Short-wavelength LED light sources may be effective in SAD treatment at fewer lux than traditional fluorescent sources.

This study presents findings from a quasiexperimental, nonequivalent, group-design study with repeated measures that explored the effects of integrated trauma-informed services on the severity of substance abuse, mental health, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology among women with histories of trauma in urban, community-based substance abuse treatment. The study also explored if the model of integrated services was equally beneficial for women of various racial/ethnic groups. Participants in the study were 342 women receiving substance abuse treatment in intervention and comparison sites. Results indicated that at 6 and 12 month follow-ups, those in the trauma-informed intervention group, in contrast to the comparison group, had significantly better outcomes in drug abstinence rates in the past 30 days as well as in mental health and PTSD symptomatology. Results also showed that, overall, integrated services were beneficial for women across the different racial/ethnic groups in substance abuse treatment, although some differences appear to exist across racial/ethnic groups in improving addiction severity and mental health and PTSD symptomatology.

This research evaluated the effectiveness of statutes mandating a presumption against custody to a perpetrator of domestic violence (DV) and judicial education about DV. Across six states, the authors examined 393 custody and/or visitation orders where the father perpetrated DV against the mother and surveyed 60 judges who entered those orders. With the presumption, more orders gave legal and physical custody to the mother and imposed a structured schedule and restrictive conditions on fathers' visits, except where there was also a "friendly parent" provision and a presumption for joint custody. The presumption is effective only as part of a consistent statutory scheme. Although 86% of judges had received DV education, they scored no better in knowledge or attitudes. More of their orders gave mothers sole physical custody, and knowledge was associated with maternal custody, yet fewer structured or restricted fathers' visitation. Quality of DV education is more important than statutory mandate.

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The use of data in decision-making by the Massachusetts Prevention Planning Group (MPPG) was assessed using multiple methods: in-depth interviews, member surveys, directed observations, and archival review. Three factors known to influence group decision-making were of interest: (1) member characteristics, (2) group structure, and (3) data inputs. Membership characteristics were not related to reliance on data. However, group structure factors and data inputs were directly related to reliance on data. Most members accepted an advisory role and felt participation was worthwhile. About half were dissatisfied with decision-making processes, citing member conflicts and distrust. Incompleteness of data, inadequate presentation quality, and lengthy intervals between presentations and actual decision-making were identified as deficits. Although most members reported skills with HIV- and intervention-related data, most also reported deficiencies in interpreting evaluation and cost-effectiveness studies. Member trust and use of data in decision-making could be improved by clarifying decision-making structures and processes, assuring high-quality data presentations, and supporting or training members to better interpret and use data.

This study investigated heterosexual HIV risk behaviors, changes in stage of change for safer sex and factors associated with such changes, among a diverse sample of 560 heterosexually active individuals presenting at publicly funded HIV C&T sites. Questionnaires were administrated before HIV C&T, and three months afterwards. Positive serostatus was the most significant predictor of safer behavior after C&T. Many seronegative participants stopped sex with non-main partners. Behaviors with main partners were particularly resistant to change. Predictors of change varied by stage at pre-test. C&T services should tailor approaches and referrals based on stage of change and other client characteristics.

The primary purpose of this study was to test the impact of the first year of a 3-year intervention designed to enhance the use of behavioral data in the Massachusetts HIV Prevention Community Planning Group (MPPG). A one-group, pretest-posttest, nonequivalent independent variables, quasi-experimental design was used to assess changes before and after the first year of implementing strategies to enhance the use of behavioral data in decisionmaking. Over 90% of the CPG members completed surveys at baseline and at the end of the first year of the intervention. Consistent with the focus of the MPPG intervention in Year One, significant improvements were found from baseline to follow-up in member perceptions of decision-making structure and leadership, satisfaction with prevention planning processes, and intervention prioritization decisions. Findings provide preliminary evidence for the impact on member satisfaction of changes in CPG organizational structures and processes, including redistribution of power and broader constituent representation.

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