Secondary Neoplasms After Hematopoietic Cell Transplant for Sickle Cell Disease

PURPOSE

To report the incidence and risk factors for secondary neoplasm after transplantation for sickle cell disease.

METHODS

Included are 1,096 transplants for sickle cell disease between 1991 and 2016. There were 22 secondary neoplasms. Types included leukemia/myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS; n = 15) and solid tumor (n = 7). Fine-Gray regression models examined for risk factors for leukemia/MDS and any secondary neoplasm.

RESULTS

The 10-year incidence of leukemia/MDS was 1.7% (95% CI, 0.90 to 2.9) and of any secondary neoplasm was 2.4% (95% CI, 1.4 to 3.8). After adjusting for other risk factors, risks for leukemia/MDS (hazard ratio, 22.69; 95% CI, 4.34 to 118.66; P = .0002) or any secondary neoplasm (hazard ratio, 7.78; 95% CI, 2.20 to 27.53; P = .0015) were higher with low-intensity (nonmyeloablative) regimens compared with more intense regimens. All low-intensity regimens included total-body irradiation (TBI 300 or 400 cGy with alemtuzumab, TBI 300 or 400 cGy with cyclophosphamide, TBI 200, 300, or 400 cGy with cyclophosphamide and fludarabine, or TBI 200 cGy with fludarabine). None of the patients receiving myeloablative and only 23% of those receiving reduced-intensity regimens received TBI.

CONCLUSION

Low-intensity regimens rely on tolerance induction and establishment of mixed-donor chimerism. Persistence of host cells exposed to low-dose radiation triggering myeloid malignancy is one plausible etiology. Pre-existing myeloid mutations and prior inflammation may also contribute but could not be studied using our data source. Choosing conditioning regimens likely to result in full-donor chimerism may in part mitigate the higher risk for leukemia/MDS.

Birth Outcomes Associated With E-Cigarette and Non-E-Cigarette Tobacco Product Use During Pregnancy: An Examination of PATH Data Waves 1-5

OBJECTIVES

To examine associations of prenatal e-cigarette use to pregnancy and birth outcomes.

METHODS

Currently pregnant women (n = 1 037) from Waves 1 through 4 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study who had pregnancy or live birth outcome data in a subsequent wave (Waves 2-5; 2013 to 2019). Weighted bivariate and multivariable models\ examined associations between past 30-day tobacco use assessed during pregnancy (any past 30-day e-cigarette use, any past 30-day non-e-cigarette tobacco use, or no past 30-day tobacco use) with adverse pregnancy (miscarriage, abortion, ectopic or tubal pregnancy, stillbirth) and birth outcomes (preterm birth, low birth weight, birth defect, placenta previa, placental abruption, pre-eclampsia) reported in the subsequent wave.

RESULTS

Approximately 1% of pregnant women reported past 30-day exclusive e-cigarette use and 3.2% used e-cigarettes and one other tobacco product. Compared to no tobacco use, past 30-day e-cigarette use (exclusive or use with another tobacco product) during pregnancy was not associated with increased odds of an adverse pregnancy or birth outcome in bivariate or multivariable models. Past 30-day non-e-cigarette tobacco use was associated with increased odds of an adverse pregnancy outcome in multivariable models, but not an adverse live birth outcome. Compared to past 30-day cigarette use, past 30-day e-cigarette use during pregnancy was not associated with lowered odds of a birth or pregnancy outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

E-cigarette use during pregnancy is rare. Understanding the positive and negative impacts of pre-natal e-cigarette use on women's health may guide public health messaging campaigns.

IMPLICATIONS

Results showed that past 30-day e-cigarette use during pregnancy was low, with cigarette smoking remaining the most prevalent form of tobacco use during pregnancy. Current e-cigarette use during pregnancy used either exclusively or with another tobacco product, was not associated with increased risk of an adverse pregnancy, or birth outcome. A small sample size of e-cigarette users and limited information on quantity and frequency of e-cigarette use before and during pregnancy may limit conclusions. Healthcare providers may use this information when discussing the harms and consequences associated with e-cigarette and tobacco use during pregnancy.

