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For more information about these and other research topics,
contact:
Laura Sklansky
Phone 312.988.4646, ext. 226
laura.sklansky@prevention.org
ATOD PREVENTION RESEARCH: AN UPDATE
March 2008
ALCOHOL
DRINKING SIBLINGS POSE RISK FOR TEEN AND YOUNG ADULT ALCOHOL USE
Researchers led by Ron H. J. Scholte from Radboud University in the Netherlands looked at the influence of drinking fathers, mothers, co-twins, siblings and friends on adolescent and young adult alcohol use. Using a sample of 3760 twins, three age groups were studied: 12-15, 16-20 and 21-25. Results showed that in each age group, the highest risk for regular drinking was posed by drinking of same-sex co-twins and friends. These risks decreased with age. Drinking by same-sex siblings and friends was more important than drinking by fathers and mothers. The authors stress the importance of considering sibling alcohol use as a risk factor in prevention programming. Addictive Behaviors,* 1/08, p. 1-14.
ASSESSMENT FOR DRUNK DRIVERS DEVELOPED FOR ILLINOIS
An article by William L. White and Joy Syrcle describes an assessment process for evaluating the “hard-core drinking driver” in Illinois. The assessment, based on an instrument known as the Adult Substance Abuse and Driving Survey, was designed to identify the highest risk individuals and indicate levels of service needed. A pilot study obtained evaluations on 486 individuals. Addiction Professional,* 1-2/08, p. 18-23.
DIFFERENCES IN DRINKING MOTIVATION SUGGEST TARGETED INTERVENTIONS
A study conducted by Lori Ann Palen and other researchers from Pennsylvania State University identified four types of drinking motivations among 12th graders. Students were classified as “Experimenters,” “Thrill-seekers,” “Multi-reasoners,” or “Relaxers.” The riskiest drinking behavior, which included early alcohol initiation, past-year drunkenness, and drinking before 4:00 p.m., was associated with the “Multi-reasoner” group. The authors propose using interventions targeted toward each motivational group. Prevention Science,* 12/07, p. 241-248.
AGGRESSION AND ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION STUDIED AMONG HISPANIC STUDENTS
Le by Linda La Grange, researchers from New Mexico Highlands University looked at the relationship between alcohol use and aggression, from a personality trait perspective, among Hispanic college students. Results from a study of 92 students, self-identified as Hispanic, showed that the desire to be viewed as “tough” was the best predictor variable for male drinking, while “activity” was the strongest predictor for female drinking. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences,* 11/07, p. 570-580.
TOBACCO
TOBACCO CONTROL PROGRAMS REDUCED ADULT SMOKING PREVALENCE
Matthew Farrelly, Ph.D. and other researchers conducted a study on the effectiveness of state tobacco control programs in reducing adult smoking. Using state survey data from 1985 to 2003, they found state program expenditures to be independently associated with overall reductions in adult smoking, noting a decline in prevalence from 29.5 percent in 1985 to 18.6 percent in 2003. Program expenditures were more effective with adults aged 25 or older, while cigarette prices were more effective with those aged 18 to 24. American Journal of Public Health,* 2/08, p. 304-309.
TOBACCO ADVERTISING IN AFRICAN AMERICAN MARKETS EXAMINED
Tobacco advertising in African American and Caucasian markets were compared by Brian A. Primack, MD and other researchers from the University of Pittsburgh. An analysis of available studies revealed that tobacco signage was greater in African American markets in both density (pro-tobacco media messages per person) and concentration (proportion of media messages that are for tobacco). Findings indicated that African Americans are exposed to more tobacco advertising than Caucasians. Implications for educational interventions and policy measures involving tobacco-related racial disparities are discussed. Public Health Reports,* 9-10/07, p. 607-615.
REPORT ON TOBACCO INDUSTRY’S MARKETING RELEASED
A new report , Big Tobacco’s Guinea Pigs: How an Unregulated Industry Experiments on America’s Kids and Consumers by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, the American Lung Association and several other organizations describes the “unleashing” of “a new generation of tobacco products.” The 49-page report describes key trends of the tobacco industry including flavored products, smokeless products, control of nicotine levels, and claims that the products are less harmful. The report also shows how effective regulation of tobacco products can curtail the tobacco industry’s harmful practices. http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/reports/products
ILLICIT AND HARMFUL DRUGS
SURVEY SHOWS DECLINE IN YOUTH DRUG USE
According to the latest Monitoring the Future study of eighth, tenth and twelfth graders nationwide, significant reductions in youth drug use have continued from 2001 to 2007. The 2007 study surveyed 48,025 students in 403 public and private schools. In 2007, all three grades showed some decline in the annual prevalence of illicit drug use, with the sharpest decline occurring among eighth graders. Decreases in marijuana and stimulant use were noted, while use of certain drugs including cocaine, crack, LSD, heroin, and prescription-type psychoactive drugs showed increases or little change. All three grades showed small declines in alcohol use. http://www.monitoringthefuture.org
DRUG USE AND DRIVING FOUND COMMON AMONG HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
Researchers Patrick M. O’Malley and Lloyd D. Johnston of the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research, using earlier data from Monitoring the Future, found that in 2006, 30 percent of high school seniors reported driving after drinking heavily or using drugs, or being exposed to a drugged or drinking driver in the past two weeks. Certain lifestyle factors, including high religiosity, good grades, low truancy, and low number of hours of paid work were associated with lower degrees of risky behavior. The authors conclude that despite some progress in recent years, impaired driving by youth is a problem requiring serious attention. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs,* 11/07, p. 834-842.
