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• 61. [Article] Female Alcoholism: the Relationship of Marital Status to Personality Disorganization

  Research on the female alcoholic indicates that women drink for different reasons than men. Rather than being a product of role conflict as it is in males, female alcoholism is frequently precipitated ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Female Alcoholism: the Relationship of Marital Status to Personality Disorganization Author: Knapp, Julene B. Year: 1974 Research on the female alcoholic indicates that women drink for different reasons than men. Rather than being a product of role conflict as it is in males, female alcoholism is frequently precipitated by stress, particularly marital stress. For exploratory purposes a group of women seen at a public alcoholism treatment clinic were divided into four categories: 1) Non-alcoholic wives of alcoholic men; 2) alcoholic wives of non-alcoholic men; 3) single alcoholic women; 4) alcoholic wives of alcoholic men. These groups were compared. for amount of personality disorganization, using the total number of abnormal scales on the clinical profiles of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, a personality test administered at the beginning of treatment. The investigator hypothesized that the alcoholic wives of alcoholics would demonstrate the most dysfunction, due to the unstabilizing effects of the alcoholic husband and the stress of marital interaction between two disorganized personalities. In contrast, the alcoholic woman married to the non-alcoholic husband would experience less stress and consequently less personality dysfunction without the problems created by an alcoholic husband. The dysfunction of the single alcoholic women was hypothesized to fall between the two marital categories and the dysfunction of the non-alcoholic wives of alcoholic males was hypothesized to be the least among the four categories, since these wives have been shown to have essentially normal personalities which become disorganized by their husbands' alcoholic episodes. As hypothesized, the non-alcoholic wives showed the least amounts of personality disorganization, but the alcoholic women showed an inverse relationship to the hypothesized order of dysfunction, i.e. the alcoholic women married to non-alcoholic men were most disorganized, according to numbers of abnormal MMPI scales, followed by single alcoholic women and then the alcoholic wives of alcoholic men. The differences among the alcoholic groups disappeared, though, when age was held constant, except in the group of older alcoholic women, where the inverse relationship remained. The results of this study raise questions about the adaptive and maladaptive used of alcohol within a marriage situation and the subsequent effects on personality. Title: Female Alcoholism: the Relationship of Marital Status to Personality Disorganization Author: Knapp, Julene B. Year: 1974 Research on the female alcoholic indicates that women drink for different reasons than men. Rather than being a product of role conflict as it is in males, female alcoholism is frequently precipitated by stress, particularly marital stress. For exploratory purposes a group of women seen at a public alcoholism treatment clinic were divided into four categories: 1) Non-alcoholic wives of alcoholic men; 2) alcoholic wives of non-alcoholic men; 3) single alcoholic women; 4) alcoholic wives of alcoholic men. These groups were compared. for amount of personality disorganization, using the total number of abnormal scales on the clinical profiles of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, a personality test administered at the beginning of treatment. The investigator hypothesized that the alcoholic wives of alcoholics would demonstrate the most dysfunction, due to the unstabilizing effects of the alcoholic husband and the stress of marital interaction between two disorganized personalities. In contrast, the alcoholic woman married to the non-alcoholic husband would experience less stress and consequently less personality dysfunction without the problems created by an alcoholic husband. The dysfunction of the single alcoholic women was hypothesized to fall between the two marital categories and the dysfunction of the non-alcoholic wives of alcoholic males was hypothesized to be the least among the four categories, since these wives have been shown to have essentially normal personalities which become disorganized by their husbands' alcoholic episodes. As hypothesized, the non-alcoholic wives showed the least amounts of personality disorganization, but the alcoholic women showed an inverse relationship to the hypothesized order of dysfunction, i.e. the alcoholic women married to non-alcoholic men were most disorganized, according to numbers of abnormal MMPI scales, followed by single alcoholic women and then the alcoholic wives of alcoholic men. The differences among the alcoholic groups disappeared, though, when age was held constant, except in the group of older alcoholic women, where the inverse relationship remained. The results of this study raise questions about the adaptive and maladaptive used of alcohol within a marriage situation and the subsequent effects on personality. Close

