Browsing by Subject "Teenagers"
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Item African American Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment: A Multi-Level Analysis Of Selected Socio-Demographic, Client And Treatment Variables That Influence Premature Termination(2013) Estreet, Anthony T.; Chunn, Jay C; Social Work; Doctor of PhilosophyAdolescent substance abuse treatment has continually demonstrated effectiveness within the existing literature. Consequently, individuals who prematurely terminate substance abuse services have demonstrated less favorable chances of experiencing the positive outcomes that have been associated with treatment retention. Despite the well documented positive treatment outcomes, the overall rates of premature termination continue to remain at significantly high levels especially among the African American population. Researcher have advocated for an increase in research that examines treatment related factors and needs of minority substance abusing adolescents (Longshore, Grills, Annon, & Grady, 1998; Wagner, 2003). Using Andersen's (1995) behavioral model of health care use, the current study investigated selected client and treatment related variables which influenced the degree to which African American adolescents complete or do not complete (premature termination non-completers) non-detoxification ambulatory outpatient substance abuse treatment. This study was conducted using a modified multilevel modeling design based on quantitative inferential statistics. Four levels of inferential statistical analysis were conducted: (1) discriminant function model development, (2) alternative confirmation, (3) extended cross validation of the discriminant function model, and (4) post hoc analysis. Research samples were obtained retrospectively from the 2008 Treatment Episode Dataset using a systematic stratified random sampling procedure. Statistical findings indicate that length of stay, substance use severity, education and age are significant variables which resulted in final discriminant model development and can be used to predict treatment completion status among African American adolescents in outpatient substance abuse severity. This finding was confirmed using a two-group K-Means cluster analysis. Moreover, through an extended cross validation approach, the discriminant function model consistently demonstrated effectiveness at accurately classifying treatment completion status to a significant degree. The post-hoc analysis concluded that differences between rapid, median and near-term premature termination non-completers were not significant using the .05 alpha, however results were approaching significance. The clinical implications for policy, treatment, and social work practice were discussed in relationship to substance abuse treatment strategies for prevention and early intervention of premature termination from substance abuse treatment among the African American adolescent population. Additionally future recommendations for research within the area of premature termination are provided.Item An Examination Of The Influence Of Mother-Child Communication And Maternal Monitoring On Sexual Behavior In African American High School Students(2011) Wikkeling-Scott, Ludmilla Francisca; Velasco, Eduardo H.; Kidd-Taylor, Andrea K.; Public Health and Policy; Doctor of Public HealthThe enjoyment of physical contact and expressions of sexual feelings are normal experiences of adolescent development but have also been related to negative health consequences, with a higher prevalence among African Americans. Research has focused on reducing behaviors such as sexual activity among adolescents to avoid related health consequences but often fail to address the parental factor. A few studies on parental factors have noted that parent-child communication and parental monitoring are important influencers of adolescent sexual behavior. They also noted that mothers are the main communicators on topics of sex while fathers communicate about general topics. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of mother-child communication and maternal monitoring on sexual behavior among African American high school students. Secondary data analysis was conducted on a cross-sectional sample of 424 adolescents between 14 and 17 years of age who participated in the Family Adolescent Risk Behavior and Communication Survey. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses and multiple regressions were conducted in order to draw conclusions about the influence of main predictors on outcome variables. The statistical significance for analyses was determined at a level of 0.05 alpha. In this study sample, 209 students had engaged in sexual intercourse, 125 students anticipated sexual intercourse in the next year, and 90 students reported to delay sexual intercourse in the next year. The results from multiple regression analyses showed that when different levels of African American adolescent sexual experience are considered (beyond the traditional sexually active/not sexually active dichotomy), the role of mother-child communication and maternal monitoring are not strong based on the three specific hypotheses that were tested. Results suggested that future studies may benefit from a longitudinal rather than a cross sectional design. The study concluded that the nurturing role of mothers can be greatly enhanced when