Healthy Sleep Practices for Consumers of Home Total Parenteral Nutrition: A Mixed-Methods Community-Based Participatory Study.

Background: Consumers of overnight home parenteral nutrition (HPN) often experience sleep disruption; however, existing healthy sleep recommendations are widely inapplicable to consumers. Objectives: The aim of this mixed-methods, community-based participatory research study was to develop tailored recommendations on healthy sleep practices for HPN consumers. Methods: The multipart study involved the following: 1) an initial draft of sleep recommendations based on the evaluation of existing general sleep hygiene guidelines by an expert panel of clinicians and consumers with lived experience; 2) semi-structured focus groups with consumers and clinicians; 3) pre- and post-knowledge tests completed by consumers, and 4) final approval of the recommendations by the expert panel. Results: The literature synthesis resulted in 51 recommendations evaluated for relevance for HPN consumers. Focus groups with 20 HPN consumers and clinicians contributed additional recommendations based on lived experience. Ultimately, the final resource included recommendations spanning 4 sections: getting ready for bed, preparing the bedroom for sleep, daytime behaviors, and overall strategies for better sleep. Of the 36 recommendations, 58% were derived from existing general sleep hygiene guidelines, and the remaining 42% addressed sleep challenges experienced uniquely by consumers, including nocturnal polyuria, noise/light from medical equipment, and infusion schedules. Knowledge tests completed by 10 additional consumers indicated a modest increase in sleep health knowledge. Conclusions: The curated healthy sleep resource tailored for HPN consumers was facilitated by a multidisciplinary expert panel, a strategic collaboration with members of the HPN community and their clinicians, and in partnership with patient advocacy and support organizations. The wide distribution of these resources may improve the overall well-being of HPN consumers.

Sleep Health Education to Promote Public Health: Attitudes and Desired Learning Goals among Social Work Students.

Social workers are often front line behavioral health providers for underserved populations, many of whom experience sleep disturbances. Inadequate sleep presents a public health challenge and is associated with many adverse physical health and mental health consequences. Social workers are uniquely positioned to promote sleep health among individuals experiencing health inequities. However, sleep is rarely included as part of the curricula in social work programs in the U.S. We conducted qualitative formative research to investigate social work students' perceptions of sleep education and desired sleep learning objectives. Twenty-five social work students were recruited via a listserv e-mail to participate in one of three focus groups. Participants believed sleep education could be beneficial in promoting client health and well-being. Desired learning goals included: (1) the importance of sleep; (2) identify symptoms of sleep deprivation and sleep disorders; (3) environmental and lifestyle factors that impact sleep; (4) behaviors to promote optimal sleep; and (5) sleep health as it relates to special populations (e.g., homelessness, substance using). Social work students expressed a desire to aquire knowledge on sleep health promotion as part of the social work curricula. Sleep education could be of considerable relevance to social work students, practitioners, and the clients they serve.

Participation in a yoga intervention is associated with improved mental health among Latinx adolescents.

Latinx youth with mental health disorders have worse outcomes when compared to their White (non-Hispanic) counterparts. Latinx youth also have less access to and lower utilization of mental health services. Emerging research supports the psychological and physical benefits of engaging in yoga and yoga may function as a complimentary treatment option for patients with mental health challenges. However, research assessing the efficacy of yoga and mindfulness is particularly sparse among Latinx youth, who may particularly benefit from mind body awareness activities given barriers to more traditional health approaches. The objective of this quasi-experimental study was to examine the effects of a 12-week Vinyasa flow-based yoga group intervention on anxiety, depression, empathy, and life satisfaction among adolescents receiving outpatient mental health treatment. Adolescents (n = 186; 12-17 years old) were recruited to an active intervention condition (Yoga); a subsequent group of participants (n = 91) were recruited in the same manner to an assessment-only comparison control condition (Comparison). The Yoga group participated in culturally and developmentally tailored group yoga classes for 12 weeks. Structural equation modelling was used to evaluate the main effect intervention response between participants in the two conditions. At the post-intervention assessment, after controlling for baseline levels of outcome variables (i.e., depression, anxiety, empathy, and life satisfaction), on average participants in the yoga condition reported: less depression symptoms (B = -1.54, p = 0.008), less anxiety symptoms (B = -0.75, p = 0.048), greater empathy (B = 1.32, p = 0.025) and greater life satisfaction (B = 0.30, p = 0.013) as compared to the Comparison condition. Yoga interventions can be an acceptable and feasible modality for promoting well-being and reducing mental health problems among Latinx youth.

