Abuse Screening Research Articles

Systematic screening of gender violence and domestic violence among HIV-positive patients: the VIHOLETA study

ABSTRACT We conducted a multicentre observational study in people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy in Alicante (Spain) from 2019 to 2020 aiming to analyse the prevalence of abuse and assess treatment adherence according to this variable. We used the Abuse Assessment Screen tool, the simplified medication adherence questionnaire and the medication possession ratio to assess outcomes.. Of the 161 included PLHIV, 53 (32.9%) had suffered abuse (27 emotional abuse, 6 physical abuse, 3 sexual abuse, 13 emotional and physical abuse, 4 unknown type). Seven (4.3%) had suffered abuse in the last year (5 emotional, 2 physical). Abuse had lasted a median of 48 months (interquartile range 12–81). HIV status was considered as a cause of violence by 9.4% of victims. In the multivariable analysis, only abuse was independently associated with non-adherence [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.92; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.80–8.84; p = 0.0007]. Abuse (aOR 6.14; 95% CI 1.63–27.70; p = 0.001) and previous incarceration (aOR 15.08 95% CI 2.71–104.71; p = 0.003) were associated with detectable viral load. In conclusion, the prevalence of abuse is high in PLHIV, hampering adherence and virological success. Abuse screening tools should be incorporated into routine HIV care.

Psychological correlates of stress among Nigerian high school adolescents during the third wave of COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the mental health of adolescents. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence and psychological correlates of stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic among high school adolescents in Nigeria.Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive online study involving 1008 Nigerian adolescents. Respondents completed study-specific sociodemographic questionnaire, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale– 21, Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale-10, Paediatric Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction, Insomnia Severity Index-7, Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised, Drug Abuse Screening Test -10.Results: The mean age of the respondents was 15.60 (SD 1.24) years. The prevalence of stress was 61.6%, while the prevalence of anxiety and depression was 57.4% and 50.8%, respectively. There were statistically significant positive correlations between stress and anxiety (r = 0.669, P = <0.001), p depression (r = 0.612, P = <0.001), insomnia (r =0.355, P =<0.001), suicidal tendencies (r = 0.257, P = p p p <0.001), drug abuse (r = 0.251, P =<0.001) as well as between stress and age (r = 0.129, P = <0.001). p p There was a statistically significant negative correlation between stress and quality of life (r = -0.375, P = p <0.001). The adolescents undergoing abnormal stress had higher odds of experiencing higher anxiety levels and depression.Conclusion: Stress is associated with anxiety, depression, insomnia, substance abuse, suicidal behaviours, and reduced quality of life among Nigerian adolescents. Hence, there is a need to plan adolescent-centered mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“What does that mean?”: The content validity of the ISPCAN Child Abuse Screening Tool - Child version (ICAST-C) in Romania, South Africa, and the Philippines

BackgroundThe International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN) Child Abuse Screening Tool (Children's Version), known as the ICAST-C Version 3, is used widely to assess violence against children, but there is limited psychometric evidence, especially on content validity. ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the content validity of the ICAST-C with adolescents in Romania, South Africa, and the Philippines. MethodsA purposive sample of adolescents (N = 53, 51 % female) were recruited from urban areas in Romania, the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, and Metro Manila, Philippines. Semi-structured one-on-one in-depth cognitive interviews sought adolescent perspectives on the relevance, comprehensibility, and comprehensiveness of the ICAST-C. Data were analysed using template analysis. ResultsThe ICAST-C was broadly perceived to be relevant and comprehensive in measuring violence against children in all study locations. However, there were issues with the comprehensibility of the measure, described at three levels: interpreting items, undertaking coherent elaborations of relevant behaviors and places, and generating a coherent response to the questions. ConclusionsSuggestions to revise the ICAST-C include, among others, adding a practice or how-to section on answering the survey, clarifying the intent of questions, especially on neglect and sexual abuse, emphasizing that questions cover all locations, and asking more positive questions. Pilot studies testing the content validity and cultural appropriateness are needed as a matter of practice in large self-report surveys.

