Ralph DiClemente
Ralph DiClemente
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Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences
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Professional overview
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Dr. Ralph DiClemente was trained as a Health Psychologist at the University of California, San Francisco where he received his PhD in 1984 after completing a ScM at the Harvard School of Public Health. He earned his undergraduate degree at the City University of New York.
Dr. DiClemente’s research has four key foci:
- Developing interventions to reduce the risk of HIV/STD among vulnerable populations
- Developing interventions to enhance vaccine uptake among high-risk adolescents and women, such as HPV and influenza vaccine
- Developing implementation science interventions to enhance the uptake, adoption and sustainability of HIV/STD prevention programs in the community
- Developing diabetes screening and behavior change interventions to identify people with diabetes who are unaware of their disease status as well as reduce the risk of diabetes among vulnerable populations.
He has focused on developing intervention packages that blend community and technology-based approaches that are designed to optimize program effectiveness and enhance programmatic sustainability.
Dr. DiClemente is the author of ten CDC-defined, evidence-based interventions for adolescents and young African-American women and men. He is the author of more than 540 peer-review publications, 150 book chapters, and 21 books. He serves as a member of the Office of AIDS Research Advisory Council.
Previously, Dr. DiClemente served as the Charles Howard Candler Professor of Public Health at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. He was also Associate Director of the Center for AIDS Research, and was previously Chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education at the Rollins School of Public Health.
Dr. DiClemente is Past President of the Georgia chapter of the Society for Adolescent Health & Medicine. He previously served as a member of the CDC Board of Scientific Counselors, and the NIMH Advisory Council.
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Education
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BA, The City College of the City University of New York (CCNY), New York, NYScM, Behavioral Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MAPhD, Health Psychology, University of California San Francisco Center for Behavioral Sciences, San Francisco, CAPostdoctoral Fellow, University of California, San Francisco, CA
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Areas of research and study
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Community InterventionsDiabetesHIV/AIDSImplementation scienceInfluenzaPsychology
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Publications
Publications
The hidden burden of extragenital chlamydial and gonorrheal infections in a population of U.S. Army service members and their medical beneficiaries
AbstractDiClemente, R., Bartolanzo, D., Romo, M., Reynolds, A., Wingood, G., Ake, J., Calvano, T., Sevilla, M., & Colby, D. (n.d.). (Military Medicine).Publication year
2025Volume
190Page(s)
242-251Abstract~Trajectories of physical violence against Latinas and Black women: The protective role of parents, neighborhoods, and schools
AbstractDiClemente, R., & Capasso, A. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Violence Against WomenAbstract~Understanding sleep behaviors and barriers to OSA evaluation and treatment among highway
maintenance vehicle operators.AbstractDiClemente, R., Robbins, R., Troxel, A., Quan, S., Fray-Witzer, M., Jean-Louis, G., Rapoport, D., & Czeisler, C. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.Abstract~A multi-stage dyadic qualitative analysis to disentangle how family members influence the dietary behaviors of Asian American young adults
AbstractDiClemente, R., Ali, S., Cai, J., Kamal, F., Auer, S., Yang, K., Parikh, R., Parekh, N., & Islam, N. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Volume
Behavioral MedicineAbstract~Assessing the importance of theory-based correlates of future HIV vaccine intentions among Black men who have sex with men
AbstractDiClemente, R., Zimmerman, R., Wonderly, K., Abdul-Kadr, H., Turner, M., Xu, M., & Rosenberger, J. (n.d.). (5th eds.).Publication year
2024Volume
AIDS Educ Prevention, Vol 36Page(s)
354-368Abstract~ASSESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF THEORY-BASED CORRELATES OF FUTURE HIV VACCINE INTENTIONS AMONG BLACK MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN
