Search

Well-being is defined as the multi-dimensional experience of positive emotions, as well as life satisfaction, autonomy, and purpose. This scoping review examines the impact of musical practices on the well-being of incarcerated individuals and uniquely contributes to the literature by focusing on the relationship between music and power in carceral settings and by expounding on the ways in which musical practices both facilitate and inhibit experiences of well-being. Our review contributes to this body of literature by proposing three distinct ways musical practices may affect well-being: (1) Musical Practices and Psychological Outcomes, (2) Musical Practices and Identity Formation and (3) Musical Practices and Power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rates of alcohol and/or substance use (ASU) among residents of predominantly Black and marginalized communities are similar to ASU rates in White communities. Yet ASU has worse consequences in predominantly Black and marginalized communities (e.g., higher incarceration). Objective: We randomized participants to one of 16 intervention conditions using a 24 full factorial design to optimize a multilevel intervention reducing ASU among 602 formerly incarcerated men with substance-use-disorders (SUD). Candidate intervention components included (1) critical dialogue (CD; six weekly 2-hour-long group sessions vs. no CD sessions), (2) Quality of Life Wheel (QLW; six weekly 1-hour-long group sessions vs. no QLW sessions), (3) capacity building projects (CBP; six weekly 1-hour-long group sessions vs. no CBP sessions), and (4) delivery by a trained peer versus licensed facilitators. Outcome was percentage of days in which participants used alcohol, cocaine, opioid, and/or cannabis in previous 30 days. Results: Intent-to-treat analysis did not meet a priori component selection criteria due to low intervention attendance. After controlling for intervention group attendance (percentage of sessions attended), peer-delivered CD and CBP produced statistically and clinically significant main and interaction effects in ASU over 5 months. Per the multiphase optimization strategy framework, we selected peer-delivered CD and CBP for inclusion as the optimized version of the intervention with a cost of US$1,380 per 10 individuals. No adverse intervention effects occurred. Conclusion: CD and CBP were identified as the only potentially effective intervention components. Future research will examine strategies to improve attendance and test the optimized intervention against standard of care in a randomized-controlled-trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This intervention study uses community-based participatory research (CBPR) and longitudinal design to examine changes in COVID-19 prevention knowledge over time (3 time points) among racially minoritized participants (n = 38). The intervention comprised critical dialogues alongside an illustration used to engage participants in conversations about socioeconomic conditions affecting acquisition of COVID-19 knowledge. Quantitative data showed that COVID-19 prevention knowledge was higher for participants who completed the intervention. Qualitative data were used to illustrate the context under which participants experienced COVID-19 pandemic, how they received COVID-19 prevention information, and how they engaged in decision-making around COVID-19 protective behaviors. Contributions to mixed method research: The combination of CBPR, repeated measures, and critical dialogues (with and art form) in intervention research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The United States envisions a 90% reduction in HIV infections by 2030. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the HIV continuum and disproportionately affected access to social and health services for people at the highest vulnerability. This study shows how stakeholders in the State of Michigan handled disruptions and their key recommendations. As a case study, this study adds to the literature about preparedness for future pandemics. Methods: We interviewed 33 statewide Michigan HIV/AIDS Council members—practitioners, researchers, and community representatives, guiding service planning, improvement, and resource allocations, measuring group cohesiveness using a tested scale. We measured group cohesiveness as a proxy for how individual opinions reflected those of the Council as a group. We used qualitative questions to assess: (1) how the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted HIV prevention; (2) how disruptions were handled; and (3) recommendation to help address disruptions now and in the future. Using thematic analysis, we coded the interviews. Results: We found a high degree of cohesiveness. Participants agreed that the pandemic disrupted HIV prevention services (e.g., HIV testing, PrEP education, referrals to primary care, etcetera) offered by community organizations, hospital clinics, and health departments across the state. In response, they developed online and curbside services to maintain HIV services, abate social isolation, and address structural issues like lack of food and public transportation. We organized results in four categories: (1) HIV service disruptions (e.g., "Housing for women and children who are fleeing a legal situation"); (2) Responses to disruptions (e.g., "Some of them, we would say, hey, weather permitting, we'll come out to your car"); (3) Minoritized groups disproportionately affected (e.g., "Especially in my community, to get people if there's ever a vaccine, Black people are going to be the last people to take it"); and (4) Recommendations (below). Conclusions: The pandemic unsettled and further exacerbated every aspect of HIV service provision. The main recommendation was to overhaul communication systems between government and organizations offering HIV services to mitigate disruptions and improve the chances of achieving a 90% reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Language barriers negatively affect access to social services, particularly for D/deaf populations who use Sign Language. "D/deaf" is used to encompass both the cultural conception of capital-D Deafness and the medical conception of lowercase-d deafness. Language translation/interpretation is a common need among practitioners of social, legal, medical, and public health services, all ethically bound to offer culturally sensitive services to D/deaf populations. Practitioners who speak languages other than English are often called to act as translators/interpreters, even when they are not trained to do so. Those who are monolingual often partner with trained interpreters. However, seldom are practitioners trained in issues concerning language translation/interpretation practice. This teaching note provides didactic material to help educate social workers