Effect of very low nicotine content cigarettes on alcohol drinking and smoking among adult smokers who are at-risk alcohol drinkers

Alcohol and tobacco use are interrelated. This study examined response to very low nicotine content (VLNC) and moderate nicotine content (MNC) cigarettes by problematic drinking. We utilized a double-blind, randomized, within-subjects crossover design of VLNC and MNC cigarettes in two groups of adult cigarette smokers: with at-risk drinking (ARD; n = 23) and without ARD (n = 24). Participants smoked only their assigned experimental cigarette in their home environment for 7 days, and completed laboratory visits, including ad libitum smoking of the assigned experimental cigarette, at the beginning and end of each experimental week. Participants smoked their usual cigarettes for 7 days between conditions. Participants provided daily reports of alcohol and cigarette consumption. Current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5th edition (DSM-5) alcohol use disorder (AUD) was assessed at baseline and the end of each experimental week. Compliance with smoking of experimental cigarettes was good. Adjusting for baseline drinking, there was no significant effect of experimental cigarette or ARD group on drinks per day or alcohol urges. There was no effect of experimental cigarette or ARD group on cigarettes per day, or on any puff topography outcome or postsmoking exhaled carbon monoxide during laboratory smoking. No participant had a change in AUD status or AUD severity. After 7 days of exposure to VLNC cigarettes, adult cigarette smokers with ARD did not show compensatory drinking or compensatory smoking behavior. A future policy change in the United States to reduce nicotine content in cigarettes may not produce unintended compensatory drinking or smoking among this vulnerable and prevalent population of smokers. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Practices of sickle cell disease genetic screening and testing in the prenatal population

BACKGROUND

Genetic screening and testing are technologies historically underutilized in Black populations despite predicting diseases like sickle cell disease (SCD), which is predominantly found in Blacks. We surveyed prenatal patients to understand choices, beliefs and experiences surrounding genetic screening and testing, specifically for SCD.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we surveyed 322 women during prenatal visits. Responses were analyzed to identify barriers to care and education about testing and screening for SCD. Patients rated whether they agreed or disagreed with statements regarding sickle cell health behaviors. We used χ2 tests to compare categorical variables by self-reported race. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the odds ratios and confidence intervals for each outcome.

RESULTS

Women were a mean (SD) age of 33.3 (6.1). 42.9% of patients self-identified as White while 41.3% of patients self- identified as Black. Screening questions were adjusted for differences in race, insurance, and education levels to show significant differences in responses between Blacks and Whites for screening for SCD (p = 0.047, OR 95% CI = 0.455 [0.210-0.989]) and plans to meet with genetic counselors (p = 0.049, OR 95% CI = 0.299 [0.090-0.993]). The statements "if sickle cell is not in their family, then it is likely not in themselves or their children," was significantly different between Black and White populations (p = 0.011, OR 95% CI = 0.207 [0.081-0.526]).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest gaps in screening, testing, education, and pregnancy management choices between Black and White patients. Research should focus on decreasing these healthcare gaps and improving education that address concerns about SCD for relevant populations.

Racial disparities in influenza immunization during pregnancy in the United States: A narrative review of the evidence for disparities and potential interventions

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this review were to summarize existing data on racial disparities in maternal immunization for influenza in the U.S. and to review the literature on interventions to improve the uptake of the influenza vaccine among Black pregnant women.

DATA SOURCES

U.S. survey data on maternal influenza immunization by racial and ethnic group were summarized in narrative form. To review intervention studies, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for English language articles published 2017 to 2021, in addition to studies identified by a previous systematic review.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Peer-reviewed studies conducted in the U.S. and reporting interventions designed to increase the uptake of the influenza vaccine in pregnancy with study populations including at least 20% of participants identifying as Black were included.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

Studies were grouped and reviewed in a narrative manner according to whether they were conducted in predominantly Black populations or in more racially diverse populations, and whether they tested multicomponent or single-component interventions.