they learn the appropriate skills to guide their adolescents on the path to adulthood with relevant tools to make healthy decisions.Item An Exploratory Study On The Influence Of Song Lyrics Referencing Marijuana, Heroin, And/Or Ecstasy: Perceptions Of Maryland College Students(2015) Sterrett, Zakia S.; Hargett, Stella; Sociology and Anthropology; Master of ArtsThe primary focus of this study was to gauge the attitudes of college students about the impact of marijuana, heroin, and/or ecstasy song lyrics on use of one or more of these drugs. The author created an online survey for Maryland college and university students 18 years of age and older; there were 125 participants. Most respondents perceived that song lyrics with references to marijuana, heroin, and/or ecstasy have no influence on their use of one or more of these drugs. Most students agreed that teenagers are more likely to be influenced to use marijuana, heroin, and/or ecstasy after listening to one or more of these references in song lyrics, but disagreed on this influence for young adults. The research concluded that adolescents are perceived to be more likely to use marijuana, heroin, and/or ecstasy because of the influence of song lyrics referencing one or more of these drugs. The perceptions of Maryland college students are important in establishing a link between direct exposure to illicit drug song lyrics and actual illicit drug usage among these demographic groups.Item An Analysis of the Risks and Benefits of Combined Oral Contraceptive Use among Adolescents and Young Women(2018) Stubbs, Victoria; Biological SciencesWith every medication there are risks and benefits. Most realize that with every desired benefit a medication provides the individual may also experience side effects. These side effects may have a negative or positive impact on the individual's overall health and wellbeing. I researched and performed a textual analysis of the scientific literature and data regarding the risks and benefits of combined oral contraceptive pill use in adolescent and young women. The combination pill contains both a synthetic estrogen and progesterone, also known as progestogen, with estrogen doses varying from 20-50Āµg and progesterone varying from first to fourth generation progestogens. The pill works by introducing these hormones into the body and suppressing the body's natural fluctuations of hormones throughout the woman's menstrual cycle. Estrogen has been known to affect ocular health and vascular function, as well as individual's risk for cancer. As a result, combined oral contraceptives have been linked to an increased risk for stroke, cardiovascular issues, asthma symptoms, and breast cancer. That being said, the combination pill has also been proven to provide many benefits. Aside from preventing an unwanted pregnancy, oral contraceptive use has been shown to effectively treat acne, menstrual irregularity, and polycystic ovarian syndrome symptoms, as well as decrease an in individual's risk for endometrial and ovarian cancers. All of the risks and benefits may be influenced by numerous factors. Therefore, it is important for medical care providers to take a patient's medical and personal history into account prior to making a decision on whether or not to prescribe the combination pill to an individual.Item Psychosocial Correlates Of Marijuana Use In Adolescents And And Young Adults(2016) Nwogwugwu, Stanley I.; Tirmazi, Mohammed Taqi T; Social Work; Doctor of PhilosophyThe effects of marijuana use on health and behavioral health have been documented in studies. However, the renewed/continuous debates about marijuana, either for medical or recreational purposes, its public health safety, impact policy, and behavioral health continues to be daily addressed. In the recent past, there appears to be an ever-evolving perceptual change on the impact of marijuana use, while proponents of marijuana legalization and decriminalization uphold that marijuana prohibition was a failure, accentuating their arguments based on increased arrests and incarceration of citizens for marijuana possession. As important as the impact of marijuana are the factors that may have an impact on marijuana use. The overall purpose of this study was to determine if depression and other selected variables had an impact on marijuana use in adolescents and young adults. The source of data for this study was the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH, 2013) sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The study analyzed data on 17,399 adolescents ages 12-17 years old and 18,142 young adults ages 18-25. Variables studied were major depressive episodes (past year and lifetime), socio-demographic characteristics (gender, age, race, education), adolescents' perception of their parents' and peer's approval of marijuana use, adults' perceptions of the risk of frequency of marijuana use, access to marijuana, and states' legal marijuana laws. Chi-square analyses were used to determine if these variables were significantly associated with marijuana use. Logistic regression models were used to determine if depression was a predictor of marijuana use after controlling for other selected variables. This study provides evidence that past-year and lifetime depressive episodes had an impact on adolescent and young adult use of marijuana. Other predictors of marijuana use for adolescents were socio-demographic characteristics, adolescents' perception of how their parents felt about marijuana use, peer approval, perception of usage by student in the class, and access to marijuana. Other predictors of marijuana use for young adults were socio-demographic characteristics, perception of use whether 1-2 times a week or monthly, and accessibility to marijuana. The study findings had implications for social work interventions, practice, policy, and further research.Item Risk perception, parental substance use involvement and marijuana use among American adolescents.