AbstractZimmerman, R. S., Wonderly, K., Abdul-Kadr, H., DiClemente, R., Turner, M. M., Xu, M. A., & Rosenberger, J. G. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
AIDS Education and PreventionVolume
36Issue
5Page(s)
354-368AbstractIn the United States, Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) represent the most vulnerable population for HIV infection. A potential vaccine could ultimately be the most effective HIV prevention strategy. Understanding the factors that may adversely affect HIV vaccine acceptance among BMSM is critical. We conducted two online surveys with BMSM; one recruited 432 respondents, and another recruited 204. Respondents completed a demographic assessment and questions derived from health behavior change theories and the relevant empirical literature. The two surveys yielded similar results. The findings indicate that vaccine uptake self-efficacy, perceived likelihood of important others receiving the vaccine, and susceptibility to HIV were related to intentions to receive a future HIV vaccine. Other potentially important variables include perceived HIV stigma, response efficacy, how much one conceals one’s sexual orientation, and perceived HIV discrimina-tion. Future research and health communication campaigns should consider these factors in potential HIV vaccine programs.Determinants of an HIV Preventive Vaccine among a Highly Vulnerable Population : African American Men Who Have Sex with Men
AbstractXu, M. A., Choi, J., Rosenberger, J. G., Zimmerman, R. S., & DiClemente, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
VaccinesVolume
12Issue
3AbstractAfrican American men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately impacted by HIV and may benefit from the development of an HIV vaccine. African American MSM are adversely affected by discrimination as a function of both their race and sexual behaviors. This may further increase the challenges associated with persuading them to adopt an HIV vaccine. Developing a knowledge base characterizing African American MSM HIV vaccine perceptions, attitudes, and concerns may help strengthen how healthcare providers and other health stakeholders describe and discuss the advent of an HIV vaccine. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and intentions related to HIV vaccination among African American MSM. This study comprised 432 African American MSM, 18–64 years, residing in the United States. Vaccine intention was defined as how likely it is that an individual would adopt an HIV vaccine if a vaccine was available and it was 90% effective against HIV, easy to obtain, free, and had few side effects. Relative to African American MSM who intend to delay receiving an HIV vaccination, controlling for age, education, and income, early vaccine adopters who had received ≥ 2 COVID-19 vaccinations and who had high WHO HIV Vaccine Positive Attitude Scale scores were, respectively, 3.2 times and 2.4 times more likely to report the intention to vaccinate within one year. Early vaccine adopters were also 2.4 times more likely to feel that HIV prevention support discriminates against African American MSM. Those reporting three or more sexual partners and medical mistrust were, respectively, 60% and 59% more likely to report the intention to delay HIV vaccination. The lack of a knowledge base on HIV vaccine perceptions and acceptability is a missed opportunity to provide guidance on how stakeholders, such as health providers and policymakers, should address HIV vaccine hesitancy once this crucial vaccine is licensed. The key factors affecting vaccine adoption are valuable in developing and implementing campaigns to enhance the HIV vaccine coverage in this vulnerable population.Determinants of an HIV preventive vaccine among a highly vulnerable population: African American men who have sex with men
AbstractDiClemente, R., Xu, M., Choi, J., Rosenberger, J., & Zimmerman, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Volume
Vaccines, 12Page(s)
1-14Abstract~Ensuring fidelity : key elements to consider in disseminating a diabetes telemanagement program for underserved Hispanic/Latinos living with type 2 diabetes
AbstractMartinez, S., Nouryan, C. N., Williams, M. S., Patel, V. H., Barbero, P., Correa Gomez, V., Marino, J., Goris, N., Cigaran, E., Granville, D., Murray, L. F., Harris, Y. T., Myers, A., Guzman, J., Makaryus, A. N., McFarlane, S. I., Zeltser, R., Pena, M., Sison, C., … Pekmezaris, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and HealthcareVolume