USE OF HALLUCINOGENS SURVEYED
Results of the recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that in 2006, approximately 23 million persons aged 12 or over used LSD in their lifetime. Young adults aged 18 to 25 were the main users of LSD, Ecstasy and Salvia divinorum in the past year. People in this age group were more likely than youths aged 12 to 17, and adults aged 26 or older, to be past year users of these drugs. Among youths aged 12 to 17, females were more likely than males to be past year users of Ecstasy, but males were more likely than females to be past year users of Salvia divinorum. In the young adult age group of 18 to 25, males were more likely than females to be past year users of LSD, Ecstasy, and Salvia divinorum. http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/2k8/hallucinogens/hallucinogens.pdf
OTC COUGH AND COLD MEDICATIONS MISUSED
Based on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2006 approximately 3.1 million persons aged 12 to 25 had used an over-the-counter cough and cold medication to get high (i.e. “misused” the drug) in their lifetime. While young adults aged 18 to 25 were more likely than youths aged 12 to 17 to have ever misused OTC medications, they were less likely than adolescents age 12 to 17 to have done so in the past year. In addition, it was found that Whites aged 12 to 25 were more likely than Hispanics and Blacks to have misused OTC medications. The cough suppressant dextromethorphan (DXM) is found in more than 140 OTC cough and cold medications. http://www.oas.samhsa.gov/2k8/cough/cough.pdf
SUBSTANCE ABUSE, ADDICTION AND
PREVENTION ISSUES
PROJECT INVOLVED YOUTH IN CULTURAL ADAPTATION OF A PROGRAM
Concerned that some evidence-based prevention curricula may not be culturally relevant to youths who participate, Lori K. Holleran Steiker, MSW, Ph.D. of the University of Teas at Austin proposes adapting curricula to unique adolescent cultures. She discusses “adaptation versus fidelity” and “culturally grounded prevention,” focusing on an adaptation project using the “Keepin’ it REAL” curriculum. The projec engaged adolescents in adapting the program and evaluated the effectiveness of the adapted curriculum. Family and Community Health,* 1-3/08, Supplement I, p. S52-S60.
SUICIDE INDICATORS CONNECTED WITH SUBSTANCE USE BEHAVIOR
A study of 10,273 middle school students in rural Tennessee found high rates of substance use behavior related to high rates of suicidal thoughts and behavior. For example, 69 percent of suicide planners had initiated alcohol use. The authors, led by Michael S. Dunn, Ph.D. of East Tennessee State University, recommends that programs for preventing adolescent suicide be designed, tested and implemented during the early middle school grades, and focus on preventing substance use. Journal of School Health,* 1/08, p. 26-31.
PEER-LED PREVENTION PROGRAM HAS MIXED EFFECTS
Researchers led by Thomas W. Valente of the University of Southern California conducted a study on the effects of a peer-led component of Project Towards No Drug Abuse (TND). Conducted with high school students in 75 classes from 14 alternative high schools, the program, known as “TND Network,” was generally effective in reducing substance use. However, because of the impact of peer influence, it was mainly effective for students whose peers did not use substances. Among participants whose peers did use substances, the program tended to increase substance use. Addiction,* 11/07, p. 1804-1815.
COMMUNITY-BASED PREVENTION INTERVENTION DESCRIBED
An innovative, comprehensive, community-based intervention to prevent youth from abusing inhalants and drugs is described in an article by researchers from the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation (PIRE) and the University of Alaska. The authors, led by Knowlton Johnson, Ph.D., say that a single, targeted approach in a community is not likely to be sufficient. The intervention they propose builds upon three evidence-based strategies: community mobilization, environmental strategies, and school-based prevention education. Journal of Drug Education,* 9/07, p. 227-247.
VIOLENCE
SCHOOL AND PARENTAL FACTORS CONNECTED WITH ADOLESCENT DATING VIOLENCE
Research by Melissa P. Schnurr and Brenda J. Lohman of Iowa State University explored the relationship of school factors to perpetration of dating violence among adolescents. The study also looked at how these factors related to parental domestic violence. Risk factors found for males, females, African American females and Hispanic males were early involvement with antisocial peers and increases in this involvement over time. The authors recommend educating males and females on types of dating violence perpretration, and including parents in prevention programs. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, * 3/08, p. 266-283. (This journal issue focuses on aggression in romantic relationships.)
