Publications

Friendships across race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation

Friendships across race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation

Friendships across Race, Ethnicity, and Sexual OrientationAbstract: This chapter presents a selective review of research on friendships across race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Special attention is given to research concerning the facilitators of and barriers to friendship across differences throughout the life span. The role of gender is discussed as an important variable affecting friendships. New directions for research are proposed as well.

Rose, S.M., & Hospital, M.M. (n.d.). Friendships across race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. In M. Hojjat & A. Moyer, The Psychology of Friendship (pp. 75-91). London: Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/acprof:oso/9780190222024.003.0005

Alcohol use patterns and alcohol use disorders among young adult, ethnically diverse bariatric surgery patients

Alcohol use patterns and alcohol use disorders among young adult, ethnically diverse bariatric surgery patients

Alcohol use patterns and alcohol use disorders among young adult, ethnically diverse bariatric surgery patientsAbstract: Background – Research suggests that young adults and racial/ethnic minorities are at an increased risk for problematic alcohol use. Recent studies have also documented patterns of problematic alcohol use among a subset of weight loss surgery (WLS) patients. However, to date, there are no published studies investigating the intersection of these demographic and clinical characteristics.

Methods: This study used descriptive and inferential analyses to examine alcohol use patterns, prevalence of pre and post-WLS alcohol use disorders (AUDs), and predictors of increased alcohol use and problematic alcohol use post-WLS among young adult (mean age 26.5 years old, SD = 5.5 years) ethnically diverse (57% Hispanic, 28% non-Hispanic black) WLS patients (N = 69).

Results: Over 21% of the sample had a history of a lifetime AUD, and 4.2% of the sample developed an AUD post-WLS. In the past 30 days, 14.5% of respondents reported binge drinking, and 42% reported drinking until intoxication. History of a pre-WLS AUD was associated with an increased frequency of alcohol use post WLS (p = 0.012). Age, time since WLS, the gastric bypass procedure, and pre-WLS history of an AUD were not significant predictors of binge drinking or drinking to intoxication post-WLS.

Conclusions: Ethnically diverse, young adults may have an elevated prevalence of AUD diagnoses pre-WLS. Having a pre-WLS AUD appears to be a risk factor for increased alcohol use post-WLS. Young adult WLS patients might also demonstrate high rates of binge drinking and drinking to intoxication. Binge drinking could be especially problematic considering that WLS could increase sensitivity to alcohol. Further investigation is warranted with this important sub-population to explore risk factors for problematic alcohol use post-WLS; future assessments of alcohol use should consider potential heightened alcohol sensitivity resulting from WLS.

Spadola, C.E., Wagner, E.F., Accornero, V.H., Vidot, D.C., de la Cruz-Munoz, N., & Messiah, S.E. (2017). Alcohol use patterns and alcohol use disorders among young adult, ethnically diverse bariatric surgery patients. Substance Abuse38(1), 82-87. doi:10.1080/08897077.2016.1262305

Giving voice to historical trauma through storytelling: The impact of boarding school experience on American Indians

Giving voice to historical trauma through storytelling: The impact of boarding school experience on American Indians

Giving Voice to Historical Trauma Through Storytelling: The Impact of Boarding School Experience on American IndiansAbstract: This study documented events contributing to historical trauma among American Indian mission boarding school survivors using the Dream Catcher-Medicine Wheel (DCMW) model as a culturally appropriate tool that enhanced storytelling. Nine women from 2 Plains Indians tribes were recruited through snowball sampling. A descriptive exploratory qualitative method was used in the study. A thematic analysis process using the DCMW was combined with taped and written storytelling sessions. Inductive analysis was applied to the 2 research questions. Data analysis identified 3 major themes. First, unable to voice mission boarding school experiences for most of their adult lives, each affirmed the rediscovery of Native spirituality as empowering. Second, all expressed appreciation for traditional methods woven into storytelling sessions, particularly the DCMW. Finally, all indicated they experienced release and healing through telling their stories. Participants struggle to resolve health challenges to this day.

Charbonneau-Dahlen, B.K., Lowe, J., & Morris, S.L. (2016). Giving voice to historical trauma through storytelling: The impact of boarding school experience on American Indians. Journal Of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma25(6), 598-617. doi:10.1080/10926771.2016.1157843

Commentary on “An Investigation of the Relationship Between Alcohol Use and Major Depressive Disorder Across Hispanic National Groups” by Jetelina and Colleagues

Commentary on “An Investigation of the Relationship Between Alcohol Use and Major Depressive Disorder Across Hispanic National Groups”

Commentary on “An Investigation of the Relationship Between Alcohol Use and Major Depressive Disorder Across Hispanic National Groups” by Jetelina and ColleaguesAbstract: A review of the article “An investigation of the relationship between alcohol use and major depressive disorder across Hispanic national groups,” by K.K. Jetelina, J.M. Reingle Gonzalez, and R. Caetano which appeared in issue number 40 of “Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research” is presented.