• 62. [Article] Specialized Out-of-Home Care Project: An Outcome Study

  This research practicum is an outcome study of the Specialized Out-of-Home Care project (S.O.H.C.). The project, administered by the Oregon Children's Services Division, was designed to provide alternative ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Specialized Out-of-Home Care Project: An Outcome Study Author: Arden, Carol Teresa, Braeutigam, Bonnie Jean, Schilling, Dennis, Wellman, Charlotte Mary Year: 1976 This research practicum is an outcome study of the Specialized Out-of-Home Care project (S.O.H.C.). The project, administered by the Oregon Children's Services Division, was designed to provide alternative care resources to specifically meet the needs of Portland's juvenile target offenders, who required out-of-home care. The juvenile offenders accepted into the S.O.H.C. project were between the ages of ten to eighteen, and had been adjudicated for target ctimes. The S.O.H.C. project was federally funded for a twenty-nine month period beginning on May 1, 1974 and extends through September of 1976. This study will include only the clients referred and placed during a one-year period, from July 1, 1974 to June 31, 1975. Additional "up-date" information was collected in October of 1975. A variety of alternative care resources were utilized as placements for the client population. Clients were placed in foster families, group homes, day-care settings and residential centers. This practicum was undertaken as a cooperative effort by four M.S.W. students, of Portland State University's School of Social Work, working conjointly with the S.O.H.C.'s project staff in the over-all evaluation of the project. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact that services provided by the S.O.H.C. project have had on the target population of juvenile offenders. Title: Specialized Out-of-Home Care Project: An Outcome Study Author: Arden, Carol Teresa, Braeutigam, Bonnie Jean, Schilling, Dennis, Wellman, Charlotte Mary Year: 1976 This research practicum is an outcome study of the Specialized Out-of-Home Care project (S.O.H.C.). The project, administered by the Oregon Children's Services Division, was designed to provide alternative care resources to specifically meet the needs of Portland's juvenile target offenders, who required out-of-home care. The juvenile offenders accepted into the S.O.H.C. project were between the ages of ten to eighteen, and had been adjudicated for target ctimes. The S.O.H.C. project was federally funded for a twenty-nine month period beginning on May 1, 1974 and extends through September of 1976. This study will include only the clients referred and placed during a one-year period, from July 1, 1974 to June 31, 1975. Additional "up-date" information was collected in October of 1975. A variety of alternative care resources were utilized as placements for the client population. Clients were placed in foster families, group homes, day-care settings and residential centers. This practicum was undertaken as a cooperative effort by four M.S.W. students, of Portland State University's School of Social Work, working conjointly with the S.O.H.C.'s project staff in the over-all evaluation of the project. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact that services provided by the S.O.H.C. project have had on the target population of juvenile offenders. Close

• 63. [Article] Psycho-social Aspects of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in Children

  The purpose of the study was to assess psycho-social differences between two groups. A review of the literature suggested psychological and social factors may affect the onset and progression of malignant ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Psycho-social Aspects of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in Children Author: Hingley, Sally Myers, McKay, Judith Ann Year: 1972 The purpose of the study was to assess psycho-social differences between two groups. A review of the literature suggested psychological and social factors may affect the onset and progression of malignant disease. Comparisons were made between a group of 23 experimental families with a leukemic child, and a group of control families with a normal child matched for child's sex, age, and number of siblings. Data. was gathered on three quantifiable measures; Coddington's Social Readjustment Rating Questionnaire; a specially constructed Child's Questionnaire, and The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory. The leukemic children and their matched normal controls had approximately equal numbers, and similar types, of social events that had occurred within their present life span. This suggests that the occurrence of a specific stressful life event is not, in itself, a major precipitating factor in onset of leukemia. The leukemic children and their normal controls were likewise similar in their responses concerning self-reported aggressive behavior and attitudes toward expression of aggressive feelings. This implies that, other than the presence of disease, the leukemic children respond to specific stimuli in a manner typical of normal children. The parents of the leukemic children however, were differentiated from the parents of normal children, through the statistical method of stepwise discriminant analysis of MMPI responses. A combination of five variables, for each pair of parents, father's Sc 0 (Si) score, mother's Sc I (Hs) score, and father's Sc 9 (Ma), F scale, and Sc 3 (Hy) scores, had a level of significance. This finding presents evidence that parents of leukemic children differ from parents of normal children on personality characteristics assessed by the MMPI. Some possible interpretations of these results, and suggestions for treatment and additional research, were offered. Title: Psycho-social Aspects of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia in Children Author: Hingley, Sally Myers, McKay, Judith Ann Year: 1972 The purpose of the study was to assess psycho-social differences between two groups. A review of the literature suggested psychological and social factors may affect the onset and progression of malignant disease. Comparisons were made between a group of 23 experimental families with a leukemic child, and a group of control families with a normal child matched for child's sex, age, and number of siblings. Data. was gathered on three quantifiable measures; Coddington's Social Readjustment Rating Questionnaire; a specially constructed Child's Questionnaire, and The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory. The leukemic children and their matched normal controls had approximately equal numbers, and similar types, of social events that had occurred within their present life span. This suggests that the occurrence of a specific stressful life event is not, in itself, a major precipitating factor in onset of leukemia. The leukemic children and their normal controls were likewise similar in their responses concerning self-reported aggressive behavior and attitudes toward expression of aggressive feelings. This implies that, other than the presence of disease, the leukemic children respond to specific stimuli in a manner typical of normal children. The parents of the leukemic children however, were differentiated from the parents of normal children, through the statistical method of stepwise discriminant analysis of MMPI responses. A combination of five variables, for each pair of parents, father's Sc 0 (Si) score, mother's Sc I (Hs) score, and father's Sc 9 (Ma), F scale, and Sc 3 (Hy) scores, had a level of significance. This finding presents evidence that parents of leukemic children differ from parents of normal children on personality characteristics assessed by the MMPI. Some possible interpretations of these results, and suggestions for treatment and additional research, were offered. Close

