Parissa J Ballard, Thomas P McCoy, Jonna Lasley, Melinda M Pankratz, Kathleen L Egan, Justin B Moore, Veronica Cole, Renata Yassa, Kimberly G Wagoner, Jennifer Cornacchione Ross, Scott D Rhodes
{"title":"Perceived Social Connectedness and Substance Use among Adolescents and Young Adults in North Carolina.","authors":"Parissa J Ballard, Thomas P McCoy, Jonna Lasley, Melinda M Pankratz, Kathleen L Egan, Justin B Moore, Veronica Cole, Renata Yassa, Kimberly G Wagoner, Jennifer Cornacchione Ross, Scott D Rhodes","doi":"10.1007/s11121-026-01981-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-026-01981-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Substance use during adolescence and young adulthood is a persistent public health problem. Social connectedness is associated with health, but research is needed to clarify the potential protective role of different aspects of social connectedness in primary prevention of substance use behaviors. This study explores associations between perceived social connectedness to two developmentally important social groups (friends and family) and various substances (alcohol, e-cigarettes, cigarettes, cannabis, and prescription medication) among adolescents and young adults. In addition, it examines how descriptive and injunctive norms within social groups affect associations between perceived social connectedness and substance use behaviors among adolescents and young adults. A statewide survey was conducted among 15,000 adolescents and young adults (12-25 years old, 52.6% female, 69.6% White) in North Carolina. Perceived social connectedness and substance use were assessed cross-sectionally, along with potential moderators (perceived friend and parent substance use and disapproval). Logistic regression was used to model associations with substance use. Moderation was examined with a regions-of-significance approach. Overall, perceived social connectedness was associated with lower odds of using most substances among adolescents and young adults. However, associations were moderated by perceptions of parental and friend substance disapproval and to a lesser extent by perceptions of parental and friend substance use behaviors. Findings suggest perceived connectedness to friends could potentially protect against substance use in the context of high perceived friend disapproval, whereas perceived connectedness to family is complex and may protect against substance use in the context of moderate/lower perceived parental disapproval of substance use. Longitudinal research is needed to understand the direction of associations with additional measures of social connectedness to help elucidate which aspects are protective and which are risky for adolescent and young adult substance use.</p>","PeriodicalId":48268,"journal":{"name":"Prevention Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148971714","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Impact of Federally Funded Home Visiting Programs on Parental Mental Health: a Systematic Review.","authors":"Sydney M Spencer, Angela W Chen, Monica L Oxford","doi":"10.1007/s11121-026-01966-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-026-01966-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>One in five mothers and one in 10 fathers are impacted by mental illness following birth, with higher prevalence among parents of color. Mental illness has lasting adverse consequences for parents and children. Home visiting services, such as the federally funded Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program, aim to improve the health and well-being of at-risk families through evidence-based home visiting. The aims of this study were to identify MIECHV programs associated with parental mental health, articulate characteristics of effective programs, and describe how program effects vary by race and ethnicity. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials of MIECHV-eligible home visiting programs searching four databases (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science) and the Home Visiting Evidence of Effectiveness manuscript repository from inception to August 2024. Eligibility criteria included studies published in English that assessed parental mental health using validated scales (e.g., Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale). Quality assessment was conducted using the Cochrane Risk-of-Bias 2 tool. Results were synthesized following the PRISMA guidelines. Of the 728 articles retrieved, 27 met the inclusion criteria for our final analysis. The 27 studies represented 15,516 participants and 13 MIECHV programs. Depression was the most frequently assessed mental health outcome, followed by anxiety and psychological distress. Ten of the 27 studies, reflecting outcomes from seven MIECHV programs, reported significant improvements in parental mental health. Findings suggest that some MIECHV home visiting programs are associated with mental health improvements, though effects were not consistently observed across all studies and varied in magnitude and duration. This review provides insights to policymakers about the effectiveness of MIECHV programs for parental mental health outcomes. Future research should examine which program components and delivery strategies most effectively improve parental mental health and reduce disparities to inform equitable MIECHV program adaptation and implementation.</p>","PeriodicalId":48268,"journal":{"name":"Prevention Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148971630","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Elizabeth J D'Amico, Anthony Rodriguez, Joan S Tucker, Wendy Troxel, Eric R Pedersen, Rachana Seelam, Jordan P Davis