Wagner, E.F. (2016). Commentary on “An Investigation of the Relationship Between Alcohol Use and Major Depressive Disorder Across Hispanic National Groups” by Jetelina and Colleagues. Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research40(6), 1226-1227. doi:10.1111/acer.13077

Developing an SMS intervention for the prevention of underage drinking: Results from focus groups

Developing an SMS intervention for the prevention of underage drinking: Results from focus groups

Developing an SMS Intervention for the Prevention of Underage Drinking: Results from Focus GroupsAbstract: Background- There is growing evidence that text messaging-“short message service” (SMS)-is useful for health promotion and behavior change. SMS has become a preferred channel of communication among adolescents. Despite burgeoning interest, there remains a critical need for formative research regarding developmentally and culturally appropriate SMS-based health promotion with teenagers.

Objectives: The primary objective was to develop SMS message protocols and procedures effective for reducing underage drinking among Hispanic teens. Using focus groups, we sought our target population’s perspectives on SMS parameters including scheduling, frequency, content, themes, and confirmation-of-receipt.

Method: We conducted, recorded, and transcribed six mixed-gender focus groups (20 adolescents, 4-5 per group) recruited from the Division of Adolescent Medicine at Miami Children’s Hospital. Alcohol-related and “attention control” text messages were assembled from two sources (http://www.mobilehealth4youth.org and the existing literature); these SMSs, along with SMS procedures, were the focus of discussion. The recordings and transcription were reviewed by two researchers who employed a qualitative iterative process analytical approach.

Results: Findings revealed distinct preferences among teenagers about the scheduling, frequency, content, themes, and confirmation-of-receipt of SMSs. Moreover, teens were most enthusiastic about SMSs that addressed alcohol-related knowledge, self-efficacy, social support, or future orientation.

Conclusion/Importance: Seeking our target population’s perspectives on SMS parameters was essential for developing SMS message protocols and procedures with potential effectiveness for reducing underage drinking among Hispanic teens. It is strongly recommended that researchers or clinicians considering SMS-based interventions conduct a similar formative process prior to implementation.

Hospital, M.M., Wagner, E.F., Morris, S.L., Sawant, M., Siqueira, L.M., & Soumah, M. (2016). Developing an SMS intervention for the prevention of underage drinking: Results from focus groups. Substance Use & Misuse51(2), 155-164. doi:10.3109/10826084.2015.1073325

Lesbians over 60: Newer every day

Lesbians over 60: Newer every day

Lesbians Over 60: Newer Every DayAbstract: An overview of current research on older lesbians is provided in this chapter drawing primarily from the research carried out in the USA. Topics include: (a) the “visibility” of older lesbians; (b) theories of lifespan development; (c) research on older lesbians; and (d) the impact of social contexts on lesbians over 60, such as personal relationships, minority stress and resilience, and race, ethnicity, and social class. In addition, the status of lesbian rights in other parts of the world and its impact on older lesbians is reviewed. Directions for future research on older lesbians are also explored.

Rose, S.M. & Hospital, M.M. (2015). Lesbians over 60: Newer every day. In V. Muhlbauer, J.C. Chrisler, & F.L. Denmark (Eds.). Women and Aging: An international, intersectional power perspective (pp. 117- 146}. New York: Springer International Publishing.

Factors associated with alcohol use among minority female adolescents receiving preventive text messaging for underage drinking

Factors associated with alcohol use among Hispanic adolescent females participating in an alcohol-targeted text messaging intervention