Association between use of electronic vaping products and insufficient sleep among adolescents: Findings from the 2017 and 2019 YRBS.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Although studies have investigated the association between cigarette smoking and sleep outcomes among adolescents in the United States, few studies have examined the association between electronic vaping products (EVPs) use and insufficient sleep among adolescents. The objective of this study was to investigate the cross-sectional association between the use of EVPs and insufficient sleep among adolescents. METHODS: Data were pooled from the 2017 and 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. An analytic sample of 28,135 adolescents (51.2% female) was analyzed using binary logistic regression. The dependent variable investigated was insufficient sleep, and the main independent variable was the use of EVPs. RESULTS: Of the 28,135 adolescents, 22.6%, 19.2%, and 58.2% were current, former, and never users of EVPs, respectively. More than three in four adolescents (76.5%) did not obtain the recommended 8 h of sleep on an average school night. Controlling for demographic factors and other covariates, adolescents who currently used EVPs had 1.33 times higher odds of having insufficient sleep (AOR = 1.33, p < .001, 95% CI = 1.16-1.52), and adolescents who previously used EVPs had 1.29 times higher odds of having insufficient sleep (AOR = 1.29, p < .001, 95% CI = 1.15-1.44) when compared to adolescents who had never used EVPs. Adolescents were more likely to get insufficient sleep if they were older, non-Hispanic Black, had symptoms of depression, experienced suicidal ideation, engaged in excessive screen-time behaviors, or currently used alcohol. Physical activity had a protective effect on insufficient sleep. CONCLUSION: This study found that EVPs use was associated with insufficient sleep among adolescents over and above demographic and other covariates. As EVP use increases among adolescents, it is important to consider the potential impact on multiple domains, including sleep. Future studies that employ longitudinal designs may offer additional insight into the mechanisms underlying the association between EVPs use and insufficient sleep.

The Mediating Effect of Maternal Wellbeing on the Association between Neighborhood Perception and Child Wellbeing: A Longitudinal Investigation.

OBJECTIVES: Negative perceptions of one's neighborhood are linked to poor mental and physical health. However, it is unclear how caregiver's neighborhood perception affects health outcomes in children. This study assessed the mediating effect of maternal wellbeing on the association between neighborhood perception and child wellbeing at different time points and overall. METHOD: A structural equation model (SEM) was used to evaluate whether maternal wellbeing mediates the influence of neighborhood perception on child wellbeing at different ages. The Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study data from years 3, 5, and 9 was analyzed. The delta method evaluated the mediation effect of maternal wellbeing, controlling for mothers' age. Direct and indirect effects of neighborhood perception at year 3 on child wellbeing at year 9 via maternal wellbeing at year 5 were analyzed via a longitudinal mediation with a two time points lag. RESULTS: Maternal wellbeing partially mediated the effect of neighborhood perception on child wellbeing at different ages. Longitudinal mediation analyses revealed that better neighborhood perception at year 3 improved maternal wellbeing at year 5 and child wellbeing at year 9; maternal wellbeing at year 5 partially mediated the effect of neighborhood perception at year 3 on child wellbeing at year 5. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: Our findings suggest that it may be beneficial for mental health practitioners to discuss relationships between neighborhood environment and wellbeing with caregivers, with a focus on reframing negative self-perceptions. Future research should evaluate longitudinal relationships between changes in neighborhood infrastructure and corresponding wellbeing in caregivers and children.

Correlations between sleep disturbance and brain structures associated with neurodegeneration in the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set.

