Alina M. Perez

Differences in perceived stress, depression, and medical symptoms among medical, nursing, and physician assistant students: a latent class analysis.

In most health professions institutions, curricular evaluation is conducted in the absence of psychological tools. Yet, student health is correlated with stress and depression. This study used latent class analysis to describe student groups and their levels of stress, depression, and medical symptoms. Data from 386 health professions students (including medical, physician assistant, nursing, and audiology students) at Nova Southeastern University were analyzed. The results showed that nursing students are most likely to be classified as “healthy-adjusted” (latent class 1). Medical students were most likely to be classified as “severely depressed” (latent class 3). The findings demonstrate a need for the use of psychological tools in addition to conventional metrics to evaluate and improve curricula.

Therapeutic death: A look at Oregon's law.

Oregon voters approved the first American statute authorizing physician-assisted suicide, the Oregon Death With Dignity Act, in 1994. The authors of this article identify some positive and negative psychological effects of laws such as Oregons on patients. Generally, they conclude, on the basis of psychological theory and the available data, that laws such as Oregons benefit patients psychologically. Undoubtedly, however, there exist important possible antitherapeutic effects on patients, and the authors hope that discussion of both therapeutic and antitherapeutic consequences will stimulate future research by social scientists in this area.

The Alcohol Perception (AP) Project: A Study of the Perceptions of Adolescents toward Alcohol

Four million individuals under the age of 21 admit to consuming alcohol in any given month. This is a significant statistic considering alcohol is responsible for most health problems related to drugs among adolescents. Research has shown that the high influence of alcohol advertising may encourage adolescents to emulate the behaviors seen in alcohol commercials. Further, those who begin drinking before age 13 are seven times more likely to consume 4+ drinks at least 6 times a month. The authors sought to show causality between the positive social perception of alcohol and the ability to influence drinking behavior. Survey findings of the study suggest that adolescents are more likely to be influenced by those who drink than those who do not. Therefore, measures to change this perception (in order to avert addiction and disease) must be put in place at an early age, much as they are (at both the academic and professional level) for combating tobacco.

LAW IN PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE

Public health practitioners have long misunderstood and underestimated the interconnectedness between their field and the law. The result has been significant impediments to positive health outcomes within our communities. Public health problems and interventions often present myriad social, political, ethical, and legal issues. In addition, the field of public health cannot function effectively without a strong legal structure. Past and present experiences with issues such as control of infectious diseases, reduction of tobacco use, elimination of industrial pollution, and partner notification have shown that the relationship between public health and law has both positive and negative dimensions. Therefore, empowering public health practitioners with the legal knowledge and skills necessary to carry out their duties and fulfill their responsibilities is critical to the success of public health initiatives. By the same token, for lawyers to serve as effective partners in public health endeavors, it is imperative that they familiarize themselves with the basic issues and views in this diverse and often controversial field. Thus, one of the key challenges