• 64. [Article] An Exploratory Study Concerning Reasons Given for Termination of Provision of Foster Care

  The purpose of this practicum is to determine reasons given by former foster parents for their termination of provision of foster care. Research was completed through a survey of the literature in the ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: An Exploratory Study Concerning Reasons Given for Termination of Provision of Foster Care Author: Nelson, Linda Ann Year: 1976 The purpose of this practicum is to determine reasons given by former foster parents for their termination of provision of foster care. Research was completed through a survey of the literature in the field of roster care and through inquiries with personnel currently working with foster care programs in Columbia and Multnomah Counties. Utilizing the concerns of the personnel and issues raised in the literature, a questionnaire was developed which was intended specifically for former roster families currently residing in Columbia County. 48.9 percent of the questionnaires were returned. The results showed that fifty percent of the foster families who responded terminated their provision of foster care within two years, with an additional twenty three percent terminating within two more years, making a total of seventy-three percent who discontinued foster care within four years. Sixty-one percent listed "no longer interested" as a reason for terminating. This category included the foster family's own children's reactions; foster child related concerns such as age, sex, and behavior problems, and situational factors such a s recreational limitations, work, or school changes. An area of concern in this study was the relationship of the agency who administers a foster care program and the reasons foster parents give for discontinuing foster care. The data gathered shows that seventy-four percent of these former foster families rated their contact with Columbia County Children's Services Division as either "okay" or "good". Title: An Exploratory Study Concerning Reasons Given for Termination of Provision of Foster Care Author: Nelson, Linda Ann Year: 1976 The purpose of this practicum is to determine reasons given by former foster parents for their termination of provision of foster care. Research was completed through a survey of the literature in the field of roster care and through inquiries with personnel currently working with foster care programs in Columbia and Multnomah Counties. Utilizing the concerns of the personnel and issues raised in the literature, a questionnaire was developed which was intended specifically for former roster families currently residing in Columbia County. 48.9 percent of the questionnaires were returned. The results showed that fifty percent of the foster families who responded terminated their provision of foster care within two years, with an additional twenty three percent terminating within two more years, making a total of seventy-three percent who discontinued foster care within four years. Sixty-one percent listed "no longer interested" as a reason for terminating. This category included the foster family's own children's reactions; foster child related concerns such as age, sex, and behavior problems, and situational factors such a s recreational limitations, work, or school changes. An area of concern in this study was the relationship of the agency who administers a foster care program and the reasons foster parents give for discontinuing foster care. The data gathered shows that seventy-four percent of these former foster families rated their contact with Columbia County Children's Services Division as either "okay" or "good". Close

• 65. [Article] Siblings and sex roles: A comparison between male and female graduate students with regard to sibling sex and ordinal position