to overcome communication barriers and better help D/deaf populations access services. We highlight unique issues concerning Sign Language interpretation and present case illustrations. We propose curricular content that may be offered as a supplement to myriad social work practice classes. Recommendations for practice and research are also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovative methodological frameworks are needed in intervention science to increase efficiency, potency, and community adoption of behavioral health interventions, as it currently takes 17 years and millions of dollars to test and disseminate interventions. The multiphase optimization strategy (MOST) for developing behavioral interventions was designed to optimize efficiency, efficacy, and sustainability, while community-based participatory research (CBPR) engages community members in all research steps. Classical approaches for developing behavioral interventions include testing against control interventions in randomized controlled trials. MOST adds an optimization phase to assess performance of individual intervention components and their interactions on outcomes. This information is used to engineer interventions that meet specific optimization criteria focused on effectiveness, cost, or time. Combining CBPR and MOST facilitates development of behavioral interventions that effectively address complex health challenges, are acceptable to communities, and sustainable by maximizing resources, building community capacity and acceptance. Herein, we present a case study to illustrate the value of combining MOST and CBPR to optimize a multilevel intervention for reducing substance misuse among formerly incarcerated men, for under $250 per person. This integration merged experiential and cutting-edge scientific knowledge and methods, built community capacity, and promoted the development of efficient interventions. Integrating CBPR and MOST principles yielded a framework of intervention development/testing that is more efficient, faster, cheaper, and rigorous than traditional stage models. Combining MOST and CBPR addressed significant intervention science gaps and speeds up testing and implementation of interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the COVID-19 pandemic disrupts HIV continuum of care and prevention. Topics include the time shelter-in-place orders has accelerated, community-based organizations (CBOs) have closed, the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the HIV Continuum of Care and Prevention, and the pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and primary care and propose a course of action so that we may end the HIV epidemic in this decade.

The first steps of the HIV care continuum include patients finding access to HIV testing and primary care. Psychosocial providers ("providers"), such as social workers, health educators, and outreach workers comprise a workforce tasked with linking patients to HIV testing and primary care. This study examines longitudinal associations between provider- and organization-level factors and linkage to HIV testing and primary care. The sample included 245 providers in 36 agencies in New York City. We used longitudinal data (baseline and 12- and 24-months follow-ups) and multilevel ordinal logistic regression to examine associations between factors distributed in three theoretical socioecological domains: individual (demographic and HIV training characteristics); relationship (interprofessional collaboration); and agency (size and capacity), and frequency of HIV testing and primary care linkages. Approximately 30% of providers linked 20 or more patients to HIV testing or HIV primary care in the previous six months. Providers' higher endorsement of interprofessional collaboration at 12 months, formal HIV training, younger age, and Latinx ethnicity had higher odds of making more linkages to HIV testing and HIV primary care at 24 months. Training providers in interprofessional collaboration principles and practice and basic HIV knowledge may improve the frequency of linkages to HIV care continuum services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Low levels of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) uptake continue among the most vulnerable (e.g., men who have sex with men) for HIV exposure in the USA. Providers of social and public health services ("psychosocial providers") can help improve this situation by educating patients about PrEP before linking them to primary care providers (PCPs).Objective: To identify predictors of psychosocial providers offering PrEP education to patients vulnerable to HIV infection by determining the frequency with which psychosocial providers offer PrEP education to patients.Design: Longitudinal overview of PrEP implementation in New York City.Participants: Psychosocial providers of HIV prevention and adjunct treatment services, such as medication adherence counseling in 34 community settings.Main Measures: Longitudinal survey data collected in 2014-2016 (baseline) and 2015-2017 (1-year follow-up) from a 5-year longitudinal repeated measures study. Logistic regression modeling tested associations between baseline psychosocial provider-level and organization-level characteristics and frequency of PrEP education at baseline and 1-year follow-up.Key Results: Out of 245 participants, the number of psychosocial providers offering PrEP education at least once in the past 6 months increased significantly from baseline (n = 127, 51.8%) to 1-year follow-up (n = 161, 65.7%). Participants with higher odds of offering PrEP education at baseline and at one1-year follow-up were more likely to have reported high levels of interprofessional collaboration (IPC) and were also more likely to have received formal HIV prevention training.Conclusions: Both IPC and HIV training are predictive of PrEP education, and this association was maintained over time. We recommend expanding educational outreach efforts to psychosocial providers to further improve PrEP education and also training in interprofessional collaboration. This is an important first step toward linking patients to PCPs who prescribe PrEP and may help improve PrEP uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This teaching note describes a workshop to help monolingual and multilingual social workers prepare for language interpretation in social work practice. Language barriers negatively affect access to social services across populations in the United States, particularly for immigrant groups with limited English proficiency. Effective language interpretation is a key component of social workers' ethical obligations of informed consent and client comprehension. Although multilingual and multicultural social workers regularly communicate across languages and cultures, language interpretation responsibilities