(2004-11-22) Sears, Terry B.; Wagner, Fernando A.; Doctor of Public HealthItem A Scandinavian Perspective on Juvenile Justice in Baltimore City, Maryland(2018) Jernigan, Lydia; Conflict Analysis and Dispute ResolutionThe intention of this research is to find more effective way to rehabilitate juvenile delinquents in Baltimore City, Maryland. Baltimore has a higher than average rate of juvenile criminal activity compared to the rest of the United States and some areas of the world such as Scandinavian countries. Baltimore also has a higher than average number of juveniles in out-of-home treatment facilities to serve as punishment than compared to the rest of the state of Maryland. There is also a high rate of recidivism which indicates that these penalty practices are not fulfilling their function of rehabilitating juveniles and releasing them as law abiding citizens. This research quantitatively examines the rates of juvenile crime in Scandinavia and compares those rates to the juvenile crime rates in the United States with a focus on Baltimore. Subsequently, the juvenile justice system of Baltimore and the countries of Scandinavia are examined, concentrating specifically on commonly used rehabilitative disciplinary actions for juveniles committing a crime, as well as the age in which juveniles can be charged with committing a crime. Research has found that Baltimore places an emphasis on out-of-home placement facilities as penalties, and charges juveniles at a far younger age than the system in Scandinavia. Scandinavian countries focus more on rehabilitation and promoting the welfare of juvenile delinquents, contrary to Baltimore which focuses more strongly on justice for the crime committed. This research suggests that Baltimore uses a system that heavily relies on punishment for rehabilitation and should implement a more welfare-based juvenile disciplinary system that fixates on supportive rehabilitation.Item The Association Of Hiv Knowledge, Attitudes, And Beliefs With Sexual Behavior Among A Sample Of Adolescents And Young Adults In Nigeria(2012) Oguamanam, Alphonsus Chike; Wagner, Fernando A.; Public Health and Policy; Doctor of Public HealthIn 2005, more than 25 million adults and children worldwide were living with HIV/AIDS and more than 75% of these were in sub-Saharan Africa. Studies indicate that the incidence of HIV infection and the prevalence of high-risk behaviors among young populations continue to rise in developing countries. AIDS has severe economic impacts, especially in high-risk countries such as Nigeria. This dissertation project used secondary data from the 2003 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. The 2003 NDHS is a cross-sectional, multistage, stratified survey with systematic sampling that was designed to obtain information on key population and health indicators such as sexual activity, knowledge about AIDS and other STDs, and behavior associated with AIDS and other STDs for the entire Nigerian population, including people living in rural areas, urban areas, and six major geographic regions. Analyses were restricted to sexually active adolescents and young adults 15 to 24 years of age who are Nigerians living in Nigeria in 2003. The sample size was (n=2,418), of which 2,009 are females and 409 are males. Non-Nigerians and Nigerians in Diaspora were excluded in the original design of the survey. Also, those younger than 15 years or older than 24 years were excluded in this study. This research examined the association between independent variables and other covariates with risky sexual behaviors such as lack of condom use and multiple sex partners, as well as possible difference by gender. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using multivariate logistic regression models, adjusting for age, education and religion. All tests were done at 95% significant level. A descriptive analysis of variable number of sex partners showed that about 32% of participants had multiple sex partners. Among those who had access to condom 34% also reported having multiple sex partners. Results of multivariate analyses indicated that gender was significantly associated with multiple sex partners but females have lower odds of having multiple sex partners, compared to males (OR=0.48; CI=0.40, 0.56; p=<0.001). Adjusting for all covariates greatly increased the odds for multiple sex partners for females (aOR=1.09, CI=0.82, 1.46, p=0.538). Adjusted odds ratios demonstrated strong association between multiple sex partners and religion, marital status, region, place of residence, wealth index, lack of perceived threats, and lack of self-efficacy (aOR=1.22, CI=0.81, 1.84, for perceived threats & aOR=1.21, CI=0.69, 2.11, for self-efficacy). The summary odds ratios showed that unmarried youth had lower odds of multiple sex partners, compared to currently married