This study aimed to 1) determine the association between sleep disturbance and brain structure volumes, 2) the moderation effect of apolipoprotein ε4 genotype on sleep disturbance and brain structures, and 3) the moderation effect of sleep disturbance on cognitive status and regional brain volumes. Using the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set (n = 1,533), multiple linear regressions were used to evaluate the association between sleep disturbance and brain volumes. Sleep disturbance was measured using one question from the NPI-Q. After controlling for intracranial volume, age, sex, years of education, race, ethnicity, and applying the FDR correction, total cerebrospinal fluid volume, left lateral ventricle volume, total lateral ventricle volume, and total third ventricle volume demonstrated significantly higher means for those with sleep disturbance. Total brain volume, total white and gray matter volume, total cerebrum brain volume (including gray but not white matter), left hippocampus volume, total hippocampal volume, the left, right, and total frontal lobe cortical gray matter volume, and the left, right, and total temporal lobe cortical gray matter volume demonstrated significantly lower mean volumes for those with sleep disturbance. Sleep disturbance moderated the association between cognitive status and lateral ventricular volumes. These findings suggest that disrupted sleep is associated with atrophy across multiple brain regions and ventricular hydrocephalus ex vacuo.

Feasibility, acceptability and preliminary impact of mindfulness-based yoga among Hispanic/Latinx adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The Hispanic/Latinx population constitutes the fastest growing ethnic/racial minority group in the United States (U.S.). Compared to their non-Hispanic/Latinx White counterparts, Hispanic/Latinx youth experience more depression and anxiety, and have more unmet mental health needs (88% vs 76%). Emerging research supports the psychological and physical benefits of mind-body awareness training to enhance well-being and mental health, but almost no studies have recruited ethnic/racial minority samples. PURPOSE: The current study examined the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary impact of a mindfulness-based yoga program among Hispanic/Latinx public high school students. PROCEDURES: Participants (N = 187) were recruited from a local public high school in a large multi-ethnic urban school district in the Southeast U.S. and participated in 6 weekly hour-long sessions of mindfulness-based yoga. Participants completed assessments at pretest and one month after program completion. MAIN FINDINGS: The sample was predominantly Hispanic/Latinx (95%) and female (64%), on average 15.2 years old (SD = 1.3), and 51% were born outside the U.S. Participants reported on average a 14.2% reduction in depressive symptoms (pretest mean = 5.51, posttest mean = 4.73, p = .032, Cohen's d = 0.2), a 14.9% reduction in anxiety symptoms (pretest mean = 9.90, posttest mean = 8.42, p = .005, Cohen's d = 0.2), and a 21.9% reduction in stress (pretest mean = 9.66, posttest mean = 7.54, p < .001, Cohen's d = 0.5). CONCLUSION: These findings provide support for the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based yoga program for Hispanic/Latinx adolescents, a medically underrepresented group experiencing significant mental health disparities.

Conceptualizing stigma in contexts of pregnancy and opioid misuse: A qualitative study with women and healthcare providers in Ohio.

BACKGROUND: Women with histories of opioid misuse face drug-related stigma, which can be amplified during pregnancy. While women are often blamed for their drug use and urged to change, the social contexts that create and reinforce stigma are largely unchallenged. Drawing on a multidimensional model of stigma, we examine how stigma manifested across women's pregnancy journeys to shape access and quality of care. METHODS: We triangulate in-depth interviews with 28 women with histories of opioid misuse who were pregnant or recently gave birth and 18 healthcare providers in Ohio. Thematic analysis examined how stigma operates across contexts of care. RESULTS: Providers represented physicians, nurses, social workers, counselors, and healthcare administrators. Among 28 women, average age was 30 (range: 22-41) and 79 % were White. Most women used prenatal medication-assisted treatment (MAT), including Suboxone (n = 19) or methadone (n = 8), and 15 were pregnant. Evidence of stigma emerged across healthcare contexts. Structural stigma encoded barriers to care in insurance practices and punitive drug treatment, while enacted stigma manifested as mistreatment and judgment from providers. Unpredictability of an infant diagnosis of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), even when women were "doing everything right" by using MAT, perpetuated anticipated stigma from fear of loss of custody and internalized stigma among women who felt guilty about the diagnosis. Providers recognized the harmful effects of these stigmas and many actively addressed it. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend harm reduction approaches to address the multiplicity of stigmas that women navigate in opioid misuse and pregnancy to improve healthcare experiences.

A sleep hygiene and yoga intervention conducted in affordable housing communities: Pilot study results and lessons for a future trial.

