SafeCare®: Historical Perspective and Dynamic Development of an Evidence-Based Scaled-Up Model for the Prevention of Child Maltreatment

AbstractSafeCare is an evidence-based parent-training program that reduces child maltreatment, particularly neglect. The risk of child maltreatment, a public health issue affecting millions of U.S. children each year, can be markedly reduced by interventions such as SafeCare that deliver in-home services. Drawing from applied behavioral analysis roots, SafeCare focuses on providing parents with concrete skills in three areas: health, home safety, and parent-child/-infant interaction. This paper will include an overview of the SafeCare model, an historical perspective of its history and dynamic development, description of the theoretical underpinnings of the model, a description of the program targets and content by describing its modules and delivery, an overview of program outcomes, and data discussion of dissemination and implementation

The perceived impact of climate change on mental health and suicidality in Kenyan high school students

Background Climate change has psychological impacts but most of the attention has been focused on the physical impact. This study was aimed at determining the association of climate change with adolescent mental health and suicidality as reported by Kenyan high school students. Methods This was a cross sectional study with a sample size of 2,652. The participants were high school students selected from 10 schools in 3 regions of Kenya. A questionnaire was used to assess climate change experiences, mental health problems, and suicidality of the youth. Data were analyzed descriptively and with logistic regression to determine various associations of the different variables and the predictors of the various scores of SDQ and suicidality at 95% CI. Results Significant differences were observed between gender and two of the threats of climate change – worry and being afraid as subjectively experienced by the participants. Females were more worried and afraid of climate change than males. On univariate and multivariate logistic regression, we found that various experiences of climate change were significantly associated with various scores of SDQ and much fewer of the experiences predicted SDQ scores. The same pattern was reflected in suicidality. Conclusion Climate change appears to be associated with mental health concerns and suicidality according to Kenyan high school students’ reports with gender differences in some associations

Evaluating how Providers’ Competency to Deliver SafeCare® Relates to Provider Training and Family Outcomes

Evidence-based programs (EBPs) are the gold standard of prevention and intervention programs to address child maltreatment. SafeCare® is a parent-training EBP that significantly reduces risk factors and occurrences of child neglect and abuse. To ensure that EBPs are being implemented correctly and effectively, it is important to evaluate provider fidelity (adherence to program protocol) and competency (skill level to deliver protocol). Provider fidelity has been more frequently measured than provider competency. However, research has shown competency to be complementary to fidelity, and competency seems to be an important predictor of patient outcomes. The current study used SafeCare to analyze how provider competency relates to provider training and family outcomes. Results showed that provider competency was positively correlated with provider training quizzes but not to provider training role plays or family outcomes. These findings suggest that provider knowledge acquisition during training may be an important factor in providers achieving strong competency in the delivery of an EBP

Efficacy of a Home-Based Parent Training-Focused Weight Management Intervention for Preschool Children: The DRIVE Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial

OBJECTIVES: To pilot-test a home-based parent training intervention aimed at maintaining body weight among children at risk for obesity (\u3e the 75th body mass index percentile). METHODS: Sixteen parent-child dyads were randomized to a health education or Developing Relationships that Include Values of Eating and Exercise (DRIVE) intervention arm. The DRIVE curriculum was a structured parenting program to promote healthy weight in children by relying on behavioral principles to promote skill acquisition in the family\u27s natural setting. Body weight and waist circumference were measured at baseline and weeks 9 and 19. RESULTS: Body mass index z-score, body weight, and percent body weight increased in children in the health education arm vs DRIVE at weeks 9 and 19. Body weight, percent body weight, and waist circumference decreased in parents in DRIVE vs the health education arm at week 19, whereas no differences were shown at week 9. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: The DRIVE program mitigated weight gain in a small sample of at-risk children and showed promising results in reducing weight in parents. Home-based interventions emphasizing parent-child interactions are indicated as a practical model to deliver weight management in children

The perceived impact of climate change on mental health and suicidality in Kenyan high school students

Abstract Background Climate change has psychological impacts but most of the attention has been focused on the physical impact. This study was aimed at determining the association of climate change with adolescent mental health and suicidality as reported by Kenyan high school students. Methods This was a cross sectional study with a sample size of 2,652. The participants were high school students selected from 10 schools in 3 regions of Kenya. A questionnaire was used to assess climate change experiences, mental health problems, and suicidality of the youth. Data were analyzed descriptively and with logistic regression to determine various associations of the different variables and the predictors of the various scores of SDQ and suicidality at 95% CI. Results Significant differences were observed between gender and two of the threats of climate change – worry and being afraid as subjectively experienced by the participants. Females were more worried and afraid of climate change than males. On univariate and multivariate logistic regression, we found that various experiences of climate change were significantly associated with various scores of SDQ and much fewer of the experiences predicted SDQ scores. The same pattern was reflected in suicidality. Conclusion Climate change appears to be associated with mental health concerns and suicidality according to Kenyan high school students’ reports with gender differences in some associations