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American Journal of Preventive Medicine Mar 2022Nicotine and marijuana vaping among U.S. adolescents are public health priorities. Research has assessed the demographic and risk factors related to vaping, but there is...
INTRODUCTION
Nicotine and marijuana vaping among U.S. adolescents are public health priorities. Research has assessed the demographic and risk factors related to vaping, but there is a dearth of research on protective factors for vaping. On the basis of the healthy youth development perspective, the developmental assets framework is used to assess cumulative protective factors and vaping in a national sample of adolescents.
METHODS
Data came from the nationally representative Monitoring the Future study, consisting of 12th graders (n=6,982) from the 48 contiguous U.S. states (2017-2019). Past 30-day nicotine and marijuana vaping and developmental assets (low, medium, or high) were examined. Covariates included demographics and other substance use. Weighted descriptive statistics, logistic regression, postestimation analyses, and multiple imputation were used.
RESULTS
Students with higher assets were less likely to vape nicotine and marijuana, even after adjusting for covariates. The odds of nicotine vaping were lower for students with medium assets (AOR=0.65, 95% CI=0.54, 0.78) and high assets (AOR=0.22, 95% CI=0.16, 0.29) than for students with low assets. Similarly, the odds of marijuana vaping were lower for youth with medium assets (AOR=0.54, 95% CI=0.42, 0.69) and high assets (AOR=0.09, 95% CI=0.05, 0.18) than for those with low assets. Social competence and positive peer norms were strongly protective against both forms of vaping.
CONCLUSIONS
The healthy youth development perspective applies to the critical issues of nicotine and marijuana vaping among adolescents. Promoting cumulative assets may help to prevent vaping among U.S. adolescents, and increasing the specific assets of social competence and positive peer norms could be particularly fruitful.
Topics: Adolescent; Cannabis; Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems; Humans; Nicotine; Protective Factors; Vaping
PubMed: 34924259
DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2021.08.022 -
Cultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority... Oct 2022Indigenous knowledge and practices promote American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN; Native) communities' health and well-being. Historical losses and continued oppression... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Indigenous knowledge and practices promote American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN; Native) communities' health and well-being. Historical losses and continued oppression have resulted in disproportionately higher AI/AN youth suicide rates. This article describes the development of a new national resource guide titled "CULTURE FORWARD" for tribal leaders and stakeholders to support youth suicide prevention efforts through cultural strengths.
METHOD
The CULTURE FORWARD guide was developed over 6 months through a community-engaged process. We conducted nine roundtables and eight interviews with a wide variety of community members, leaders, and providers representing 36 diverse tribal communities and geographic regions. Participants discussed AI/AN youth risk and protective factors, successful community efforts to prevent suicide, and content and dissemination ideas. A comprehensive literature review complemented qualitative findings. A diverse and representative National Advisory Editorial Board guided content and design throughout development.
RESULTS
Qualitative data were analyzed iteratively and thematically. Across all listening sessions, culture was identified as a key protective factor against AI/AN youth suicide. Five themes related to cultural strengths informed guide chapters. Each chapter includes an introduction; how that theme helps prevent Native youth suicide; a review of academic literature, community stories and programs; action steps; and additional resources.
CONCLUSIONS
CULTURE FORWARD honors and empowers communities by weaving strands of knowledge, stories, and practical resources highlighting Native communities' strengths to protect against Native youth suicide. The guide is free online and print copies are being distributed nationally. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Indians, North American; Alaska Natives; Protective Factors; Suicide Prevention
PubMed: 35771514
DOI: 10.1037/cdp0000546 -
International Journal of Environmental... Nov 2021Considerable research has been undertaken regarding the mental health inequalities experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI+) youth as a... (Review)
Review
Considerable research has been undertaken regarding the mental health inequalities experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI+) youth as a consequence of societal and individual prejudice, stigma and discrimination. Far less research has focussed on protective factors that promote wellbeing for this population. A scoping review was conducted using a six-stage methodological framework, and is reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR statement. This explored the extent, range and nature of the peer-reviewed, published, academic literature on what is known about the protective factors that promote LGBTI+ youth wellbeing. Six databases were systematically searched applying Population-Concept-Context key inclusion criteria, complemented by contact with authors to identify additional sources, reference checks and hand searches. Ninety-six individual research records were identified and analysed, drawing from Honneth's Recognition Theory. Interpersonal relations with parents ( = 40), peers ( = 32) and providers ( = 22) were associated with indicators of enhanced wellbeing, as were LGBTI+ community relations ( = 32). Importantly, online ( = 10), faith ( = 10) and cultural ( = 5) communities were potentially protective. Content and thematic analysis highlighted the importance of Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) ( = 23) offering powerful protective opportunities through intersecting interpersonal, community and legal forms of recognition. GSAs enhance allyship by peers and providers ( = 21), facilitate access to LGBTI+ community networks ( = 11) and co-exist alongside inclusive policies ( = 12), curricular ( = 5) and extracurricular activities ( = 1). This scoping review underscores the need to move beyond the predominant focus on risk factors for LGBTI+ youth, which subsequently inform protectionist approaches. It concludes with an appeal to develop mechanisms to apply recognitive justice to policy, practice and, importantly, future research directions. This emphasises the salience of enhanced understandings of inclusion, which is rights-based, universally available and of potential benefit to all.
