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Biomedical subjects

L Dusenbury

Publications and source records attributed to L Dusenbury.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1999

Worksite cholesterol and nutrition: an intervention project in Colorado.

The study purpose was to determine whether group intervention or an individual self help program proved to be more effective at lowering heart disease risk factors among employees in different worksites. Eight worksites and 502 employees in the Denver metropolitan area were selected for the project, with four randomized to Usual Care and four to the Special Intervention. Most worksites had < 200 employees. Employees were randomly assigned to either a control group receiving usual nutrition education or one of two special intervention groups in which employees selected to attend group nutrition education classes or complete an individual self paced nutrition education program. Results indicated that offering a choice of methods for the special nutrition education intervention was valuable, and both approaches modified behavior and certain physiological outcomes. Results suggested that enhanced nutrition education efforts in worksites may be effective and will realize greater benefits than a pamphlet or brief discussion following a worksite screening.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Nine critical elements of promising violence prevention programs.

To identify approaches to school-based violence prevention that are most promising and those that may not be effective, a review of the literature was conducted. In addition, telephone interviews were conducted with 15 experts on topics related to school-based violence prevention. Nine critical ingredients of promising approaches to violence prevention were identified. Specifically, the approaches are comprehensive and multifaceted; begin in the primary grades and are reinforced across grade level; are developmentally tailored: and cover appropriate content area. Appropriate content areas include information; anger management; social perspective taking; decision making and social problem solving; peer negotiation and conflict management; social resistance skills; active listening and effective communication; and material on prejudice, sexism, racism and male-female relationship. In addition, promising programs use interactive teaching techniques, are culturally sensitive, and provide teacher training. They promote a positive school climate and foster norms against violence. Six violence prevention activities that appear not to be effective are also discussed. The authors conclude with a discussion of the need for more rigorous evaluation of violence prevention programs.

Female↗
PubMed1997

A review of the evaluation of 47 drug abuse prevention curricula available nationally.

This review determined how many drug prevention curricula available to schools have been shown in rigorous research studies to reduce substance use behavior. Forty-seven curricula which met the following criteria were included: 1) they focused on primary prevention of alcohol and/or drug use, 2) they were classroom-based curricula designed for any grade level P-12, 3) they were nationally and currently available, and 4) program distributors were willing to provide samples of curriculum materials to determine drug abuse prevention content. Of the 47 drug abuse prevention curricula identified, 10 (21%) had been subjected to sufficiently rigorous evaluations. At least eight of the 10 programs have been shown effective at reducing tobacco or drug use, in at least some studies. The remaining two programs did not appear to have sustained effects on drug use, although they had variable success at reducing substance use early on. One of the 10 programs has been shown to have positive effects lasting into young adulthood. Six of the 10 curricula have been shown to have effects lasting for at least two years after the pretest. Two curricula have not been evaluated beyond the post-test, so it is impossible to know whether their effectiveness will last. Recommendations to increase the number of programs rigorously evaluated are offered.

Child↗
PubMed1996

Validation of an acculturation measure for Hispanic adolescents.

Based on the continuing growth and youthfulness of the Hispanic population in the United States, valid cultural measures are needed for Hispanic adolescents. Hispanics living in this country experience acculturation or cultural change during their exposure to American culture. A matched sample of 994 Hispanic students and their parents completed acculturation measures. Scores on a 10-item acculturation scale completed by the adolescents' parents correlated significantly .49 with a single-item rating, a measure of acculturation by adolescents. This finding supports construct validity for a measure of language use as an index of linguistic acculturation for Hispanic adolescents.

Acculturation↗
PubMed1995

Long-term follow-up results of a randomized drug abuse prevention trial in a white middle-class population.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term efficacy of a school-based approach to drug abuse prevention. DESIGN: Randomized trial involving 56 public schools that received the prevention program with annual provider training workshops and ongoing consultation, the prevention program with videotaped training and no consultation, or "treatment as usual" (ie, controls). Follow-up data were collected 6 years after baseline using school, telephone, and mailed surveys. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 3597 predominantly white, 12th-grade students who represented 60.41% of the initial seventh-grade sample. INTERVENTION: Consisted of 15 classes in seventh grade, 10 booster sessions in eighth grade, and five booster sessions in ninth grade, and taught general "life skills" and skills for resisting social influences to use drugs. MEASURES: Six tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use self-report scales were recorded to create nine dichotomous drug use outcome variables and eight polydrug use variables. RESULTS: Significant reductions in both drug and polydrug use were found for the two groups that received the prevention program relative to controls. The strongest effects were produced for individuals who received a reasonably complete version of the intervention--there were up to 44% fewer drug users and 66% fewer polydrug (tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana) users. CONCLUSIONS: Drug abuse prevention programs conducted during junior high school can produce meaningful and durable reductions in tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use if they (1) teach a combination of social resistance skills and general life skills, (2) are properly implemented, and (3) include at least 2 years of booster sessions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Eleven components of effective drug abuse prevention curricula.

