Rebecca A. Vidourek

Disordered eating and job stress among nurses

AIM The purpose of this study was to examine disordered eating behaviours among nurses in the state of Ohio. BACKGROUND Individuals involved in disordered eating tend to report more frequent and higher levels of perceived stress than their counterparts. As nurses regularly perform stressful roles and responsibilities within a high-stress environment, this group may be at elevated risk of disordered eating. METHOD A 65-item survey was mailed to a random sample of 1000 nurses in the state of Ohio. RESULTS A total of 435 nurses (47%) returned completed surveys. Most (93%) were registered nurses (RNs) and 87% were over 31 years old. Results indicated that disordered eating differed significantly based on perceived job stress and perceived body satisfaction. Nurses with high levels of perceived job stress and low levels of body satisfaction had higher disordered eating involvement. CONCLUSIONS Nurses reporting high levels of job stress are at increased risk of disordered eating behaviours. Recommendations for future research are offered. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Employee wellness programmes should be developed that educate and support nurses to make healthy lifestyle choices.

Teaching adolescents safe driving and passenger behaviors: Effectiveness of the You Hold the Key Teen Driving Countermeasure

PROBLEM Unsafe driving and passenger behaviors place teens at increased risk for fatal and nonfatal crashes. This study evaluated the short-and long-term efficacy of the You Hold the Key (YHTK) Teen Driving Countermeasure. METHOD A two-page survey was completed by high school students at pretest, posttest, and long-term (6-month) posttest. RESULTS YHTK was associated with significant immediate and long-term improvements in teen seatbelt use, safe driving, and perceived confidence in preventing drunk driving. Compared to pretests, students at immediate and long-term posttest more frequently wore seatbelts when driving or riding, required passengers to wear seatbelts, and limited the number of passengers to the number of seatbelts in the vehicle. Students were more likely at both posttests to avoid drinking and driving and to say no to riding with a friend who had been drinking. SUMMARY YHTK was associated with increases in safe teen driving and passenger behaviors. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY Success of YHTK is most notably due to its comprehensive nature. Future programs should consider comprehensive strategies when attempting to modify teen behaviors.

University students' perceived self-efficacy in identifying suicidal warning signs and helping suicidal friends find campus intervention resources

Currently, suicide is the third leading cause of death among youth 18 to 24 years of age and the second leading cause of death on college campuses. A sample of students (N = 1,019) from three midwestern universities were surveyed regarding their perceived self-efficacy in identifying suicide warning signs and campus suicide intervention resources. The results indicated that 11% strongly believed they could recognize a friend at suicidal risk, while 17% strongly believed they could ask a friend if he or she was suicidal. Students who had received high school suicide prevention education and who had ever had a family member or friend express suicidal thoughts to them were those most confident in recognizing a friend at risk, asking a friend if he/she is suicidal, and helping a friend to see a counselor. Most (71%) were not aware of on-campus help resources. These findings underscore the importance of suicide prevention education throughout the high school and college years.

Getting inked: Tattoo and risky behavioral involvement among university students

Abstract The purpose of the study is to assess university students’ involvement in tattooing and examine associations between tattooing and risky behaviors. University students enrolled in physical education and health classes at one Midwestern University are study participants, and a survey is used to examine 998 university students’ involvement in tattooing. The results indicate that 29.6% of respondents have a tattoo. The most common locations for tattoos are the chest (37.6%), foot (26.8%), arm (15.8%), and back (14.4%). Females are more likely than males to have a tattoo. Tattooed students are significantly more likely than non-tattooed students to engage in alcohol and marijuana use and risky sexual behaviors. Suicidal behaviors and suicidal ideation are not related to tattoo status among university students. Therefore, college health professionals should be aware of associations between tattooing and risky behavioral involvement. Educational programs are needed to increase student awareness of body modification and associated risk behaviors.

Risk and protective factors for recent alcohol use among African-American youth.

A total of 7488 7th-12th grade African-American students completed a survey assessing factors associated with recent alcohol use. Results indicated that 13.6% used alcohol in the past month. A series of odds ratios revealed that making good grades, participating in school activities, attending church, and having parents/teachers talk about the dangers of alcohol and set/enforce rules regarding alcohol were associated with decreased recent use. Participating in risky behaviors such as getting into trouble, skipping school, and having friends who use alcohol and other drugs was directly related to recent use. Prevention specialists should encourage parents/teachers to engage youth in family, school, and community activities to deter alcohol use. Results may assist youth health professionals in developing prevention programs aimed at African-American youth.

