distress of their clients. A significant hierarchical multiple regression controlling for relationship status, F(9, 105)?=?16.36, p?<?0.001, R² = .62, indicated that higher levels of self-forgiveness (β?=??.19, p?=?.04) and perceived social support (β?=??.49, p?<?.001) predicted lower levels of loneliness in MSM. Implications and limitations are discussed.     

Associations Between Sexual Abuse and Negative Health Consequences Among High-Risk Men Who Have Sex with Men

This study evaluated whether a history of sexual abuse could differentiate negative health consequences among men who have sex with men (MSM; N = 148) enrolled in a risk counseling program. More than half (51.4%) reported an experience of sexual abuse. A history of sexual abuse was associated with increased psychological distress, increased rates of alcohol (AOR = 2.91; p <.01) and/or drug abuse (AOR = 2; p <.01) treatment, increased risk of housing instability (AOR = 2.13; p <.05), and increased risk for suicidality (AOR = 4.3; p <.001). Findings demonstrate that screening for sexual abuse may be useful in determining the service needs of high-risk MSM.     

The Effects of Modeling and Experience on Young Children's Persistence at a Gambling Game

Gambling is common among children and adolescents, but Hide is known about factors initiating or maintaining this behavior. Fifty-one male and 51 female kindergarten and first grade children were invited to play a game involving repeated opportunities to select colored chips from a cup while blindfolded. Children playing for tangible incentives elected to play longer than those who were not (p < .001). Seeing a videotaped model win or fail to win a large prize had no effect on persistence with the game. Playing again one week later, children playing for incentives exhibited a more successful strategy, quitting sooner (p < .04) and with more winnings (p < .03). The parameters of experiential versus observational learning are discussed, with implications for educating children about risk-taking.     

Campus Walkability,Pedometer-Determined Steps,and Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity: A Comparison of 2 University Campuses

Objective and Participants: At 2 Arizona State University (ASU) campuses, the authors measured student activity and distance walked on campus, as well as student-reported walkability around the student union. Methods: Students from ASU-Polytechnic (n = 20, 33% male) and ASU-Tempe (n = 20, 60% male) recorded distance walked on campus and wore physical activity monitors for 5 days. Results: Polytechnic students spent an average of 36.9 minutes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity each week; Tempe students spent 69.5 minutes (p < .001). At Polytechnic, students walked an average of 7,674 steps per weekday; at Tempe, 11,294 steps (p = .003). Female students at Polytechnic walked an average of 1.3 km/d; at Tempe, 4.3 km/d (p < .001). At Polytechnic, men walked an average of 1.4 km/d; at Tempe, 3.1 km/d (p = .03). Tempe students rated campus walk-ability as very good, whereas Polytechnic students rated it fair (p < .001). Conclusions: Students at both campuses met activity recommendations; noted differences may be attributed to the built environment's contribution to walkability.     

The Relationship Among the Material Welfare,Maternity, and Marital Status of Women in the State of Georgia

Childbearing among unmarried women has been the subject of intense public health debate for decades, reflecting concerns about the impact on family structure and the economic security of born children. This report analyzes 2007 data from the OASIS, the website of the Division of Public Health of the Georgia Department of Community Health. Significant inverse correlations were recorded among the counties' median household income on one side and birth rate (r = –.239, p < .01), percentage of all births from unmarried mothers (r = –.679, p < .001), and percentage of all births from mothers with less than a 12th-grade education (r = –.488, p < .001). We believe that creating a network of maternity education and support programs across the state of Georgia that works under centralized supervision from a maternity committee could help alleviate the negative effect of median household income on nonmarital birth and decrease regional disparities related to nonmarital births.     

Predictors of well-being among college students

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Identification of health-related risk behaviors associated with well-being in college students is essential to guide the development of health promotion strategies for this population. The purposes were to evaluate well-being among undergraduate students and to identify health-related risk behaviors that predict well-being in this population. Methods: A cross-sectional Web-based survey of undergraduate students was conducted at a metropolitan university in the Southeast United States. A total of 568 students responded (response rate 14.2%). Data were collected on health-related risk behaviors using the National College Health Assessment II. Results: Controlling demographic characteristics, the best predictive model included physical activity, current tobacco user, depression, ever received mental health services, and sleep quality, which was the strongest predictor (β = .45, p < .001). This model explained 35% of the variance in well-being. Conclusions: Interventions that promote sleep quality among college students may be most beneficial in improving well-being.     

Insulin-like growth factor-1 is a mediator of age-related decline of bone health status in men

Abstract

Objective: The role of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in bone health in men is debatable. This study aimed to determine whether IGF-1 is a mediator in age-related decline of bone health status measured by calcaneal speed of sound (SOS) in Malaysian men.

Methods: The study recruited 279 Chinese and Malay men. Their demographic data, weight, height, calcaneal SOS were taken and fasting blood was collected for total testosterone, sex-hormone binding globulin and IGF-1 assays. The associations between the studied variables were assessed using multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis. Mediator analysis was performed using Sobel test.

Results: There was a significant and parallel decrease of IGF-1 and SOS with age (p?<?0.05). Serum IGF-1 was significantly and positively associated with SOS (p < 0.05) but after further adjustment for age, the significance was lost (p?>?0.05). The strength of the association between age and SOS decreased after adjusting for IGF-1 level but it remained significant (p?<?0.05). Sobel test revealed that IGF-1 was a significant partial mediator in the relationship between age and SOS (z?=??4.3).

Conclusion: Serum IGF-1 is a partial mediator in the age-related decline of bone health in men as determined by calcaneal ultrasound. A prospective study should be performed to validate this relationship.