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Objective: To examine which medication could lead to a higher short and long term smoking abstinence in patients with schizophrenia.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using General Electric (GE) medical records database (1995 – 2011). The cohort consisted of adult smokers with diagnosis of schizophrenia newly initiating cessation medication. Short term and long term outcomes of cessation were measured at 3 weeks and 1 year. Descriptive and chi-square analyses were used to determine the frequencies and associations of patient characteristics with the abstinence outcomes. Logistic regression models were carried out to determine the predictors of short term and long term abstinence. Results: The cohort consisted of 3,976 patients. Abstinence rate was highest for Varenicline, followed by Bupropion, NRT, and lastly combination at week 12. At one year, abstinence rate was highest for Varenicline, followed by combination, NRT, and lastly Bupropion. Age, race, household locations and receiving counseling were associated with abstinence. No significant differences were found between cessation medications. Conclusions: There were no statistically significant differences in quitting with type of cessation medication. Predictors of better abstinence identified included older age, white race, western household location. These factors should be considered when designing future interventions for schizophrenic population as this minority population may need more tailored approaches to achieve a successful cessation outcome.

Recent literature suggests an initial increased risk of diabetes following smoking cessation.To compare the risk of developing diabetes among obese smokers who tried to quit smoking using bupropion versus varenicline.A population-based retrospective cohort study was conducted using the General Electric (GE) electronic medical record database (2006-2011). The cohort consisted of obese adult smokers without a diabetes diagnosis at baseline and newly initiating use of either bupropion or varenicline. This cohort was then followed for 1 year to observe the risk of developing diabetes. The relative risk of bupropion versus varenicline on developing diabetes was assessed using Cox Proportional Hazards regression model after controlling for covariates.The sample comprised of 78,002 obese smokers of which 1,937 (2.36%) developed diabetes during 1 year follow-up. Diabetes incidence rate was relatively comparable who used varenicline and bupropion (23.50 versus 25.80 per 1,000 person-years). Obese smokers who were prescribed bupropion had a statistically significant higher risk of developing diabetes during 1 year following cessation treatment than those who were prescribed varenicline. ([HR]: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.09-2.27) in the multivariate model.Obese smokers who were prescribed bupropion might have a higher risk of developing diabetes during 1 year follow up compared to those who were prescribed varenicline. The clinical significance of the finding that bupropion had a higher risk of developing diabetes may need further investigation.

The relationship between psychological and behavioral health and bother from non-college at-tending peers was assessed among 180 African American students attending a historically black universityin the southwestern region of the United States in the spring of 2013. Results: Students reporting stressrelated to influence from non-college attending friends reported significantly higher conflicts with theirpartners (5.31 vs. 1.26, p < .05), lower personal conflict resolution (2.00 vs. .70, p < .05), and lowerfamily connectedness (30.81 vs. 34.02, p < .05). Study results emphasize college students’ need for copingskills to address external culturally-linked stressors. The information gained from this research may providestrategic guidance in understanding the behavioral and psychosocial effects of extended peer networks onthe mental health of college students.

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are novel, battery-operated inhalation devices that provide warm, vaporized nicotine, and often propylene glycol, to users without the inclusion of tobacco smoke. Because men, in general, are more likely to use cigarettes and illicit drugs than women, a qualitative study was undertaken to investigate the beliefs and perceived social norms regarding this issue among 47 teenage boys who self-identified themselves as current e-cigarette smokers. The majority of respondents reported that they used e-cigarettes because of expeditious consumption and concealment. Furthermore, the most common places respondents self-reported using e-cigarettes were everywhere, in school bathrooms, at home, and in school staircases. Interestingly, respondents stated that e-cigarettes are popular because they are accessible, healthier than tobacco cigarettes, and more aesthetically pleasing. Because of the growing popularity and uncertainty regarding the social and physical consequences of e-cigarettes, this study shows a need for additional research discovery.