Psychosocial Factors Associated With Recent Alcohol Use Among Hispanic Youth

A total of 946 Hispanic students in 7th to 12th grade in Greater Cincinnati schools (N = 133) completed a survey assessing factors associated with recent alcohol use. Results indicated that 24.5% used alcohol in the past month. Males were more likely than females to recently use alcohol. A series of odds ratios revealed that frequent church attendance, making good grades, and having parents/teachers frequently talk and set/enforce rules regarding alcohol use were associated with decreased recent alcohol use. Frequent participation in risky behaviors was directly related to recent alcohol use. Ongoing parent, teacher, and school communication and the consistent setting and enforcement of rules should be encouraged. Findings may be beneficial to prevention specialists developing programs targeting Hispanic youth. Future studies should seek to identify specific activities within the family, school, and community that help deter alcohol use among this population.

Effectiveness of the Surviving the Teens® Suicide Prevention and Depression Awareness Program An Impact Evaluation Utilizing a Comparison Group

Youth suicide is a serious public health issue in the United States. It is currently the third leading cause of death for youth aged 10 to 19. School-based prevention programs may be an effective method of educating youth and enhancing their help-seeking. Most school-based suicide prevention programs have not been rigorously evaluated for their effectiveness. This evaluation employs a comparison group to measure whether program group participants differed significantly from comparison group participants on pretest–posttest measures while assessing the immediate impact of the Surviving the Teens® Suicide Prevention and Depression Awareness Program. Findings indicate several positive outcomes in program group students’ suicide and depression knowledge, attitudes, confidence, and behavioral intentions compared with the comparison group. Suicide prevention specialists and prevention planners may benefit from study findings.

SEX AND GRADE LEVEL DIFFERENCES IN MARIJUANA USE AMONG YOUTH

A total of 54,361 students in seventh through twelfth grades completed a survey examining the impact of perceived harm of marijuana use, ease of access in obtaining marijuana, and perceived parent/peer disapproval of marijuana use on youth involvement in annual and recent marijuana use. Results indicated that 1 in 6 (16%) students used marijuana in the past year, while 1 in 10 (10%) used marijuana in the past month. Students at highest risk for marijuana use were those who felt use was not harmful/somewhat harmful, felt it was easy/very easy to access marijuana, and had parents/peers who did not disapprove of use. Findings can assist prevention specialists to more thoroughly understand how perceived harm, ease of access, and parent/peer disapproval affect marijuana use among youth. Consistent parent-child communication on marijuana use should be encouraged.

University Students' Involvement in Body Piercing and Adherence to Safe Piercing Practices: Do Males and Females Differ?

Abstract Background: Health concerns of body piercing include infection, scarring, allergic reactions, pain, and disease. Current gaps in the research include students’ perceived piercing risks and safe piercing practices. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine university students’ involvement in body piercing, risk consideration and adherence to safe piercing practices. Methods: A sample of 536 university students completed a 44-item survey regarding body piercing. Results: Results indicated that 35% had ever had a body piercing. Most obtained their piercing at a tattoo parlor (65%) and most did not consider the risks of allergic reaction (43%), HIV (31%), Hepatitis B (20%) or Hepatitis C (20%). Males were significantly less likely than females to have considered the risks and to have engaged in safe piercing practices. Two-thirds reported that information about the risks of body piercing would be helpful in making decisions on whether to obtain future piercings. Discussion: Education on potential complications is warranted. Awareness campaigns should ensure that young males are informed regarding risks and safety precautions. Translation to Health Education Practice: Health educators should become aware of the risks of piercings and share this information with young adults so they can make healthy and informed decisions.

Authoritarian parenting and youth depression: Results from a national study

ABSTRACT Depression is a prevalent illness affecting youth across the nation. The study purpose was to examine depression and authoritarian parenting among youth from 12 to 17 years of age. A secondary data analysis of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health was performed in the present study. All participants in the present study were youth (N = 17,399) nationwide. The results revealed that 80.6% of youth participants reported having five or more depressive symptoms. Parenting styles based on depression significantly differed among males, females, 12–13-year-olds, 14–15-year-olds, and 16–17-year-olds. Specifically, those who reported experiencing authoritarian parenting practices were more likely to report depressive symptoms compared to their counterparts who experienced authoritative parenting practices. Emphasizing the role of the parents and teaching positive parenting practices and authoritative parenting styles may increase success of prevention programs.