fall disproportionately on multilingual social workers. To address these challenges, this teaching note presents two case illustrations to show how interpretation implicates ethical practice and social justice and to help develop awareness of critical issues related to language interpretation in social work practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To adapt and validate a scale for measuring interprofessional collaboration in HIV prevention and care (IPC-HIV), primary survey data were collected (2012–2017) from 577 HIV service providers in 60 organizations in New York, New Jersey, and Michigan. Cross-sectional training data were used to develop the IPC-HIV scale. The model was validated by fitting the five-factor confirmatory factor-analysis model to a 30-item set. The scale measures five domains with reliable alpha coefficients: Interdependence, Professional Activities, Flexibility, Collective Ownership, and Reflection on Process. Correlations between subscales were significant (p <.05). The strongest correlation was between Reflection on Process and Collective Ownership subscale scores. Mean scores ranged lfrom 4.070 to 4.880, with the highest score for Flexibility across all locations. IPC-HIV is valid and reliable among HIV-prevention and care workers, and is recommended for examining the effect of IPC on patient access to HIV testing and primary care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical trials have demonstrated that preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) protects against HIV infection; yet, even with its approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2012, less than 10% of eligible users in the United States are currently taking PrEP. While there are multiple factors that influence PrEP uptake and pose barriers to PrEP implementation, here we focus on PrEP's cost in the United States, which, at the current list price of $2000 per month and with high levels of cost sharing, can leave insured users with more than $1000 in out-of-pocket costs every year. We discuss how patient deductibles, monthly premiums, copayments, and coinsurance vary widely and may increase the financial burden. Although drug payment-assistance programs have made PrEP more affordable to uninsured and underinsured users, lack of insurance is a barrier to PrEP accessibility. The FDA approved a generic version in 2017; however, that version has not been distributed to US consumers and may not be more affordable. As other countries begin implementing PrEP programs, the extent of PrEP's availability as a tool in the global fight against HIV remains to be seen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methodological limitations in PrEP implementation studies may explain why PrEP implementation is lagging. This methodological review provides a description and critique of the methods used to identify barriers to PrEP implementation in the United States (2007–18). For each selected article, we provide: (1) research questions; (2) measures; (3) design; (4) sample (size and type); and (5) theoretical orientation. Among 79 articles which identified knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral and social/structural barriers to PrEP implementation, 51 (65%) were quantitative; 25 (32%) qualitative; and 3 (4%) were mixed-methods; overall, just one-half described a conceptual approach. About two-thirds of articles were conducted with patients and one-third with healthcare providers. Our review reveals a paucity of longitudinal, mixed-methods, and ethnographic/observational research and guiding theoretical frameworks; thus, the applicability of results are limited. We recommend that interventions aimed at PrEP implementation address barriers situated at multiple ecological domains, and thus improve PrEP access, uptake, and adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The science of implementing evidence-based interventions (EBIs) is being developed in social work and many other disciplines. Particular attention has been paid to whether, when, and how to de-implement an EBI if that intervention turns out to be harmful and/or a more effective/efficient EBI becomes available. Current research focuses on investigating how various environmental-, organizational-, provider-, and client-level factors influence the de-implementation process. Grounded in the HIV prevention field of inquiry and organizational theories, herein, we explore several issues that influence implementation and de-implementation and share key points for further investigation. Recommendations for future research are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of AIDS & Behavior is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began to de‐emphasize and de‐implement multiple evidence‐based HIV prevention practices that had been around for 20 years, thus changing the scope of implementation across the globe. The authors provide evidence how existing interventions (e.g., CDC HIV interventions) may influence implementation of interventions that came after the program was discontinued. De‐implementation is an ecological event that influences, and is influenced by, many parts of a system, for instance, implementation of one type of intervention may influence the implementation of other interventions (biomedical and/or behavioral) after a long‐running program is discontinued. Researchers and policy makers ought to consider how de‐implementation of behavioral interventions is influenced by biomedical interventions mass‐produced by companies with lobbying power. The scientific study of de‐implementation will be inadequate without consideration of the political climate that surrounds de‐implementation of certain types of interventions and the promotion of more‐profitable ones. Highlights: Implementation of one type of intervention (behavioral) influences implementation of other types (biomedical) interventions.The surge of biomedical interventions influenced de‐implementation of behavioral interventions.Political climate and community exclusion from implementation decision‐making may lead to early de‐implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The HIV Continuum of Care is a global priority, yet vulnerable patients face access/retention challenges. Research is missing on the role social and public health service providers can play to help these patients. Using structural equation modeling, we examined the effects of interprofessional collaboration (IPC) and on-the-job training on the frequency of linkages to HIV testing, HIV primary care, and on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) psychoeducation. The sample included 285 New York City providers of social and public health services from 34 agencies. Forty-eight percent of providers had not offered PrEP psychoeducation and linked fewer than five patients to HIV testing and primary