Background Smoking cessation may lead to depression in some smokers and result in increased risk of suicide. Objective To compare the risk of suicide attempts/behaviors associated with different smoking cessation medications among schizophrenic patients. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted using General Electric (GE) medical record database (1995–2011). The first day of being prescribed a smoking cessation medication defined as index date. Patients were followed up to one year from index date. Patients' suicide behaviors or attempts were identified through ICD-9 codes and E-codes. Cox proportional hazards model was applied to examine the association between smoking cessation medication and suicidal/self-injurious behaviors. Results Our cohort consisted of 3925 patients with diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who initiated cessation medication. Among them, 104 (2.65%) had suicide attempts or behavior within one-year follow up. However, statistically significant difference in the risk of suicide attempts/behaviors was not detected across cessation regimens in the Cox proportional hazard analysis. Only comorbidity index was found to be associated with suicide, which showed that higher Charlson comorbidity index was associated with higher risks of suicide behaviors within one year (HR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.04–1.27). Conclusion There were no significant differences in suicide attempts/behaviors with different cessation medications.

To compare the postcessation weight gain following the use of different FDA-approved smoking cessation medications among obese smokers.A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the General Electric (GE) electronic medical record database (2006-2011). The cohort consisted of obese adult smokers newly initiating use of an FDA-approved smoking cessation medication (i.e., bupropion vs. varenicline). The outcome variable was weight change at 3, 6, or 12 months following the first prescription. Descriptive analyses and t-tests were conducted to assess the frequency distribution of sample characteristics and their association with the postcessation weight change. Multivariate linear regression models were carried out to compare the weight change among the FDA-approved smoking cessation medications and to identify predictors of weight change at 3, 6, and 12 months after assessing the model assumptions.The mean weight gain was 1.14 pounds (±17.26), 2.06 pounds (±18.46), and 3.06 pounds (±20.78) at 3-, 6-, and 12-month, respectively. Obese smokers who were prescribed varenicline had a mean weight gain of 1.18 pounds (±16.75), 2.14 pounds (±18.14), and 3.12 pounds (±20.89) for each follow up, while those who were prescribed bupropion had a mean weight gain of 0.23 pounds (±25.90), 0.22 pounds (±25.32), and 1.47 pounds (±17.50), respectively. Descriptive analysis showed that obese smokers taking bupropion had less weight gain than those taking varenicline at each follow up; however, this association was not statistically significant after accounting for all covariates.While patients using bupropion gained slightly less weight compared to those using varenicline, type of smoking cessation medication was not a significant predictor of weight change in the multivariate linear regression model.

To examine the intention to quit waterpipe smoking among college students.A total of 276 University of Houston students identified through an online survey administered in February 2011. Participants indicated they had smoked a waterpipe in the month prior to the survey.Cross-sectional study. Questions included demographics, tobacco use, perceived risk of waterpipe smoking, and social acceptability. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine predictors of an intention to quit.Most of the sample participants (n = 227; 83%) reported that they had no intention to quit. Students believing that waterpipe smoking was harmful were more likely to have an intention to quit (odd ratio [OR] = 2.38, 95% confidence interval [CI; 1.05, 5.36]). Those who smoked for more than 60 minutes were less likely to have a desire to quit (OR = 0.29, 95% CI [0.12, 0.73]).The low level of a desire to quit demonstrated underscores the urgent need to develop interventions that educate users about expected harms of continued use.

A paradox exists in health disparities research where African-American cigarette smokers consume fewer cigarettes per day, yet experience higher rates of tobacco-related disease compared to White American smokers. In this study we conducted focus group interviews among alternative high school youth (N = 78; age 18-19 years old) in an urban area in Southwest Texas to investigate if African-American youth smoke cigarettes differently than their White-American and Hispanic-American counterparts. The majority of African-American participants reported inhaling deeper and smoking their cigarettes "to the filter" because of their concern over wasting any part of an expensive cigarette. White and Hispanic respondents most often put out their cigarettes closer to the middle, and did not express concern about wasting cigarettes. The implication from this qualitative study is that because African Americans smoke differently they are exposed to a higher level of harmful particulate per cigarette. Further research on smoking topography is warranted.