BACKGROUND: and purpose: Inadequate sleep is highly prevalent among socioeconomically disadvantaged and racial/ethnic minority communities and is often related to maladaptive sleep behaviors and stress. There is scant research investigating the delivery of these interventions in underserved communities. The purpose of this study was to develop and test the feasibility and acceptability of a sleep education and yoga intervention for socioeconomically disadvantaged and racial/ethnic diverse adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present quantitative and qualitative data from a single-arm sleep education and yoga pilot study (n = 17) conducted in two affordable housing communities, and the multi-modal process we employed to refine the intervention for a future trial. RESULTS: Participants were age 43.6 years on average (±19.3 years) and 88.2% were female. Nearly 56% identified as non-Hispanic Black and 19% as Hispanic/Latino. Results showed significant pre/post-intervention improvements in sleep duration (5.4 ± 1.2 h/night vs 6.9 ± 1.7 h/night; p < 0.01), sleep-related impairment (-8.15; p < 0.01), sleep disturbance (-5.95; p < 0.01), and sleep hygiene behaviors (-5.50; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study indicates intervention acceptability and improvements in sleep and sleep hygiene. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to assess efficacy.

Adapting sleep hygiene for community interventions: a qualitative investigation of sleep hygiene behaviors among racially/ethnically diverse, low-income adults.

BACKGROUND: Despite the high prevalence of inadequate sleep in racially/ethnically diverse, low-income adults, there is scant research targeting sleep health interventions among underserved populations. Sleep hygiene (SH) recommendations may help promote sleep health for the general population; however, they likely require tailoring to optimize uptake and effectiveness in the "real world" given socio-contextual factors. As an initial step to developing contextually appropriate and effective community-based SH interventions, we conducted qualitative research to understand SH behaviors, beliefs, and barriers in a low-income, ethnically diverse sample of adults. METHODS: We recruited 24 racially/ethnically diverse adults from an affordable housing community who self-reported sleeping ≤6 hours on average. Participants were invited to either an individual interview (n = 5) or a focus group (n = 3). A deductive, thematic-analysis approach was employed. Data collection and interpretation were informed by the Socio-Contextual Model of Behavior Change. RESULTS: There was evidence of high acceptability of SH and interest in improving sleep health. Barriers to implementing SH were multifaceted, including individual (knowledge, motivation, habits, medical issues, stress, trauma), interpersonal (caregiving), organizational (job strain), and environmental (noise) factors. CONCLUSIONS: Future strategies for adapting behavioral SH interventions should target knowledge, skill development, and behavioral change domains, such as motivation, social support, and self-efficacy. In addition, adapting SH beyond the clinical context for a high-need community population requires attention to multilevel sociocontextual factors that contribute to sleep health, particularly chronic stress, prior trauma, and adverse sleeping environments. Development of novel trauma-informed SH interventions may promote effective and safe implementation.

A qualitative investigation to inform yoga intervention recruitment practices for racial/ethnic minority adolescents in outpatient mental health treatment.

OBJECTIVE: Yoga is recognized as an effective approach to improving overall physical and mental health; however, there may be perceived barriers to yoga participation, particularly among populations most at risk for mental health issues. We conducted qualitative formative research to help inform recruitment practices for a future study and to specifically understand the barriers and facilitators to engagement in yoga practice among racial/ethnic minority adolescents, as well as adolescents in outpatient mental health treatment. METHODS: Qualitative data were collected at a community health clinic that serves low income families in southeastern Florida. Using semi structured interviews with racial and ethnic minority adolescents between 12 and 17 years old, participants were asked about beliefs and perceptions about yoga, as well as recommendations on recruiting peers. A thematic analysis approach was used to identify and examine common themes. RESULTS: Twenty interviews were conducted and eight major themes emerged from the data. Themes were grouped as (1) Facilitators to recruitment and (2) Barriers to recruitment. INTERPRETATION: Advertising free yoga that emphasizes the social, physical, and mental benefits can help assuage negative perceptions of yoga and promote the advantages of yoga among teenagers. Having recruitment materials and modalities that highlight inclusivity of all genders and physical abilities in the yoga classes are also important in facilitating participation. Understanding perceptions of yoga, as well as perceived barriers and facilitators, among racially/ethnically diverse adolescents in outpatient mental health treatment, can assist recruitment efforts, increase yoga intervention participation, and ultimately, improve mental health outcomes for underserved populations.