5AbstractBackground: The Hispanic/Latino population has greater risk (estimated >50%) of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D) and developing it at a younger age. The American Diabetes Association estimates costs of diagnosed diabetes in 2017 was $327 billion; with medical costs 2.3x higher than patients without diabetes. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe the methodology utilized in a randomized controlled trial aimed at evaluating the efficacy of a diabetes telemanagement (DTM) program for Hispanic/Latino patients with T2D. The intent is to provide information for future investigators to ensure that this study can be accurately replicated. Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial with 240 participants. Eligible patients (Hispanic/Latino, aged 18+, living with T2D) were randomized to Comprehensive Outpatient Management (COM) or DTM. DTM was comprised of usual care, including routine clinic visits every three months, as well as: Biometrics (a tablet, blood glucose meter, blood pressure monitor, and scale); Weekly Video Visits (facilitated in the patient’s preferred language); and Educational Videos (including culturally congruent diabetes self-management education and quizzes). COM consisted of usual care including routine clinic visits every three months. For this study, COM patients received a glucometer, glucose test strips, and lancets. Establishing a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship was a fundamental component of our study for both groups. First contact (post-enrollment) centered on ensuring that patients and caregivers understood the program, building trust and rapport, creating a non-judgmental environment, determining language preference, and establishing scheduling availability (including evenings and weekends). DTM were provided with a tablet which allowed for self-paced education through videos and weekly video visits. The research team and Community Advisory Board identified appropriate educational video content, which was incorporated in diabetes educational topics. Video visits allowed us to assess patient involvement, motivation, and nonverbal communication. Communicating in Spanish, and awareness of diverse Hispanic/Latino backgrounds was critical, as using relevant and commonly-used terms can increase adherence and improve outcomes. Shared decision-making was encouraged to make realistic health care choices. Conclusion: Key elements discussed above provide a framework for future dissemination of an evidence-based DTM intervention to meet the needs of underserved Hispanic/Latino people living with T2D.Exploring sleep difficulties, alcohol, illicit drugs, and suicidal ideation among adolescents with a history of depression
AbstractDiClemente, R., Robbins, R., Weaver, M., Quan, F., Logan, R., & Czeisler, C. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Volume
Psychiatry Research, Vol 340Abstract~Exploring sleep difficulties, alcohol, illicit drugs, and suicidal ideation among adolescents with a history of depression
AbstractRobbins, R., Weaver, M. D., Quan, S. F., Logan, R. W., Czeisler, C. A., & DiClemente, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
Psychiatry ResearchVolume
340AbstractSleep difficulties and misuse of drugs/alcohol have been associated with suicidal ideation in young people. Using cross-sectional representative surveys of adolescents in the United States, we conducted adjusted logistic regression modeling to assess the relationships between sleep difficulties, substance use, and suicidal ideation among adolescents with a history of depression (n = 38,418) between 2015 and 2020. Sleep difficulties were associated with thinking about (aOR=1.6,95%CI:1.3–1.9), planning (aOR=1.8,95%CI:1.2–2.6), or attempting (aOR=1.7,95%CI:1.2–2.5) suicide. In those reporting alcohol abuse/dependence, sleep difficulties were associated with attempting suicide (aOR=3.1,95%CI:1.2–8.5). In those reporting illicit drug abuse/dependence, sleep difficulties were associated with thinking about (aOR=2.1,95%CI:1.1–4.1) and attempting (aOR=2.2,95%CI:1.2–4.1) suicide.How do Asian American young adults influence the health of family members? Structural equation modeling of age, acculturation, interactivity, and closeness
AbstractAli, S. H., Nayak, A., Qi, X., Misra, S., & DiClemente, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
Discover Social Science and HealthVolume
4Issue