- Factors associated with alcohol us among minority female adolescents receiving preventive text messaging for underage drinkingAbstract: Recent reports on alcohol use among adolescents have shown elevated prevalence of lifetime (50.0%), past year (44.3%) and pastmonth (25.9%) use among high school students. Rates are especially high among Hispanic youths as compared to other racial/ethnic groups. This emphasizes the need for developmentally appropriate and culturally sensitive alcohol use interventions that can reach a large number of teens. Given the popularity of texting (i.e., shortmessaging service, SMS) among teenagers in the U.S. (88.0%of teen cell phone owners use SMS) and its advantages such as low cost, easy standardization, automation of health message delivery, and the ability to include multiple recipients concurrently, SMS is a promising technology for a developmentally appropriate intervention method for teens. Hence, we are currently conducting an RCT to examine the effectiveness of alcohol-targeted text messaging among minority youths. Participants are being recruited from a large, urban adolescent medicine setting in South Florida. After the baseline intake survey is completed, each participant is randomly assigned to either intervention (i.e. twice weekly alcohol related prevention SMS’s for 16 weeks) or control (assessment-only) groups. Follow-up assessments are conducted for all participants at post-intervention and 1-month post-intervention respectively. For the present study, baseline data were examined in regard to the prevalence and risk factors associated with alcohol use among participants. We used SPSS (version 20.0) to analyze the data on 118 participants. The sample was 100 percent female, predominantly Hispanic (91.5%) and between 12 and 18 years old (M=15.75, SD=1.47). Regarding drinking behavior, 33.1% reported lifetime alcohol use and 18.6%reported past month use. Chi-square test of goodness-of-fit was significant for past month alcohol use and drinking intentions (v2(10)=28.13, p<0.01), perceived alcohol availability (v2(10)=24.14, p<0.01), physical intimacy (v2(5)=11.31, p<0.05) and CRAFT score (v2(25)=114.32, p<0.01). Our findings highlight key factors to be targeted when developing alcohol-related interventions with this at-risk underserved population. Follow-up data pertaining to participants’ response to the alcohol prevention SMS protocol over time will be also presented.

Sawant, M.,Hospital, M.M., Wagner, E.F., Morris, S.L. & Siqueira, L.M. (2014). Factors associated with alcohol use among Hispanic adolescent females participating in an alcohol-targeted text messaging intervention. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. Supplement: 38.

Alcohol and drug use among postoperative bariatric patients: A systematic review of the emerging research and its implications

Alcohol and drug use among postoperative bariatric patients: A systematic review of the emerging research and its implications

Alcohol and Drug Use Among Postoperative Bariatric Patients: A Systematic Review of the Emerging Research and Its ImplicationsAbstract: Emerging research suggests that some bariatric surgery patients are at a heightened risk for developing substance use problems, especially alcohol use problems. An exhaustive literature review was conducted in January 2015 to investigate all articles published that included data on postoperative alcohol use, alcohol use disorders, and illicit drug use among bariatric surgery patients. Twenty-three studies reported on alcohol and/or substance use among bariatric patients. Six studies longitudinally assessed alcohol use behaviors; 3 of these studies found an increase in alcohol use following surgery. Six studies were cross-sectional, and 2 studies assessed medical records. Five studies investigated the prevalence of admissions to substance abuse treatment, and 3 studies combined alcohol and drug use data in a single index. Six studies reported on illicit drug use and reported low-postoperative use. The studies’ samples were primarily non-Hispanic white females in their upper 40s, and only 11 of the 23 studies utilized validated assessment instruments. Studies employing longitudinal designs and large sample sizes indicate that bariatric patients who had the gastric bypass procedure are at an elevated risk for alcohol use problems postoperatively. Research also indicates that bariatric surgery patients might be overrepresented in substance abuse treatment facilities. Risk factors for problematic postoperative alcohol use include regular or problematic alcohol use presurgery, male gender, younger age, tobacco use, and symptoms of attention deficient and hyperactivity disorder. As a whole, however, studies indicate bariatric surgery patients demonstrate a low prevalence of problematic alcohol use, and studies about gastric bypass patients are not entirely conclusive. Prospective, longitudinal studies are needed, utilizing standardized and validated alcohol assessment instruments that follow postoperative bariatric patients well beyond 2 years, and account for types of bariatric procedure. Finally, study samples with greater racial/ethnic diversity and wider age ranges are needed. Copyright © 2015 by the Research Society on Alcoholism.

Spadola, C.E., Wagner, E.F., Dillon, F.R., Trepka, M.J., De La Cruz-Munoz, N., & Messiah, S.E. (2015). Alcohol and drug use among postoperative bariatric patients: A systematic review of the emerging research and its implications. Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research39(9), 1582-1601. doi:10.1111/acer.12805

Pathways to drinking among Hispanic/Latino adolescents: Perceived discrimination, ethnic identity, and peer affiliations

Pathways to drinking among Hispanic/Latino adolescents: Perceived discrimination, ethnic identity, and peer affiliations

Pathways to Drinking Among Hispanic/Latino Adolescents: Perceived Discrimination, Ethnic Identity, and Peer AffiliationsAbstract: We examined whether discrimination experienced by Hispanic/Latino adolescents is associated (a) directly with adolescent alcohol use or (b) indirectly with adolescent alcohol use via mediation by ethnic identity and/or peer associations. Data were drawn from an NIAAA-funded randomized controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of a Guided-Self Change intervention for Hispanic/Latino youth with alcohol and interpersonal violence problems (R01 AA12180; see Wagner et al., 2014). The current sample included 371 Hispanic/Latino teenagers (mean age = 16.3 years [SD = 1.37]; 38% female). Using structural equation modeling (SEM), results revealed that perceived discrimination was indirectly related to alcohol consumption through positive (non-drinking) peer affiliations. Additionally, ethnic identity was found to moderate the relationship between discrimination and positive peer affiliation. These findings further our understanding about how discrimination and ethnic identity interact, as well as provide directions for how the effectiveness of prevention models may be enhanced for reducing underage drinking among Hispanic/Latino adolescents.

