Collectivism and individualism in Latino recovery homes

Research indicates that Latinos underutilize substance abuse interventions; cultural variables may contribute to difficulties accessing and completing treatment for this group. As a result, there is a need to understand the role of cultural constructs in treatment outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate how levels of collectivism (COL) and individualism (IND) relate to length of stay and relapse outcomes in self-run recovery homes. We compared Latinos in several culturally modified recovery Oxford Houses to Latinos in traditional recovery Oxford Houses. By examining COL and IND in the OH model, we explored whether aspects of COL and IND led to longer lengths of stay and better substance use outcomes. We hypothesized that higher levels of COL would predict longer stays in an Oxford House and less relapse. COL did not have a main effect on length of stay. However, COL had a significant interaction effect with house type such that COL was positively correlated with length of stay in traditional houses and negatively correlated with length of stay in the culturally modified condition; that is, those with higher collectivism tended to stay longer in traditional houses. When we investigated COL, length of stay, and substance use, COL was negatively correlated with relapse in the culturally modified houses and positively correlated with relapse in the traditional houses. In other words, those with higher COL spent less time and had less relapse in the culturally modified compared to the traditional Oxford Houses. The implications of these findings are discussed.     

A study of knowledge and attitudes of selected nursing students toward human sexuality

The study evaluated the knowledge and attitudes of sophomore nursing students toward human sexuality, and compared their scores with national normative values for nursing students and undergraduate, nonmedical females. Further, the effect that a five‐credit hour, human sexuality course had on the students was investigated. The Sex Knowledge and Attitude Test, developed by Lief and Reed, was utilized. The students’ pre‐ and posttest scores were analyzed, including sample size, group means, and standard deviations. There were significant differences of knowledge scores on (1) the pre‐ and posttest scores of the sophomore nursing students, and (2) the post‐test scores of the second‐year nursing students and the national undergraduate, nonmedical females. The national nursing students’ scores and the sophomore nursing students’ posttest scores did not indicate significant differences.

The attitudinal section of the questionnaire was divided into four sections—autoeroticism, abortion, acceptance of sexual myths, and heterosexual relations. Autoeroticism showed the greatest change. It was concluded that this investigation should be followed by additional research to test the effects of human sexuality courses on attitudinal and knowledge change.     

A needs assessment study of what health care consumers seek from social media and social networking

Given that prevention is crucial to long healthy life and restraining escalating health care costs, this study examines social media and networking (SM&N) needs among health consumers regarding preventive health. Results showed the most important SM&N needs included: education about health issues, connecting to a support group, knowing the implications of health condition, opportunities and understanding of preventive health care, and tracking physical activity. Among demographic groups women, younger aged groups, and African Americans considered SM&N needs to be more important. Homemakers indicated greatest need for information about health issues and facilitating interaction with others. Full-time employees placed greater importance on managing their own health.     

Absence of cytomegalovirus-resistance mutations after valganciclovir prophylaxis, in a prospective multicenter study of solid-organ transplant recipients

We investigated the emergence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) ganciclovir-resistance mutations in 301 high-risk solid-organ transplant (SOT) recipients after oral prophylaxis, for 100 days, with either valganciclovir or ganciclovir. For patients treated with ganciclovir, the incidence of CMV UL97 mutations was 1.9% (2/103) at the end of prophylaxis and 6.1% (2/33) for patients with suspected CMV disease up to 1 year after transplantation. No resistance mutations were detected in samples from valganciclovir-treated patients. Dual polymerase (UL54) and UL97 resistance mutations were not seen. Valganciclovir was associated with negligible risk of resistance and thus constitutes a useful alternative to ganciclovir prophylaxis for CMV in high-risk SOT recipients.     

Perceptions of professional drug treatment staff in England about client barriers to narcotics anonymous attendance

A growing body of research evidence shows that Twelve Step Group (TSG) attendance confers a consistent moderate beneficial effect on substance use. Clinicians potentially represent a major referral pathway to TSG. This qualitative study aimed to explore staff perceptions of the barriers to Narcotics Anonymous (NA) group attendance in a population receiving drug treatment, and potential strategies to increase attendance. A cross-sectional survey of substance misuse treatment professionals was conducted between January and April 2012 in Birmingham, England. Fifty-eight members of staff working within statutory community drug treatment teams were interviewed using qualitative research methods. The overarching themes within the staff accounts are described and the importance of these themes explored. Perceived objections to core elements of the 12 step programme (religious nature of the programme, powerlessness, surrender, desire to stop using drugs) were major obstacles to recommending NA attendance. However, a perception that the client would object to any form of group process, and concerns about risk both to the client and the TSG members were also important. Increased education about TSG practices and procedures was a commonly cited strategy for increasing levels of TSG referral, and in particular ensuring that clinicians attend open meetings themselves. An increased understanding and familiarity with the process and principles of TSGs may be necessary to increase promotion of TSG within drug treatment services in line with recent national policy promoting recovery from drug use.     

Keeping the focus on children: the challenges of safeguarding children affected by domestic abuse

Safeguarding children affected by domestic abuse is a key responsibility for all professionals working with children and families, but can be difficult to achieve in practice. Despite a policy emphasis on early intervention and child‐centred work, limited attention has been paid to how professionals in universal and additional support services address this important area of work. This paper reports findings from qualitative research undertaken in one local authority area in the north of England during 2011 which examines the challenges facing professionals in safeguarding children affected by domestic abuse. Six mixed professional focus groups were held, attended by a total of 23 participants. Discussion focused upon participants’ awareness of domestic abuse, how they assessed and met children and young peoples’ needs, and their views about service provision and safeguarding processes. Data were transcribed and thematic analysis undertaken. The themes presented in this paper – embodied recognition, someone else's job, service gaps, skills deficits, and focusing upon children and young people – illustrate the scope and limitations of professionals’ work with children and young people affected by domestic abuse. Areas for practice improvement are discussed.