care per week. However, in multivariate analysis higher IPC was associated with more linkages and frequent psychoeducation. After adjusting for IPC, linkage training was associated with more frequent services. The influence of specific factors highlights areas for interventions and policies to improve access to the HIV Continuum of Care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many challenges to accessing PrEP and thus low uptake in the United States. This review (2007-2017) of PrEP implementation identified barriers to PrEP and interventions to match those barriers. The final set of articles (n = 47) included content on cognitive aspects of HIV service providers and individuals at risk for infection, reviews, and case studies. Cognitive barriers and interventions regarding patients and providers included knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about PrEP. The “purview paradox” was identified as a key barrier—HIV specialists often do not see HIV-negative patients, while primary care physicians, who often see uninfected patients, are not trained to provide PrEP. Healthcare systems barriers included lack of communication about, funding for, and access to PrEP. The intersection between PrEP-stigma, HIV-stigma, transphobia, homophobia, and disparities across gender, racial, and ethnic groups were identified; but few interventions addressed these barriers. We recommend multilevel interventions targeting barriers at multiple socioecological domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Diffusion of Effective Behavioral Interventions project has disseminated HIV behavioral interventions (EBIs) across the United States since the 1990s. In 2011, the CDC launched the High-Impact HIV Prevention (HIP) project, providing EBIs plus high-impact services (HIV testing, primary care, and support services). Providers (nurses, social workers, educators) are unable to consistently make linkages; thus, numerous at-risk individuals are not benefitting from HIP. Research on providers’ roles in the HIV Continuum of Care—linking clients to HIV testing, primary care, and support services—is lacking. This article helps fill this gap with evidence that providers exposed to EBIs, whose agencies offer EBIs, more frequently link clients to high-impact services. This is based on diffusion of innovations theory, where individuals in social networks influence one another’s adoption of innovations. We hypothesize that providers are exposed to EBIs via training, reading and hearing about EBIs, and/or discussing EBIs with colleagues. We used cross-sectional data from 379 providers from 36 agencies in New York City. We used multilevel ordinal logistic regression models to test associations between provider exposure to EBIs (agency provides EBIs) and frequency of linkages to high-impact services. Providers exposed to greater numbers of EBIs more frequently link clients to HIV, hepatitis C (HEP-C), and sexually transmitted infections testing; to primary care; and to drug treatment and mental health services. Providers link clients most frequently to primary care and HIV testing and least frequently to HEP-C testing and syringe exchange. Findings suggest a dose effect, with exposure to more EBIs resulting in more linkages. Findings show a staged, evidence-based prevention approach that includes exposure to EBIs, leading to providers linking clients to high-impact services. There needs to be emphasis on inspiring providers to engage with high-impact services at the elevated levels needed to end the epidemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Providers of social and public health services ("providers") often use HIV prevention strategies with substance-using clients to decrease HIV transmission and infection. This article examines factors that facilitate providers' use of select HIV-prevention strategies. Sample comprises 379 providers from 36 agencies in New York City.Outcomes: sexual risk assessments; risk reduction counseling; condom demonstration; and referrals to HIV testing.Predictors: training; job satisfaction; staff collaboration. The authors used multilevel logistic regression and linear multilevel models. HIV prevention training was associated with increased performance of each outcome. The odds of conducting several outcomes were higher for providers trained in evidence-based interventions. Staff collaboration and job satisfaction were associated with provision of multiple outcomes. This study shows training and collaboration/satisfaction as significantly influencing providers to use prevention strategies. Providers ought to be trained in multiple modalities, and agencies ought to prioritize collaborative environments that promote job satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health and social service practitioners have not readily incorporated research-based behavioral interventions in HIV prevention practice due to lack of awareness, lack of training, and challenges translating research findings into practice. Practitioners’ involvement in research is associated with their willingness to use research to guide practice. Likewise practitioners’ personal and organizational characteristics have been shown to be associated with use of research findings in practice. Factors associated with practitioners’ use of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) in HIV prevention, however are not well understood. While research involvement has been recommended to help practitioners overcome barriers to the use of EBIs, the types of research involvement that result in practitioners’ actual use of EBIs is not known. This is partly because most studies are either qualitative or quantitative and ignore the voices of practitioners, which can be best unearthed with qualitative research followed by survey research including larger numbers of participants. By using a mixed methods approach, this study fills this gap by showing associations between practitioners’ and organizational characteristics, specific areas of research involvement, and practitioners’ use of EBIs. The use of mixed methods was extremely helpful to integrate in-depth qualitative interview data from practitioners across 10 community-based agencies providing social and health services, with cross-sectional survey data from practitioners across 24 agencies in New York City. We used a sequential approach for data collection and a concurrent approach for data analysis, content analysis of in-depth interviews, and multivariate linear regression analysis. Practitioners who performed research tasks/procedures similar to their professional duties as well as their level of education, knowledge about EBIs, and their agency capacity were all positively associated with HIV evidence–based interventions. Training practitioners in research, engaging practitioners in research tasks that resemble their