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Unsafe sex: Do feelings matter?

A new study by Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University found that adolescents with psychiatric disorders were less likely to use condoms consistently if they felt stressed or anxious about it. Helping teens manage their emotions may be crucial in preventing HIV and other STIs.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Prevention & Intervention in the Community·DateMar 20, 2007

Children with sleep disorders can impair parents' functioning

A study found a link between children's and parents' sleep problems, with mothers more susceptible to daytime sleepiness due to their greater responsibility for responding to child sleep issues at night. Parents need to recognize that their children's sleep disorders can take a toll on them, affecting quality of life.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·DateMar 1, 2007

Physicians need to be advocates for prisoners' health

Inadequate treatment of mental illness and addiction in the community contributes to rising incarceration rates. Effective therapy like mental health services and substance abuse programs can reduce recidivism. Physicians are urged to campaign for humane treatment alternatives.

SourceLifespan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 10, 2007

Weight concerns more impairing for those with Body dysmorphic disorder

Researchers at Bradley Hospital and Brown Medical School found that individuals with BDD who have weight concerns experience more overall areas of body image concern, poorer social functioning, and higher levels of comorbidity. Weight-related preoccupations in BDD sufferers are associated with even higher levels of distress and impairm...

SourceLifespan·JournalEating Behaviors·DateJan 10, 2007

Youth are receiving shorter inpatient stays for mental health treatment

A landmark study found that inpatient length of stay for youth with mental illness decreased by over 60% between 1990 and 2000, despite increases in illness severity and self-harm. The average length of hospitalization for youth undergoing mental health treatment declined from 12.2 days to 4.5 days during this period.

SourceLifespan·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJan 4, 2007

Adolescent arrest history influences risk of acquiring HIV

Researchers found that adolescents with a history of arrest were more likely to engage in unprotected sex acts and use substances during sex. This increased risk was attributed to higher rates of substance abuse, mental health issues, and unfavorable attitudes towards risky behavior.

SourceLifespan·JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence·DateNov 14, 2006

Daily weighing and quick action keeps pounds off

A new study by The Miriam Hospital and Brown Medical School found that daily weighing and taking quick action when needed can significantly help dieters maintain weight loss. Participants who weighed themselves daily had an 82% reduction in the odds of regaining five or more pounds compared to those who did not weigh daily.

SourceLifespan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateOct 11, 2006

Depression, risky sex behavior linked in African-American youth

A new study from the Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center and Brown Medical School reveals that African American adolescents with depressive symptoms are at a higher risk of engaging in risky sexual behavior. The study concludes that assessing depressive symptoms can help prevent future emotional disorders and HIV/STI transmission...

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateSep 5, 2006

Adolescent condom use with 'casual' versus 'main' partners

Researchers discovered that teens have similar numbers of unprotected sex acts with both casual and main partners, despite using condoms more often with casual partners. This highlights the importance of targeting adolescents' attitudes towards casual sexual partners in HIV intervention programs.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateAug 23, 2006

Alcohol increases sleep intensity in young women

A recent study found that a moderate dose of alcohol consumed by young women an hour before bed is associated with increased sleep intensity. The study also showed a decrease in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and a slight increase in deep sleep, as well as signs of increased sleep intensity during non-REM sleep.

Computer automated e-counseling improves weight loss

A study by researchers at The Miriam Hospital and University of North Carolina found that both computerized and human feedback were effective in short-term weight loss. Participants who received automated counseling lost an average of 8-10 pounds, with 34% achieving a clinically meaningful weight loss.

SourceLifespan·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateAug 14, 2006

Young teens see pregnancy as a way to enhance relationships

Researchers found that young teens see pregnancy as an opportunity to enhance relationships, but also express concerns about the impact on their education, finances, and overall well-being. The study highlights the need for tailored intervention strategies to address teen-pregnancy prevention.