A review of school-based drug abuse prevention programs was conducted for 1989-1994. In addition to a comprehensive literature review, interviews were conducted with a panel of 15 leading experts in prevention research. Key elements of promising prevention curricula were identified. Effective prevention programs were found to be based on a sound theoretical or research foundation. They included developmentally appropriate information about drugs, social resistance skills training, and normative education. Broader based personal and social skills training appeared to enhance program effects. Effective programs used interactive teaching techniques and teacher training, and provided adequate coverage and sufficient follow-up. Cultural sensitivity to the target population was found to be critical to program success. Additional program components were expected to enhance curriculum effectiveness. Finally, experts agreed that adequate evaluation of prevention curricula was critical. Unfortunately, despite information about the types of curricula that are effective, the most promising prevention curricula are not widely disseminated. Reasons for under-utilization are explored, and recommendations made for correcting the situation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Environmental and policy approaches to cardiovascular disease prevention through physical activity: issues and opportunities.

The majority of Americans remain inactive despite evidence of significant health benefits from even moderately intense activity. Previous intervention efforts have generally focused on changing individual behavior. This article discusses the use of policy, legislative and regulatory, and environmental interventions in promoting physical activity to prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other chronic diseases. The authors present evidence on the need, formulation, description, and effectiveness of policy and environmental intervention approaches. Types of approaches addressed to promote physical activity include federal, state, and local legislation and regulation, policy development and implementation, and environmental support. They also describe opportunities for state and local health departments to initiate and participate in environmental and policy approaches.

Cardiovascular Diseases↗
PubMed1995

The costs and effects of a nutritional education program following work-site cholesterol screening.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the costs and impact of a nutrition education program following a cholesterol screening. METHODS: Forty work-sites were randomly assigned to one of two educational interventions: a "usual" intervention of 5 minutes of counseling, or a "special" intervention of 2 hours of behaviorally based education on dietary changes to lower serum cholesterol. Costs were monitored, and cholesterol levels were retested 6 and 12 months later. RESULTS: The total per-person cost for screening and the educational intervention was about $50. Cholesterol levels differed little between the two intervention groups 6 months after screening, but after 12 months those in the special intervention worksites showed a 6.5% drop in cholesterol, whereas those at the usual intervention worksites showed a drop of only 3.0%. Hence a 3.5% cholesterol reduction was attributable to the special intervention. CONCLUSIONS: A behaviorally based nutrition education program following cholesterol screening can have a meaningful impact on long-term cholesterol levels at a low cost. Nutrition education in work-sites may therefore be a useful way to lower the risk of heart disease in communities.

Adult↗
PubMed1994

Determinants of intentions of Junior High School students to become sexually active and use condoms: implications for reduction and prevention of AIDS risk.

The purpose of this study was to examine factors associated with young adolescents' increased risk for AIDS. A multiethnic sample of 303 seventh-grade students in three schools in the greater New York area completed questionnaires assessing their basic demographic characteristics (gender and ethnicity), AIDS knowledge, substance use (cigarette smoking, alcohol use), and decision-making skills. AIDS knowledge, substance use, decision-making skills, gender, and ethnicity predicted intentions to engage in sexual behavior in the future. Relevant knowledge of AIDS was associated with lower intentions to engage in sexual behavior in the future. More frequent substance use, less frequent use of decision-making skills, and being male increased intentions to engage in sexual behavior in the future. Our findings are discussed in terms of their implications for education and prevention of adolescent sexual activity and AIDS-risk reduction.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1994

Attitudes toward AIDS and AIDS education among multi-ethnic parents of school-aged children in New York City.

To explore the attitudes of a multi-ethnic sample (African-American, Caucasian, Latino) of parents, a telephone survey was conducted with 297 parents whose children attend school in New York City (98 African-Americans, 100 Latinos, and 99 Caucasians). The survey interview assessed a wide range of issues related to AIDS and AIDS education. In a series of logistic regressions that controlled for education, we compared each ethnic group (African-Americans, Latinos) with Caucasians as the reference. The majority of parents indicated that they supported AIDS education efforts in the schools, but there was considerable mistrust of the government and health professionals, particularly among the African-American parents. African-American and Latino parents were more likely to perceive AIDS as a threat and believe that AIDS education is more effective for Caucasians. We discuss implications for AIDS prevention and recommend strategies to overcome barriers to AIDS education and prevention in multi-ethnic communities.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1992

Correlates and predictors of smoking among black adolescents.