1AbstractFamily members of Asian Americans (AAs) hold enormous potential as health changemakers to help combat the growing non-communicable disease burden in the community. To inform the development of impactful family-based interventions, there is a need to disentangle the mechanisms behind family influences on health. This study aims to deconstruct how interactivity and closeness mediate the association of age and acculturation with how much AA young adults perceive themselves to influence the health behaviors of family members. 502 AA young adults (48.0% East Asian, 20.9% South Asian, 23.1% Southeast Asian) were recruited in March 2021 to participate in an online survey on family interaction patterns, providing data on 944 unique dyadic family relationships. Associations between age, acculturation, interactivity (shared family activities, living proximity, and interaction frequency), closeness (family connectedness and interaction quality), and family health influence (reflecting influence on diet, exercise, sleep, stress, substance use, and relationship building) were evaluated through structural equation modeling. The final model displayed strong fit (CFI:0.956, RMSEA:0.081, SRMR:0.041), and revealed that an increase in closeness compared to interactivity corresponded with a greater increase in family health influence, with both completely mediating the association between age and family health influence. Acculturation was not associated with closeness, and its effect on family health influence was only partially mediated through interactivity. In subgroup analyses, neither interactivity nor closeness mediated the relationship between age and family health influence among South Asians (unlike East and Southeast Asians). Findings suggest the importance of targeting interactivity and closeness separately when developing AA family-based health interventions, and considering how the age and acculturation profile of AA young adults may shape these dynamics.Improving HPV vaccination uptake among adolescents in low resource settings: Sociocultural and socioeconomic barriers and facilitators
AbstractDiClemente, R., Xu, M., Choi, J., & Capasso, A. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Volume
Adolesc Health, Med, Therapeutics, 15Abstract~Mutual capacity building model for adaptation (MCB-MA) : a seven-step procedure bidirectional learning and support during intervention adaptation
AbstractJack, H. E., Giusto, A., Rose, A. L., Mwamuka, R., Brown, I., Bere, T., Verhey, R., Wainberg, M., Myers, B., Kohrt, B., Wingood, G., DiClemente, R., & Magidson, J. F. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
Global Health Research and PolicyVolume
9Issue
1AbstractGlobal health reciprocal innovation emphasizes the movement of technologies or interventions between high- and low-income countries to address a shared public health problem, in contrast to unidirectional models of “development aid” or “reverse innovation”. Evidence-based interventions are frequently adapted from the setting in which they were developed and applied in a new setting, presenting an opportunity for learning and partnership across high- and low-income contexts. However, few clear procedures exist to guide researchers and implementers on how to incorporate equitable and learning-oriented approaches into intervention adaptation across settings. We integrated theories from pedagogy, implementation science, and public health with examples from experience adapting behavioral health interventions across diverse settings to develop a procedure for a bidirectional, equitable process of intervention adaptation across high- and low-income contexts. The Mutual capacity building model for adaptation (MCB-MA) is made up of seven steps: 1) Exploring: A dialogue about the scope of the proposed adaptation and situational appraisal in the new setting; 2) Developing a shared vision: Agreeing on common goals for the adaptation; 3) Formalizing: Developing agreements around resource and data sharing; 4) Sharing complementary expertise: Group originating the intervention supporting the adapting group to learn about the intervention and develop adaptations, while gleaning new strategies for intervention implementation from the adapting group; 5) Reciprocal training: Originating and adapting groups collaborate to train the individuals who will be implementing the adapted intervention; 6) Mutual feedback: Originating and adapting groups share data and feedback on the outcomes of the adapted intervention and lessons learned; and 7) Consideration of next steps: Discuss future collaborations. This evidence-informed procedure may provide researchers with specific actions to approach the often ambiguous and challenging task of equitable partnership building. These steps can be used alongside existing intervention adaptation models, which guide the adaptation of the intervention itself.Pivoting from in-person to telephone survey assessment of alcohol and substance use: effects on representativeness in a United States prospective cohort of women living with and without HIV
AbstractDiClemente, R., Tierney, H., Ma, Y., Bacchetti, P., Adimora, A., Chandran, A., Kempf, M., Collins, L., DeHovitz, J., French, A., Jones, D., Sharma, A., Spence, A., & Hahn, J. (n.d.). (1st ed.).Publication year