youth (aOR=0.02, CI=0.01, 0.03, p=<001). Rural resident youth had two times higher odds of multiple sex partners, compared with urban residence youth (aOR=2.07, CI=1.25, 3.44, p=0.005). The summary odds ratios demonstrated all associations between the independent variables/or other covariates and lack of condom use were statistically significant except for age, behavior change, and attitudes towards people with. Results also showed that the odds for lack of condom use among females were 1.34 times higher, compared to their male counterparts, controlling for age, education, and religion (aOR=1.34, CI=1.10,1.64). This study concludes that HIV knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs are associated with risky sexual behavior among young people and that HIV/AIDS epidemic is also driven by young people. Therefore, interventions must respond to the low condom use among adolescents and young adult population. In addition, HIV/AIDS knowledge information must include awareness messages about the risks of multiple sex partnerships. Finally, this study concludes that, in Nigeria, high-risk behavior commences for most part during adolescence, and large proportions of these high-risk populations are younger than 25 years.Item The Association Of Locus Of Control, Social Support And Family Structure With Self-Disclosure Among Hiv Infected Adolescents Aged 13-21.(2012) Peele, Yolanda LaSalle; Hossain, Mian Bazle; Public Health and Policy; Doctor of Public HealthHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) continues to be a significant health issue in the United States. While there have been considerable advances in preventing vertical transmission of HIV (transmission from mother to child), there is still cause for concern regarding the HIV incidence rates of the youth and young adult population in the United States. Increasing rates of HIV/AIDS among this population is disturbing and with many perinatally infected youth living longer, the issue of disclosure of HIV status becomes important in preventing transmission of HIV/AIDS to uninfected individuals. Few studies have examined HIV-positive adolescents and the issue of self-disclosure. The present study seeks to explore the complexity of disclosure and the predictive effects, if any, of family structure, social support, and locus of control among a sample of adolescents infected with HIV/AIDS. A cross-sectional study of adolescents infected with HIV/AIDS (n=166) aged 13-21, receiving care in three urban areas in the United States, reported disclosure of HIV status, locus of control indicators, social support indicators, and demographic characteristics. HIV related data were abstracted from medical records. Prevalence and predictors of self-disclosure of HIV status to others were determined using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Of 166 participants (99 perinatal, 67 behavioral), self-disclosure of serostatus was reported by 94 youth (57%): 69% to family, 32% to friends, and 43% of those sexually experienced to partners. Analyses showed that younger adolescents (13-17 years) were less likely to self-disclose than older (18-21 years) (p<0.001), as were gay, lesbian, bisexual, and questioning adolescents versus heterosexual adolescents (p<0.04), those taking antiretroviral medications (p<0.002) and those living away from their families (p<0.02). Adolescents who had acquired HIV infection behaviorally were more than twice as likely to have disclosed their status as those with perinatal acquisition (87% vs. 36%, p<0.001). Behavioral acquisition of HIV significantly predicted self-disclosure to others (Adjusted Odds Ratio = 1.03, 95% Confidence Interval = 0.01, 0.25, p<0.001). Self-disclosure of sensitive health information is difficult, particularly for adolescents with a stigmatized illness such as HIV/AIDS. While a number of possible factors were associated with self-disclosure of serostatus, only behavioral acquisition of HIV independently predicted willingness to self-disclose one's status. The comparative reticence of perinatally infected youth to self-disclose may be due to several factors, but since disclosure can be an important means of gaining support and preventing secondary transmission of HIV infection, interventions should focus on helping youth, including perinatally infected youth, share their status in a way that affords them the social support and clinical benefits they need. Disclosure can be an important means of preventing secondary transmission of HIV infection, interventions should focus on helping youth, including perinatally infected youth, share their status in a way that affords them the social support and clinical benefits they need.Item The Relationship Between Psychosocial Factors And Weight Status Among African American Adolescents(2010) Lathan, Monica JaTonya; Bronner, Yvonne L.; Public Health and Policy; Doctor of Public HealthStigma, self-esteem and self-efficacy, under-investigated psychosocial factors, may be used to combat the overweight and obesity epidemic among African American adolescents (AA). Literature that examines psychosocial factors and weight status typically focuses on girls. Omitting examinations of these factors in males thwarts overall understanding of the relationship between psychosocial factors and weight status. The aims of the research are to determine the relationship between psychosocial factors and weight