Screening and Brief Intervention With Low-Income Youth in Community-Based Settings

PurposeWe described screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) results and assessed whether SBIRT is associated with positive changes in substance use, risky use, and educational/employment outcomes for youth in community-based settings that are not healthcare focused. MethodsYouthBuild USA serves youth of ages 16–24 who are neither in school nor employed. In an SBIRT intervention, youth completed substance use surveys and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and Drug Abuse Screening Test screenings at entry and program completion. Staff reported on services provided in response to screening scores. Regression models compared changes in youth screening results and substance use from intake to follow-up and, with aggregate program-level data, youth outcomes across programs with and without the SBIRT intervention. ResultsYouth significantly reduced Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (3.1 vs. 2.3, p < .001) and Drug Abuse Screening Test (1.9 vs. 1.4, p < .001) scores, positive screens (64% vs. 54%, p < .001), and need for referrals to treatment (48% vs. 37%, p < .001), indicating less risky substance use, although self-reports of substance use in the past 30 days did not decrease. Proportionately more youth in SBIRT programs attained a high school diploma or equivalent (49% vs. 42%, p = .01) and were still in educational/job placements 3 months after program completion (67% vs. 59%, p = .02), compared to youth in non-SBIRT programs. DiscussionThese findings suggest that community-based SBIRT is associated with positive outcomes–both reduced risky substance use and improved education and employment–that relate to longer-term positive development for youth. SBIRT appears to be an evidence-based approach to intervene and help youth.

Effect of frequency of parent to child maltreatment on symptoms of anxiety disorder in Pakistani adolescents: A community based cohort study

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between Parent to Child Maltreatment and the occurrence of anxiety disorder symptoms among Pakistani adolescents under 18 years. MethodA prospective study was conducted to examine the effect of frequency of Parent to child maltreatment (PTC) on the occurrence of anxiety disorders in a community setting. A sample of 800 adolescents who reported none to rare, occasional, and frequent PTC were followed for the occurrence of anxiety disorder symptoms over two years. PTC was evaluated using ICAST-C (International child abuse screening tool). Anxiety disorder symptoms were evaluated using the SCARED (Screen for children anxiety-related disorders) tool. Risk ratios were estimated using Cox Proportional Algorithm. ResultsThe risk of occurrence of anxiety disorder symptoms in adolescents who have exposure to frequent PTC is 3.8 times (2.9, 4.9) as compared to those with none to rare exposure to PTC. Among adolescents suffering frequent PTC whose, mothers also reported a history of domestic violence, the risk of anxiety disorder symptoms is 3 times (2.2, 4.1) higher. Female gender (RR 1.5; 1.2–1.9), stressful home environment (RR 1.4; 1.1–1.8), and parental substance abuse (RR 1.6; 1.2–2.0) are significant predictors of anxiety disorder symptoms. ConclusionFrequent PTC is significantly associated with the occurrence of anxiety disorder symptoms among Pakistani adolescents. Given these findings, there is a dire need to develop specific interventions to address anxiety disorder symptoms among adolescents and to develop programs to prevent parent to child maltreatment.

Impact of Behavioral and Psychosocial Factors on Relapse among Persons with Substance Use Disorder

The present study was conducted to explore the impact of behavioral factors on relapse among drug addicts and moderating role of psychological factors. The study was carried out on male drug addicts from different cities in Punjab. The sample was comprised of (N = 200) male drug addicts. The sample was selected by using purposive sampling. The General Health Questionnaire, Patient Depression Questionnaire PHQ-9, Drug Abuse Screening Test-10, Perceived Stigma of Substance Abuse Scale, Adaptability, Partnership, Growth, Affection and Resolve, Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test and The Advance Warning of Relapse Questionnaire were used in the current study. Alpha coefficients and correlation matrix for all variables were computed. Moderation analysis further revealed that perceived stigma significantly moderated the relationship between drug and alcohol abuse severity and warning of relapse. The family function also moderated the relationship between drug and alcohol abuse severity and the sign of degeneration. It was found that Perceived stigma significantly moderated the relationship between alcohol and drug abuse severity and warning of relapse.