ELECTRONIC MEDIA MAY PROMOTE ADOLESCENT AGGRESSION
Several articles address the effects of electronic media on adolescents in a supplement to the Journal of Adolescent Health. The supplement was funded by CDC. Findings of these studies include the following: 1) From 2000 to 2005, the percentage of Internet users 10 to 17 years old who reported they had been harassed online increased 50 percent. 2) Adolescents who were harassed online were more likely to suffer emotional distress, get a detention or be suspended, or skip school. 3) New areas of vulnerability to peer victimization are developing with new media technology; 64 percent of youth who experience online harassment do not experience harassment or bullying at school. Journal of Adolescent Health, 12/07 Supplement (This supplement focuses on youth violence and electronic media.) http://www.jahonline.org
AGGRESSION AND VICTIMIZATION IN BULLYING LOOKED AT
Demographic differences in two dimensions of bullying behavior—aggression and victimization—were studied by Kellie E. Carlyle, Ph.D., MPH and Kenneth J. Steinman, Ph.D., MPH. Results of surveys administered to 6th-12th graders in a large metropolitan area found both dimensions of bullying to be more common among younger, male, African American and Native American youth. The majority of those involved with bullying were either perpetrators or victims; only 7.4 percent were classified as bully/victims. Substance use was more strongly related to aggression, while “depressive affect” was more strongly related to victimization. Journal of School Health,* 11/07, p. 623-629.
HIV/AIDS
HIV PREVENTION PROGRAM TESTED AMONG EARLY ADOLESCENT GIRLS
A study by Jennifer Di Noia and Steven P. Schinke of Columbia University evaluated the efficacy of a theory-based, gender-specific CD-ROM-mediated HIV prevention program for urban early adolescent girls. The study tested changes in HIV/AIDS knowledge, protective attitudes, and skills for reducing HIV risk behavior in 204 adolescent girls aged 11-14 in the New York City area who participated in the Keepin’ it Safe program. Results showed that the girls’ knowledge of HIV/AIDS knowledge increased, along with other positive effects. AIDS Education and Prevention,* 12/07, p. 479-488.
HIV/AIDS CRISIS NOTED AMONG AFRICAN AMERICANS
A statement by Anthony S. Fauci, MD, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, presents some startling statistics on HIV/AIDS in the African American community: Although African Americans represent only 13 percent of the U.S. population, approximately half of the new HIV infections occurring each year are among African Americans. Black women accounted for two-thirds of newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases among U.S. women in 2005, and Black men accounted for half of new diagnoses among men. A study in five large U.S. cities found 46 percent of black men who have sex with men to be HIV-infected. “We as a nation must act immediately and decisively to end the HIV/AIDS crisis among black Americans,” urged Fauci. http://www.nih.gov/news/health/feb2008/niaid-05.htm
UPDATED COMPENDIUM OF EVIDENCE-BASED HIV PREVENTION INTERVENTIONS AVAILABLE
An update version of CDC’s Compendium of Evidence-Based HIV Prevention Interventions was posted in November, 2007. The updated compendium provides 49 evidence-based, individual and group-level interventions meeting a high standard of scientific rigor. The criteria used to evaluate the efficacy of the interventions are also available. http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/research/prs/evidence-based-interventions.htm
TEEN PREGNANCY
LATINA TEEN PREGNANCY EXAMINED
Researchers Aysun Dogan-Ates and Carla Y. Carrion-Basham looked at risk and protective factors among two groups of Latina adolescents: pregnant/parenting and nonpregnant/nonparenting. Participants were selected from high schools in Los Angeles with teen parenting programs. Results showed that nonpregnant/nonparenting adolescents had significantly higher GPA’s, were more likely to live with both biological parents, had more parental supervision and family rules, participated more in extracurricular activities and attended religious services more often. Other findings of note were that the two groups did not differ in self-esteem or in attitudes toward future educational goals. Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences,* 11/07, p. 554-569.
REPORT SHOWS RISE IN TEEN BIRTH RATE
According to data released in 12/07 by the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, the birth rate for teenagers aged 15-19 rose 3 percent, from 40.5 live births per 1000 in 2005 to 41.9 births per 1000 in 2006. This is the first time since 1991 that the teen birth rate has risen. The largest increases occurred among non-Hispanic Black teens. The study also shows a rise of nearly 8 percent in unmarried childbearing in 2006. http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/resources/pdf/NCHS_nvsr06_07.pdf
STUDY REVIEWS TEEN SEX EDUCATION PROGRAMS
A report by researcher Douglas Kirby, Ph.D. titled Emerging Answers 2007: Research Findings on Programs to Reduce Teen Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, reviews 115 sex education programs. The findings provide evidence that programs promoting both abstinence and contraception can be successful in delaying the initiation of sex, reducing the frequency of sex, reducing the number of sex partners, and increasing contraceptive use among adolescents. http://www.thenationalcampaign.org/EA2007/EA2007_sum.pdf
*Journal available from the Prevention First Library
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