Topics: Adolescent; Bisexuality; Female; Homosexuality, Female; Humans; Protective Factors; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Transgender Persons
PubMed: 34770199
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111682 -
International Journal of Environmental... Mar 2021This paper examines the association between media reporting on suicides and the subsequent suicides. Scientific papers from two online bibliographic sources Medline... (Review)
Review
This paper examines the association between media reporting on suicides and the subsequent suicides. Scientific papers from two online bibliographic sources Medline (PubMed) and PsycINFO were searched. The sample included 108 research papers examining the impact of different types of media stories on suicides. The review revealed that although the media can be a double-edged sword and serve both as a risk and a protective factor, the vast majority of research suggests that the relationship between the media reporting and the actual suicide rates is causal and real. Moreover, both the quantity and the quality of media reporting may trigger additional suicides in society. Simultaneously, research suggests that especially non-fictional presentations of celebrities' suicides in newspapers and on television news have the biggest influence on the subsequent suicides. Additionally, a strong modelling effect of media reporting on suicide is based on nationality, age, and gender. However, research shows that because a negative reporting style can be modifiable and improved, the media can also have an educative or preventive effect and can reduce the risk of contagion. Consequently, it is important to monitor the implementation of media recommendations for the reporting of suicide, and continuous education of reporters is needed.
Topics: Famous Persons; Humans; Mass Media; Protective Factors; Suicide; Television
PubMed: 33804527
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18052396 -
International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2022Bullying is closely associated with suicide. This study validates mixed evidence on whether young bullies, victims, bully-victims, and those uninvolved in bullying...
Bullying is closely associated with suicide. This study validates mixed evidence on whether young bullies, victims, bully-victims, and those uninvolved in bullying differ in suicidality, risk, protective factor profiles, and predictors of suicide. A total of 2004 Hong Kong adolescents and young adults completed the Hong Kong Online Survey on Youth Mental Health and Internet Usage in 2018. Bullies, victims, and bully victims, as opposed to the uninvolved, were found to possess higher tendencies of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. They had more distinct rather than overlapping risk and protective factor profiles yet shared psychological distress and diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder as common predictors of suicide. The results indicate that suicide screening assessments and training to detect common suicide predictors can benefit youngsters regardless of their bullying involvement. From the discussion, group-specific interventions include restorative justice approaches to promote reintegration and help-seeking among bullies, peer, and professional support programs geared towards lowering victim isolation and equipping gatekeepers such as teachers with skills to connect with both bullies and victims.
Topics: Adolescent; Bullying; Crime Victims; Humans; Mental Disorders; Peer Group; Protective Factors; Suicidal Ideation
PubMed: 35270521
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052828 -
Trauma, Violence & Abuse Oct 2023Bisexual-identifying individuals appear to be at increased risk of experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) compared to people of other sexualities. The purpose of... (Review)
Review
Bisexual-identifying individuals appear to be at increased risk of experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) compared to people of other sexualities. The purpose of this systematic scoping review was to examine risk and protective factors for the perpetration of IPV against bisexual victims and to provide a preliminary quality assessment of the included studies. A systematic search of academic and grey literature was conducted in February 2021. Inclusion criteria specified that study participants identified as bisexual, that the study examined risk or protective factors for IPV, and that findings were disaggregated by sexual identity. All potentially eligible references were independently screened by two reviewers, and conflicts settled by a third reviewer. Nine articles published between 2013 and 2021 met criteria for inclusion. Data extraction was completed for all included studies, and findings presented in a narrative synthesis. The review identified a number of risk factors, including bisexual identity, internalised homophobia, discrimination, partner gender, negative childhood experiences and non-monogamy. One study included consideration of a potentially protective factor. The majority of the included studies were cross-sectional in design. More longitudinal studies are needed to clarify temporality of the associations identified and better inform support and prevention efforts. Further implications for future research, policies and practise are discussed.
Topics: Humans; Protective Factors; Sexual Behavior; Intimate Partner Violence; Bisexuality; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Risk Factors
PubMed: 35435063
DOI: 10.1177/15248380221084749 -
Risk and protective factors for depressive symptoms and suicidal behavior in the general population.Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem 2021To analyze the participants' perception of risk and protective factors for depressive symptoms and their relationship with suicidal behavior in a general adult...
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the participants' perception of risk and protective factors for depressive symptoms and their relationship with suicidal behavior in a general adult population.