RESULTS

A decade of survey data show that Black women in the U.S. consistently have the lowest rate of influenza immunization in pregnancy. Black women report a lower rate of being recommended or offered the vaccine, and provider recommendation is associated with greater vaccine uptake. Intervention studies to increase influenza immunization among Black pregnant women have reported mixed results. Successful interventions include multicomponent practice-based interventions, group prenatal care, and culturally competent patient educational messages.

CONCLUSIONS

Racial disparities in maternal uptake of the influenza vaccine are long-standing, but not intractable. More research is needed to test interventions to address this disparity, with a focus on increasing provider recommendation and offer of the vaccine, addressing patients' concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy, improving providers' cultural competence, and building trust between providers and patients.

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Phone-based Intervention for Smoking Cessation and Relapse Prevention in the Postpartum Period

OBJECTIVES

To pilot-test a Phone-based Postpartum Continuing Care (PPCC) protocol developed from existing evidence-based approaches to address both postpartum smoking relapse among low-income women who quit smoking during pregnancy and postpartum smoking increase among those who had cut down.

METHODS

One hundred thirty low-income pregnant women who were current or recently quit tobacco smokers were recruited at their first prenatal appointment and randomized to either a Control (standard care) or Experimental (standard care + PPCC) group. An intent-to-treat analysis was conducted on biochemically verified data from 6 in-person interviews during pregnancy and postpartum. Feasibility with regard to recruitment, randomization, assessment, and implementation of PPCC were assessed, along with acceptability among the target population.

RESULTS

PPCC was found to be feasible and acceptable to some participants, but not all. There were no significant differences in tobacco products per day at 6 months postpartum between groups; however, effect sizes differed at 6 weeks compared with 6 months postpartum. Similarly, there were no significant differences between groups in cessation rate (24% in each group) and past 90-day tobacco use (59 vs 55 days, for Control and Experimental groups, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The PPCC intervention did not differentially reduce tobacco use postpartum compared with a controlled comparison group, though it was found to be acceptable among a subpopulation of low-income pregnant women and feasible with regard to recruitment, randomization, assessment procedures, and implementation. Further research is needed to identify an intervention that significantly improves smoking relapse rates postpartum.

Prenatal Substance Use and Perceptions of Parent and Partner Use Using the 4P's Plus Screener

Background Prenatal substance use screening is recommended. The 4 P's Plus screener includes questions on perceived problematic substance use in parents and partner that are not considered in risk stratification. Objectives This research examined the: (1) prevalence of self-reported problematic parental and partner substance use and associations with biochemically-verified prenatal substance use; (2) utility of self-reported perceptions of parent/partner substance use as proxies for prenatal substance use; and (3) degree to which the sensitivity of the 4P's Plus can be augmented with consideration of parent/partner questions in risk stratification. Methods A convenience sample of 500 pregnant women was recruited between January 2017 and January 2018. Participants completed the 4P's Plus and provided urine for drug testing. Diagnostic utility of problematic parent/partner substance use questions was assessed, then compared to the 4P's Plus used as designed, and to the 4P's Plus used with these 2 questions included in risk stratification. Results Half (51%) of respondents reported either partner or parental problematic substance use. When partner or parent problematic substance use were considered as proxies for prenatal substance use, sensitivity was 65% and specificity was 55%. When used as intended, sensitivity was 94% and specificity was 29%. Including partner/parent questions increased sensitivity to 96% but lowered specificity (19%). Partner substance use and combined partner/parent use were associated with prenatal substance use [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.0 (1.2, 2.4; p = 0.006); aOR = 1.6 (1.1, 2.5, p = 0.04)]. Conclusions for Practice Sensitivity of the 4P's Plus may improve with inclusion of self-reported problematic partner/parent substance use items in risk stratification.

An epidemiological, developmental and clinical overview of cannabis use during pregnancy

The objective of the current narrative literature review is to provide an epidemiological, developmental and clinical overview on cannabis use during pregnancy. Cannabis use in pregnancy poses major health concerns for pregnant mothers and their developing children. Although studies on the short- and long-term consequences of prenatal cannabis exposure are increasing, findings have been inconsistent or difficult to interpret due to methodological issues. Thus, consolidating these findings into clinical recommendations based on the mixed studies in the literature remains a challenge. Synthesizing the available observational studies is also difficult, because some of the published studies have substantial methodological weaknesses. Improving observational studies will be an important step toward understanding the extent to which prenatal exposure to cannabis influences neurodevelopment in the offspring. Therefore, further research on prenatal cannabis exposure and the long-term consequences to offspring health in representative samples are needed to guide and improve clinical care for pregnant women and their children. Future research should also investigate the role of policies on prenatal cannabis use.

