Marginal methods for clustered longitudinal binary data with incomplete covariates

Many analyses for incomplete longitudinal data are directed to examining the impact of covariates on the marginal mean responses. We consider the setting in which longitudinal responses are collected from individuals nested within clusters. We discuss methods for assessing covariate effects on the mean and association parameters when covariates are incompletely observed. Weighted first and second order estimating equations are constructed to obtain consistent estimates of mean and association parameters when covariates are missing at random. Empirical studies demonstrate that estimators from the proposed method have negligible finite sample biases in moderate samples. An application to the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) Uniform Data Set (UDS) demonstrates the utility of the proposed method.     

生态投资柳暗花明——绿色能源堪比当年的网络通信技术

近年来,非传统能源（如风能、太阳能等）工业得到了繁荣发展。但随着金融危机的加剧,全球经济持续低迷,股票市场动荡不安,原本被普遍看好的非传统能源股也难逃跌价的厄运。那么,当前的市场环境究竟会对生态投资领域造成怎样的影响呢？     

Comparisons of Gambling and Alcohol Use Among College Students and Noncollege Young People in the United States

Abstract

Objective: Gambling and alcohol use were compared for college and noncollege young adults in the US population. Participants: Participants were 1,000 respondents aged 18 to 21. Methods: Data were analyzed from a representative household sample of US young people aged 14 to 21 years old. Telephone interviews were conducted between August 2005 and January 2007. Results: After taking into account gender, age, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status, college student status did not predict gambling, frequent gambling, or problem gambling. In contrast, being a college student was associated with higher levels of alcohol use and problem drinking. Being male was the strongest predictor of both problem gambling and problem drinking. Blacks were less likely than whites to drink heavily; yet they were more likely than whites to gamble heavily. Conclusion: Young males should be targeted for prevention and intervention efforts for both problem gambling and problem drinking regardless of college student status.     

Mental Health on the Campus Revisited

Abstract

The author briefly reviews Mental Health on the Campus: A Field Study, published in 1973, noting areas of consensus and points of tension or disagreement that were reported in that study. He then assesses the extent to which the current state of mental health on the campus is an echo of that report. These comparisons form the basis for anticipating the probable direction of future developments in campus mental health. The areas and issues considered include the increased diversity of the student body, the stable incidence of psychotic disorders, the increased prevalence of gender-related diagnoses such as sexual abuse and eating disorders, the continuing financial pressures bearing on campus mental health programs, and the forms of care and treatment that fiscal and other circumstances are imposing. The author concludes that although the resources available and the particular challenges that are faced may have changed, the traditional goals of a campus mental health program, as articulated 75 years ago when the American College Health Association was founded, remain valid, even if they are difficult to attain.     

Nonmedication Treatments for Adult ADHD: Evaluating Impact on Daily Functioning and Well-Being

Abstract

Professor J. Russell Ramsey has written a short book aimed at practicing mental health clinicians, describing various non-medication approaches to the treatment of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It includes a variety of strategies, some of which are validated and others of which are currently being developed but do not yet demonstrate effectiveness, alongside the documented effectiveness of medications for the treatment of core symptoms of ADHD, especially inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. He includes an up-to-date bibliography and critical evaluations of effectiveness for each treatment, especially functional outcomes. Given the high rate of postsecondary students with ADHD, the book should be helpful for college health professionals who are trying to assist such students.     

Students Left Behind: The Limitations of University-Based Health Insurance for Students With Mental Illnesses

Abstract

A growing trend in college and university health care is the requirement that students demonstrate proof of health insurance prior to enrollment. An increasing number of schools are contracting with insurance companies to provide students with school-based options for health insurance. Although this is advantageous to students in some ways, tying health insurance coverage to school enrollment can leave students vulnerable when they are most in need of help. Students whose health insurance is contingent upon their enrollment face significant lapses in coverage when they are required to leave school. This is especially challenging for students with mental illnesses whose treatment needs often go unmet in the absence of that coverage. The limitations in this system must be addressed as an increasing number of universities and students opt for university-based health insurance plans.     

Medication Abortion Within a Student Health Care Clinic: A Review of the First 46 Consecutive Cases

Abstract

Objective: Medication abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol has been available in the United States since 2000. The authors reviewed the first 46 medication abortion cases conducted at a university-based student health care clinic to determine the safety and feasibility of medication abortion in this type of clinical setting. Participants: Female patients presenting for medication abortion at a student health care clinic between October 1, 2006, and April 1, 2009. Methods: Retrospective consecutive case review. Results: Successful completion not requiring uterine aspiration occurred in 85% of the cases that were not lost to follow-up. Six cases (15%) required uterine aspiration for completion: 3 underwent uterine aspiration only; 3 had aspiration after failing an additional dose of misoprostol. Only 1 patient visited the emergency room. There were no hospitalizations. Conclusions: Medication abortion services in a student health care clinic are safe and feasible. However, additional treatment may be required with some patients.     

Overloaded and overlooked: Improving resident advisors' self-care

ABSTRACT

Objective: The purpose of this viewpoint is to discuss the lack of research on resident advisor (RA) self-care and how behavioral interventions can be used in housing programs to educate and improve RA self-care. It is essential for live-in housing staff (both professional and paraprofessional) to learn how to develop appropriate strategies that target problem behaviors to improve self-care. An overview of the RA position, the effects of increased demands (i.e., burnout), and the research on self-care behavioral interventions are discussed. Lastly, the call to use behavioral interventions within housing programs to educate RAs on self-care awareness and improve and monitor their health behaviors to prevent burnout and psychological distress is provided.