Anthony A. Scott

Psychologists' contribution to the prevention of youth violence

Abstract Psychologists began their scientific study of violence and aggression during the first half of last century. Since then, much psychological knowledge has been assembled regarding the causes of violence as well as its prevention. This paper will provide an overview of the contribution of psychology to our present understanding of the causes of youth violence as well the contribution of this discipline to the development of effective prevention strategies. The first section will briefly review current epidemiological data regarding youth violence in the U.S. and the consequences of such violence for the individual and society. The second section will address the major psychological theories of youth violence, as well as provide an overview of the various individual and contextual factors that may influence the expression of violence. A third segment of the article will review some promising and effective preventive interventions emanating from the psychological research literature. In addition, we will provide a brief overview of our own applied research and discuss how these studies contribute to the gradually increasing armamentarium of effective solutions to this hugely significant societal problem.

Adolescent inhalant use and executive cognitive functioning

BACKGROUND This study investigates the association between inhalant use and executive cognitive functioning (ECF) and processing speed (PS) in 754 adjudicated poly-substance users on a series of neuropsychological tests. Poly-substance users who used inhalants (PSI = 262) and poly-substance users who did not use inhalants (PSO = 492) neuropsychological tests scores were compared. Hispanic Americans comprised 72% of the participants; European Americans, African Americans and Asian Americans comprised 28% of the participants. METHODS Standardized neuropsychological tests were used to assess ECF and PS. Psychosocial and substance abuse standardized surveys were used to assess drug use severity and psychosocial problems associated with substance use. RESULTS Multiple Analysis of Covariance shows that PSI users who used inhalants performed worse on ECF and PS measures in comparison to non-inhalant poly-substance users (PSO). PSI users were younger, used more drugs and had more psychiatric admissions than PSO users. CONCLUSION PSI users initiate substances at a younger age and experienced more ECF and PS deficits, and behavioural problems in comparison to PSO users. The results of this study suggest that PS has direct effect on ECF and psychosocial outcomes in PSI users.

Cultural Therapeutic Awareness and Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle cell anemia is a hereditary blood disorder in which abnormal red blood cells damage the cerebrovascular system as well as organs such as the liver and spleen. Children with sickle cell anemia manifest high mortality rates, depression, pain, strokes, and social maladjustment. Interventions often challenge the family’s beliefs and attitudes. A cognitive behavioral approach, the Health Belief Model, was offered as a strategic option in working with African American clients diagnosed with sickle cell anemia. Two descriptive case studies were presented. Whereas one case illustrated a lack of a coordinated system of care, the other demonstrated the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary system of services. The purpose of this article is to present a brief description of the medical, neurological, and psychoeducational problems caused by sickle cell anemia and to suggest that services be provided by culturally competent, systems-oriented professionals.

Adapting an HIV Prevention Intervention for High-Risk, Incarcerated Adolescents

This study examined the effectiveness of an adapted 4-session HIV prevention program. Participants included 490 adolescents who participated in either the 8- or the adapted 4-session HIVEd program. Analyses to identify mean changes in HIV-related knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and behavioral intentions between participants in either the 4- (n = 274) or 8-session (n = 216) programs were completed. Findings indicate participants in both programs had positive changes at post interview across all study outcomes. No significant differences in changes between participants in the 4- and 8-session programs were found except that male adolescents in the 4-session program had significantly higher mean changes in condom knowledge (p < .01). The adaptation of the 8-session HIVEd program was undertaken to better reach and accommodate the needs of a high risk incarcerated adolescent population. Findings demonstrate that HIV prevention interventions for high risk populations may be successfully adapted and condensed when based on rigorously evaluated and theoretically driven programs.

BART to HIVEd: Adapting an HIV Education Prevention Program

One of the fastest growing segments of the population infected with HIV is the nations youths. Thus, prevention in this high-risk population is vital. The authors detail the process of adapting an evidence-based HIV/AIDS educational program (HIVEd) to the unique needs of high-risk youths in adjudicated and detained facilities and alternative high schools. The HIVEd program derives from St. Lawrences Becoming A Responsible Teen (BART) curriculum. This article describes the modification of BART into HIVEd, identifies the challenges encountered and lessons learned, and suggests future directions for HIVEd as a useful tool for prevention of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infection in high-risk youths.

An examination of information-processing skills among inhalant-using adolescents

BACKGROUND This study investigates the association between inhalant use and information processing (IP) in adjudicated polysubstance users. Polysubstance users who used inhalants (n= 158) were compared with polysubstance users who did not use inhalants (n= 303). Hispanic Americans comprised 72% of the participants; European Americans, African Americans and Asian Americans comprised 28% of the participants. METHOD   Standardized intelligence and achievement tests were used to assess information-processing constructs of working memory and processing speed. Psychosocial and substance abuse standardized surveys were used to assess drug use severity and psychosocial problems associated with substance use. RESULTS Polysubstance users who used inhalants (PSI users) were younger, used more drugs more frequently and had more psychiatric admissions than non-inhalant polysubstance users (PSO users). Statistical analysis also shows that PSI users performed worse on measures of IP selected tests in comparison with the PSO users. CONCLUSION Inhalant users begin abusing substances at a younger age and suffer from more verbal and non-verbal processing, behavioural, language and memory problems than non-inhalant users.

Condom access in San Antonio, Texas: the "three A's" and HIV/STI incidence.

Condoms are highly effective at reducing STI transmission. Access is a critical precursor to use. This socio-ecologic study operationalizes the concept of condom access by defining it in terms of availability, affordability, and affect, and explores the relationship between these and STI incidence. Three pairs of zip codes, each with similar demographics but different Chlamydia and HIV incidence rates, were identified. Supermarkets, convenience stores, and pharmacies (N = 102) were evaluated for the three As. Nonparametric methods were used to compare the moderate-Chlamydia areas to the high-incidence areas. High-Chlamydia areas were significantly less likely to have 12-packs available compared to moderate-Chlamydia areas. Prices averaged over

Neonatal lead intoxication following maternal pica: A case report and review of the literature

1 per condom and did not vary by incidence. High-incidence areas were significantly less likely to allow patrons to select condoms unassisted. High-HIV areas placed more positively-connoted items near condoms. Improving these factors may improve condom acquisition and in turn reduce STI and HIV incidence rates.

Hemophilia Growth and Development Study: Caregiver Report of Youth and Family Adjustment to HIV Disease and Immunologic Compromise

Pica is a significant risk factor for lead exposure during pregnancy and may often go unrecognized. Lead exposure in the pregnant woman may be extremely toxic to the fetus due to unencumbered transport across the placenta. Long term neurological effects of in utero and neonatal lead exposure are largely unknown, and the efficacies of current therapies are controversial. We report a case of a pregnant woman with elevated blood lead levels secondary to pica that was not identified by a routine screening survey. Her full term baby girl had a blood lead level of 70.8 μg/dL. Neonatal therapy with double-volume exchange transfusion followed by a 3 day course of intravenous Edetate Calcium Disodium is described as well as the slow steady decline of her blood lead levels. Neurocognitive development to 18 months is also reported.