The objectives were to determine the rate of cigarette smoking and correlates of its use among a sample of Jordanian adults (N = 600). A survey-based, cross-sectional study was conducted with a convenient sample. Logistic regression was used to determine predictors of being a cigarette smoker. Approximately half of the population (45%) had smoked a cigarette in the past month, 40% in the past week, and 36% in past 24 hours. These findings underscore the magnitude of the smoking problem in the Jordanian population and the urgent need for effective interventions. Future research should focus on developing interventions that incorporate the predictors identified.

Many sexuality education interventions focusing on determinants such as attitudes, knowledge, and skills have shown meager impact on sexual behavior. In addition, these determinants have been developed and evaluated for mixed gender or female-only priority populations. More specifically, sexuality education interventions have not been designed comprehensively to address African American sexual norms and beliefs. This gap in intervention methodology has led to a gap in the understanding of effective ways to reduce risky sexual behaviors among African Americans, especially inner city males. To address these cultural sexual health issues among young men, the Fifth Ward Enrichment Program (FWEP) offers more than 20 full support services to predominately inner-city African American youth that deter chemical dependency, teen pregnancy, and school delinquency from a heterosexual African American male perspective. The following paper provides an overview of the unique issues related to African American male sexua...

Uniformed services personnel are at an increased risk of HIV infection. We examined the HIV/AIDS knowledge and sexual risk behaviors among female military personnel to determine the correlates of HIV risk behaviors in this population. The study used a cross-sectional design to examine HIV/AIDS knowledge and sexual risk behaviors in a sample of 346 females drawn from two military cantonments in Southwestern Nigeria. Data was collected between 2006 and 2008. Using bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression, HIV/AIDS knowledge and sexual behaviors were described in relation to socio-demographic characteristics of the participants. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that level of education and knowing someone infected with HIV/AIDS were significant (P < 0.05) predictors of HIV knowledge in this sample. HIV prevention self-efficacy was significantly (P < 0.05) predicted by annual income and race/ethnicity. Condom use attitudes were also significantly (P < 0.05) associated with number of children, annual income, and number of sexual partners. Data indicates the importance of incorporating these predictor variables into intervention designs.

While national surveillance studies have stratified high school students’ health behavior outcomes, few ecological data sets have been explored, collected, and analyzed on the unique health problems of minority children. An area for which limited data on minority youth has been collected is Franklin County, home of the state capital of Kentucky. In the current study, we use baseline data collected in 2015 from students attending two high schools that were sites for Kentucky State University’s Youth Empowerment Project. We hypothesize that youth who reside in Franklin County would report lower maladjusted behaviors than their national and statewide counterparts in the same year of observation. Data analyses confirm that compared to their national- and state-level counterparts, Franklin County high school students were less likely to report riding with a driver who had been drinking alcohol, engaging in sexual intercourse, drinking alcohol before sexual intercourse, and experiencing non-condom use when engaged in sexual intercourse, forced sexual intercourse, dating violence, cyber bullying, suicidal ideation, and drug use. These findings suggest that Franklin County high school students may be exposed to environmental variables that may be preventive to maladjusted behaviors.

A Smoking Prevention Interactive Experience (ASPIRE) is an innovative, computer-based smoking prevention and cessation intervention delivered to a culturally diverse population of high school students. Founded in the Transtheoretical Model of Change, five main and two "booster" sessions comprise the interactive intervention. Here we describe the intervention and the baseline characteristics from our study sample of 1,574 10th graders from 16 high schools in Houston, Texas. Environmental and behavioral smoking risk factors were assessed, and the two intervention groups were comparable with respect to most measured variables. The intervention program holds considerable promise in its ability to reduce smoking among teens.