Evening intake of alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine: night-to-night associations with sleep duration and continuity among African Americans in the Jackson Heart Sleep Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: We examined the night-to-night associations of evening use of alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine with actigraphically estimated sleep duration, sleep efficiency, and wake after sleep onset (WASO) among a large cohort of African American adults. METHODS: Participants in the Jackson Heart Sleep Study underwent wrist actigraphy for an average of 6.7 nights and completed concurrent daily sleep diary assessments to record any consumption of alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine within 4 hours of bedtime. Linear mixed-effect models were fit and adjusted for age, sex, educational attainment, body mass index, depression, anxiety, stress, and having work/school the next day. RESULTS: Eligible participants (n = 785) were an average of 63.7 years (SD: 10.6), and were predominantly female (67.9%). There were 5164 days of concurrent actigraphy and sleep diary data. Evening alcohol use was associated with that night's lower sleep efficiency (-0.98% [95% CI: -1.67% to -0.29%], p = 0.005), but not with WASO or sleep duration. Evening nicotine use was associated with that night's lower sleep efficiency [1.74% (95% CI: -2.79 to -0.68), p = 0.001] and 6.09 minutes higher WASO ([95% CI: 0.82 to 11.35], p = 0.02), but was not associated with sleep duration. Evening caffeine use was not associated with any of the sleep parameters. CONCLUSION: Nicotine and alcohol use within 4 hours of bedtime were associated with increased sleep fragmentation in the associated night, even after controlling for multiple potential confounders. These findings support the importance of sleep health recommendations that promote the restriction of evening alcohol and nicotine use to improve sleep continuity.

Treatment of Sleep Disturbance May Reduce the Risk of Future Probable Alzheimer's Disease.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored two research questions: (a) Does sleep medication neutralize or provide a protective effect against the hazard of Alzheimer's disease (AD)? (b) Do apolipoprotein (APOE) e4 carriers reporting a sleep disturbance experience an increased risk of AD? METHOD: This study is a secondary analysis of the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center's Uniform Data Set ( n = 6,782) using Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS: Sleep disturbance was significantly associated with eventual AD development. Among the subset of participants taking general sleep medications, no relationship between sleep disturbance and eventual AD was observed. Among individuals not taking sleep medications, the increased hazard between the two variables remained. Among APOE e4 carriers, sleep disturbance and AD were significant, except among those taking zolpidem. DISCUSSION: Our findings support the emerging link between sleep disturbance and AD. Our findings also suggest a continued need to elucidate the mechanisms that offer protective factors against AD development.

Mild cognitive impairment: associations with sleep disturbance, apolipoprotein e4, and sleep medications.

OBJECTIVE: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is associated with increased memory problems although the ability to complete daily life activities remains relatively intact. This study examined: (1) if sleep disturbance increased the hazard of MCI; (2) if APOE e4 carriers with sleep disturbance experience an increased risk of MCI; and, (3) if prescription sleep medications provide a protective effect against MCI. We hypothesized that sleep disturbance increases the hazard of MCI, this relationship is stronger among APOE e4 carriers reporting a sleep disturbance. Furthermore, we hypothesized that sleep medications decrease the hazard of MCI. METHODS: To determine whether sleep medication mediates the risk of developing MCI for individuals with sleep disturbance and/or APOE e4, we analyzed the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Uniform Data Set. We selected participants with normal cognition at baseline (n = 6798), and conduced survival analyses. RESULTS: Our main findings indicated that the hazard of MCI was significantly associated with sleep disturbance. The hazard remained among those who did not use sleep medication. Trazodone and zolpidem users did not have a significant hazard of MCI, but the significant hazard remained for those who did not use these medications. APOE e4 carriers had a significantly higher hazard of MCI. Among e4 carriers who used trazodone or zolpidem, there was not a statistically significant risk of MCI. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the potential utilization of trazodone and zolpidem in the treatment of sleep disturbance while potentially mitigating the risk of MCI. While trazodone and zolpidem have been shown to positively impact sleep disturbance in individuals with normal cognition, further research should explore these findings given that these medications are potentially inappropriate for older adults.