professional practices, and capacity building within organizations to foster academic-research partnerships could optimize practitioners’ use of EBIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the functional and developmental outcomes in school age children diagnosed with global developmental delay before 2 years old and to verify the association between their final diagnosis and environmental and biological factors. Forty-five Brazilian children (26 boys), mean age 95.84 (7.72) months, who attended regular school and were diagnosed with global developmental delay before they were 2 years old had their functions evaluated. Children with global developmental delay were diagnosed with several conditions at school age. Students with greater chances of receiving a diagnosis were those whose mothers were younger at the time their children were born (OR = 1.47, CI = 1.04-2.09, P = .03), who had impaired motor performance, specially balance (OR = 1.33, CI = 1.01-1.75, P = .04), and who needed help during cognitive and behavioral tasks at school (OR = 1.08, CI = 1.00-1.17, P = .048). Interdisciplinary evaluation contributed to defining the specific diagnosis and to identifying the necessity of specialized support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Practitioners have frequent contact with populations underrepresented in scientific research—ethnic/racial groups, sexual minorities and others at risk for poor health and whose low participation in research does not reflect their representation in the general population. Practitioners aspire to partner with researchers to conduct research that benefits underrepresented groups. However, practitioners are often overlooked as a work force that can help erase inclusion disparities. We recruited (n = 282) practitioners (e.g. physicians, social workers, health educators) to examine associations between their attitudes toward research purposes, risks, benefits and confidentiality and their involvement in recruitment, interviewing and intervention facilitation. Participants worked in community-based agencies in Madrid and New York City (NYC), two large and densely populated cities. We used cross-sectional data and two-sample tests to compare attitudes toward research and practitioner involvement in recruiting, interviewing and facilitating interventions. We fit logistic regression models to assess associations between practitioner attitudes toward ethical practices and recruitment, interviewing and facilitating interventions. The likelihood of recruiting, interviewing and facilitating was more pronounced among practitioners agreeing more strongly with ethical research practices. Though Madrid practitioners reported stronger agreement with ethical research practices, NYC practitioners were more involved in recruiting, interviewing and facilitating interventions. Practitioners can be trained to improve attitudes toward ethical practices and increase inclusion of underrepresented populations in research. Funders and researchers are encouraged to offer opportunities for practitioner involvement by supporting research infrastructure development in local agencies. Practices that promise to facilitate inclusion herein may be used in other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Communities with histories of oppression have shown great resilience, yet few health interventions focus on structural oppression as a contributor to health problems in these communities. This article describes the development and active ingredients of Community Wise, a unique behavioral health intervention designed to reduce substance use frequency, related health risk behaviors, and recidivism among individuals with a history of incarceration and substance abuse residing in distressed and predominantly African American communities. Community Wise, developed through the collaborative efforts of a board of service providers, researchers, consumers, and government officials, is a 12-week group intervention that aims to address behavioral health problems by raising critical consciousness in distressed communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partnerships between HIV researchers and service providers are essential for reducing the gap between research and practice. Community-Based Participatory Research principles guided this cross-sectional study, combining 40 in-depth interviews with surveys of 141 providers in 24 social service agencies in New York City. We generated the Provider-Researcher Partnership Model to account for provider- and agency-level factors’ influence on intentions to form partnerships with researchers. Providers preferred “balanced partnerships” in which researchers and providers allocated research tasks and procedures to reflect diverse knowledge/skill sets. An organizational culture that values research can help enhance providers’ intentions to partner. Providers’ intentions and priorities found in this study may encourage researchers to engage in and policy makers to fund collaborative research. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aims: To examine the relative contribution of providers' professional affiliation (medical vs. non-medical), involvement in research, and training needs for associations with endorsement of the following evidence-based practices (EBPs): (1) pharmacological - buprenorphine treatment and (2) psychosocial - Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Methods: Secondary analysis from a 2008 survey of a national sample ( n = 571) of substance abuse treatment providers (medical, social workers, psychologists and counsellors) affiliated with the United States National Institute on Drug Abuse's National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network. Multivariate linear regression models to analyze cross-sectional survey data. Findings: Results demonstrated that medical providers and providers with previous research involvement more strongly endorsed the effectiveness of buprenorphine over CBT. Compared to medical providers, psychosocial providers more strongly endorsed CBT. There was a positive association between needing training in rapport with patients and endorsement of buprenorphine and a negative association with CBT. There was a positive association between needing training in behavioural management and needs assessment and endorsement of CBT. Conclusions: Results underscore the importance of providers' involvement in research and the need for training medical and non-medical providers in practice areas that can purposely enhance their use of pharmacological and psychosocial EBPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research is lacking about what makes or breaks collaboration between researchers and HIV services providers. This study identified factors that influence providers’ levels of willingness to collaborate in HIV prevention scientific research. Survey measures were grounded in in-depth interview data and included providers’ “willingness to collaborate,” and providers’ attitudes toward researchers’ availability, benefits of research, and agency preparedness. This survey was administered to 141 providers in New York City. A hierarchical regression model showed that providers’ perceptions of researchers’ availability (p < .05), research benefits (p < .001), and agency preparedness (p < .05) were associated with providers’ willingness to engage with researchers to purse HIV prevention research. Findings indicate that researchers need to be socially and professionally available, future HIV research should benefit providers and consumers, and policy makers should help agency settings develop human and financial resources in preparation for research. