The lived experience of adolescent mother trauma survivors: A narrative approach

The present study is a qualitative exploration of the link between earlier trauma and adolescent mother identity. We examined whether the mothers in our study formed an identification with other adolescent mothers, why or why not, and whether that identity (or lack thereof) was influenced by earlier traumatic experience. Fourteen residents of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, who became mothers between the ages of 14 and 19 (four White, seven African American, two Latina, and one Multiracial) participated in semi-structured interviews. Semi-structured, in-depth narrative interviews explored personal and community views on and experiences with adolescent pregnancy and parenthood. Results suggest that although exposure to traumatic events early in life can prompt more favorable evaluations of adolescent mothers before becoming a member of the ingroup for some, earlier trauma can prompt others to reject ingroup among adolescent mothers. Adolescent pregnancy and parenthood programs should utilize a trauma lens.     

Effect of Oral Exposure to Cadmium on the Levels of Vitamin A and Lipid Peroxidation in the Eye

Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology - Cadmium is a heavy metal well known to be highly toxic to both animals and humans. It is widely distributed in our environment due to its...     

Local knowledge and attitudes about onchocerciasis in Oji-River local government area of Enugu State,Nigeria

A total of 556 individuals in Agbalenyi Community of Oji-River local government area of Enugu State, Nigeria were studied using questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews to determine the socio-cultural factors affecting the transmission of onchocerciasis. The result revealed a low level of knowledge about the cause, prevention and complications of onchocerciasis. Respondents have developed a cultural system around the disease due to long exposure. The majority are aware of the disease which they recognize once their body starts itching or musculoskeletal pain develops but only 64.4, 34.0, 1.4 and 3.6%, respectively attributed chronic itching, nodules, bad vision and leopard skin to blackfly bite. Other perceived causes mentioned include ageing, the type of food eaten, farm work and 'bad blood'. Only 0.8% knew diagnosis could be made through skin snips. Neither Oji-River nor any of the river systems were associated with any of the complications of onchocerciasis. Significant differences in most socio-demographic characteristics were associated with differences in the level of knowledge about the disease.