Prevalence and associated birth outcomes of co-use of Cannabis and tobacco cigarettes during pregnancy

Use of Cannabis and use of tobacco overlap, and co-use of Cannabis and tobacco has increased over the past decade among adults. The current study aims to document the prevalence and correlates of co-use of Cannabis and tobacco cigarettes among adult pregnant women utilizing secondary data from a larger study that compared and validated screeners for illicit and prescription drug use during pregnancy. Pregnant women (N = 500; 71% African American; 65% never married, average age of 28 years) were recruited from two urban University obstetric clinics between January and December 2017. Participants self-reported demographic, Cannabis, and tobacco cigarette use characteristics, and provided urine and hair samples for drug testing. Within two weeks after due date, research staff reviewed participants' electronic medical records to collect birth outcome data. Results showed that 9.0% reported co-use of Cannabis and tobacco, 12.1% reported Cannabis only use, 7.8% reported tobacco cigarette only use, and 71.1% reported no Cannabis or tobacco cigarette use in the past month. The birth outcomes to emerge as significant correlates of co-use of Cannabis and tobacco cigarettes were small head circumference, and the occurrence of birth defects, with the co-use group having the highest odds of a small head circumference [aOR: 5.7 (1.1-28.9)] and birth defects [aOR: 3.1 (1.2-8.3)] compared with other use groups. The Cannabis only group had 12 times higher odds of a stillbirth or miscarriage (aOR = 12.1). Screening and interventions to address concurrent Cannabis and tobacco use during pregnancy are needed, particularly among subpopulations with higher co-use rates. It is imperative to further explore and highlight the possible health implications of maternal co-use given the high prevalence rates found in this study sample.

Cigar and Marijuana Blunt Use Among Pregnant and Nonpregnant Women of Reproductive Age in the United States, 2006-2016

OBJECTIVES

To assess trends in prevalence of cigar and blunt use in relation to cigarette use among pregnant and nonpregnant women of reproductive age.

METHODS

We used 2006 to 2016 data from the US National Survey on Drug Use and Health to assess past-month use of cigarettes, cigars, and blunts among a total of 8695 pregnant women and 162 451 nonpregnant women aged 18 to 44 years.

RESULTS

Cigarette use was more prevalent than cigar or blunt use in pregnant and nonpregnant women, with higher prevalence in nonpregnant women for each product. Among all women, cigarette use decreased and blunt use increased over time, whereas cigar use remained stable. Smoking prevalence was highest in the first trimester.

CONCLUSIONS

The health implications of the increase in blunt use are not well known in the scientific literature or by the general public. Given the rapid changes in state marijuana laws, this issue should be a public health priority.

Sweet flowers are slow, and weeds make haste: leveraging methodology from research on tobacco, alcohol, and opioid analgesics to make rapid and policy-relevant advances in cannabis science

The legalization of medical and recreational cannabis use has occurred ahead of science. The current evidence base has poor utility for determining if cannabis products can meet the standards of safety, efficacy, and quality intrinsic to modern medicine, and for informing regulation of cannabis as a legal intoxicant. Individual jurisdictions that pass cannabis reforms may not have adequate resources to support the level of new scientific research needed to inform regulatory actions; this could make it difficult to keep a rapidly growing multi-billion-dollar cannabis industry in check. Further, the present lack of evidence-based regulatory oversight for cannabis parallels the climates that gave rise to the tobacco and prescription opioid epidemics, suggesting that continued omission may result in negative public health consequences. However, translating a methodological framework developed through research on these compounds may promote rapid advances in cannabis science germane to regulatory knowledge gaps. The present review highlights specific advancements in these areas, as well as in alcohol regulation, that are prime for informing policy-relevant cannabis science, and also offers some recommendations for evidence-based regulatory policy. Resulting progress may directly inform both regulation of cannabis in both medical and licit recreational drug frameworks, and new cannabis-related public health initiatives.