Emotional Intelligence, Motivation and Dysfunctional Attitude among Patients with Substance Use: Cognitive Behavior Therapy

he study explores the significant predictive relationship between emotional intelligence, motivation, and dysfunctional attitude among substance use patients with the role of cognitive behavior therapy. The sample was comprised of 150 addictive patients. Among 150 patients, 40 were selected for intervention. The sample was divided into two groups of 20 each in the experimental and controlled groups. Participants were selected using a purposive sampling technique from Poly Clinic Jhelum, Punjab, Pakistan. To estimate the constructs following scales were used Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form Scale, Situational Motivation Scale, Dysfunctional Attitude Scale Short Form and Drug Abuse Screening Test all in Urdu. Patients with a high level of dysfunctional attitude were selected for intervention. For each participant, 12 sessions were planned. The statistical calculations were done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences(V-26). Regression analysis confirmed that emotional intelligence and motivation is a significant predictors of dysfunctional attitudes in substance used patients [R²=.066; F (2, 147) = 5.198, p&lt;.01] with 6.6% explained variation in the dysfunctional attitude due to emotional intelligence and motivation. The effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy was also evident with the experimental groups mean score of emotional intelligence (M=78.6, M = 169.00), motivation (M=58.1, M = 92.10) and dysfunctional attitude (M=61.1, M = 26.00) pre and posttest scores. It indicates that Cognitive Behavior Therapy was effective in the treatment of drug addicts to deal with lower levels of motivation and emotional intelligence as well as higher dysfunctional attitudes. For emotional intelligence, results showed that there is change in mean score of experimental groups (M=78.6, M = 169.00) For motivation, results showed that there is change in mean score of experimental groups (M=58.1, M = 92.10). For dysfunctional attitude, results showed that there is change in mean score of experimental groups (M=61.1, M = 26.00) which indicate that Cognitive Behavior Therapy was effective in treatment of drug addicts to deal with lower levels of motivation and emotional intelligence as well as higher dysfunctional attitude.

Screening for Child Abuse in Children With Isolated Skull Fractures.

Head trauma is the most common cause of death from child abuse, and each encounter for recurrent abuse is associated with greater morbidity. Isolated skull fractures (ISF) are often treated conservatively in the emergency department (ED). We determined patterns of physical abuse screening in a children's hospital ED for children with ISF. A retrospective review was performed for children aged 3 years and younger who presented to the ED with ISF from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2019. Children were stratified by age (<12 mo, ≥12 mo) and witnessed versus unwitnessed injury. Primary outcome was social work (SW) assessment to prescreen for abuse. Secondary outcomes were suspicion for abuse based on Child Protective Services (CPS) referral and subsequent ED encounters within 1 year. Sixty-six ISF patients were identified. Of unwitnessed injury patients aged younger than 12 months (n = 17/22), 88.2% (n = 15/17) underwent SW assessment and 47.1% (n = 8/17) required CPS referral. Of witnessed injury patients aged younger than 12 months (n = 23/44), 60.9% (n = 14/23) underwent SW assessment, with no CPS referrals. Overall, 18.2% (n = 4/22) unwitnessed and 20.5% (n = 9/44) witnessed injury patients returned to our ED: 2 were aged younger than 12 months and had recurrent trauma. To decrease risk of missed physical abuse, SW consultation should be considered for all ISF patients.

STUDY OF THE IMPACT OF CANNABIS USE ON PERCEPTUAL AND MEMORY PROCESSES AS WELL AS ON POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE SYMPTOMS IN PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA

Cannabis, as the most widely used illicit substance in the world, also remains among the most frequently used psychoactive substances by patients with schizophrenia. It is well known that cannabis use in schizophrenia patients favors relapse, resistance to antipsychotic treatments and therefore more frequent hospitalizations. However, many studies report considerable improvement in cognitive performance in substance users, while others show the opposite. Hence, the aim of our study is to examine the relationship between schizophrenia and cannabis use in clinical and socio-de- mographic aspects. This is a cross-sectional study of patients with schizophrenia hospitalized for relapse at the Ar-Razi psychiatric hospital in Salé, Morocco. A questionnaire was established in order to search for socio- demographic data, evolutionary and prognostic criteria of the disease. Cannabis use was assessed using the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST), for the severity of schizophrenia symptoms we used the Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and for perceptual and memory abilities we used the numerical version of the Rey's Complex Figure-A (RCF-A). It was found that in a sample of 115 schizophrenic patients, 47.82% (n=55) were cannabis users. The mean PANSS (negative) and (general psychopathology) scores of non-cannabis users were significantly higher than those of cannabis users with P values of (P&lt;0.001) and (P&lt;0.005) respectively. For the numerical assessment scores of the RCF-A, cannabis users had a significantly higher mean score than non-cannabis users (copy phase (P&lt;0.016) and memory (P&lt;0.001) As one of the leading risk factors for the emergence of schizophre- nia, chronic cannabis use also has a negative influence on the prognosis of patients already suffering from schizophrenia. Nevertheless, the results of our study show that cannabis-using schizophrenic patients had fewer negative symptoms according to the PANSS and an improved cognitive performance compared to non- cannabis-using patients.

