Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBP
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J Dev Behav Pediatr · May 2014
Ethnic/Racial differences in peer and parent influence on adolescent prescription drug misuse.
To describe ethnic/racial group differences in prescription drug misuse within a nationally representative sample of US adolescents. Also to identify potential sociocultural influences on this health risk behavior. ⋯ These findings provide new ethnic group-specific information about the role that the attitudes of peers and parents on substance use may play in whether adolescents misuse prescription drugs. Future studies should explore possible parent/peer-related socialization mechanisms, which may account for these ethnic group differences.
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J Dev Behav Pediatr · Apr 2014
Parent and provider perspectives on procedural care for children with autism spectrum disorders.
Children with autism spectrum disorders (CWASDs) have more difficulty tolerating hospital procedures than many other children. The aim of this study was to identify parent and provider perspectives on barriers and facilitators to procedural care for CWASDs. ⋯ Children with autism spectrum disorders require individualized interventions to maximize the quality of procedural care. However, many hospitals and providers are not sufficiently equipped to accommodate these children's needs. This study suggests that targeted improvements in preparation and communication between providers and families as well as modifications in patient flow and clinical environments have the potential to improve the quality and successful completion of procedures.
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J Dev Behav Pediatr · Jan 2014
Primary care providers' initial treatment decisions and antidepressant prescribing for adolescent depression.
Adolescent depression is a serious and undertreated public health problem. Nonetheless, pediatric primary care providers (PCPs) may have low rates of antidepressant prescribing due to structural and training barriers. This study examined the impact of symptom severity and provider characteristics on initial depression treatment decisions in a setting with fewer structural barriers, an integrated behavioral health network. ⋯ PCPs infrequently recommended antidepressants for adolescents, regardless of depression severity. Continued PCP support through experiential training, accounting for provider burden when addressing psychosocial concerns, and co-management with mental health providers may increase PCPs' antidepressant prescribing.
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J Dev Behav Pediatr · Jan 2014
Later school start time is associated with improved sleep and daytime functioning in adolescents.
Chronic insufficient sleep is a growing concern among adolescents and is associated with a host of adverse health consequences. Early school start times may be an environmental contributor to this problem. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a delay in school start time on sleep patterns, sleepiness, mood, and health-related outcomes. ⋯ A modest (25 min) delay in school start time was associated with significant improvements in sleep duration, daytime sleepiness, mood, and caffeine use. These findings have important implications for public policy and add to research suggesting the health benefits of modifying school schedules to more closely align with adolescents' circadian rhythms and sleep needs.