{"title":"Role Status Changes During Emerging Adulthood and Their Association with Substance Use, Mental Health, and Well-Being Outcomes over a 4-Year Period.","authors":"Elizabeth J D'Amico, Anthony Rodriguez, Joan S Tucker, Wendy Troxel, Eric R Pedersen, Rachana Seelam, Jordan P Davis","doi":"10.1007/s11121-026-01970-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11121-026-01970-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Emerging adulthood encompasses important life changes; however, few studies examine how combinations of role status changes (e.g., living situation, pursuit of education) affect behavioral health over time. This study examines how changes in combinations of role statuses over 4 years are associated with substance use, mental health, and life satisfaction outcomes. Participants are from a cohort (N = 2174) of young people surveyed annually since 2008 (55% female; 47% Hispanic, 23% Asian, 22% White). This study focuses on wave 11 (mean age = 21) and wave 14 (mean age = 25). Latent transition analyses identified distinct changes in role statuses and evaluated whether particular changes were associated with important differences on outcomes. We also examined whether disparities existed for transition analyses based on race and ethnicity, as well as sexual and/or gender diverse (SGD) status. Regardless of young people's starting point (e.g., Employed and in Relationship, Away at College, Graduated and Working), those who transitioned into the Launched class typically had lower depression and anxiety scores, lower likelihood of alcohol and cannabis use disorders, and higher life satisfaction. In contrast, those who transitioned into the Extended Transition (e.g., longer transition to different roles) class reported the poorest outcomes. Hispanic young people and those who indicated SGD identity were more likely to be in the Extended Transition class. Diverse pathways can promote \"success\" that may not meet societal expectations of \"normative\" trajectories. It is critical to examine combinations of role status changes during emerging adulthood to provide a better understanding of the interplay of these changes and how they affect outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":48268,"journal":{"name":"Prevention Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13588470/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148921430","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Casie H Morgan, D Leann Long, Yixin Wang, Anna Johnston, Julia M W Hall, David C Schwebel
{"title":"Early Adolescents' Knowledge and Behavior with Firearms: How Experience, Parents, and Safety Training Contribute to Behavior.","authors":"Casie H Morgan, D Leann Long, Yixin Wang, Anna Johnston, Julia M W Hall, David C Schwebel","doi":"10.1007/s11121-026-01976-2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-026-01976-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Unintentional pediatric firearm-related injuries constitute a public health challenge. This cross-sectional research study examines how children's experience with firearms, parent-level supervision and training, and youth exposure to firearms is associated with youths' knowledge about and behavior with firearms. One hundred sixty-three children aged 10-12, all with firearm exposure, and their parents participated. Self-report data from youth and parents on youth firearm experience and knowledge; family firearm use and storage; and how children were supervised and trained to use firearms served as independent variables in age- and sex-adjusted generalized linear models. Children's knowledge about firearm safety, intended behavior in response to stories, and simulated behavior in both hunting and shooting range scenarios were outcome variables. Children who reported their families owned firearms for shooting had higher firearm safety knowledge (p = 0.01) and made safer clothing choices in simulation scenarios (OR = 2.30, p = 0.02). Family lessons about firearm safety were associated with safer clothing choices and fewer unsafe shots in simulation (p = 0.01). Children who self-reported experience hunting without adult supervision had increased time unsafe in hunting simulation (MD = 5.09, p = 0.02). Parent-reported data showed similar patterns. Additionally, per parent report, children with more firearm experience displayed greater knowledge about safety (p = 0.01) and increased safe clothing selection in simulations. Children with more firearm experience generally demonstrated more knowledge and safer simulated behavior. Youth who self-reported hunting without adult supervision took more risks in hunting simulations. Multifaceted strategies that include increased adult supervision and youth safety training could reduce unintentional youth firearms injuries.</p>","PeriodicalId":48268,"journal":{"name":"Prevention Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148913935","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alexander Testa, Jennifer Thompson, Dylan B Jackson, Jack Tsai