Comparison and validation of screening tools for substance use in pregnancy: a cross-sectional study conducted in Maryland prenatal clinics

INTRODUCTION

Prescription-drug use in the USA has increased by more than 60% in the last three decades. Prevalence of prescription-drug use among pregnant women is currently estimated around 50%. Prevalence of illicit drug use in the USA is 14.6% among pregnant adolescents, 8.6% among pregnant young adults and 3.2% among pregnant adults. The first step in identifying problematic drug use during pregnancy is screening; however, no specific substance-use screener has been universally recommended for use with pregnant women to identify illicit or prescription-drug use. This study compares and validates three existing substance-use screeners for pregnancy-4 P's Plus, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) Quick Screen/Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) and the Substance Use Risk Profile-Pregnancy (SURP-P) scale.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a cross-sectional study designed to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity and usability of existing substance-use screeners. Recruitment occurs at two obstetrics clinics in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. We are recruiting 500 participants to complete a demographic questionnaire, NIDA Quick Screen/ASSIST, 4 P's Plus and SURP-P (ordered randomly) during their regularly scheduled prenatal appointment, then again 1 week later by telephone. Participants consent to multidrug urine testing, hair drug testing and allowing access to prescription drug and birth outcome data from electronic medical records. For each screener, reliability and validity will be assessed. Test-retest reliability analysis will be conducted by examining the results of repeated screener administrations within 1 week of original screener administrations for consistency via correlation analysis. Furthermore, we will assess if there are differences in the validity of each screener by age, race and trimester.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study is approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Maryland (HP-00072042), Baltimore, and Battelle Memorial Institute (0619-100106433). All participants are required to give their informed consent prior to any study procedure.

Marijuana and tobacco co-use among a nationally representative sample of US pregnant and non-pregnant women: 2005-2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health findings

BACKGROUND

Marijuana and tobacco are the most commonly used illicit and licit drugs during pregnancy. This study aimed to examine a nationally representative sample of US pregnant women and to: (1) determine the prevalence of past month marijuana and tobacco co-use, (2) identify characteristics that distinguish marijuana and tobacco co-users from users of marijuana only, tobacco only, or neither, and (3) compare characteristics that differ between pregnant and non-pregnant co-users of marijuana and tobacco.

METHODS

Data were obtained from 497,218 US women (8721 pregnant) ages 12-49 who participated in the 2005-2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Prevalence and demographic and substance use characteristics were compared across groups using weighted estimates and chi-squared tests. Multinomial logistic regression identified demographic and substance use correlates of co-use.

RESULTS

Co-use among pregnant and non-pregnant women was significantly more prevalent than marijuana-only use but was less common than tobacco-only use. In unadjusted frequencies, pregnant co-users significantly differed from non-pregnant co-users across several domains. Among pregnant women, multivariate correlates of co-use of tobacco and marijuana vs. tobacco-only use were ages 12-17, non-Hispanic black race, Hispanic ethnicity, and past month polytobacco, any alcohol, and other drug use (all adjusted odds ratios≥2.0).

CONCLUSIONS

In this first examination of the prevalence and correlates of co-use of marijuana and tobacco among a nationally representative group of pregnant women, pregnant co-users were more likely to report other high risk behaviors compared with non-pregnant co-users and users of a single substance, suggesting disparities worthy of further investigation.

Managing Maternal Substance Use in the Perinatal Period: Current Concerns and Treatment Approaches in the United States and Australia

Substance use in pregnancy can have adverse effects on mother and fetus alike. Australia and the US are countries with high levels of substance use and policies advising abstinence, although the Australian approach occurs within a broader framework of harm minimization. Less attention has been paid to treatment of the mothers' substance use and what is considered gold standard. This is despite evidence that prior substance use in pregnancy is the most important factor in predicting future substance use in pregnancy. This paper draws together information from both the peer-reviewed and gray literature to provide a contemporary overview of patterns and outcomes of the three main drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis, used in Australia and the US during pregnancy and discusses what are considered gold standard screening and treatment approaches for these substances. This paper does not set out to be a comprehensive review of the area but rather aims to provide a concise summary of current guidelines for policy makers and practitioners who provide treatment for women who use substances in pregnancy.