Factor structure of a standards-based inventory of competencies in social work with groups.

PURPOSES: This study extends previous findings on a measure of competencies based on Standards for Social Work Practice with Groups. The Inventory of Competencies in Social Work with Groups (ICSWG) measures confidence in performing the Standards. This study examines the latent structure of the Inventory, while illuminating the underlying structure of the Standards. METHODS: A multinational sample of 586 persons completed the ICSWG. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), reliability estimates, standard error of measurement estimates, and a range of validity tests were conducted. RESULTS: The EFA yielded a six-factor solution consisting of core values, mutuality/connectivity, collaboration, and three phases of group development (planning, beginnings/middles, endings). The alphas were .98 for the scale and ranged from .85 to .95 for the subscales. Correlations between the subscales and validators supported evidence of construct validity. DISCUSSION: The findings suggest key group work domains that should be taught and practiced in social work with groups.

A Qualitative Examination of Increased Alcohol Use after Bariatric Surgery among Racially/Ethnically Diverse Young Adults.

INTRODUCTION: Mounting evidence suggests that bariatric surgery, or weight loss surgery (WLS), patients might be vulnerable to developing post-operative alcohol use problems. While the majority of published research offers information concerning the prevalence of problematic alcohol use post-WLS, the literature lacks comprehensive, qualitative explorations examining why alcohol misuse might emerge after WLS. Such data-driven hypotheses are needed to effectively target this emerging concern. Additionally, young adults and racial/ethnic minorities are both increasingly undergoing WLS and are at heightened risk for problems related to alcohol use. To date, these groups have been under-represented in study samples. METHODS: To address these important gaps in the literature, racially/ethnically diverse, young adult WLS patients who indicated a post-WLS increase in alcohol use (n = 12) participated in an individual, semi-structured qualitative interview. Data were analyzed through two coding cycles; an external audit of the emerging themes was also conducted to further ensure the trustworthiness of the data. RESULTS: Interviews revealed four major themes prompting an increase in alcohol use after WLS: (1) increased sensitivity to alcohol intoxication, (2) utilizing alcohol as a replacement self-soothing mechanism for food, (3) increase in socialization, and (4) utilizing alcohol as a coping mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: By understanding the drivers of increases in alcohol use after WLS, precision-targeted pre- and post-surgical counseling interventions can be developed to address this emerging concern.

Enhancing yoga participation: A qualitative investigation of barriers and facilitators to yoga among predominantly racial/ethnic minority, low-income adults.

Yoga is underutilized among racial/ethnic minorities and low-income populations. To enhance participation among these demographic groups and to inform a future clinical trial, we conducted a qualitative formative investigation, informed by the Social Contextual Model of health behavior change, to identify barriers and facilitators to yoga that could impact study participation. We recruited twenty-four racially/ethnically diverse adults, with and without prior yoga experience, from a low-income, urban housing community to participate in either an individual interview or focus group. A thematic data analysis approach was employed. Barriers to yoga engagement included the perception that yoga lacks physicality and weight loss benefits, fear of injury, lack of ability/self-efficacy to perform the practices, preference for other physical activities, and scheduling difficulties. Facilitators of yoga engagement included a quality yoga instructor who provides individualized instruction, beginner level classes, and promotional messaging that highlights the potential benefits of yoga, such as stress reduction.

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

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, 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 = .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 subpopulation to explore risk factors for problematic alcohol use post-WLS; future assessments of alcohol use should consider potential heightened alcohol sensitivity resulting from WLS.

Recruiting and Assessing Recent Young Adult Latina Immigrants in Health Disparities Research.

The authors interviewed 4 researchers to identify facilitators in recruiting and assessing Latina immigrants. The 4 researchers recruited 530 recent Latina immigrants (ages 18-23 years) for a study of social and cultural determinants of health. Consensual qualitative research methods revealed that respondent-driven sampling was an effective recruitment method. Fear of deportation was a barrier. Stigma about sensitive topics (e.g., sex, drug use) did not affect participation. Findings can help counselors conduct health disparities research.