status among AA adolescents and identify gender differences. A convenience sample of 190 AA (average age 16 years) high school juniors was used for this investigation. Students were asked to complete surveys on stigma (teasing), self-esteem, and self-efficacy. Covariate, lifestyle factors of smoking and team sports participation were also considered. Weight status was represented by BMI for age, using CDC guidelines, computed from self-reported heights and weights. Cross-tabulations and multiple logistic regression analyses evaluated unadjusted and adjusted relationships between these variables and weight status. There was a 45% response rate. The average BMI for age placed the study sample in the 68th percentile. Over half of the sample participated in team sports and only 4% were smokers. Self esteem and self efficacy were not found to be significantly associated with weight status. Stigma (teasing) and weight status were significantly correlated (p<.05). After adjusting for gender and lifestyle factors, the odds of being above normal weight were 4 times greater for those reporting high levels of teasing (O.R. = 3.98; 95%CI=1.6- 9.9, p=0.003). Teasing and reported weight status among AA females was significantly associated (OR=7.11, CI =2.08, 24.30). Future longitudinal and intervention studies are needed to further clarify and explicate the potential influence that psychosocial factors may have on curbing the obesity epidemic among AA adolescents.Item Understanding Peer Relations: The Relationship Between Cyber Bullying And Emotional Well-Being Of African American Adolescents(2016) Baxter, Brynez Mercedes; Wells-Wilbon, Rhonda D.; Social Work; Doctor of PhilosophyThe purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between cyber bullying and emotional well-being amongst African American adolescents. Communication with others that once required face-to-face interaction has transitioned to being done through the use of electronic media sources. The use of social media brings numerous positives but it also brings individuals who do not utilize social media appropriately and try to harm others. This form of harassment is defined as cyber bullying. Cyber bullying is most prevalent in adolescents between the ages of 11-15 and typically in their middle school years. With digital media being a new phenomenon that individuals are working to understand, there is limited empirical data that reports the effects on emotional well being as a result of cyber bullying. African American adolescents are the most likely of any group to own a smart phone. Cell phones along with other digital devices are the primary driver of adolescent internet use (Lenhart, 2015). This researcher explored African American adolescents and their response to cyber bullying by being a victim, aggressor, or combined victim/aggressor. The research hypotheses for this study were that there would be significant relationships between Emotional Well-Being and (1) being a victim of cyber bullying, (2) being an aggressor of cyber bullying, (3) being a combined victim/aggressor of cyber bullying, (4) age, (5) gender, and (6) grade. The Theory of Social Presence and Moral Development was utilized to guide this research. T-Test, Chi-Square, and General Linear Model analyses were used to analyze the adolescent's emotional well-being and cyber bullying characteristics and their socio-demographic background. The bivariate analyses indicated a significant relationship between Emotional Well-Being and victim cyber bullying and aggressor cyber bullying. Multivariate analyses were conducted and concluded that victim cyber bullying continued to be significant when controlling for forms of victimization. Results of this study concluded that additional research and programming that support those who could be affected by cyber bullying is warranted to support adolescents and help them remain safe.Item Working through the blues: A meta-analysis on Interpersonal Psychotherapy for depressed adolescents (ITP-A)(Elsevier, 2018) Mychailyszyn, Matthew; Elson, Damian; PsychologyPrevious research has indicated that Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is generally effective for ameliorating symptoms for adults suffering from depression. Indeed, this has been demonstrated through numerous clinical and open trials, and further confirmed on a larger degree through several meta-analyses. However, no such comprehensive reviews have been conducted exclusively with adolescents, a population for which interpersonal relationships holds immense developmental importance. Therefore, a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of IPT-A, the version of IPT modified to specifically address depression in adolescents, was conducted in the present review. A total of ten studies yielding 766 participants were included in the present meta-analysis and analyzed using a standardized mean gain (SMG) effect size. The results indicate that IPT-A was significantly effective at reducing depressive symptoms in adolescents and significantly more effective than control or treatment-as-usual groups in treating depression in adolescents. IPT-A yielded an overall effect size (Hedges g) of 1.19, while the aggregate effect size for control/placebo groups was 0.58. Overall, the results of this review suggest that IPT-A holds similar promise for improving adolescent depression as the original version does for adults.