The present study used focus group interviews to examine beliefs and social norms regarding female and relationship devaluation among a sample of economically challenged male African American and Latino American youth (N = 57; aged 15–17 years). Most Latino boys felt women are devalued in relationships because Latina women like to be physically or verbally abused. Among African American male participants, some felt women are devalued because African American women are not trustworthy. However, most African American male participants felt the important women in their lives were devalued by men in relationships because of the women's verbal abuse of their partners. These findings are important in the development of culturally and linguistically appropriate female valuation campaigns and interventions for African and Latino adolescents.

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between exposure to community violence and aggression, victimization, and risk-taking behaviors among young adolescents. Secondary analysis was conducted on data from a cross-sectional survey of 8,259 sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students from eight urban schools in Texas. Results indicated that students exposed to a high level of community violence were 7.7 times more likely to carry a handgun, 5.2 times more likely to be involved in a gang were 6.4 times more likely to use marijuana, 5.3 times more likely to binge drink, and 2.8 times more likely to be injured as a result of fighting. This suggests the need for an interdisciplinary approach to violence prevention that targets all the environments of youth, including schools, homes, neighborhoods, and other community units.

Few studies have examined the long-term efficacy of computer-based smoking prevention and cessation programs. We analyzed the long-term impact of A Smoking Prevention Interactive Experience (ASPIRE), a theoretically sound computer-based smoking prevention and cessation curriculum for high school students. Sixteen predominantly minority, inner-city high schools were randomly assigned to receive the ASPIRE curriculum or standard care (receipt of the National Cancer Institute's Clearing the Air self-help booklet). A total of 1160 students, 1098 of whom were nonsmokers and 62 smokers at baseline, were included. At 18-month follow-up, among baseline nonsmokers, smoking initiation rates were significantly lower in the ASPIRE condition (1.9% vs. 5.8%, p

Using secondary data analysis, this study compares alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems experienced by African-American students attending a historically Black university who use alcohol only versus those who use alcohol plus marijuana. Results indicate that students who used marijuana plus alcohol experienced more AOD problems than their counterparts who used alcohol only. The current findings are similar to previous research with a majority White college student population.

This study examined the relationship between sexual abuse in or around campus and drug use among young African-American males in college. It offers cross-sectional analysis of data collected from the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Awareness and Use Study (ASAAUS). Data collection took place in October 2004 via a self-administered survey among 181 African-American male students. Males who reported past sexual abuse in or around campus were significantly more likely than nonsexuallyabused males to have used tobacco (41% v. 19%, p < .05), alcohol (82% v. 49%, p < .05), marijuana (59% v. 30%,p < .05), and cocaine (18% v. 2%, p < .05) in the 30 day preceding the interview. Logistic regression analyses indicated that sexual abuse history in or around campus was significantly associated with past year (OR = 9.8, p ≤ 0.001) and past 30 day (OR = 5.0, p ≤ 0.001) drug use.

While the epidemiologic trends concerning alprazolam (Xanax®) are unknown, the use of benzodiazepines, in general, has increased in popularity among youth within recent years. To shed light on the drug problem, the current pilot study used a qualitative approach to investigate relevant beliefs, norms, and perceived addiction associated with alprazolam initiation among 46 youth who were attending an inpatient drug treatment program during the spring of 2004. Overwhelmingly, most participants stated that addiction to alprazolam occurs as early as initial consumption. Most youth in the study stated that their friends felt it was normal to use alprazolam. In addition, their control beliefs revealed that if someone wanted to stop it would be difficult because of the widespread use in their communities and family social reinforcement involved with its use. In this study, a majority of students stated that medical professionals such as doctors and pharmacists were the greatest facilitator of alprazolam acquisition. Implications for these results are discussed.

In this study a qualitative approach is used to investigate relevant beliefs and norms concerning the consumption, initiation, and perceived addiction of codeine and promethazine hydrochloride cough syrup (CPHCS) among 61 college-age students who identified themselves as current CPHCS users. In general, a majority of students stated that doctors and pharmacists were the greatest facilitators of CPHCS acquisition. A majority of students believed that their friends felt codeine promethazine use was "normal" and "cool" among college students their age, and that reinforcing factors, such as peer pressure and curiosity, contributed to initial CPHCS use.