Factors Associated with Early Pregnancy Smoking Status Among Low-Income Smokers

OBJECTIVES

To compare pregnant women who are current smokers at their first prenatal visit with those who recently quit smoking in the 90 days prior to their first prenatal visit (i.e., spontaneous quitters) to identify differences between them and factors that predict their intake smoking status.

METHODS

One hundred and thirty participants were enrolled in this cross-sectional research study. The sample was drawn from a population of pregnant women attending their first prenatal visit at a low-income obstetrics clinic in Baltimore, Maryland; the large majority of which have characteristics that previous research has identified as putting them at high-risk of continued smoking during pregnancy. Participants were recruited through referrals from clinical staff. Intake data collection occurred between March and December, 2013.

RESULTS

Of the 130 pregnant women enrolled in the study, 126 had complete intake data. The sample included 86 current smokers and 40 recent quitters. The large majority of participants were African American with an average age of 26. Current smokers were significantly more likely than recent quitters to have: more depression symptoms; self-perceived stress; internalizing and externalizing disorder symptoms; substance use disorders; and tobacco dependence. The most significant predictors of smoking status at first prenatal visit were depressive symptoms, readiness to quit, and number of children.

CONCLUSIONS

for Practice Differences were identified at intake among this sample of pregnant women already considered to be at high-risk for continued smoking throughout their pregnancy. This study identified relevant factors associated with whether or not a woman had recently quit smoking in early pregnancy or was continuing to smoke at her first prenatal visit. Knowledge of these factors may benefit physicians in understanding and promoting smoking cessation throughout the perinatal period and specifically intervening to decrease depressive symptoms and increasing readiness to quit may improve outcomes.

Comparison of the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) and the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs (GAIN) in predicting the effectiveness of drug treatment programs for pregnant and postpartum women

This study conducts a within-subject comparison of the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) and the Global Appraisal of Individual Needs (GAIN) to assess change in alcohol and other drug treatment outcomes for pregnant and postpartum women. Data are from 139 women who were pregnant or who had children under 11 months old and were admitted to residential drug treatment, then re-interviewed 6 months postdischarge (83% follow-up rate). The ASI and GAIN change measures were compared on their ability to detect changes in alcohol and drug use, medical and HIV risk issues, employment issues, legal problems, family and recovery environment characteristics, and psychological/emotional issues. The measures were similar in their ability to detect treatment outcomes, and ASI and GAIN change scores were moderately correlated with each other. The GAIN scales had equal or slightly higher coefficient alpha values than the ASI composite scores. The GAIN also includes an HIV risk scale, which is particularly important for pregnant and postpartum women. These results suggest that the GAIN is comparable with the ASI and can be used for treatment research with pregnant and postpartum women.

Dating violence perpetration and/or victimization and associated sexual risk behaviors among a sample of inner-city African American and Hispanic adolescent females

The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence of physical and psychological dating violence victimization and perpetration reported by inner-city African American and Hispanic adolescent girls as well as associated risky sexual behaviors among this population. Participants in this study were 10th- and 11th-grade female students from seven inner-city Chicago public high schools. Participants were administered with the Safe Dates measures of physical violence victimization, physical violence perpetration, psychological abuse victimization, and psychological perpetration. Approximately half of the sample reported some psychological dating violence victimization and perpetration, and approximately one third reported some physical victimization and perpetration. Hispanic adolescents were significantly more likely to report psychological victimization, whereas African American adolescents were significantly more likely to report physical dating violence perpetration. Victimization was found to predict perpetration in this population, and adolescents who acknowledged being both victims and perpetrators of dating violence were more likely to report having had vaginal sex and a higher number of past-year sexual partners. Inner-city African American and Hispanic adolescent girls may be particularly vulnerable to dating violence victimization and perpetration, which may be due to a number of other social factors not explored within this study. Furthermore, African American adolescent girls continue to engage in behaviors that increase their risk for negative health outcomes, predominantly STIs, highlighting the need for effective interventions with this population.

