Fidelity in School-Based Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports: Current Status of Compliance.

OBJECTIVE: The current study identified and compared different treatment fidelity reporting methods. METHOD: This paper includes 2 studies. In Study 1, the researchers compared and contrasted 3 sources of fidelity obtained in a study previously published by the authors; whereas, Study 2 did the same using a structured review of the literature. RESULTS: Fidelity reporting methods included: self-reports, peer reports, observations, artifact review, and use of standardized procedures. Study 1: a statistically significant difference in fidelity results was identified between methods. Study 2: the most common method of reporting was no reporting (46%) followed by observations (25.6%), peer ratings (25.6%), and self-report (23.1%). When studies reported that fidelity was evaluated, 57% subsequently provided specific fidelity results. CONCLUSIONS: Given that intervention fidelity is reported differently depending on the method used, then standard guidelines are needed for how this construct should be assessed and reported in practice and research.

The Cumulative Influence of Perceived Discrimination, Stress, and Coping Responses on Symptoms of Depression Among Young African American Mothers.

BACKGROUND: African American women have an elevated risk for experiencing depressive symptoms, and discrimination, stress, and coping contribute to symptoms of depression. AIMS: We aimed to examine the associations between discrimination, stress, and coping on symptoms of depression among young African American mothers. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we utilized a hierarchical linear regression to explore the effects of perceived racial discrimination, stress, and general and discrimination-related coping responses on depressive symptoms in a sample of African American mothers (N = 250). The data were drawn from the Intergenerational Impact of Genetic and Psychological Factors on Blood Pressure study (InterGEN), a study conducted between 2014 and 2019 and based in Connecticut. RESULTS: After accounting for maternal age, level of education, and income, greater perceived racial discrimination (p = .03), higher levels of stress (p < .001), greater engagement in avoidance coping (p < .001), and use of passive coping responses to discrimination (p = .04) were uniquely associated with increased depressive symptoms. Other forms of coping, specifically, problem-solving and support seeking, did not appear to influence depressive symptoms in this sample. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the negative impact of discrimination, heightened stress, and maladaptive coping on the emotional health of young African American mothers.

Addressing Disparities by Evaluating Depression as a Predictor of Prostate Screenings among Black Men in a Community Health Clinic.

To explore prostate and depression screening practices as well as predictors for prostate screening among a diverse group of men seen at a nurse-led community health center. This was a retrospective, exploratory study. Social factors, depression, and prostate screening data on 267 male patients were retrieved from medical records from 2014 to 2018. Patients that were not screened for depression were associated with a lower probability of having received a PSA screening (OR = .40, p = 02). Of those screened for depression, higher scores were associated with lower PSA screening (OR = .89, p = .02). Patients who self-identified as Hispanic (OR = .19, p <. 001), African American (AA) (OR = .06, P = .01) or White (OR = .12, P = .02) had lower odds of PSA screening compared to Black-Caribbean. The above clinical evidence is a practice implication for nurses and health care professionals. Depression screening predicted higher rates of prostate screening, while higher depression scores predicted lower prostate screening. AA and Hispanic subgroups were less likely to be screened for prostate cancer than the non-U.S. born Black-Caribbean men. Findings underscore the importance of developing community-based culturally sensitive approaches to prostate preventative care. Nurses and health providers must understand that diversity within the "Black" population exists, and these differences drive health behaviors. Person-centered care that is culturally sensitive will be essential in developing trust with communities of color to increase prostate cancer screening and health equity.