ISPCAN Child Abuse Screening Tool for Children (ICAST-C): Translation and adaptation to Mexican Spanish, and psychometric properties tested in Mexico City adolescents

BackgroundResearch using the IPSCAN Child Abuse Screening Tool for Children (ICAST-C), has provided ample evidence of the magnitude of violence against children. Knowledge about its psychometric characteristics and validity is limited. Hence, our objective was to translate and culturally adapt the ICAST-C in adolescents from Mexico City and determine its psychometric properties. Participants and settingTo determine the psychometric properties of the instrument 723 adolescents between 11 and 18 years of age from 9 public secondary schools in Mexico City participated. MethodsThe study was carried out in two phases: 1) translation and adaptation of the instrument (in 5 steps) and 2) pilot evaluation of the psychometric properties. Total and factor reliabilities were determined, Pearson correlation was used for temporal stability while construct validity was determined by Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and final adequacy of the items eliminated by the CFA. ResultsWe developed the culturally relevant Mexican Spanish version of the ICAST-C. The CFA confirmed the six-factor structure hypothesis. To improve the original model we eliminated ten items, the final model showed good global fit indices (χ2(1310) = 2207.68, p < .01, χ2/df = 1.68; CFI =0.95; RMSEA = 0.02 [CI95% 0.02–0.03]; SRMR = 0.08). Total and factor reliabilities were adequate (Alpha = 0.79–0.92, r = 0.52–0.75), except for the non-violent discipline factor (Alpha = 0.59, r = 0.38). ConclusionsWhile these data suggest that this version of the ICAST-C is valid and reliable for adolescents in Mexico City public secondary schools, further research should evaluate the psychometric properties in a national sample.

COVID-19 lockdown related stress among young adults: The role of drug use disorder, neurotic health symptoms, and pathological smartphone use

ABSTRACT This study examined the roles of drug use disorder, neurotic health symptoms, and pathological smartphone use in COVID-19 lockdown–related stress. A sample of 288 young adults were purposively recruited. Data were collected using four standardized measures with robust psychometric properties: Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST), the Smartphone Addiction Scale, COVID Stress Scale, and a Neuroticism subscale of the Big Five Inventory. The participants’ ages ranged from 17 to 34 years, with a mean age of 24.09 (SD = 3.81) years. The hierarchical regression confirmed the hypotheses and results were consistent with expectations, F(3, 284) = 4.79, p < .05, such that 4.8% of the variance in COVID-19 lockdown stress was a result of the joint function of drug use disorder, neurotic health symptoms, and pathological smartphone use. Drug use disorder contributed to COVID-19 lockdown stress independently, whereas when merged with neuroticism, it did not predict outcome variable independently; the same was true for pathological smartphone use when entered into the third model. The preventive and control advocacy is a harm-reduction approach. Further empirical investigations of other predictors of COVID-19 lockdown stress, with a goal of initiating telebehavioral health interventions targeted at identifying and treating people with mental health needs—especially in times of global pandemic or movement restrictions—are recommended.

Domestic violence: A cross-sectional study among pregnant and postpartum women.