Mental health treatment need among pregnant and postpartum women/girls entering substance abuse treatment

Substance use during pregnancy is widely acknowledged as a major public health concern with detrimental effects on both mother and unborn child. Mental health issues often co-occur with substance use and may trigger continued use during pregnancy or relapse to use postpartum, though little is known about the extent of these issues in pregnant and postpartum women entering substance abuse treatment. The purpose of this study is: (a) to examine self-reported mental health in a population of women and girls who were pregnant in the past year and are entering substance abuse treatment, and (b) to determine whether disparity exists in mental health treatment received across groups by race and age if a treatment need is present. Secondary data analysis was conducted with Global Appraisal of Individual Needs (GAIN) data from 502 female adolescents and adults who reported having been pregnant in the past year and who completed the GAIN upon entry into substance abuse treatment. Participants were compared on demographic, diagnostic, and problem severity variables by race and age. Results indicate that mental health treatment need is high among the whole pregnant and postpartum sample, but African American and Hispanic women and girls are receiving less mental health treatment than other groups despite having a need for it. No mental health treatment acquisition disparity was found by age.

The effects of dating violence, substance use and risky sexual behavior among a diverse sample of Illinois youth

This study examines the relationship between dating violence, forced sexual intercourse (FSI), and four measures of sexual risk taking (i.e., age at first sex, number of recent (within the last three months) sex partners, alcohol/drug use at last sex, and condom use at last sex) among a sample of 1124 ethnically diverse sexually active adolescents in Illinois. Given conflicting reports regarding the role of gender in dating violence, and the dearth of research examining the role of gender in relations between dating violence, sexual violence, and sexual risk taking, we also examine whether gender moderates the relation between these constructs. The findings indicate significant relationships among dating violence and FSI and age at first sex, number of sexual partners, and condom use across various ethnic groups. Findings also show that when controlling for gender, dating violence and FSI are related to number of sexual partners and age at first intercourse regardless of ethnic group identification.

Current practice of cesarean delivery on maternal request following the 2006 state-of-the-science conference

OBJECTIVE

To determine obstetrician-gynecologists' practice patterns of cesarean delivery on maternal request (CDMR) following the 2006 National Institutes of Health (NIH) State-of-the-Science conference on this topic, and compare them with those in their practice prior to the conference.

STUDY DESIGN

Questionnaires were mailed to 612 American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists fellows who participated in a 2006 preconference survey, with 59% responding. The survey assessed demographic characteristics, practice, attitudes, knowledge regarding potential risks and benefits, counseling practices, and department policies with regards to CDMR.

RESULTS

The majority of obstetrician-gynecologists in our sample continues to believe that a woman has the right to CDMR, but fewer than in 2006 would agree to perform this procedure. In general, obstetrician-gynecologists associate more risks and fewer benefits with CDMR than in 2006.

CONCLUSION

Some physicians have shifted their perception of CDMR risks and benefits since the NIH State-of-the-Science conference; however, practice patterns have not changed significantly.

A randomized controlled trial of telephone continuing care

Telephone continuing care (TCC) was compared to usual continuing care (UCC) on substance use and related problems among adults discharged from residential treatment. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either UCC or TCC. A tapered TCC protocol, initiated by paraprofessional staff and volunteers, was provided during the first 3 months following discharge. The TCC condition participants reported high satisfaction ratings with the procedure and were more than twice as likely to enter continuing care than UCC participants. At the 3-month point, TCC patients reported significantly fewer past-month substance problems than UCC patients. Among the subgroup of lower severity (LS) participants, the TCC-LS sample had both significantly more days abstinent and fewer past-month substance problems at 3 months than the UCC-LS sample. The significant between-group differences in substance use outcomes were not maintained at the 6-month follow-up. The high satisfaction ratings and early favorable response among TCC patients suggest the procedure is promising. Further research with larger samples and over a longer period is necessary.