In the current study, a qualitative approach was used to investigate relevant beliefs and norms associated with sildenafil citrate (Viagra) consumption, initiation, and perceived consequences. Focus groups were conducted with 43 young men aged 18 and 19 years who identified themselves as lifetime sildenafil citrate users. The majority of focus group participants believed that “curiosity” and “peer pressure” contributed to their initial use. Most revealed that they first heard about sildenafil citrate from television advertisements, family members, friends, or sporting events, and they were able to obtain the drug from their friends and family members or they stole it from their father or grandfather. These findings may highlight the relative importance of exposure to prescription drug messages among those to whom the message is not specifically targeted, that is, young men. It is possible that the sildenafil citrate television messages are recalled by not only older male audiences but also by teenagers and younger men, producing similar cognitive processing and curiosity in both age cohorts.

To gain a better understanding of minority smoking cessation interventions, our study used a qualitative approach to investigate smoking uptake beliefs regarding cigarette use, motivations to quit, and perceptions on cessation programs among 65 minority high school students who were current smokers.

Objective The current study examined the prevalence and characteristics of childhood sexual abuse in a jailed-based population. Methodology A retrospective, self-reported survey was administered over an 8-week period to a random sample of 100 men who were incarcerated in a county jail in Southeastern Texas. The survey included questions about childhood sexual experiences before and after puberty, drug history and use, and sexual risk-taking behaviors. Results Of the 100 male inmates who participated in this study, 59% reported experiencing some form of sexual abuse before puberty, and all such instances occurred before or at the age of 13 years. The first episode of childhood sexual abuse began at an average age of 9.6 years (SD = 2.4), and ended at an average age of 13.0 years (SD = 2.3). Kissing and touching without intercourse (64%) was the common pattern of sexual abuse experience reported. The total number of perpetrators was 165, with 10% male and 90% female. Friends (n = 72) and family (n = 56) were the most frequent perpetrators. Conclusion Childhood sexual abuse may be more prevalent among inmates than among males in the general population. These results show a high percentage of inmates who report a history of childhood sexual abuse; this rate is higher than those reported by other studies for incarcerated males. The findings support the belief held by professionals in the criminal justice field that a significant number of incarcerated males may have been victims of sexual abuse.

Cigarette smoking is a behavior which is most often developed during adolescence. The association between smoking onset and nicotine addiction has not been clearly established among ethic minorities. To better understand this relationship, this study used a qualitative approach to investigate relevant beliefs and norms associated with cigarette smoking initiation and development of nicotine addiction among 52 high school students who identified themselves as current smokers. In general, it was found that both boys and girls believed nicotine addiction starts during an individual's initial cigarette smoking event. The majority of both groups reported that their second smoking event was initiated during the same or next day after their first event. In addition, this research confirmed that friends and siblings who use tobacco are strong reinforcers in youth smoking initiation.

The “rave” phenomenon has been a major element in the resurgence of psychedelic drug use in Western society. Purportedly central to raves is the use of “club drugs,” such as 3,4-methylenedioxymetha...

This study offers cross-sectional analysis of data collected from the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Awareness and Use Study (ASAAUS). Data collection took place in October 2003 via a self-administered survey. Students who reported sexual abuse history in or around campus were 4 times more likely to report current amphetamine, cocaine, hallucinogen, opiate, or designer drug use compared to students with no sexual abuse history. Logistic regression analyses indicated that lifetime drug use was significantly associated with sexual abuse history (OR = 2.2, p < .05). While the relationships tested in this study are exploratory, they provide evidence for an important connection between sexual abuse and substance use among African-American college students.