To assess the prevalence of domestic violence/intimate partner violence, aggressors, types of violence and associated factors in women who attend an antenatal and postnatal care service in a public hospital in Brazil. Cross-sectional study. We interviewed women attending antenatal and postpartum care services in a Brazilian public tertiary woman's hospital in Campinas, São Paulo, between July 2019 and September 2021. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires previously used in healthcare settings: Abuse Assessment Screen (AAS); Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST); Hurt, Insulted, Threatened with Harm and Screamed (HITS). We evaluated the relationship between the sociodemographic characteristics of women and domestic/intimate violence using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Of the 600 pregnant and postpartum women interviewed, 138 (23%) had suffered any abuse. Some participants disclosed physical violence during pregnancy (2.3%) and during the last 12 months (5.3%). The partner was identified as the main aggressor in most of the cases (60%). When women had a partner, 3.5% reported domestic violence and 6.7% disclosed intimate partner violence during pregnancy or postpartum period. Women with non-white skin colour (OR=1.53; 95% CI 1.01-2.34; p=.048), gestational age ≤ 13 weeks (OR=3.41; 95% CI 1.03-11.25; p=.044) and in postpartum period (OR=2.81; 95% CI 1.32-5.99; p=.008) were more likely to experience domestic violence at some time in their lives. Women interviewed before the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to disclose that they had suffered any abuse. Experience of violence during pregnancy and postpartum period was more frequent in women with non-white skin colour, in their first gestational trimester and in the postpartum period, and was more reported before the COVID-19 pandemic. Antenatal and postpartum care services could be safe places to support violence survivors. Pregnant and postpartum women are a vulnerable group to experiencing domestic violence/intimate partner violence. Violence can negatively affect women's and children's health and well-being. Antenatal and postpartum care should be considered as a moment to routinely inquiry women about past and current violence experiences. Regular contact among healthcare professionals and women during this period offers a window of opportunities for implementing psychosocial interventions among women at risk of violence. Healthcare providers (i.e., physicians, psychologists, social workers, nurses and midwives) have an important role in identifying survivors, offering support and providing quality information to women.

Cyber dating abuse: Sex, substance use and relationship length

New technologies have grown exponentially in recent years, and they have been associated with phenomena such as cyber dating abuse. This study, carried out in Portugal, aimed to investigate whether there are differences in cyber dating abuse between sexes, to study the relationship between cyber dating and substance use, and between cyber dating abuse and relationship length. In this study participated 894 higher education students, aged between 17 and 56 years old. The Cyber Dating Abuse Questionnaire and the Drug Abuse Screening Test were used. Regarding to sex, the results showed statistically differences between some cyber dating abuse factors. It was also found that substance use was positively related to all cyber dating abuse factors. Moreover, it was observed that individuals who had been in a longer relationship practiced more acts of control. Possible justifications for the results, as well as practical implications of the results, are discussed.

Psychiatric symptoms are not associated with circulating CRP concentrations after controlling for medical, social, and demographic factors

Elevated serum concentrations (>3 mg/L) of the acute-phase protein, C-reactive protein (CRP), is used as a clinical marker of inflammation and is reported to be a strong risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In psychiatric populations, CRP concentration is reported to be higher in depressed versus healthy individuals. Positive associations between CRP and depression have been established in both clinical and community samples, but effect sizes are attenuated after controlling for confounding variables. Similarly, emerging research has begun to draw a link between inflammation, symptoms of anxiety, and substance abuse. Given the high level of comorbid anxiety and substance use disorders in many depressed populations, this study examined whether depression (Patient Health Questionnaire 9 [PHQ-9]) and substance use-related (Drug Abuse Screening Test [DAST]) symptoms were associated with CRP concentrations in the blood after adjusting for relevant medical, social, and demographic covariates in a large sample undergoing screening for several transdiagnostic psychiatric research studies. A total of 1,724 participants were analyzed for association of CRP with variables using multivariate linear regression. An unadjusted model with no covariates showed that PHQ-9 was significantly associated with CRP in All (β = 0.125), Female (β = 0.091), and Male (β = 0.154) participants, but DAST was significantly associated with CRP in males only (β = 0.120). For the adjusted model, in both males and females, mood-stabilizer treatment (β = 0.630), opioid medication (β = 0.360), body mass index (β = 0.244), percent body fat (β = 0.289), nicotine use (β = 0.063), and self-reported sleep disturbance (β = 0.061) were significantly associated with increased CRP concentrations. In females, oral contraceptive use (β = 0.576), and waist-to-hip ratio (β = 0.086), and in males, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use (β = 0.367) were also associated with increased CRP concentrations. There was no significant association between CRP and individual depressive, anxiety, or substance use-related symptoms when covariates were included in the regression models. These results suggest that associations between circulating CRP and the severity of psychiatric symptoms are dependent on the type of covariates controlled for in statistical analyses.