SourceLifespan·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateAug 7, 2006

Matrilin-3 gene discovered to prevent onset of osteoarthritis

Researchers have discovered a gene, matrilin-3, that prevents the onset of osteoarthritis in adult mice. The study reveals a correlation between matrilin-3 and osteoarthritis, suggesting potential diagnostic and predictive uses. Matrilin-3 plays a role in early bone development and controls bone mineral density in adulthood.

SourceLifespan·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJul 24, 2006

What does it take to maintain a normal body weight?

Individuals who maintain a normal weight without a history of obesity exhibit consistent behaviors, such as limiting fast food consumption and sustaining high levels of physical activity. In contrast, those who struggle to maintain their weight report a lack of consistency in their lifestyle habits.

Eating habits of successful weight losers shift

A recent study found that individuals maintaining weight loss reported consuming more fat and fewer carbohydrates. Despite this shift, participants who maintained a low-calorie diet with moderate fat intake remained successful in weight loss maintenance.

SourceLifespan·JournalObesity Research·DateJun 30, 2006

New HIV study identifies high-risk subgroups of adolescents

Researchers identified distinct patterns of risk behavior among adolescent boys and girls, highlighting the need for targeted HIV prevention programs tailored to specific risk profiles. The study found that some high-risk adolescents have co-occurring mental health crises, substance abuse, and unsafe sex practices.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Pediatric Psychology·DateJun 26, 2006

Deaths from rodent virus raise need for tracking system

Recently reported cases of rodent virus transmission through organ donation highlight the need for a tracking system. Physicians should be vigilant in identifying clusters of symptoms following transplantation, as early detection can prevent further transmissions.

SourceLifespan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 24, 2006

Incarcerated women more likely to use birth control when given in jail

A study found that incarcerated women are 14 times more likely to start using birth control when it's offered in prison. This suggests that easy access to contraceptives can empower women and prevent high-risk pregnancies. Despite this, barriers remain, including lack of insurance and housing after release.

SourceLifespan·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMay 2, 2006

Help for siblings of children with special needs

A group intervention program has been shown to improve the psychological and emotional well-being of young siblings with chronic illness or developmental disabilities. The program increased their knowledge of their sibling's condition, feelings of connectedness, and competence.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Pediatric Psychology·DateApr 10, 2006

Smoking cessation delivered at-home proves effective

Home health care nurses using motivational enhancement counseling techniques significantly improved smoking cessation rates compared to standard care. Patients in the motivational enhancement group were more likely to quit and had lower cigarette consumption, highlighting the potential of this approach to promote public health.

SourceLifespan·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateMar 1, 2006

Children's self-esteem can affect their response to asthma

A study found that higher levels of self-esteem and problem-solving beliefs in urban, school-aged children with asthma helped counteract the negative effects of asthma and urban living. These factors were associated with fewer school absences, more participation in activities, and less missed sleep.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of School Health·DateFeb 22, 2006

Stressed-out moms think their children are more difficult

Researchers found that mothers with high stress levels perceived their babies as more challenging, affecting parenting behaviors and infant development. Cocaine-exposed infants showed lower socioeconomic status, increased reactivity to stimuli, and higher maternal stress.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Pediatric Psychology·DateJan 5, 2006

Young children getting fewer hours of sleep

A recent study published in the journal Sleep found that preschool-aged children are getting significantly less sleep than the recommended amount, with only 8.7 hours of sleep per night and less than 9.5 hours including naps. The research suggests that this may have serious implications for their physical and cognitive development.

SourceLifespan·JournalSLEEP·DateNov 30, 2005

New mental health help for juvenile offenders

The new guidelines aim to improve psychiatric evaluation, screening, and treatment for juvenile offenders. They recommend educating clinicians on unique system issues and refer juveniles with mental health or substance abuse disorders for systematic evaluation and treatment.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateOct 5, 2005

Babies' cries linked to their health

Infants at medical risk, such as premature babies or those exposed to lead or drugs, exhibit distinct cry patterns that may indicate neurological problems. Cry analysis, supported by previous studies, can help identify undetected damage in high-risk infants.

SourceLifespan·JournalMental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews·DateMay 16, 2005