Sports betting among Rhode Island young adults: A cross-sectional study

Sports betting in Rhode Island was legalized in 2018 after the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association. This study assessed the prevalence of sports betting among Rhode Island young adults, identified sociodemographic predictors of sports betting, and tested whether sports betting was predictive of gambling problems. 12.4% of participants (n = 540, 18-25 years old) participated in sports betting, with the odds 3x higher in men, and 2x higher in essential workers. Problem gambling was 2.4x higher among sports bettors. Greater prevention efforts are needed to limit sports betting and prevent problem gambling

The Mental Health Consequences of Losing a Loved One to COVID-19

The loss of a relative or loved one to COVID-19 has been shown to have mental health consequences for grieving adults, yet limited research has explored this matter among young adults and more specifically those living in Rhode Island. This study assesses the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation among Rhode Island young adults who have lost a relative of loved one to COVID-19, and the factors that increase the risk of poor mental health. The Rhode Island Young Adult Survey (RIYAS),a web-based survey that was administered to young adults, 18-25 years old, to collect data regarding young adult behavioral health, risk behaviors, and mental and physical health outcomes, was used to address this research question. Nearly 1 in 5 young adults in RI reported having lost someone close to them to COVID-19. Our analysis also indicates that experiencing a loss of a loved one due to COVID-19 increases the risk of having mental health symptoms such as anxiety or suicidal ideation

Pornography: A Concealed Behavior with Serious Consequences

Objectives: The purpose of the current study was to a) estimate prevalence of pornography use and addiction in Rhode Island young adults; b) identify sociodemographic disparities; and c) determine if use and addiction was associated with mental illness. Methods: Data from n=1022 participants of the Rhode Island Young Adult Survey were used. Pornography use and addiction were assessed. Sociodemographic variables included age, social status, sex, gender, sexual orientation and race/ethnicity. Depression, anxiety, and suicide ideation were also measured. Results: 54% indicated pornography use; 6.2% met the criteria for addiction. Odds of pornography use were 5 times higher (95%CI=3.18,7.71), and addiction 13.4 times higher (95%CI=5.71,31.4) among heterosexual cis-males. Pornography addiction was associated with increased odds of depression (OR=1.92, 95%CI=1.04,3.49) and suicide ideation (OR=2.34, 95%CI=1.24,4.43). Conclusions: Pornography use is highly prevalent, and addiction may be associated with mental illness. New screenings, media literacy training, and developing new therapeutic interventions should be considered

Doctoral Recital

List of performers and performances

The Association Between Smartphone Addiction and Mental Illness: Moderated by Social Support

Background: Smartphone addiction is a rising problem in the United States. The current study estimated the prevalence of smartphone addiction in Rhode Island young adults and its associations with mental illness. Methods: The 2022 Rhode Island Young Adult Survey measured smartphone addiction, depression, anxiety, and suicide ideation. Covariates included age, sex/gender minority status, race/ethnicity, and social status. Results: The prevalence of smartphone addiction was 34%. Odds of experiencing depression (OR[95%CI]=2.69 [2.05,3.52]), anxiety (OR[95%CI]=2.06 [1.58,2.69]), and suicide ideation (OR[95%CI]=1.55 [1.08,2.20]) were greater in participants with smartphone addiction. The relationship between smartphone addiction and depression was strongest in heterosexual cis-males (OR[95%CI] = 8.45 [3.53, 20.3]). Discussion: Smartphone addiction is prevalent among Rhode Island’s young adults and may be associated with depression, anxiety, and suicide ideation. Heterosexual cis-males may be particularly vulnerable. Clinic-based screening programs for all young adults, and particularly young men, should be considered

The Mental Health Burden of Racial Discrimination in Young Adults

This study examined the association between racial discrimination and depressive symptoms among Rhode Island young adults. The 2022 Rhode Island Young Adult Survey recruited 1,022 young adults aged 18-25 years who lived in Rhode Island for at least part of the year. Multivariable logistic regression for depressive symptoms controlled for sexual and gender identity, race/ethnicity, social status, age, employment, and student status. Odds of depressive symptoms increased for experiences of childhood racial discrimination (+70%; 95%CI: 14%, 155%) and any racial discrimination (+56%; 95%CI: 6%, 130%), but not for racial discrimination in adulthood (+38%; 95%CI: -8%, 108%). Experiences of racial discrimination increase odds of depressive symptoms among young adults. Children are particularly vulnerable to the negative consequences of adversity like racial discrimination. Prevention measures such as universal screening for childhood adversity, incorporating antiracism education into all institutional settings, and continued nondiscrimination policy and enforcement should be employed

Traumatic Brain Injuries and Substance Use in Rhode Island Young Adults

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health concern in the U.S. and Rhode Island. The relationship between TBI and substance use is likely bidirectional. There is limited information on the relationship between TBI and substance use in young adults. This study aims to: 1) examine any sociodemographic disparities in TBI, and 2) understand the relationship between TBI and various types of substance use among young adults in Rhode Island. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted with data from the web-based Rhode Island Young Adult Survey (RIYAS) from May through August 2022. The survey resulted in N = 1,022 young adults aged 18-25 years who lived in Rhode Island for at least part of the year, all of whom are included in this study. Results: Among this sample of Rhode Island young adults, those having experienced a brain injury were more likely to engage in hazardous alcohol use (p = 0.003), hazardous marijuana use (p \u3c 0.001), and illicit drug use (p = 0.003).but not OTC nor prescription drug misuse. Black young adults, Asian young adults, and Hispanic young adults had 77% (95%CI: 26%, 93%), 79% (95%CI: 32%, 94%), and 58% (95%CI: 31%, 75%) lower odds of brain injury, respectively, compared to White, non-Hispanic young adults. Conclusion: While small-scale, single-program initiatives exist, there is a need for larger-scale, multidisciplinary programs to address TBI and SUD in various medical settings for behavioral health and emergency care

Suicide Ideation Among College Students in Rhode Island

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among U.S. college students and the second leading cause of death for Rhode Islanders ages 15 to 34 years. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted with data collected from the Rhode Island Young Adult Survey (RIYAS) from May through August 2022. The survey resulted in N = 1,022 young adults aged 18-25 years who lived in Rhode Island for at least part of the year. This study was approved by the Johnson & Wales University Institutional Review Board. Among this sample of college students aged 18 to 25 years in Rhode Island, 13.7% (N = 94) reported suicide ideation, 7.6% (N = 52) reported making a suicide plan, and 3.2% (N = 22) reported at least one suicide attempt. Sexual and gender minorities had 300% (95%CI: 47%, 987%) increased odds of suicide ideation relative to cisgender heterosexual males, students living on campus had 56% (95%CI: 79%, 10%) lower odds of suicide ideation compared to those living off-campus with a parent, and students with insomnia had 156% (57%, 320%) increased odds of suicide ideation relative to those without insomnia

Cost of College

We propose that we should alter the way public post-secondary institutions are funded in Ohio and suggest that the state of Ohio should subsidize some cost for the institution. In return, we hope this would trigger the institutions to cut tuition cost and in return, so students will have less of a financial burden when considering higher education.https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/raider_academy/1008/thumbnail.jp