  The purpose of the present study was to find out whether there is a relationship between sex role perception, ordinal position, and sex of sibling. Measuring sex role perception presents a complex problem ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Siblings and sex roles: A comparison between male and female graduate students with regard to sibling sex and ordinal position Author: Witt, Anita Year: 1974 The purpose of the present study was to find out whether there is a relationship between sex role perception, ordinal position, and sex of sibling. Measuring sex role perception presents a complex problem by itself, since at a time when sex role expectations are changing rapidly, there is little consensus on precisely what constitutes male or female behavior. We were concerned, therefore, to avoid as far as possible subjective interpretations of behavior. We decided to look for a sample of women who had already reached a measure of achievement in a competitive field traditionally dominated by men, and who were still available for questioning. Medical and rental students seemed the most appropriate choice. We wanted to know whether these women differed with regard to their sibling positions from their male colleagues on the one hand, and from the students in the School of Social Work, which has been traditionally a more female profession, on the other. Questionnaires were distributed at the local Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, and Social Work, asking students to identify their positions in their families by indicating sexes and ages of their siblings. It was found that a significantly greater number of female students are without older siblings than male students. These results appeared both in the medical-dental and in the social work sample. When older siblings were divided by sex, it was found that this relationship is stronger for opposite sex siblings than for same sex siblings. It was concluded that having older siblings is a handicap for a female wishing to go to graduate school, but not for a male, and that having older brothers is somewhat more of a handicap for her than having older sisters. Title: Siblings and sex roles: A comparison between male and female graduate students with regard to sibling sex and ordinal position Author: Witt, Anita Year: 1974 The purpose of the present study was to find out whether there is a relationship between sex role perception, ordinal position, and sex of sibling. Measuring sex role perception presents a complex problem by itself, since at a time when sex role expectations are changing rapidly, there is little consensus on precisely what constitutes male or female behavior. We were concerned, therefore, to avoid as far as possible subjective interpretations of behavior. We decided to look for a sample of women who had already reached a measure of achievement in a competitive field traditionally dominated by men, and who were still available for questioning. Medical and rental students seemed the most appropriate choice. We wanted to know whether these women differed with regard to their sibling positions from their male colleagues on the one hand, and from the students in the School of Social Work, which has been traditionally a more female profession, on the other. Questionnaires were distributed at the local Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, and Social Work, asking students to identify their positions in their families by indicating sexes and ages of their siblings. It was found that a significantly greater number of female students are without older siblings than male students. These results appeared both in the medical-dental and in the social work sample. When older siblings were divided by sex, it was found that this relationship is stronger for opposite sex siblings than for same sex siblings. It was concluded that having older siblings is a handicap for a female wishing to go to graduate school, but not for a male, and that having older brothers is somewhat more of a handicap for her than having older sisters. Close

• 66. [Article] Student Perceptions of the Teacher-Counselor Role at the Albina Youth Opportunity School

  This project is a descriptive study of the Albina Youth Opportunity School of Portland, Oregon. The school is described as one whose primary function is to help disadvantaged students who have extreme ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Student Perceptions of the Teacher-Counselor Role at the Albina Youth Opportunity School Author: Morton, Florence M., Smith, Billie L. Year: 1973 This project is a descriptive study of the Albina Youth Opportunity School of Portland, Oregon. The school is described as one whose primary function is to help disadvantaged students who have extreme social and academic problems. The study focused on the students' perception of their teachers, who are defined by the school as teacher-counselors. Of the seventy full-time students, sixty-five participated in the study, and five refused to do so. The major questions of the study were concerned with the students' assessment of the teacher-counselors characteristics. Main areas for exploration dealt with the students' perception of the role of a teacher-counselor in relation to their specific needs. Factors taken into consideration were sex, age, length of attendance at the school, and the student's belief that the teacher-counselor liked or disliked him. A questionnaire was administered to each student in order to determine his assessment of the teacher-counselor role. Date was analyzed with the help of scale-measured attitudes of variables dealing with teaching and counseling items and tests of significance. Indices were computed from the data. Descriptive statistics included the use of frequency distribution, percentages, means, medians, and correlations. Study findings indicated that some students see the role differently, and some differences were difficult to interpret in terms of specific traits. There were differences in perception associated with the factors of sex, end length of attendance at the school. The findings suggest that the student's belief that the teacher-counselor like or dislike s him or her is associated with perception. They also yield evidence that the students perceive the teacher-counselor concept as a duel role. Implications are that the students who attend this school are being provided learning environment which is helpful to their needs. Title: Student Perceptions of the Teacher-Counselor Role at the Albina Youth Opportunity School Author: Morton, Florence M., Smith, Billie L. Year: 1973 This project is a descriptive study of the Albina Youth Opportunity School of Portland, Oregon. The school is described as one whose primary function is to help disadvantaged students who have extreme social and academic problems. The study focused on the students' perception of their teachers, who are defined by the school as teacher-counselors. Of the seventy full-time students, sixty-five participated in the study, and five refused to do so. The major questions of the study were concerned with the students' assessment of the teacher-counselors characteristics. Main areas for exploration dealt with the students' perception of the role of a teacher-counselor in relation to their specific needs. Factors taken into consideration were sex, age, length of attendance at the school, and the student's belief that the teacher-counselor liked or disliked him. A questionnaire was administered to each student in order to determine his assessment of the teacher-counselor role. Date was analyzed with the help of scale-measured attitudes of variables dealing with teaching and counseling items and tests of significance. Indices were computed from the data. Descriptive statistics included the use of frequency distribution, percentages, means, medians, and correlations. Study findings indicated that some students see the role differently, and some differences were difficult to interpret in terms of specific traits. There were differences in perception associated with the factors of sex, end length of attendance at the school. The findings suggest that the student's belief that the teacher-counselor like or dislike s him or her is associated with perception. They also yield evidence that the students perceive the teacher-counselor concept as a duel role. Implications are that the students who attend this school are being provided learning environment which is helpful to their needs. Close