2024Volume
American Journal Drug Alcohol Abuse 50Abstract~Using the Knocking Out Infections through Safer Sex and Screening (KISS) adapted behavioral intervention to reduce sexually transmitted infections in U.S. Army medical beneficiaries: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
AbstractDiClemente, R., Cebula, B., Walling, A., Reynolds, A., Yates, A., Follen, H., Clark, S., Sevilla, M., Faestel, P., Wingood, G., Crowell, T., Ake, J., Calvano, T., Kunz, A., & Colby, D. (n.d.). (14th eds.).Publication year
2024Volume
J Clin TrialsPage(s)
568Abstract~Childhood violence, high school academic environment, and adult alcohol use among Latinas and Black women: A structural equation modeling
AbstractDiClemente, R., Capasso, A., Tozan, Y., & Pahl, K. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Volume
Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 39Page(s)
4924-4953Abstract~‘We know what he likes, even if he doesn’t know’ : how the children of South Asian immigrants characterize and influence the diets of their parents
AbstractAuer, S., Penikalapati, R., Parekh, N., Merdjanoff, A. A., DiClemente, R., & Ali, S. H. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Journal title
Health Education ResearchVolume
39Issue
2Page(s)
131-142AbstractForeign-born (first-generation) South Asians face a growing diet-related chronic disease burden. Little is known about whether the adult US-born (second-generation) children of South Asian immigrants can provide unique insights as changemakers in their parents’ dietary behaviors. This study aims to assess how second-generation South Asians describe and influence the dietary behaviors of their parents. Between October and November 2020, 32 second-generation South Asians [mean age 22.4 (SD 2.9), 53% female] participated in online interviews centered around factors involved in their (and their parents) eating behaviors. Thematic analysis revealed three types of parental dietary drivers (socioecological factors that impact the dietary choices of parents): goal-oriented (i.e., parents’ dietary intentionality), capacity-related (e.g., environmental barriers) and sociocultural (cultural familiarity, religion and traditions). Participants described three major mechanisms of influence: recommending new foods, cooking for parents, and bringing new foods home. These influences primarily occurred in the household and often involved participants leveraging their own nutritional knowledge and preferences to expand dietary diversity and healthier behaviors among their parents. Evidence suggests that second-generation South Asians may act as powerful agents of dietary change within their households and can provide novel insights to help address and overcome sociocultural, linguistic, and other structural barriers to better understanding and intervening in the health of the South Asian community.‘We know what he likes, even if he doesn’t know’: how the children of South Asian immigrants characterize and influence the diets of their parents
AbstractDiClemente, R., Auer, S., Rushitha, R., Parekh, N., Merdjanoff, A., & Ali, S. (n.d.).Publication year
2024Volume
Health Educ Research, 39Page(s)
131-142Abstract~A Multi-Stage Dyadic Qualitative Analysis to Disentangle How Dietary Behaviors of Asian American Young Adults are Influenced by Family
AbstractAli, S. H., Cai, J., Kamal, F., Auer, S., Yang, K., Parikh, R. S., Parekh, N., Islam, N. S., Merdjanoff, A. A., & DiClemente, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
Behavioral MedicineAbstractThe dietary behaviors of Asian American (AA) young adults, who face a growing non-communicable disease burden, are impacted by complex socio-ecological forces. Family plays a crucial role in the lifestyle behaviors of AA young adults; however, little is known on the methods, contributors, and impact of familial dietary influence. This study aims to deconstruct the mechanisms of AA young adult familial dietary influence through a multi-perspective qualitative assessment. A five-phase method of dyadic analysis adapted from past research was employed to extract nuanced insights from dyadic interviews with AA young adults and family members, and ground findings in behavioral theory (the Social Cognitive Theory, SCT). 