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Bullying, traditional or cyber, among adolescents, is a public health concern. In this study, we explored frequencies and correlates of different forms of bullying among Connecticut high-school students. Youth Risk Behavior Survey data from 2019 from Connecticut adolescents (N = 1814) were used. χ2 tests and survey-weighted logistic regressions examined relationships between bullying subgroups (in-school traditional bullying (ISTB) only, cyberbullying only, and both) and mental concerns, risk behaviors, academic performance, physical health, and receipt of social support, with the logistic regressions adjusted for demographics. The past-12-month frequency of having experienced only cyberbullying was 5.6%, only ISTB was 9.1%, and both forms was 8.7%. Between-group differences were observed by bullying status in terms of sex and race/ethnicity. In adjusted models, bullying status was associated with suicide attempts, suicidal ideation, self-harm, depression/dysphoria, mental health, use of alcohol, marijuana, injection drugs, tobacco, and e-vapor, gambling, driving under influence of alcohol, high-risk sexual behavior, physical fights, weapon-carrying, injuries/threats at school, feeling unsafe at school, dating violence, obesity, poor general health, insecure housing, less perceived family support, and poor academic performance. People experiencing both types of bullying were typically more likely to report adverse measures. High-school students commonly report bullying. The findings that both forms (traditional and cyber) were more robustly linked to negative experiences highlight the need for examining further relationships between types and patterns of bullying and mental health and functioning. Better understanding may help improve preventive anti-bullying interventions. • Bullying (cyber, in school traditional, and both) was associated with poor health. • Rates of in-school traditional bullying-only were highest, followed by both forms. • Experiencing both forms of bullying was associated with more severe correlates. • The patterns of correlates differed among those with both or either form of bullying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Gambling in adolescents is a public health concern. This study sought to examine patterns of gambling among Connecticut high-school students using seven representative samples covering a 12-year period. Methods: Data were analyzed from N 5 14,401 participants in cross-sectional surveys conducted every two years based on random sampling from schools in the state of Connecticut. Anonymous self-completed questionnaires included socio-demographic data, current substance use, social support, and traumatic experiences at school. Chi-square tests were used to compare socio-demographic characteristics between gambling and non-gambling groups. Logistic regressions were used to assess changes in the prevalence of gambling over time and effects of potential risk factors on the prevalence, adjusted for age, sex, and race. Results: Overall, the prevalence of gambling largely decreased from 2007 to 2019, although the pattern was not linear. After steadily declining from 2007 to 2017, 2019 was associated with increased rates of gambling participation. Consistent statistical predictors of gambling were male gender, older age, alcohol and marijuana use, higher levels of traumatic experiences at school, depression, and low levels of social support. Discussion and conclusion: Among adolescents, older males may be particularly vulnerable to gambling that relates importantly to substance use, trauma, affective concerns, and poor support. Although gambling participation appears to have declined, the recent increase in 2019 that coincides with increased sports gambling advertisements, media coverage and availability warrants further study. Our findings suggest the importance of developing school-based social support programs that may help reduce adolescent gambling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the frequency and predictors of group attendance in a new group-intensive peer support (GIPS) model of case management for the Veterans Affairs supported housing program., Methods: Administrative data and group attendance records from 1 GIPS program were analyzed using bivariate and regression analyses., Results: Of 295 clients, 42% attended at least 1 group and attended an average of 3 groups per month. There were no significant differences in any demographic, psychosocial, or clinical characteristics at baseline between group attenders and nongroup attenders. However, among group attenders, those who entered the program with more days homeless in the past month and more mental health symptoms attended groups more frequently., Conclusions and Implications for Practice: These results provide support for group-based models of care in supported housing and suggest those with more extensive housing and mental health problems may be more receptive to attending groups., ((c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved.)

Objective: Recent military conflicts have generated significantly more demand for treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as concerns about the adverse effects of stigma associated with specialty mental health care. This study examined the extent to which veterans diagnosed as having PTSD received treatment exclusively in primary care settings., Methods: Administrative data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Connecticut Healthcare System for fiscal year 2010 were used to compare the proportions and characteristics of veterans with PTSD (N=4,144) who were treated exclusively in a primary care setting or a mental health specialty clinic., Results: Most (87%) veterans were treated in specialty mental health clinics, and 13% were treated exclusively in primary care. In contrast, 24% of veterans with any mental health diagnosis received treatment exclusively in primary care. Comorbid psychiatric diagnoses were much more prevalent among those treated in mental health specialty clinics than in primary care (86% versus 14%), and psychotropic medications were far more likely to be filled in mental health specialty clinics than in primary care (80% versus 36%). The percentage of veterans with service-connected disabilities did not differ between the two treatment settings., Conclusions: Despite the VA's successful expansion of mental health services in primary care, the vast majority of patients with PTSD received treatment in mental health specialty clinics. Stigma does not seem to keep veterans with PTSD from receiving care in specialty mental health settings in spite of the availability of services in primary care.