Clinically assessed and perceived unmet mental health needs, health care use and barriers to care for mental health problems in a Belgian general population sample

BackgroundMental health problems often remain undetected and untreated. Prior research suggests that this is mainly due to a lack of need-perception and attitudinal barriers. The aim of this study is to examine unmet mental health needs using both a clinically assessed and a self-perceived approach in a Belgian province.MethodsA cross-sectional survey study with a weighted representative sample of 1208 individuals aged 15 – 80 years old was carried out in 2021 in the province of Antwerp (Belgium). Mental health needs were defined as a positive symptom screening for depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7) or alcohol abuse (AUDIT-C and CAGE), combined with experiencing significant dysfunction in daily life. Also 12-month health care use for mental health problems, self-perceived unmet mental health needs and reasons for not seeking (extra) help were assessed. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore the predictors of mental health problems, health care use, and objective and subjective unmet mental health needs.ResultsOne in five participants had a positive screening on one of the scales, of whom half experienced dysfunction, leading to a prevalence of 10.4% mental health needs. Among those, only half used health care for their mental health, resulting in a population prevalence of 5.5% clinically assessed unmet mental health needs. Fourteen percent of the total sample perceived an unmet mental health need. However, more women and younger people perceived unmet needs, while clinically assessed unmet needs were higher among men and older people. One in six of the total sample used health care for their mental health, most of whom did not have a clinically assessed mental health need. Motivational reasons were most often endorsed for not seeking any help, while a financial barrier was the most important reason for not seeking extra help.ConclusionsThe prevalence of unmet mental health needs is high. Assessed and perceived (unmet) mental health needs are both relevant and complementary, but are predicted by different factors. More research is needed on this discrepancy.

Resting Heart Rate Variability, Perceived Emotion Regulation, and Low-Risk Drug Use in College-Aged Adults: Gender as a Moderator.

Identification of individual differences in drug use is warranted, as a history of use is associated with future drug problems. Such drug use is thought to disrupt inhibitory and motivation networks involved in emotion regulation (ER). Higher resting heart rate variability (HRV), a biomarker of effective inhibitory abilities, is associated with less substance (e.g., alcohol, opioid) use. Higher HRV is associated with lower perceived ER difficulties, and this link is stronger in women relative to men. Evidence suggests women might engage in drug use primarily to reduce stress, and men primarily to induce feelings of elation. Research has yet to examine associations among individuals’ difficulties in ER, resting HRV, and a recent history of drug use; the current study explored this, in addition to how these associations might differ as a function of gender. Young and healthy college students (N = 190; 88 women) completed a 5-min baseline to assess resting HRV, followed by the 36-item difficulties in ER Scale and 10-item Drug Abuse Screening Test. Higher difficulties in ER, but not resting HRV, were associated with a greater history of “low-risk” drug use in the full sample and moderation tests confirm this link was stronger in women. Moderated-mediation results confirmed an indirect association between resting HRV and drug use, mediated by self-reported difficulties among women only. A significant association between resting HRV and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) emerged only among women without a history of drug use. These results indicate that difficulties in ER are both associated with a low-risk history of drug use and underlie an indirect link between resting HRV and drug use history in women only. Among these women with a history of drug use relative to women without, there was no link between resting HRV and self-reported difficulties in ER, suggesting a disrupted inhibitory-motivational pathway. Additional work is needed to understand the psychophysiological correlates of a history of low-risk drug use in young men. These data are in line with research suggesting gender differences in the motivation to engage in recreational drug use and ER interventions might be important in women who engage in low-risk recreational drug use.

Screening of Opioid Abuse in Toxicology Unit and Laboratory at Mansoura University with A Comparison of Two Detection Methods: Clinical and Legal Issues

Screening of Opioid Abuse in Toxicology Unit and Laboratory at Mansoura University with A Comparison of Two Detection Methods: Clinical and Legal Issues

Application of a Child Sex Trafficking Screening Tool in Patients with Abuse: A Retrospective Chart Review in the Pediatric Emergency Department.