Although many programs have been developed to reduce adolescent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) (including HIV), with some showing promise in reducing sexual risk-taking behavior, little guidance has been given as to how to adapt existing interventions to new communities. When adapting a program, effective elements deemed necessary to change behaviors need to be preserved, while cultural competence and relevance for the new population must be considered in creating new elements. To address these needs, the authors describe the application of a systematic process, intervention mapping (IM), to adapt a theory-based, multicomponent HIV, STD, and pregnancy prevention program titled Safer Choices to a new target population, at-risk youth attending alternative schools and at risk of dropping out. IM is a detailed process that provides planners with a systematic method for decision making in each phase of developing or adapting an intervention to influence changes in behavior and environmental conditions.

Purpose. Developing and disseminating innovative and effective approaches for smoking prevention among middle school children remains a public health priority. This pilot study evaluates the use of a Web-based tobacco prevention program, Headbutt, to change intentions of middle school children to smoke tobacco. Methods. Headbutt was implemented with the use of a single-group pretest-posttest study design in sixth grade classes of nine middle schools in Texas (student n = 2227). The program assesses cognitive determinants of smoking and provides intervention feedback tailored to the child's responses. Results. Headbutt significantly affected smoking intentions, prosmoking attitudes, self-efficacy expectations, and knowledge of negative consequences (all p ≤ .001) measured with scales adopted from the Texas Tobacco Initiative Survey. Change in prosmoking attitudes had the greatest predictive effect on smoking intentions (p < .001). These results were moderated by ethnicity and age of students. Conclusion. Findings need to be interpreted in the light of study design limitations. However, strong associations between the Headbutt program and intention change suggests that a more rigorous effectiveness trial is indicated.

Data on self-reported perceived exposure to anti-smoking messages were collected from 1,608 high school students surveyed through the ASPIRE (A Smoking Prevention Interactive Experience) Program in Houston, Texas. Data collection took place between October 2002 and March 2003. Logistic regression identified that African Americans perceived significantly less exposure to anti-smoking advertisements via television (OR = .50, p ≤ 0.05) and posters (OR = .61, p ≤ 0.05) than whites. However, they had nearly twice as much perceived exposure to anti-smoking advertisements at movies (OR = 1.79, p ≤ 0.05) and sporting events (OR = 2.1, p ≤ 0.05) than their white counterparts. Hispanic youth perceived significantly less exposure to anti-smoking posters (OR = .51, p ≤ 0.05) and significantly higher exposure to anti-smoking messages at sporting events (OR = 1.92, p ≤ 0.05) and school programs (OR = 3.44, p ≤ 0.05) compared to white youth. While the relationships tested in this study are exploratory, they provide initial evidence for an important nexus between race and communication channels that may impact perceived exposure to tobacco advertising.

Self-reported substance use data were collected from 963 alternative school students in grades 7-12 who were surveyed through the Safer Choices 2 study in Houston, Texas. Data were collected between October 2000 and March 2001. Logistic regression analyses indicated that lower levels of future orientation was significantly associated (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.81-0.97) with thirty-day substance use after controlling for age and gender. In addition, lower levels of future orientation was found to have a significant association with students' lifetime substance use (OR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.87-.99) after controlling for age, race, and gender. While the relationships tested in this study are exploratory, they provide evidence for an important connection between future orientation and substance use among adolescents attending alternative schools.

This study explored the relationship between childhood sexual abuse and drug use among incarcerated males. A retrospective, self-reported survey was administered over an 8-week period (September and October 2001) to a random sample of 100 men who were incarcerated in a county jail. The survey included questions about childhood sexual experiences before and after puberty, drug history and use, and sexual risk-taking behaviors. Overall, 59% of this sample of male inmates reported some form of childhood sexual abuse, and all such instances occurred before or at the age of 13. Statistically significant relationships were found between drug use and childhood sexual abuse, with those who experienced childhood sexual abuse reporting drug use at percentages as much as 30% higher than those denying histories of childhood sexual abuse.