37 interviews were conducted: 18 young adults, comprising 10 different AA ethnic subgroups, and 19 family members (10 parents, 9 siblings). Participants described dietary influences that were both active (facilitating, shaping, and restricting) and passive (e.g., sharing foods or environment, mirroring food behaviors). Influences connected strongly with multiple SCT constructs (e.g., behavioral capacity, reinforcements for active influences, and expectations, observational learning for passive influences). Familial influence contributed to changes in the total amount, variety, and healthfulness of foods consumed. Intra-family dynamics were crucial; family members often leveraged each other’s persuasiveness or food skills to collaboratively influence diet. AA family-based interventions should consider incorporating both passive and active forms of dietary influence within a family unit, involve multiple family members, and allow for individualization to the unique dynamics and dietary behaviors within each family unit.Concordance of Ethyl Glucuronide, Blood Alcohol Content, and Self-Reported Alcohol Use in Russian Women with HIV and Hepatitis C Virus Co-Infection
AbstractBrown, J. L., Capasso, A., Revzina, N., Boeva, E., Rassokhin, V., Sales, J. M., Gutova, L. V., Khalezova, N. B., Hitch, A. E., Twitty, T. D., & DiClemente, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
AIDS and BehaviorVolume
27Issue
12Page(s)
4062-4069AbstractProblematic alcohol use is prevalent in Russia and is deleterious for individuals with HIV and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and blood alcohol content (BAC) provide objective biomarkers of drinking that can be compared to self-reported alcohol use. This paper describes patterns of alcohol use measured by biomarkers and self-report along with concordance across measures. Participants were Russian women with HIV and HCV co-infection (N = 200; Mean age = 34.9) from two Saint Petersburg comprehensive HIV care centers enrolled in an alcohol reduction intervention clinical trial. Measures were: (a) urine specimen analyzed for EtG; (b) breathalyzer reading of BAC; and (c) self-reported frequency of drinking, typical number of drinks consumed, and number of standard drinks consumed in the past month. At baseline, 64.0% (n = 128) had a positive EtG (> 500 ng/mL) and 76.5% (n = 153) had a positive breathalyzer reading (non-zero reading). There was agreement between EtG and BAC (kappa = 0.66, pCOVID-19 stressors for Hispanic/Latino patients living with type 2 diabetes : a qualitative study
AbstractWilliams, M. S., Cigaran, E., Martinez, S., Marino, J., Barbero, P., Myers, A. K., DiClemente, R., Goris, N., Gomez, V. C., Granville, D., Guzman, J., Harris, Y. T., Kline, M., Lesser, M. L., Makaryus, A. N., Murray, L. M., McFarlane, S. I., Patel, V. H., Polo, J., … Pekmezaris, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and HealthcareVolume
4AbstractBackground and aim: During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, nationwide lockdowns caused disruption in the diets, physical activities, and lifestyles of patients with type 2 diabetes. Previous reports on the possible association between race/ethnicity, COVID-19, and mortality have shown that Hispanic/Latino patients with type 2 diabetes who are socioeconomically disadvantaged are disproportionately affected by this novel virus. The aim of this study was to explore stressors associated with changes in diabetes self-management behaviors. Our goal was to highlight the health disparities in these vulnerable racial/ethnic minority communities and underscore the need for effective interventions. Methods and participants: Participants were enrolled in part of a larger randomized controlled trial to compare diabetes telehealth management (DTM) with comprehensive outpatient management (COM) in terms of critical patient-centered outcomes among Hispanic/Latino patients with type 2 diabetes. We conducted a thematic analysis using patient notes collected from two research nurses between March 2020 and March 2021. Two authors read through the transcripts independently to identify overarching themes. Once the themes had been identified, both authors convened to compare themes and ensure that similar themes were identified within the transcripts. Any discrepancies were discussed by the larger study team until a consensus was reached. Results: Six themes emerged, each of which can be categorized as either a source or an outcome of stress. Sources of stress associated with the COVID-19 pandemic were (1) fear of contracting COVID-19, (2) disruptions from lockdowns, and (3) financial stressors (e.g., loss of income). Outcomes of COVID-19 stressors were (1) reduced diabetes management (e.g., reduced diabetes monitoring and physical activity), (2) suboptimal mental health outcomes (e.g., anxiety and depression), and (3) outcomes of financial stressors. Conclusion: The findings indicated that underserved Hispanic/Latino patients with type 2 diabetes encountered a number of stressors that led to the deterioration of diabetes self-management behaviors during the pandemic.Digital Communications Technology Use and Feelings of Anxiety, Depression, and Loneliness Among Older Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic
AbstractRobbins, R., DiClemente, R., Baig, N., Johnson, A., Chou, A., & Van den Bulck, J. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
Journal of Applied GerontologyAbstractSome have touted technology as a panacea for overcoming the isolation associated with COVID-19 mitigation policies; yet, these tools are not widely adopted by older adults. With data from the COVID-19 supplement to the National Health and Aging Trends Survey, we conduct adjusted Poisson regression modeling to examine digital communications use during COVID-19 and feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic among older adults (65+ years of age). Adjusted Poisson regression revealed that those who reported frequent use of video calls with friends and family (aPR = 1.22, 95% CI:1.06–1.41) and with healthcare providers (aPR = 1.22, 95% CI:1.03–1.45) were more likely to report feelings of anxiety than those not using these platforms; yet, reports of in-person visits with friends and family (aPR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.66–0.93) and with healthcare providers (aPR = 0.88, 95% CI: 0.77–1.01) were associated with fewer feelings of depression and loneliness, respectively. Future research is needed to tailor digital technology to support older adults.Do parental protective factors matter? Predicting HIV/STI risk among a sample of justice-involved African-American girls
AbstractCrooks, N., Sun, S., Wise, A., DiClemente, R., & Sales, J. M. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
Children and Youth Services ReviewVolume
149AbstractAfrican American adolescent girls are overrepresented in the juvenile justice system and are disproportionately affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infections (STI). Parental protection may play a critical role in the sexual behaviors of African American adolescent girls and help to inform family-based interventions. The current study investigated the impact of parental protective factors (monitoring, sex communication, and authoritarian parenting) on sexual risk-related outcomes in a sample (n = 172) of justice-involved, urban African American adolescent girls aged 13–17 years. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to estimate the association between parental protective factors and percentage of consistent condom use, HIV/STI knowledge, fear of condom negation, and condom self-efficacy 3 months after their release from detention centers. Baseline parental protective factors were significantly associated with sexual risk-related outcomes of African American adolescent girls. Parental monitoring was positively associated with consistency of condom use and increased HIV/STI knowledge. Parental communication about sex reduced fear of condom negotiation and increased condom self-efficacy. Authoritarian parenting predicted increased HIV/STI knowledge and fear of condom negotiation following release. Programs, policies, and interventions addressing the sexual health of African American adolescent girls should engage families to enhance protective factors to reduce their sexual risk.Exploring substance misuse behaviors among black girls in detention : Intersections of trauma, sex, and age
AbstractQuinn, C. R., Boyd, D. T., Menon, S. E., Mitchell, M., Radney, A., Coker, E. J., Lloyd Allen, J., Simmons-Horton, S., Hughley, A., DiClemente, R., & Voisin, D. R. (n.d.).Publication year
2023Journal title
Addictive BehaviorsVolume
143AbstractHigh risk substance misuse, trauma and gang involvement are prevalent in adolescents and often occur with youth involved with the youth punishment system. Evidence suggests that system involvement is related to trauma histories, substance misuse, as well as gang involvement. This study investigated the associations between individual and peer factors and their relationship to problem drug and alcohol use among Black girls involved with the youth punishment system. Data were collected from 188 Black girls in detention at baseline, as well as 3 and 6 month follow up periods. Measures assessed were abuse history, trauma history, sex while using drugs and alcohol, age, government assistance, and drug use. Significant findings from the multiple regression analyses indicated that younger girls were more likely to have a higher prevalence of having a drug problem than older girls at baseline. Having sex while on drugs and alcohol at the 3 month follow up period was correlated with drug use. These findings highlight how individual and peer factors can influence problem substance misuse, their behavior and peer relationships among Black girls in detention.