METHOD
Exploratory-descriptive, qualitative research, using Content Analysis. Interviews with 200 participants over 18 years old, domiciled in Poços de Caldas/MG, between January 2017 and October 2018.
RESULTS
Risk factors were sadness, loneliness, problematic family relationships, losses/difficulties in emotional relationships, unemployment/financial difficulties, depressive symptoms, worsening of the feeling of depression, inability to frustration, problems in experiencing spirituality. Protective factors were family, emotional relationships, and spirituality. Suicidal behavior was related to the severity of depression, feelings of hopelessness, psychiatric comorbidities, and unemployment.
FINAL CONSIDERATIONS
Perception of risk factors was linked to family problems, sadness, loss of emotional relationships, unemployment, loneliness, and inability to experience frustrations; and the protective ones perceived were family and spirituality. There was a relationship between depressive symptoms and suicidal behavior.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Depression; Humans; Loneliness; Protective Factors; Risk Factors; Suicidal Ideation
PubMed: 34320124
DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2020-1269 -
Current Psychiatry Reports Apr 2024Focusing on protective factors rather than risk factors potentially better aligns assessment with strengths-based treatment. We examine research into the assessment of... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Focusing on protective factors rather than risk factors potentially better aligns assessment with strengths-based treatment. We examine research into the assessment of protective factors to see whether it can play this role relative to sexual offending.
RECENT FINDINGS
Structured asses sment of protective factors is well developed relative to violent offending but only recently studied relative to sexual offending. Nevertheless, multiple measures of protective factors have now been trialed with men who have committed sexual offenses and shown to predict reduced recidivism. Although research into individual scales is limited, overlapping content between scales suggests that protective factors aligning with constructs of Resilience, Adaptive Sexuality, and Prosocial Connection and Reward are all relevant to sexual offending. Protective factors relevant to sexual offending are sufficiently well identified that they can usefully be used for treatment need assessment, treatment planning during therapy, and case management. They can also make some contribution to risk assessment. The Structured Assessment of PROtective Factors against Sexual Offending (SAPROF-SO) is currently the most comprehensive measure of protective factors relevant to sexual offending.
Topics: Male; Humans; Protective Factors; Criminals; Risk Factors; Risk Assessment; Sexual Behavior; Sex Offenses
PubMed: 38396235
DOI: 10.1007/s11920-024-01493-5 -
American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease... 2023We estimated the conversion from cognitively normal to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to probable dementia and death for underweight, normal, overweight, and obese...
OBJECTIVE
We estimated the conversion from cognitively normal to mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to probable dementia and death for underweight, normal, overweight, and obese older adults, where the timing of examinations is associated with the severity of dementia.
METHODS
We analyzed six waves of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). Body mass (BMI) was computed from height and weight. Multi-state survival models (MSMs) examined misclassification probability, time-to-event ratios, and cognitive decline.
RESULTS
Participants (n = 6078) were 77 years old, 62% had overweight and/or obese BMI. After adjusting for the effects of cardiometabolic factors, age, sex, and race, obesity was protective against developing dementia (aHR=.44; 95%CI [.29-.67]) and dementia-related mortality (aHR=.63; 95%CI [.42-.95]).
DISCUSSION
We found a negative relationship between obesity and dementia and dementia-related mortality, a finding that has been underreported in the literature. The continuing obesity epidemic might complicate the diagnosis and treatment of dementia.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Overweight; Protective Factors; Obesity; Aging; Dementia
PubMed: 37391890
DOI: 10.1177/15333175221111658 -
Clinical Psychology Review Jul 2021A large body of research has emerged over the last decade examining empirical models of general and specific psychopathology, which take into account comorbidity among... (Review)
Review
A large body of research has emerged over the last decade examining empirical models of general and specific psychopathology, which take into account comorbidity among psychiatric disorders and enable investigation of risk and protective factors that are common across disorders. This systematic review presents findings from studies of empirical models of psychopathology and transdiagnostic risk and protective factors for psychopathology among young people (10-24 years). PsycInfo, Medline and EMBASE were searched from inception to November 2020, and 41 studies were identified that examined at least one risk or protective factor in relation to broad, empirically derived, psychopathology outcomes. Results revealed several biological (executive functioning deficits, earlier pubertal timing, genetic risk for ADHD and schizophrenia, reduced gray matter volume), socio-environmental (stressful life events, maternal depression) and psychological (low effortful control, high neuroticism, negative affectivity) transdiagnostic risk factors for broad psychopathology outcomes, including general psychopathology, internalising and externalising. Methodological complexities are discussed and recommendations for future studies of empirical models of psychopathology are presented. These results contribute to a growing body of support for transdiagnostic approaches to prevention and intervention for psychiatric disorders and highlight several promising avenues for future research.
Topics: Adolescent; Comorbidity; Humans; Mental Disorders; Protective Factors; Psychopathology; Risk Factors
PubMed: 33992846
DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2021.102036