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study advances Community-based Participatory Research (CBPR) by presenting a set of triangulated procedures (steps and actions) that can facilitate participatory research in myriad international settings. By using procedural triangulation—the combination of specific steps and actions as the basis for the International Participatory Research Framework (IPRF)—our approach can improve the abilities of researchers and practitioners worldwide to systematize the development of research partnerships. The IPRF comprises four recursive steps: (i) contextualizing the host country; (ii) identifying collaborators in the host country; (iii) seeking advice and endorsement from gatekeepers and (iv) matching partners’ expertise, needs and interests. IPRF includes the following sets of recursive participatory actions: (A1) becoming familiar with local languages and culture; (A2) sharing power, ideas, influence and resources; (A3) gathering oral and written information about partners; (A4) establishing realistic expectations and (A5) resolving personal and professional differences. We show how these steps and actions were used recursively to build a partnership to study the roles of community health workers (CHWs) in Brazil's Family Health Program (PSF). The research conducted using IPRF focused on HIV prevention, and it included nearly 200 CHWs. By using the IPRF, our partnership achieved several participatory outcomes: community-defined research aims, capacity for future research and creation of new policies and programs. We engaged CHWs who requested that we study their training needs, and we engaged CHWs’ supervisors who used the data collected to modify CHW training. Data collected from CHWs will form the basis for a grant to test CHW training curricula. Researchers and community partners can now use the IPRF to build partnerships in different international contexts. By triangulating steps and actions, the IPRF advances knowledge about the use of CBPR methods/procedures for international health research. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives. We examined associations between transdisciplinary collaboration, evidence-based practice, and primary care and public health services integration in Brazil's Family Health Strategy. We aimed to identify practices that facilitate service integration and evidence-based practice. Methods. We collected cross-sectional data from community health workers, nurses, and physicians (n = 262). We used structural equation modeling to assess providers' service integration and evidence-based practice engagement operationalized as latent factors. Predictors included endorsement of team meetings, access to and consultations with colleagues, familiarity with community, and previous research experience. Results. Providers' familiarity with community and team meetings positively influenced evidence-based practice engagement and service integration. More experienced providers reported more integration and engagement. Physicians reported less integration than did community health workers. Black providers reported less evidence-based practice engagement than did Pardo (mixed races) providers. After accounting for all variables, evidence-based practice engagement and service integration were moderately correlated. Conclusions. Age and race of providers, transdisciplinary collaboration, and familiarity with the community are significant variables that should inform design and implementation of provider training. Promising practices that facilitate service integration in Brazil may be used in other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Culture, Health & Sexuality is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Medical Education 2010: 44 : 227–235 Objectives Mental problems such as stress, anxiety and depression have been described among medical students and are associated with poor academic and professional performance. It has been speculated that these problems impair students’ quality of life (QoL). The authors aimed to assess the health-related QoL (HRQL) of medical students throughout their 6 years of training at a school with a traditional curriculum. Methods Of a total of 490 students attending our institution’s medical school, 38 were surveyed in February 2006 (incoming Year 1 group, surveyed when students were in the second week of Year 1 classes) and 352 were surveyed in February 2007 (students in Years 1–6). Students self-reported their HRQL and depressive symptoms using the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Comparisons were performed according to year in training, presence of depressive symptoms, gender, living arrangements and correlations with family income. Results The students’ ages ranged from 18 to 31 years (median 22.3 years). Students in Years 2, 3, 4 and 6 had lower scores for mental and physical dimensions of HRQL compared with the incoming Year 1 group ( P < 0.01), with the largest difference observed for Year 3 students. Students with depressive symptoms had lower scores in all domains of the SF-36 ( P < 0.01). Female students had lower HRQL scores than males ( P < 0.01). No differences were observed for students living with versus without family and no correlation with family income was found. Conclusions Major impairments in HRQL were observed among Year 3 students, students with depressive symptoms and women. Medical schools should institute efforts to ensure that students’ HRQL and emotional support are maintained, particularly during critical phases of medical training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community collaboration in research may lead to better methods, results, and dissemination of interventions. Little systematic research has examined specific factors that influence community-based organizations (CBOs) to collaborate in public health research. There is an urgent need to advance knowledge on this topic so that together, researchers and CBOs can minimize barriers to collaboration. This study advances a CBOfocused characterization of collaboration in HIV-prevention research. By focusing on the perspectives of 20 key informants in 10 HIV-prevention CBOs, qualitative data revealed factors that influenced their collaborations in four domains: (a) Researchers' Characteristics (expertise, availability), (b) Collaborative Research Characteristics (ought to improve services and CBO infrastructure); (c) Community Partner-Researcher Relationships (resolving social and professional issues); and (d) Barriers to HIV-Prevention Research Collaboration (cultural and social disconnect between CBO and academia). To reduce barriers, researchers ought to enhance motivators that facilitate collaboration. To use the advantages of community-based research, prevention scientists and policy makers ought to embrace CBOs' characterization of what makes health research genuinely collaborative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

