Hillier L, Mitchell KJ, Ybarra ML. The Internet as a safety net: Findings from a series of online focus groups with LGB and non-LGB young people in the United States. J LGBT Youth. 2012;9(3):225-246. doi: 10.1080/19361653.2012.684642 Abstract: Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth face special challenges during adolescence including stigma, alienation, and abuse which have been linked with social costs and negative health outcomes. The Internet has been shown to ameliorate the negative impacts of homophobia by providing access to friendships and support, information, romantic partners, and a gay community. In this qualitative study, internet use of LGB and Non-LGB young people were compared. The LGB young people were more adventurous in their Internet use than non LGB young people, … [Read more...]
What sources do adolescents turn to for information about their health concerns?
Baheiraei A, Khoori E, Foroushani AR, Ahmadi F, Ybarra ML. What sources do adolescents turn to for information about their health concerns? Int J Adolesc Med Health. 2014;26(1):61-8. doi: 10.1515/ijamh-2012-0112 Abstract: BACKGROUND: Adolescents are developmentally normatively interested in information about sexuality and other health-related issues. In the absence of available health programming, identifying the sources of information that youth are currently accessing will help adolescent health researchers understand where youth 'are,' thereby informing where and how future interventions can be targeted. This is particularly important in resource-limited settings, such as Iran, where funding for public health programming is scant. This study aimed to examine primary and preferred … [Read more...]
The CESD-R is available on the web
Eaton WW, Ybarra M, Schwab J. The CESD-R is available on the web. Psychiatry Res. 2012;196(1):161. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2011.08.018 PubMed ID: 22349650 View full article for free (will open new page on publisher’s website) … [Read more...]
Defining and measuring cyberbullying within the larger context of bullying victimization
Ybarra ML, boyd d, Korchmaros J, Oppenheim JK. Defining and measuring cyberbullying within the larger context of bullying victimization. J Adolesc Health. 2012;51(1):53-58. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2011.12.031 Abstract PURPOSE: To inform the scientific debate about bullying, including cyberbullying, measurement. METHODS: Two split-form surveys were conducted online among 6-17-year-olds (n = 1,200 each) to inform recommendations for cyberbullying measurement. RESULTS: Measures that use the word "bully" result in prevalence rates similar to each other, irrespective of whether a definition is included, whereas measures not using the word "bully" are similar to each other, irrespective of whether a definition is included. A behavioral list of bullying experiences without either a … [Read more...]
Prevalence rates of sexual coercion victimization and perpetration among Uganda adolescents
Ybarra ML, Bull S, Kiwanuka J, Bangsberg DR, Korchmaros J. Prevalence rates of sexual coercion victimization and perpetration among Uganda adolescents. AIDS Care. 2012;24(11):1392-1400. doi: 10.1080/09540121.2011.648604 Abstract: Coercion is consistently reported as a risk factor for HIV in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Because of the gendered nature of previous research, however, little is known about male victims or female perpetrators. To address this gap, we report survey data from 354 sexually experienced secondary school students in Mbarara, Uganda. Findings suggest that females are more likely to report involvement in coercive sex compared to males (66% vs. 56%, respectively). Of those involved, females are most likely to report being a victim-only (40%) and males, … [Read more...]
Real-time electronic adherence monitoring is feasible, comparable to unannounced pill counts, and acceptable
Haberer JE, Robbins GK, Ybarra M, Monk A, Ragland K, Weiser SD, Johnson MO, Bangsberg DR. Real-time electronic adherence monitoring is feasible, comparable to unannounced pill counts, and acceptable. AIDS Behav. 2012;16(2):375-82. Abstract: Second generation electronic medication adherence monitors provide real-time data on pill bottle opening behavior. Feasibility, validity, and acceptability, however, have not been established. Med-eMonitor is a multi-compartment adherence device with reminder and education capacity that transmits data through a telephone connection. Monthly adherence levels were measured for 52 participants over approximately 3 months using the Med-eMonitor (unadjusted and adjusted for participant confirmed dosing) and unannounced pill counts. HIV RNA was assessed … [Read more...]
Adolescents’ perceptions of sexual coercion in Uganda
Birungi R, Nabembezi D, Kiwanuka J, Ybarra ML, Bull S. Adolescents’ perceptions of sexual coercion in Uganda. Afr J AIDS Res. 2011;10(4):487-494. doi: 10.2989/16085906.2011.646664 Abstract: In Uganda, HIV prevalence remains high with young people at higher risk of infection than adults. Much is known about the sexual risk factors for HIV transmission among youths, including sexual encounters that are coerced. On the other hand, relatively little is known about the barriers to preventing sexual coercion and what strategies may overcome those barriers with adolescents. We conducted three focus group discussions with adolescents in an urban area in Uganda to understand their perceptions of sexual coercion, and to identify, from their point of view, how coercion can be addressed. Data were … [Read more...]
Interest in technology-based and traditional smoking cessation programs among adult smokers in Ankara, Turkey
Ybarra ML, Bağci Bosi AT, Bilir N, Holtrop JS, Korchmaros J, Emri S. Interest in technology-based and traditional smoking cessation programs among adult smokers in Ankara, Turkey. Tob Induc Dis. 2011;9:10. doi: 10.1186/1617-9625-9-10 Abstract: BACKGROUND: Little is known about the demand for smoking cessation services in settings with high smoking prevalence rates. Furthermore, acceptability of text messaging and Internet as delivery mechanisms for smoking cessation programs in non-developed countries is under-reported. Given the cost effectiveness of technology-based programs, these may be more feasible to roll out in settings with limited public health resources relative to in-person programs. FINDINGS: 148 adult smokers took part in a community-based survey in Ankara, Turkey. Two … [Read more...]
Cell phone usage among adolescents in Uganda: acceptability for relaying health information
Mitchell KJ, Bull S, Kiwanuka J, Ybarra ML. Cell phone usage among adolescents in Uganda: Acceptability for relaying health information. Health Educ Res. 2011;26(5):770-781. doi: 10.1093/her/cyr022 Abstract: The increase in cell phone use has manifested a growing interest in using this technology for health promotion. The portability and 'always on' features of the cell phone, along with increasing capability for the devices to carry and transfer data suggest that they will reach more people than computers and the Internet in coming years. Self-reported quantitative survey data from 1503 secondary school students in Mbarara, Uganda collected in 2008-2009 suggest that 27% currently have cell phones and about half (51%) of all students and 61% of those who owned a cell phone believe that … [Read more...]