SAj Blog Archives - Page 38 of 88

The Authors’ Own Words: Smartphone application for unhealthy alcohol use: a pilot study

Feb 28, 2020 by AMERSA

The Authors’ Own Words: We ask authors to describe their impressions regarding the implications of their accepted work, how their findings will change practice, and what is noteworthy about the work.

Smartphone application for unhealthy alcohol use: a pilot study

Nicolas Bertholet, MD, MSc; Jean-Bernard Daeppen, MD; Jennifer McNeely, MD, MSc; Vlad Kushnir, MSc; & John A. Cunningham, PhD

Substance Abuse Vol. 38, Iss. 3, 2017

“In this pilot study of a smartphone application for unhealthy alcohol use conducted in a population of internet-recruited participants with unhealthy alcohol use, we observed a decrease at 3 months in weekly alcohol consumption, binge drinking, and some alcohol-related consequences. Because the uncontrolled design does not allow us to infer causation, further study is needed to evaluate the application’s efficacy. The application appears acceptable and useful (although there is room for improvement). Reaching individuals at their convenience is one of the advantages of technology-based interventions and as such smartphones represent an opportunity to increase the delivery of evidence-based alcohol interventions at the time and place where they are most needed. Nevertheless, without some form of reminder, applications for unhealthy alcohol use may go unused.”

The Authors’ Own Words: Smokeless Tobacco Use Among United States Air Force Trainees

Feb 28, 2020 by AMERSA

Smokeless Tobacco Use Among United States Air Force Trainees

Brittany D. Linde, PhD; Jon O. Ebbert, MD; Darrell R. Schroeder, MS; Andrew C. Hanson, BS; G. Wayne Talcott, PhD; & Robert C. Klesges, PhD

Substance Abuse Vol. 38, Iss. 3, 2017

“Our findings identify the sociodemographic characteristics of smokeless tobacco users entering the United States Air Force. Public health and clinical approaches leveraging these factors could decrease the perpetuation of smokeless tobacco in the military.”

The Authors’ Own Words: Psychosocial Stressors and Alcohol Use, Severity, and Treatment Receipt across HIV Status in a Nationally Representative Sample of U.S. Residents

Feb 27, 2020 by AMERSA

Psychosocial Stressors and Alcohol Use, Severity, and Treatment Receipt across HIV Status in a Nationally Representative Sample of U.S. Residents

Emily C. Williams, PhD, MPH; Young Sun Joo, MSW; Lauren Lipira, MSW; & Joseph E. Glass, PhD, MSW

Substance Abuse Vol. 38, Iss. 3, 2017

“Alcohol use is harmful for persons living with HIV (PLWH) and its use, severity, and treatment may vary across HIV status. Because HIV disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations, PLWH may have greater exposure to psychosocial stressors than those without HIV, which may increase alcohol use and serve as barriers to alcohol treatment receipt. This study, conducted in a large nationally-representative sample of U.S. residents, describes psychosocial stressors, and alcohol use, symptom severity, and treatment receipt for PLWH and those without HIV, and assess whether psychosocial stressors mediate differences in alcohol use and treatment receipt across HIV status. PLWH were more likely than those without HIV to experience discrimination and had higher levels of perceived stress than those without HIV, but did not differ regarding alcohol-related stigma. PLWH were less likely to use alcohol and had similar rates of heavy drinking relative to participants without HIV, but alcohol symptom severity and treatment receipt were greater among PLWH. Perceived stress mediated associations; experiencing discrimination did not. Results further highlight PLWH as a population that is particularly vulnerable to experiences of stress and certain adverse alcohol-related outcomes and suggest a need for future longitudinal research.”

The Authors’ Own Words: Self-Regulating Profession? Administrative Discipline of “Pill Mill” Physicians in Florida

Feb 27, 2020 by AMERSA

Self-Regulating Profession? Administrative Discipline of “Pill Mill” Physicians in Florida

Corey S. Davis, JD, MSPH & Derek H. Carr, JD

Substance Abuse Vol. 38, Iss. 3, 2017

“While physicians are required to follow a variety of laws and regulations, they are typically licensed by medical boards that are tasked with ensuring that all licensed physicians meet minimal standards for safe practice. This research suggests that, at least in Florida, the medical board (which by law is composed primarily of practicing physicians who are themselves licensed by the board) often permitted physicians indicted or convicted of crimes directly impacting the safe practice of medicine to continue to practice for an extended period of time. We suggest that more proactive investigation and enforcement may reduce opioid-related risks in the state.”

The Authors’ Own Words: Screening and Brief Intervention in High Schools: School Nurse Practices and Attitudes in Massachusetts

Feb 26, 2020 by AMERSA

Screening and Brief Intervention in High Schools: School Nurse Practices and Attitudes in Massachusetts

Julie Lunstead, MPH; Elissa R. Weitzman, ScD, MSc; Dylan Kaye, BA; & Sharon Levy, MD, MPH

Substance Abuse Vol. 38, Iss. 3, 2017

“In this survey of Massachusetts school nurses, we found that self-reported brief intervention practices are in alignment with adolescent SBIRT recommendations, though few nurses screen routinely, and reported barrier included unfamiliarity with screening tools and insufficient time for this procedure. These barriers can be addressed by introducing validated, self-administered screens into schools as they prepare to implement SBIRT as required by a new Massachusetts law.”