DEBI, or the Diffusion of Effective Behavioral Interventions is the largest centralized effort to diffuse evidence-based prevention science to fight HIV/AIDS in the United States. DEBI seeks to ensure that the most effective science-based prevention interventions are widely implemented across the country in community-based organizations. Thus, this is a particularly timely juncture in which to critically reflect on the extent to which known principles of community collaboration have guided key processes associated with the DEBI rollout. We review the available evidence on how the dissemination of packaged interventions is necessary but not sufficient for ensuring the success of technology transfer. We consider additional principles that are vital for successful technology transfer, which were not central considerations in the rollout of the DEBI initiative. These issues are: (1) community perceptions of a top-down mode of dissemination; (2) the extent to which local innovations are being embraced, bolstered, or eliminated; and (3) contextual and methodological considerations that shape community preparedness. Consideration of these additional factors is necessary in order to effectively document, manage, and advance the science of dissemination and technology transfer in centralized prevention efforts within and outside of HIV/AIDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine what ethnic and racial minority women recommend as the best approaches to participatory health research in their communities. To achieve this goal, this study focused on HIV prevention research. Methods: In 2003, Seven African American and seven Latina women (ages 33 to 52), all members of an HIV Prevention Collaborative Board, participated in individual interviews, lasting about 90 minutes each. Participants discussed their involvement in participatory research, and made recommendations as to how health researchers might better engage their communities. Data were coded independently by two coders following standard procedure for content analysis. Results: Women's voices and expertise can help guide health-related research. This study shows that: (1) participatory HIV prevention research should be founded on trust and commitment, leading to social support: (2) research partners ought to come from diverse backgrounds and be knowledgeable about the community and willing to work on common objectives: and (3) collaborative partnerships ought to portray an image of strength and cohesion, and a clear articulation of the mission around a research project. Implications: To develop meaningful health research, researchers need to establish long-term ongoing relationships with community collaborators, including minority women from diverse backgrounds. Researchers ought to take a holistic approach working with communities, and ought to consider their research interests vis-à-vis in the community's needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As HIV prevention has become more focused on evidence based interventions and service provision for people living with HIV (PLH), providers are faced with challenges engaging and retaining PLH in prevention programs. Lessons learned by intervention facilitators may assist service providers address these challenges. To this end, 12 facilitators of a randomized behavioral intervention, designed to reduce sexual risk among PLH, participated in qualitative feedback groups regarding the challenges engaging and retaining participants and strategies used to overcome barriers. Qualitative methods revealed key components to tailoring prevention programs to successfully engage PLH: making interventions personally relevant, teaching skills that can be applied to participants' life contexts, providing support and consistency, and challenging resistance to sexual behavior change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goals: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the initial Brazilian version of the Child Health Questionnaire(CHQ-PF50) in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy(CP).Methods: The caregivers of 5- to 18-year-old children and adolescents with CP answered the self-administered CHQ-PF50 questionnaire. Data quality, reliability and validity were studied. The Gross Motor Function Measure was used to assess physical function.Results: Ninety-six caregivers answered the questionnaire. Patient age ranged from 5 to 17.9 years (mean: 9.3 years). Missing data rate was low. Floor effect occurred in 3 scales and was substantial for quadriplegia group (63.6-77.3%). Ceiling effect occurred in 9 scales. Reliability was adequate for all scales except for the general health perception scale (Cronbach alpha coefficient = 0.24). The validity was adequate in general, but the role/social limitations-emotional behavioral scale was not satisfactory for discriminant and divergent validity.Conclusion: The initial Brazilian version of the CHQ-PF50 showed, in general, adequate psychometric properties for application in patients with CP. Although floor and ceiling effects are expected in heterogeneous group as a limitation inherent to generic assessment instruments, they must be carefully considered in further studies. The general health perception and role/social limitations-emotional behavioral scale must be further reviewed for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Involving low-income, ethnic minority families in lengthy HIV prevention programs can be challenging. Understanding the motivators and barriers to involvement may help researchers and practitioners design programs that can be used by populations most at risk for HIV exposure. The present study discusses motivators and barriers to involvement in the Collaborative HIV Prevention and Adolescent Mental Health Project (CHAMP), using data from a sample of 118 families that participated at varying levels in the twelve sessions of the program. Most