Recent drug-use monitoring among Houston adolescents has detected a concoction of cigarettes or marijuana sticks laced with embalming fluid and PCP ("fry"). To shed light on this mixture, the current pilot study used a qualitative approach to investigate relevant beliefs and norms associated with fry initiation and perceived addiction among 38 youth who were attending outpatient and inpatient drug-user treatment programs in the spring of 2003. Respondents perceived that addiction to fry could occur as early as initial consumption, and the majority of participants indicated that their second fry event occurred either the same day as their initial use or the next day. In addition, fry use was perceived to have extremely dangerous consequences. Youth stated that users have impaired motor skills, hallucinations, long-term mental health problems, incoherent behavior, paranoia, and aggressive behaviors. Implications for these results are discussed.

This study explored job satisfaction and changes needed to help boost levels of job satisfaction. Self-reported job satisfaction data were collected from 71 school nurses employed in elementary, middle, and high school settings via interactive focus groups. The subjects participated in a 30- to 45-minute focus group session that was audiotaped and transcribed by the principal investigator. Beliefs about job satisfaction were identified and classified into exclusive categories or themes. While the majority of school nurses expressed contentment with their jobs, certain factors that would increase job satisfaction, such as salary and control issues, were discussed. Overall, 83% of school nurses in this study were satisfied in their present positions; however, issues of coping and role strain were identified as major contributors to low morale. Only 17% of the school nurses voiced job dissatisfaction, primarily attributed to low salaries and lack of trust and support from administration. As school nurses face a diverse community with complex needs, adaptation is needed for job satisfaction to be maintained. For this to occur, school nurses must take the initiative to educate administrators, parents, and communities about their role in the school setting.

In the current study, we used a qualitative approach to investigate relevant beliefs and norms associated with codeine and promethazine hydrochloride cough syrup (CPHCS) consumption, initiation, and perceived addiction among 48 alternative school students who identified themselves as current CPHCS users. In general, both boys and girls believed that CPHCS addiction started during an individual's initial consumption. A majority of both groups reported that their second CPHCS event was initiated during the same or next day after their first event. Our findings suggest that friends and an innovative form of hip-hop music called “screw” are strong reinforcers of CPHCS use.

Self-report drug use data were collected from 282 female alternative school students surveyed through the Safer Choices 2 study in Houston, Texas. Data collection took place between October 2000 and March 2001 via audio-enabled laptop computers equipped with headphones. Logistic regression analyses indicated that sexual abuse history was significantly associated with lifetime use (OR = 1.9, p ≤ 0.05). While the relationships tested in this study are exploratory, they provide evidence for an important connection between sexual abuse and substance use among female alternative school students.

A plethora of anecdotal evidence has suggested that the use of “club drugs,” such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), Ketamine, Gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), and 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphe-tamine (MDMA or “ecstasy”), is a serious problem among youth across the United States. Unfortunately, little scientific evidence exists to support this contention. In the current study, we examine the ecstasy and other club drug (EOCD)-using behaviors of 1,561 high school seniors surveyed in 2000 through the Monitoring the Future (MTF) study. Prevalence estimates of EOCD use are generated and associations between EOCD use, demographic characteristics, and alcohol and other drug (AOD) use are explored. Twelve-month self-reports for ecstasy, LSD, Ketamine, and GHB were 8%, 6%, 2%, and 1%, respectively. Compared to students who reported no use of EOCD during the 12 months preceding the interview, 12-month EOCD users were significantly more likely to be white, to live in the suburbs, and to have used allother dru...

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) symbolized a comprehensive change to the nation's welfare system. Despite several provisions within PRWORA that focus on the use of illegal drugs, few studies have attempted to identify the prevalence of illegal drug use among welfare recipients. Moreover, no scholarly works have compared rates of drug use in welfare-receiving populations to those of non-welfare-receiving populations with an objective measure of drug use. In the current study, urine specimens were collected from 1,572 arrestees interviewed through Houston's Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring (ADAM) Program in 1999. Drug positive rates are compared between welfare-receiving arrestees ( n = 116), non-welfare receiving arrestees living below the poverty level ( n = 539), and non-welfare receiving arrestees living above the poverty level ( n = 917). Welfare-receiving arrestees were more likely to be female, older, less educated, and to test positive for opiates and benzodiazepines than the other subgroups. Implications for welfare reform policy are discussed in light of the current findings.