Little is known about the etiology of cigarette smoking among minority populations. This study examines the correlates and predictors of smoking among inner-city black seventh graders (N = 608). Enhanced self-reports of cigarette smoking were collected along with data concerning demographic, social, and psychological factors hypothesized to promote smoking initiation. Results indicate that social environmental factors, such as the smoking status of friends and siblings, and individual factors, such as refusal assertiveness, general assertiveness, and age are predictive of current smoking. Similarly, the smoking status of friends, attitudes concerning the harmful effects of smoking, and low self-esteem concerning schools are predictive of behavioral intention to smoke in the future. Overall, the factors that were the most salient predictors of smoking for the black adolescents in this study are generally congruent with the existing literature for other populations.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Smoking prevention among urban minority youth: assessing effects on outcome and mediating variables.

We tested the effectiveness of a social resistance/competence enhancement approach to smoking prevention among predominantly Hispanic seventh graders (N = 3,153) from 47 New York City schools. After blocking on school type (public and parochial) and ethnic composition (percent Hispanic), schools were randomly assigned either to receive the 15-session prevention program or to serve as no-contact controls. Using the school as the unit of analysis, significant program effects were found for cigarette smoking, normative expectations concerning peer and adult smoking, smoking prevalence knowledge, social acceptability knowledge, and knowledge of smoking consequences. Using structural modeling techniques, a significant relation was found between the normative expectation and knowledge variables affected by the intervention and posttest smoking, suggesting that changes on these variables mediated the impact of the intervention on cigarette smoking. This study extends the results of previous prevention research and demonstrates the generalizability of this approach to predominantly Hispanic urban minority students.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Substance abuse prevention: competence enhancement and the development of positive life options.

Recent advances in the field of substance abuse prevention have derived from a consideration of the etiology of substance use and have also been solidly grounded in psychological theory. Evaluation studies of psychosocial prevention interventions have become increasingly rigorous, and clearly demonstrate that there are effective approaches to prevention. The Life Skills Training Program is an example of a competence enhancement approach to substance abuse prevention. While research with this approach demonstrates its effectiveness at reducing substance use behavior, experience working with disadvantaged youth suggests the need to broaden the concept of competence enhancement. Specifically, recommendations are made for formalizing the concept of positive life options as a potentially important component of substance abuse prevention.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Predictors of smoking prevalence among New York Latino youth.

BACKGROUND: We examined prevalence rates and risk factors for smoking among Latino adolescents, using a multiethnic sample of sixth- and seventh-grade students (n = 3129) in 47 New York City public and parochial schools. METHODS: The students completed questionnaires; self-reported smoking data were collected by means of the "bogus pipeline" technique. The largest group of Latino students (43%) was Puerto Rican; 20% were of Dominican background, 7% were Colombian, and 7% were Ecuadorian. "Current smoking" was defined as smoking at least once per month. RESULTS: A series of logistic regression analyses indicated that peer influence was the strongest predictor of smoking. Family influence was important as well. CONCLUSIONS: The results are discussed in terms of their implications for prevention.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

The false consensus effect: predicting adolescents' tobacco use from normative expectations.

A longitudinal sample of 916 adolescents was examined to assess the extent to which the perceived smoking prevalence of adults' or peers' smoking was related to cigarette smoking. Questionnaires were distributed to junior high school students in Grade 7 and again in Grade 9. Prevalence of perceived peers' smoking and prevalence of perceived adults' smoking were significantly related to cigarette smoking both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Adolescents who believed that half or more than half of all adults or peers smoked cigarettes showed the most smoking involvement, and those who believed that fewer than half of adults or peers smoked were least involved. These findings provide further evidence that adolescent normative expectations about cigarette smoking are an important determinant of smoking initiation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

AIDS risk knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions among multi-ethnic adolescents.

The purpose of this study was to determine how much young adolescents know about AIDS and AIDS risk and to identify areas of confusion that might serve as important targets of educational intervention. A multiethnic (43% white, 33% black, 18% Latino) sample of 303 seventh-grade students (48% male) in 3 schools in the greater New York area completed questionnaires assessing knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intentions concerning AIDS and AIDS risk. Consistent with previous studies with older adolescents, the major finding in this study was that young adolescents had a high degree of knowledge concerning AIDS and AIDS risk. There were 2 areas of confusion concerning AIDS risk. Specifically, 31% of adolescents did not correctly identify "not having sex" as the most effective way of preventing AIDS, and 33% believed that AIDS could be spread through casual contact. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications for prevention.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1990

Preventing adolescent drug abuse through a multimodal cognitive-behavioral approach: results of a 3-year study.

Students (N = 4,466) attending 56 schools in New York State were involved in a 3-year study testing the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral approach to substance abuse prevention. In a randomized block design, schools were assigned to receive (a) the prevention program with formal provider training and implementation feedback, (b) the prevention program with videotaped provider training and no feedback, or (c) no treatment. After pretest equivalence and comparability of conditions with respect to attrition were established, students who received at least 60% of the prevention program (N = 3,684) were included in analyses of program effectiveness. Significant prevention effects were found for cigarette smoking, marijuana use, and immoderate alcohol use. Prevention effects were also found for normative expectations and knowledge concerning substance use, interpersonal skills, and communication skills.

Adolescent↗