• 67. [Article] Exploring Support Network Structure, Content, and Stability as Youth Transition from Foster Care

  Many older youth in foster care lack adequate resources and ongoing support in their social networks as they transition into young adulthood, while other youth in these circumstances experience stable ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Exploring Support Network Structure, Content, and Stability as Youth Transition from Foster Care Author: Blakeslee, Jennifer E. Year: 2012 Many older youth in foster care lack adequate resources and ongoing support in their social networks as they transition into young adulthood, while other youth in these circumstances experience stable social networks providing comprehensive support. Systematically measuring the supportive personal and service-oriented relationships in youth networks expands the scope of inquiry in this area by identifying patterns of social network structure, member composition, and relational qualities that are associated with more or less support provision through formal and informal relationships. These can also be measured over time to observe changes in network form and content and assess network stability. This exploratory study (1) describes the support networks for a small sample of youth with foster care experience who are enrolled in post-secondary education and training programs, (2) assesses changes in these networks over time, and (3) demonstrates the reliability and validity of this methodology for broader use with populations of transition-age foster youth. Findings show that family (biological and foster) and friends are the most prevalent informal supports, relationship ties to parent figures are strongest and provide the most stable and multi-dimensional support, and ties with formal service providers are not as strong, but provide more informational support. The stability of a network ties over time is associated with the breadth of support provided, and network-based social support is associated with post-secondary enrollment at follow-up. Support network profiles are described and interpreted in terms of bonding and bridging social capital. Discussion includes implications for future support network research and guidelines for pre-transition assessment of youth networks in practice. Title: Exploring Support Network Structure, Content, and Stability as Youth Transition from Foster Care Author: Blakeslee, Jennifer E. Year: 2012 Many older youth in foster care lack adequate resources and ongoing support in their social networks as they transition into young adulthood, while other youth in these circumstances experience stable social networks providing comprehensive support. Systematically measuring the supportive personal and service-oriented relationships in youth networks expands the scope of inquiry in this area by identifying patterns of social network structure, member composition, and relational qualities that are associated with more or less support provision through formal and informal relationships. These can also be measured over time to observe changes in network form and content and assess network stability. This exploratory study (1) describes the support networks for a small sample of youth with foster care experience who are enrolled in post-secondary education and training programs, (2) assesses changes in these networks over time, and (3) demonstrates the reliability and validity of this methodology for broader use with populations of transition-age foster youth. Findings show that family (biological and foster) and friends are the most prevalent informal supports, relationship ties to parent figures are strongest and provide the most stable and multi-dimensional support, and ties with formal service providers are not as strong, but provide more informational support. The stability of a network ties over time is associated with the breadth of support provided, and network-based social support is associated with post-secondary enrollment at follow-up. Support network profiles are described and interpreted in terms of bonding and bridging social capital. Discussion includes implications for future support network research and guidelines for pre-transition assessment of youth networks in practice. Close