participants chose motivators that reflect their perceptions of individual and/or family needs ("CHAMP might help me, mine, and other families"), and of characteristics of the program, such as CHAMP staff were friendly, CHAMP was fun. Among barriers to involvement, respondents expressed concerns about confidentiality, and about being judged by program staff. Respondents also reported experiencing many stressful events in their families (e.g., death and violence in the family) that may have been barriers to their involvement. Knowing these motivators and barriers, researchers and practitioners can enhance involvement in HIV prevention programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides a description of a Community/University Collaborative Board, a formalized partnership between representatives from an inner-city community and university-based researchers. This Collaborative Board oversees a number of research projects focused on designing, delivering and testing family-based HIV prevention and mental health focused programs to elementary and junior high school age youth and their families. The Collaborative Board consists of urban parents, school staff members, representatives from community-based agencies and university-based researchers. One research project, the CHAMP (Collaborative HIV prevention and Adolescent Mental health Project) Family Program Study, an urban, family-based HIV prevention project will be used to illustrate how the Collaborative Board oversees a community-based research study. The process of establishing a Collaborative Board, recruiting members and developing subcommittees is described within this article. Examples of specific issues addressed by tile Collaborative Board within its subcommittees, Implementation, Finance, Welcome, Research, Grant writing, Curriculum, and Leadership, are detailed in this article along with lessons learned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to explore the experiences of urban parents in their role as Collaborative Board members as part of the CHAMP (Collaborative HIV prevention and Adolescent Mental health Project) Family Program Study. The CHAMP Collaborative Board is comprised of urban parents, representatives from schools and community- based agencies and university-based researchers and is charged with overseeing the design, delivery and testing of a family-based HIV prevention program for pre and early adolescent youth. The current qualitative study, guided by the Theory of Unified Behavior Change, is meant to elucidate: (1) pathways to involvement by urban parents; (2) benefits and costs of participating in this collaborative HIV prevention research effort; and (3) the role of social relationships in influencing initial and ongoing participation by parent participants. Twenty-nine parent Collaborative Board members were interviewed for this study. In-depth interviews were audio recorded and ranged from 30 to 90 minutes in length. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using NUD*IST, computerized software used for examining narratives. Findings include community parent members identifying social support and learning opportunities as major reasons for involvement with the Collaborative Board. Prior involvement with other community-based projects and knowledge of at least one other person on the Board also influenced members to join the Board and remain involved over time. Further, recommendations for future collaborative partnerships are made. Findings have direct implication for participatory HIV prevention research activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the relationship between contextual factors and attendance in a family-based HIV prevention program for low-income, urban, African-American women and their children. Participants' motivations to become involved, their concerns about discussing sex-related issues with their children, recruiters' perceptions of respondents' understanding of the program, and environmental stressors were examined. Participants' level of motivation and recruiters' success in improving respondents' understanding of the program were significant correlates of attendance. Stressors experienced by the family and concerns around talking with children about sex were not significantly associated with participation. Recommendations to enhance involvement in family-based HIV prevention programs are made. doi:10.1300/J137v15n02_16 [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Copyright of International Social Work is the property of Sage Publications, Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: An enhanced stress and coping model was used to explain depression among HIV-positive women in healthcare and community settings where highly active anti-retroviral treatment (HAART) was commonplace. Method: HIV-infected women in four cities ( N=978) were assessed, cross-sectionally, for mental and physical health, stress, social support, and other background factors. Results: Self-reported level of depressive symptomatology was high. Number of physical symptoms, illness intrusiveness, and perceived stress were positively associated with depressed mood, while coping self-efficacy and social support were negatively associated. Stress mediated the effect of health status on depression and coping self-efficacy mediated the effect of psychosocial resources on depression. Our enhanced stress and coping model accounted for 52% of variance in depressive symtpomatology. Conclusions: Interventions focused on improving coping self-efficacy, bolstering social supports, and decreasing stress in the lives of HIV-positive women may help to reduce the negative effects of HIV disease on mood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces a user-friendly HIV prevention approach that can be incorporated in group work with adolescents. This approach consists of six systematic steps that account for adolescents' emotions, cognitive capabilities, and behavior changes within an HIV prevention framework. Step #1 explores clients' feelings about sexual activity; Step #2 uses their HIV knowledge as an engagement tool; Step #3 addresses barriers to having safer sex; Step #4 focuses on perceptions that might affect risk behaviors; Step #5 focuses on safer sex planning, and Step #6 focuses on referral-making. A practice illustration will show how to use the steps in a group process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cross-sectional serosurvey was conducted to assess the proportion of persons exposed to hantaviruses in a virus-endemic area of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Findings of this study suggested the presence of ≥1 hantaviruses circulating in this region causing hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, mild disease, or asymptomatic infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]