Carol A. Patsdaughter

Predicting psychological distress among former Soviet immigrants.

This study investigated whether age, gender, marital status, education, employ ment, length of time in the U.S. and immigration demands (novelty, occupation, language, discrimination, loss, and not feeling at home) were predictors of psychological distress in a sample of 1,647 former Soviet immigrants. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the combined model of demographic and demand of immigration variables was significant. Results indicated that women, older immigrants, those with less than a college education, and those with greater immigration demands related to novelty, language, discrimination, loss, and not feeling at home were most distressed.

Use of the Brief Symptom Inventory to Assess Psychological Distress in Three Immigrant Groups

This paper examined the internal consistency reliability of two newly developed alternate language versions of the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) (This is not the Bradford Somatic Inventory, which is also known as the BSI) when used with Polish and Filipino immigrants and the original versions of the BSI and its parent instrument, the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) when used with Irish immigrants; and, the theoretical and criterion related validity of the Psychoticism subscale of the BSI for Polish, Filipino, and Irish immigrants. Internal consistency estimates and triangulation of individual BSI global and subscale scores with verbal self- reports and clinical assessments demonstrated that the BSI is a relatively reliable and valid cross-cultural measure of psychological distress. However, problems with the Psychoticism subscale occurred across all three immigrant groups, which suggested that this subscale should be interpreted with caution when used with immigrants.

COMPUTER Addiction: When Monitor Becomes Control Center

Computer addiction is a newly recognized problem. While controversy exists about whether computer addiction should be considered a primary psychiatric disorder, clinicians are treating increasing numbers of clients experiencing problems caused by excessive computer use. Case studies are provided that include typical histories and symptoms. Behavioral cognitive therapy is discussed as a treatment approach. The stages of change theory is recommended as a strategy to help clients plan and implement change.

SENORITAS: an HIV/sexually transmitted infection prevention project for Latina college students at a Hispanic-serving university.

Few HIV prevention projects have specifically targeted Latina college students. These young women may be at risk for HIV infection because of developmental issues, normative behaviors, gender roles, and cultural beliefs that affect their sexual practices. The SENORITAS project (an acronym for Student Education Needed in Order to Reduce Infection and Transmission of AIDS/HIV and STIs [sexually transmitted infections]) is an innovative program designed for Latina college students at an urban Hispanic-serving institution in South Florida. The project has two major aims: (a) to provide age-appropriate, gender-specific, and culturally tailored HIV/STI prevention education for Latina college students through the use of a theoretically based, single-session peer education program: and (b) to improve the competence, comfort level, and skills of multiethnic nursing students as HIV prevention educators. This article discusses project development and design using the information-motivation-behavioral skill model for HIV prevention, describes implementation with peer educators, and concludes with progress to date and future directions.

Self-esteem and risk behaviors of Dominican adolescents.

During the transition from childhood to adulthood, adolescents establish patterns of behavior and make lifestyle choices that affect both their current and future health. Adolescence is a time of rapid developmental change and engagement in risk-taking behaviors. Research has supported the notion that adolescent risk behaviors are functional, purposive, instrumental, and goal directed (Le Breton, 2004). The major causes of morbidity and mortality for adolescents are not diseases but preventable behaviors. For example, the major causes of death in individuals between the ages of 1019 are accidents (especially traffic accidents), suicide, and violence (World Health Organization [WHO], 2008); and adolescent health problems (morbidity and mortality) are related to sexual and reproductive health behaviors and use of alcohol, tobacco, and other illegal substances (WHO, 2008). Risk behaviors also have psychological and social outcomes, in that they may interfere with the accomplishment of normal developmental tasks and fulfillment of expected social roles (Jessor, 1991). Because of this, there is increasing interest among health

Gambling behaviors in Black older adults: perceived effects on health.

Gambling is a popular activity among older adults of multiple ethnic and cultural backgrounds, but gambling research has not focused on elderly individuals or on minority groups. Although most gambling is a social activity, it also could have health implications for older adults. Sixty-seven Black individuals, ages 50 to 88, completed the Massachusetts Gambling Screen and 20 Black older adults were interviewed about gambling behaviors and beliefs about gambling and health. Although participants in this study were low income, they were as active in gambling as the general population. One pathological gambler and two problem gamblers were identified. The correlation between reported overall health and beliefs about the effects of gambling on health was not significant. Researchers, educators, and nurses working with older adults can help define the health implications of gambling on this population.

Students' decisions to select HIV services for clinical experiences.

The ever-growing numbers of persons living with HIV/AIDS emphasizes the need for highly trained healthcare professionals to care for this population. Understanding why nursing and medical students would choose HIV services for clinical rotations, and the impact of those clinical experiences on their future professional practice, is key to recruiting healthcare providers to care for this population.

Lessons From the Viagra Study: Methodological Challenges in Recruitment of Older and Minority Heterosexual Men for Research on Sexual Practices and Risk Behaviors

Although all sexually active persons may be at potential risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), there is a common misperception that older heterosexual adults are not at risk (Smith & Christakis, 2009). HIV is a continuing concern among persons older than 50 years (Goodroad, 2003; Savasta, 2004). Therefore, research with this population is warranted. However, little literature addresses the recruitment of middle-aged and older heterosexual men, particularly minority men, into research studies on sexual behaviors and practices. The purpose of this article is to discuss the challenges that arose during the recruitment and data collection stages of a study on health and sexual practices of older heterosexual men using drugs prescribed for treating erectile dysfunction (ED), and the strategies that were used to meet these challenges. Lessons learned from this study will be discussed, as will be implications for HIV/STD researchers and clinicians.

Risk classification, clinical outcomes, and the use of nursing resources for cardiac surgery patients.

Several studies have used risk classification models to examine the effect of preoperative risk factors on operative morbidity and mortality. However, previous research has not linked risk classification models to factors such as frequency of postoperative complications, length of intensive care unit stay, mortality, and the use of nursing resources. This article reports on significant differences in clinical outcomes and hours of nursing care by risk classifications.

The Perceived Effects of Condoms on Sexual Experience: A Comparison of Older Hispanic and Non-Hispanic Men.

Heterosexual transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) is increasing in older adult populations around the world. This study compares Hispanic and non-Hispanic men ages 50 years and older currently using prescribed erectile dysfunction medications in relation to their perception of the effect of condoms on sexual experience. A sample of 86 men (40 Hispanic and 46 non-Hispanic men) ages 50-79 years completed the 10-item Effect on Sexual Experience (ESE) subscale. Although there was no difference between the 2 groups on the subscale mean score, t(84) = 1.449, p = .151, analysis of the subscale items found 1 item that was significantly different (p = .005) between the 2 groups, although this difference could have been related to different perceptions of the word disgusting. Hispanic men were also less concerned than non-Hispanic men about condom-related loss of erection. This study adds to the literature on HIV and STD prevention for older Hispanic/Latinos.