• 68. [Article] Chronic Absenteeism Report

  The Chief Education Office (CEdO) has commissioned this report on chronic absenteeism in Oregon schools to better understand this problem in general, to specifically hear from students and families most ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Chronic Absenteeism Report Author: Curry-Stevens, Ann, Kim-Gervey, Connie, Chief Education Office Research Team Year: 2016 The Chief Education Office (CEdO) has commissioned this report on chronic absenteeism in Oregon schools to better understand this problem in general, to specifically hear from students and families most likely to be chronically absent, and to present recommendations for the State and local communities. This report is a result of collaboration between CEdO, Portland State University (PSU), and the Coalition of Communities of Color (CCC). Researchers from PSU conducted all of the original research. This report builds on previous work in Oregon and around the country, but it is not a duplication of existing research. Instead, the research is a novel contribution because of its extensive use of focus groups, inclusion of culturally specific focus groups, detailed thematic analysis between and among stakeholder groups, and deep-dives in the areas of students with disabilities and Native American students. The report’s literature review gives the reader a comprehensive foundation that defines the terms and measures associated with school attendance, shows the connection between attendance and academic outcomes, provides statistics related to chronic absenteeism and achievement for Oregon, provides a framework for understanding the reasons for absenteeism, and details current practices that are considered the best for schools, districts, and states to increase attendance. The review shows that although chronic absenteeism affects students of all ages, it is particularly a problem for students of color, students with disabilities, and students living in poverty. Finally, the problem is complicated, and requires a range of interventions, tailored to specific communities that address every context of students’ lives. The review demonstrates that there is still a good deal to learn about chronic absenteeism and that conducting focus group research will paint a better picture of the Oregon context and identify benefits and drawbacks of specific practices for specific locales. Title: Chronic Absenteeism Report Author: Curry-Stevens, Ann, Kim-Gervey, Connie, Chief Education Office Research Team Year: 2016 The Chief Education Office (CEdO) has commissioned this report on chronic absenteeism in Oregon schools to better understand this problem in general, to specifically hear from students and families most likely to be chronically absent, and to present recommendations for the State and local communities. This report is a result of collaboration between CEdO, Portland State University (PSU), and the Coalition of Communities of Color (CCC). Researchers from PSU conducted all of the original research. This report builds on previous work in Oregon and around the country, but it is not a duplication of existing research. Instead, the research is a novel contribution because of its extensive use of focus groups, inclusion of culturally specific focus groups, detailed thematic analysis between and among stakeholder groups, and deep-dives in the areas of students with disabilities and Native American students. The report’s literature review gives the reader a comprehensive foundation that defines the terms and measures associated with school attendance, shows the connection between attendance and academic outcomes, provides statistics related to chronic absenteeism and achievement for Oregon, provides a framework for understanding the reasons for absenteeism, and details current practices that are considered the best for schools, districts, and states to increase attendance. The review shows that although chronic absenteeism affects students of all ages, it is particularly a problem for students of color, students with disabilities, and students living in poverty. Finally, the problem is complicated, and requires a range of interventions, tailored to specific communities that address every context of students’ lives. The review demonstrates that there is still a good deal to learn about chronic absenteeism and that conducting focus group research will paint a better picture of the Oregon context and identify benefits and drawbacks of specific practices for specific locales. Close

• 69. [Article] Development and Preliminary Psychometric Testing of the Centrality of Pain Scale