Results from the Kentucky State University Youth Empowerment Project (KSU-YEP) are presented. The results of this study indicate that increases in the factors that support positive health outcomes can be achieved if interventions are developed and implemented with community involvement and inclusion of the target population’s values and norms.

Previous studies have indicated that certain illegal drugs are self-reported more readily than others. Respondents are typically more willing to report less serious drugs of abuse, such as marijuana, than they are “hard” drugs of abuse, such as cocaine. To date, however, no comprehensive analyses have examined whether the willingness to self-report illegal drugs fluctuates temporally. In the current study, we examine marijuana-, cocaine-, and heroin-positive Houston arrestees surveyed through the Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring (ADAM) Program between 1990 and 1997. Using Kappa statistics, we explore the temporal variation of self-reported drug use. Little variation is Identified. Policy Implications are assessed in light of the current findings.

Behavioral journalism influences audiences by presenting peer modeling for cognitive processes that lead to behavior change. This technique was used in student newsletters promoting intergroup tolerance and moral engagement in a Houston high school with a diverse ethnic composition. Pretest (N = 393) and posttest (N = 363) cross-sectional comparisons of the student population in that school provided evidence of short-term (6 month) communication effects on attitudes and behavior. Tolerance and moral engagement increased among students in the school where behavioral journalism newsletters were distributed, and there was a corresponding reduction in hostile behavioral intentions and in reports of verbal aggression. Language: en

A consistent 20-year trend in adolescent tobacco use is that African American youth smoke cigarettes at a lower rate than other ethnic groups. To better understand this difference, our study identified gender and ethnic beliefs about cigarette smoking and abstention from smoking. In a multiethnic sample of adolescents, based on qualitative analysis of 63 in depth interviews with African American, Hispanic, and European American adolescents, we found unique beliefs. In general, adolescents were well aware of the adverse health effects of smoking. Female adolescents were more concerned with aesthetics as a smoking disadvantage than were male adolescents. Unique to this study, African Americans and Never Smokers emphasized moral and ethical reasons for not smoking. Examples of the Moral/Ethical theme are “They know wrong from right” and “It is not right to do it.” We discuss how the Moral/Ethical theme may have developed. Further, we present recommendations for future research to clarify influences ...

Background: Formal smoking cessation interventions including pharmacologic and behavioral interventions have been well known among Chinese smokers, however, the utilization of such interventions is not widely adopted. Lack of belief in the effectiveness of these interventions may be a probable reason. The objective of this study was to identify potential predictors affecting smokers’ beliefs in the effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions among Chinese adult smokers. Methods: A self-reported survey was distributed using convenience sampling among adult smokers over 18 years at two sites in China. Potential predictors, including socio-demographic characteristics, health conditions, and addiction level that affect smokers’ beliefs in the effectiveness of either pharmacologic or behavioral smoking cessation interventions were explored using multivariate logistic regression. Results: A total of 365 smokers were identified and considered as cohort in this analysis. Higher income ($450/ month or more vs. less than $450) (odds ratio (OR): 3.05, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.38-6.72), studying in private schools (OR: 4.87, 95% CI: 1.06-22.39) and preferring to inhale when smoking (OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.07-3.57) were associated with having beliefs in the effectiveness of pharmacological products. Heavy smokers (smoke 20 cigarettes/ day or more vs. less than 20) (OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.18-0.71) and age group (≥40 years old vs. 18-40 years old) (OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.18-0.72) were negatively associated with having beliefs in the effectiveness of behavioral methods. Conclusions: The rates of believing in the effectiveness of various smoking cessation interventions among Chinese adult smokers ranged from approximately 30% to 60%. The utilization of formal cessation interventions including both pharmacologic and behavior methods can be limited by smokers’ beliefs which should be considered when choosing a smoking cessation intervention.