Acosta, S.L., Hospital, M.M., Graziano, J.N., Morris, S.L., & Wagner, E.F. (2015). Pathways to drinking among Hispanic/Latino adolescents: Perceived discrimination, ethnic identity, and peer affiliations. Journal of Ethnicity In Substance Abuse14(3), 270-286. doi:10.1080/15332640.2014.993787

Comparison of prognostic factors between Hispanic and non-Hispanic adolescents with eating disorders

Comparison of prognostic factors between Hispanic and non-Hispanic adolescents with eating disorders

Abstract/Purpose: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate prognostic factors among Hispanic adolescents with eating disorders (ED) and compare them to those of non-Hispanic adolescents to inform our treatment approach.

Methods: This retrospective study used chart review data from 304 patients (ages 10-21 years) admitted to the adolescent medicine in-patient service from January 2003 to June 2013. All patients included in the study had been placed on an eating disorder protocol. Data collected included: (1) demographics: gender, age, ethnicity, psychiatric co-morbidity, length of stay (LOS), (2) body mass index (BMI), % ideal body weight (%IBW), heart rate (HR), and caloric intake on admission and discharge, (3) prognostic factors: body image concerns, history of sexual abuse, suicide, negative life experiences, athletic involvement, substance use, use of laxatives, diet pills, and diuretics, psychiatric history of mother, father and other family members. %IBW was used as the primary indicator of illness severity. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted using Epi Info 7. Linear regression analyses of the prognostic factors associated with %IBW were conducted using Mplus in order to accommodate the non-normality of the data.

Results: 304 patient charts were reviewed. Of these subjects, 82.9% (252) were female and 59.2% (180) were Hispanic. The mean age of patients was 15.2 years (SD ¼ 2.16) and the mean LOS was 11.7 days (SD ¼ 11.23). Between the two groups, there was no difference in mean weight (lbs) lost prior to admission [Hispanics ¼ 28.56 lbs vs. Non-Hispanics ¼ 28.94 lbs (p¼0.89)]. On admission, non-Hispanics were found to have lower BMI (16.5, p<0.01), lower %IBW(82.65%, p<0.01), lower HR (46 bpm, p<0.01) and lower initial caloric intake (1400 cal, p<0.02). 71.4% (217) had a psychiatric co-morbidity. The most common was depression [n¼180 (82.95%)], followed by anxiety [n¼33 (15.21%)], and obsessive-compulsive disorder [n¼18 (8.29%)]. There was no statistical difference in prevalence of psychiatric co-morbidity between the two groups. When comparing LOS, non-Hispanics had a longer hospital stay (mean ¼ 14.65 days) compared to Hispanics (mean ¼ 9.68 days) (p<0.01). On discharge, there was an overall increase in BMI (+0.89), %IBW(+4.67%) and HR (+10.38 bpm) for both groups, with non-Hispanics having lower parameters (p<0.05). After controlling for age, gender and psychiatric co-morbidity as covariates, among all the prognostic factors listed above, only patients identified as being Hispanic (b¼3.79, p <0.05), having bulimia (b¼10.83, p <0.05) and a history of suicide (b¼4.94, p <0.05) showed higher admission %IBW with p <0.05.

Conclusions: There was no significant difference between Hispanic and non-Hispanic ED patients in age, gender and psychiatric co-morbidity. The prognostic factors that were significantly associated with higher %IBW on admission were (a) being Hispanic, (a) having bulimia, and (c) a history of suicide. Non-Hispanics tended to have lower BMI, %IBW and HR compared to Hispanics, and also required longer hospital stays. This study highlights the need for Poster Abstracts / 56 (2015) S85eS129 S89 further exploration of why Hispanic adolescents with eating disorders are presenting earlier (higher BMI) than non-Hispanics.

Cabral, M.D., Siqueira, L.M., & Hospital, M.M. (2015). 174. Comparison of prognostic factors between Hispanic and non-Hispanic adolescents with eating disorders. Journal of Adolescent Health, 56(2). doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2014.10.179