  Objective: To develop and begin to evaluate a new measure of the centrality of pain in patients' lives. Design: Cross-sectional survey and cognitive interviews. Setting: Academic general internal medicine ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Development and Preliminary Psychometric Testing of the Centrality of Pain Scale Author: Nicolaidis, Christina, Chianello, Teresa, Gerrity, Martha Year: 2011 Objective: To develop and begin to evaluate a new measure of the centrality of pain in patients' lives. Design: Cross-sectional survey and cognitive interviews. Setting: Academic general internal medicine clinic. Patients: 65 adult internal medicine patients with chronic non-malignant pain (CNMP). Outcome measures: We assessed content validity and clarity of the 10-item Centrality of Pain Scale (COPS) by soliciting feedback from chronic pain experts and by conducting cognitive interviews with patients with CNMP. We assessed internal consistency reliability using Cronbach's alpha. We assessed construct validity by comparing the COPS with other measures of chronic pain morbidity including pain severity, depression, anxiety, physical and mental health function, PTSD, quality of life, and provider assessment. Results: Healthcare providers felt the COPS had excellent face validity. Cognitive interviews revealed that patients' understanding of the items matched the intended construct, the scale measured an important concept, and items were easy to understand. The COPS had excellent internal consistency (alpha=0.9). COPS was negatively associated with age (r=−0.29; p=0.02), but not with other demographic characteristics. Higher COPS scores were associated with poorer physical (r=−0.48; p Conclusions: The COPS has excellent internal consistency and construct validity. Additional studies are needed to further validate the scale. Title: Development and Preliminary Psychometric Testing of the Centrality of Pain Scale Author: Nicolaidis, Christina, Chianello, Teresa, Gerrity, Martha Year: 2011 Objective: To develop and begin to evaluate a new measure of the centrality of pain in patients' lives. Design: Cross-sectional survey and cognitive interviews. Setting: Academic general internal medicine clinic. Patients: 65 adult internal medicine patients with chronic non-malignant pain (CNMP). Outcome measures: We assessed content validity and clarity of the 10-item Centrality of Pain Scale (COPS) by soliciting feedback from chronic pain experts and by conducting cognitive interviews with patients with CNMP. We assessed internal consistency reliability using Cronbach's alpha. We assessed construct validity by comparing the COPS with other measures of chronic pain morbidity including pain severity, depression, anxiety, physical and mental health function, PTSD, quality of life, and provider assessment. Results: Healthcare providers felt the COPS had excellent face validity. Cognitive interviews revealed that patients' understanding of the items matched the intended construct, the scale measured an important concept, and items were easy to understand. The COPS had excellent internal consistency (alpha=0.9). COPS was negatively associated with age (r=−0.29; p=0.02), but not with other demographic characteristics. Higher COPS scores were associated with poorer physical (r=−0.48; p Conclusions: The COPS has excellent internal consistency and construct validity. Additional studies are needed to further validate the scale. Close

• 70. [Article] Short Text Messages to Motivate HIV Testing Among Men Who have Sex with Men: A Qualitative Study in Lima, Peru

  Objective: The objective of this study is to identify features and content that short message service (SMS) should have in order to motivate HIV testing among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Lima, Peru. Methods: ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Short Text Messages to Motivate HIV Testing Among Men Who have Sex with Men: A Qualitative Study in Lima, Peru Author: Menacho, Luis A., Blas, Magaly M., Alva, Isaac E., Orellana, Edwin Roberto Year: 2013 Objective: The objective of this study is to identify features and content that short message service (SMS) should have in order to motivate HIV testing among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Lima, Peru. Methods: From October, 2010 to February, 2011, we conducted focus groups at two stages; six focus groups were conducted to explore and identify SMS content and features and two additional focus groups were conducted to tailor SMS content. The text messages were elaborated within the theoretical framework of the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model and the Social Support Theory. Results: A total of 62 individuals participated in the focus groups. The mean age of participants was 28 years (range 18-39). We identified important features and content items needed for the successful delivery of text messages, including: a) the use of neutral and coded language; b) appropriate frequency and time of delivery; c) avoiding mass and repetitive messages; and d) use of short, concise and creative messages. Although in Peru receiving text messages is usually a free service, it is important to remind participants that receiving messages will be free of charge. Conclusion: Text messages can be used to promote HIV testing among Peruvian MSM. It is important to consider adequate frequency, message content and cost when delivering messages to promote HIV testing in this population. Title: Short Text Messages to Motivate HIV Testing Among Men Who have Sex with Men: A Qualitative Study in Lima, Peru Author: Menacho, Luis A., Blas, Magaly M., Alva, Isaac E., Orellana, Edwin Roberto Year: 2013 Objective: The objective of this study is to identify features and content that short message service (SMS) should have in order to motivate HIV testing among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Lima, Peru. Methods: From October, 2010 to February, 2011, we conducted focus groups at two stages; six focus groups were conducted to explore and identify SMS content and features and two additional focus groups were conducted to tailor SMS content. The text messages were elaborated within the theoretical framework of the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model and the Social Support Theory. Results: A total of 62 individuals participated in the focus groups. The mean age of participants was 28 years (range 18-39). We identified important features and content items needed for the successful delivery of text messages, including: a) the use of neutral and coded language; b) appropriate frequency and time of delivery; c) avoiding mass and repetitive messages; and d) use of short, concise and creative messages. Although in Peru receiving text messages is usually a free service, it is important to remind participants that receiving messages will be free of charge. Conclusion: Text messages can be used to promote HIV testing among Peruvian MSM. It is important to consider adequate frequency, message content and cost when delivering messages to promote HIV testing in this population. Close