{"title":"Firearm Thefts from Vehicles in the United States: Results from a National Survey of Firearm Owners.","authors":"Alexander Testa, Jennifer Thompson, Dylan B Jackson, Jack Tsai","doi":"10.1007/s11121-026-01975-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-026-01975-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examines the prevalence, characteristics, and behavioral responses associated with firearm thefts from vehicles in the United States. Data are from a national survey of firearm owners conducted by YouGov in February-March 2026 (n = 1,976). Overall, 2.7% of respondents reported having experienced a firearm theft from a vehicle. Multivariable Firth logistic regression analyses indicated that older age was associated with lower odds of experiencing a theft, while non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic respondents had significantly higher odds compared to non-Hispanic White respondents. Among those reporting a theft (n = 53), most incidents involved a single event and primarily included handguns. Thefts most commonly occurred from pickup trucks, sedans, and sport utility vehicles, often in residential settings such as driveways or nearby streets, and frequently during late-night hours. Methods of entry included forced access, breaking windows, or exploiting unlocked vehicles. Firearms were typically stored in accessible locations such as glove compartments, center consoles, or under seats. Respondents reported limited use of dedicated locking devices. Following a theft, 85% of respondents reported the incident to law enforcement and provided identifying information about the firearm (i.e., make/model; serial number); however, most stolen firearms were not recovered. Following the theft incident, most respondents reported behavioral modifications such as removing firearms from unattended vehicles (72.9%) or improving vehicle security with technology (29%). Replication is needed with larger samples and research on the efficacy of firearm theft prevention from vehicles through education, secure in-vehicle storage, and related policies should be tested.</p>","PeriodicalId":48268,"journal":{"name":"Prevention Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148907774","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"What Is Most Helpful? Integrating Gatekeeper and Peer Support Models of Suicide Prevention: Lived Experience Impacts Helping Perceptions.","authors":"Victoria Banyard, Kimberly J Mitchell","doi":"10.1007/s11121-026-01974-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-026-01974-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Adolescents and young adults have high rates of exposure to the suicide thoughts and behaviors of people in their social networks and also report frequently trying to help. The current study aimed to describe the wide array of helping actions young people take and their perceptions of what was most helpful. Data came from the cross-sectional baseline data of Project Lift-Up, a national longitudinal online survey of adolescents and young adults (ages 13-22 at baseline). Participants who reported exposure to social network members' suicide thoughts and behaviors were asked about up to 33 helping behaviors they may have tried to use. Participants' own lived experiences of self-harm were related to greater types of helping for non-suicidal self injury and lower helping for suicide ideation. Lived experience was related to perceiving helping actions to reduce risk or to help the person regulate emotions as most helpful. While the study is limited by its focus on bystanders' perceptions of helpfulness, the study helps paint a broader picture of the engaged helping young people are providing in their social networks and argues for more nuanced training of potential helpers for this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":48268,"journal":{"name":"Prevention Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148898237","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Arik V Marcell, Olivia Veira, Shreya Bhise, Sara B Johnson, Tim J Nelson, Alain B Labrique, Jeanne Sheffield, Dustin Gibson, Kathryn Van Eck
{"title":"Feasibility, Satisfaction, and Preliminary Efficacy Trial of text4FATHER for Engaging Expectant Fathers in Infant Care from Pregnancy to Early Infancy.","authors":"Arik V Marcell, Olivia Veira, Shreya Bhise, Sara B Johnson, Tim J Nelson, Alain B Labrique, Jeanne Sheffield, Dustin Gibson, Kathryn Van Eck","doi":"10.1007/s11121-026-01968-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11121-026-01968-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Engaging fathers perinatally improves infant outcomes and parent well-being, yet few strategies share evidence with fathers. We explored the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of text4FATHER-a texting intervention designed to improve fathers' infant care beliefs, self-efficacy, behaviors, and partner support from mid-pregnancy to 2 months post-birth. In this exploratory pilot randomized controlled trial, 97 adult expectant fathers with less than a college degree were randomized to receive text4FATHER or not. Self-reported outcomes by fathers and mothers were assessed at baseline (mid-pregnancy) and 2 months post-birth. We analyzed intent-to-treat effects using random coefficient regression models. We found recruiting expectant fathers feasible; of eligible father-mother dyads, 123/163 consented (recruitment feasibility = 68%). All intervention fathers (100%) reported being satisfied with text4FATHER; 100% of mothers of intervention fathers also reported satisfaction with the father getting texts. First-time fathers' antenatal attachment beliefs and coparenting support were higher in text4FATHER condition vs. control from baseline to 7-month follow-up; increases in first-time fathers' confidence in fathering and infant care were also observed-the latter finding was corroborated by partners of first-time fathers. text4FATHER is a promising intervention, particularly for first-time expectant fathers with lower educational levels who have no natural clinical or public health touchpoints. Its efficacy and effectiveness should be confirmed using larger and more diverse samples.</p>","PeriodicalId":48268,"journal":{"name":"Prevention Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13636111/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148876323","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sarah Lindstrom Johnson, Brooke Johnson, Ana Briones, Catharina Johnson, Kevin Mach, Andrei Neag, Alexis Mostoller, Sue A Rodríguez de Jesús, Emine Ozturk, Daniel Sanchez, William Walker