Human trafficking (HT) is a global problem that may affect children's health. In the United States, victims and children are at risk in most communities. History of abuse is a risk factor for HT. This study explored associations between pediatric patients with positive universal abuse screens and indicators from the commercial sexual exploitation of children/child sex trafficking (CSEC/CST) screening tool. A retrospective chart review was conducted on random patients, aged 11-17 years, with positive universal abuse screens at emergency/urgent care departments in a large Midwest pediatric medical center in 2018. Documentation identifying at least two CSEC/CST screening tool indicators was abstracted from these records. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, univariate analyses, and correlations. Two or more indicators from the CSEC/CST screening tool were identified in 43% (n=121). Age and history of running away were significant predictors for a patient having two or more CSEC/CST positive indicators. Targeted screening and interventions are needed to identify and help these vulnerable youth.

Psychometric Properties of 20-Item and 10-Item Persian Versions of Drug Abuse Screening Test

Introduction: Substance use disorder is one of the most critical social problems in Iran. For this disorder, weneed a proper assessment tool based on our indigenous culture. Objective: This study assesses the factor structure and psychometric properties of 10-item and 20-item Persian versions of Drug Abuse Screening Tests (DAST-10 and DAST-20). Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we randomly selected 200 participants referred to addiction treatment centers in Rasht City, Iran. After translation to Persian and back-translation to English, the face and content validity of DAST-10 and DAST-20 Persian versions were evaluated using the opinions of a panel of expertsand calculatingthe content validity ratio and content validity index. Then, the construct validity was evaluated by Confirmatory Factor Analysis(CFA), the Cronbach α coefficient was used for assessing internal consistency, and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was used for assessing test-retest reliability. Results: The Mean±SD age of participants was 39.02±11.67 years. The majority (50%) were in the age range of 30-50 years. Based on the CFA fit indices, the two instruments had a good fit to the data, confirming the theoretical model Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) (RMSEA for DAST-20=0.080; RMSEA for DAST-10=0.055). The Cronbach α values ​​of DAST-20 and DAST-10 were 0.772 and 0.749, respectively, indicating their good and acceptable internal consistency. Their test-retest reliability was reported at 0.997 and 0.995 based on the results of ICC, respectively. There was a strong and significant positive correlation between the scores of Persian DAST-20 and DAST-10 (r=0.851, P=0.001). Conclusion: The DAST-20 and DAST-10 Persian versions which after correcting the model using confirmatory factor analysis, they were studies in DAST-8 and DAST-16 have good validity and reliability and can be used for screening the possible involvement of drugs in Iranian samples.

Emotion Dysregulation and Workplace Satisfaction in Direct Care Worker Burnout and Abuse Risk.

Direct care workers frequently encounter difficult interactions with the patients they serve and experience frustration and burnout. The current study tested a hypothesized model in which predictors of caregiver abuse risk (emotional dysregulation, difficulty managing patient behavior, and workplace satisfaction) were mediated by symptoms of burnout. The study used an online cross-sectional survey design. The study was implemented online via Qualtrics. Participants were 206 direct care workers (eg, certified nursing assistants, patient care technicians, home health aides, and medical assistants). All respondents completed the Caregiver Abuse Screen (CASE), Difficulty with Emotional Regulation Scale (DERS-SF), and the Abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory. Demographic data and employment history were also collected. Correlational methods, including path analysis, were used to assess associations between study variables. More than half of this heterogenous sample endorsed significant risk for engaging in patient abuse. Path analysis suggested emotional dysregulation and low workplace satisfaction were associated with greater risk of patient abuse, and these associations were partially and simultaneously mediated by burnout facets of depersonalization and emotional exhaustion. This study provided preliminary support for a model of caregiver abuse in which underlying difficulties regulating emotions convey risk for caregiver abuse via burnout facets including emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Enhancing basic emotion regulation skills and reducing burnout in direct care staff may reduce the risk of abuse for older adults. Thus, providing training necessary to help direct care workers manage their own emotions in order to better recognize, understand, and respond effectively to the needs of older adults may reduce staff burnout and, consequently, lower the risk of abuse for older adults.