{"title":"Strengthening School Safety Through Governmental Research-Practice Partnerships: the Arizona School Safety Program.","authors":"Sarah Lindstrom Johnson, Brooke Johnson, Ana Briones, Catharina Johnson, Kevin Mach, Andrei Neag, Alexis Mostoller, Sue A Rodríguez de Jesús, Emine Ozturk, Daniel Sanchez, William Walker","doi":"10.1007/s11121-026-01972-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-026-01972-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Government research-practice partnerships (GRPPs) can bridge the gap between empirical research and policy implementation. However, it remains unclear precisely how state-level governmental agencies navigate evidence-based policymaking. The ongoing collaboration between the Arizona Department of Education and the research team at Arizona State University began as a need for an annual evaluation of the School Safety Program, which aims to improve school safety by providing funding and training to school resource officers and school mental health professionals throughout the state. Unique to this relationship is the structure of the power dynamics between the university and the state. Specifically, this partnership inverts the typical arrangement in which the research team traditionally controls funding, deadlines, and data access. This partnership exemplifies how GRPPs can bridge research and policy by integrating collaborative evaluation frameworks and co-created logic models that serve as boundary objects, facilitating shared language, trust, and sustained engagement across organizational boundaries. The manuscript details operational challenges, including navigating divergent institutional timelines, complex data governance, and dissemination demands, while highlighting mutual capacity-building that enhances both research rigor and policy relevance. Perspectives from both government and academic partners underscore the bidirectional benefits of the partnership, while the GRPP faces opportunities and tensions in responding to legislative audits and expanding its role beyond evaluation to support program implementation and policy adaptation. This case study advances theoretical and practical knowledge on sustaining mature, equitable GRPPs that promote evidence-based policymaking, continuous program improvement, and knowledge mobilization in complex governmental contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":48268,"journal":{"name":"Prevention Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148876270","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"\"Is It Free?\": Out-of-Pocket Costs for Annual Checkups Among the Insured.","authors":"Sujeong Park, Erin Duffy, Daniel Max Crowley","doi":"10.1007/s11121-026-01973-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-026-01973-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Preventive services are intended to be provided without cost-sharing under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), yet many patients still incur out-of-pocket (OOP) costs during routine annual checkups where such services are typically delivered. This study examines the prevalence and predictors of OOP payments among insured adults and assesses how both perceived affordability and awareness of ACA preventive care provisions relate to financial experiences and future preventive care intentions. Using original survey data from a statewide sample of 912 insured adults in Pennsylvania who had received an annual checkup within the past 10 years, we found that 23.5% of the sample reported OOP payments for care at their most recent checkup. OOP payments were more common among individuals who perceived healthcare as unaffordable, with an estimated 13 percentage points difference compared to those who viewed care as affordable (p < 0.001). They also paid higher average amounts when they did incur costs. Similarly, ACA policy awareness was also associated with OOP cost exposure. Respondents unaware of ACA protections were 12 percentage points more likely to pay OOP (p < 0.001). Insurance type was strongly associated with the likelihood of payment; compared to respondents with private insurance only, those with Medicaid only, Medicare only, or dual eligibility were significantly less likely to incur out-of-pocket costs. About 13.4% of respondents did not plan to receive or were unsure about receiving a checkup in the coming year. This group had slightly higher prior OOP costs than those planning to continue preventive visits, although the difference was not statistically significant. In a multivariable model, OOP payment experience was not significantly associated with future checkup intention. These findings highlight that even among insured adults, gaps in policy awareness and perceived affordability are associated with OOP costs that may be unexpected to patients. Improved communication about coverage protections and billing practices may help reduce financial barriers and strengthen trust in the healthcare system.</p>","PeriodicalId":48268,"journal":{"name":"Prevention Science","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148851632","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}