Reliable and valid longitudinal residential histories are needed to assess interventions to reduce homelessness and increase community tenure. This study examined the test-retest reliability, sensitivity to change, and concurrent validity of the Residential Time-Line Follow-Back (TLFB) Inventory, a method used to record residential histories in the Collaborative Program to Prevent Homelessness (n ϭ 1,381). The Residential TLFB Inventory yielded temporally stable aggregate measures of duration in residential categories, and it revealed significant differences in change over time when contrasting study groups. A comparison of agency and participant data at one site A R T I C L EThis research was supported by the Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) and Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) (contract number 280-94-0008). This work is a result of the collaborative effort of the participants of the project's Residential Measures Subcommittee, whose contributions we gratefully acknowledge. The contents of this paper are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the funding agency. For the SPSS syntax to compute the variables described in this paper, please contact Francine Williams at Policy Research Associates, Inc., Delmar, NY 12054 (phone: 518-439-7415, e-mail: fwilliams@prainc.com Increasing rates of homelessness attest to the continual challenges faced by service providers (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2001; U.S. Conference of Mayors, 2001). Individuals with psychiatric disabilities-an estimated 20-25% of the single adult homeless population, 30-70% of whom have substance use disorders-present agencies with complex needs (Fischer & Breakey, 1991;Koegel, Sullivan, Burnham, Morton, & Wenzel, 1999;Rahav & Link, 1995). Due to the cyclic nature of long-term homelessness often experienced by this dually diagnosed population, longitudinal research is necessary to investigate patterns of homelessness and residential instability and the services that are best suited to address their needs (Hopper, Jost, Hay, Welber, & Haugland, 1997). To this end, it is necessary to obtain reliable and valid data regarding histories of residential stability and homelessness in order to assess the effectiveness of any intervention directed at reducing homelessness.Studies on homelessness have differed, unfortunately, in their methods of measuring the key variables of homelessness and housing stability. Definitions of homelessness and housing stability have varied widely (Abdul Hamid, Wykes, & Stansfeld, 1993;Morrison, 1989), and the methodologies used to obtain data, as well as the samples studied, have been inconsistent (Newman, 2001). Studies of homelessness primarily use self-report and/or observer report to assess participants' homelessness or residential histories. Although several studies use institutional records or residential databases to supplement individual reports, such resources are often no...

No abstract

Objectives. We monitored the prevalence and patterns of use of the array of tobacco products available to young adults, who are at risk for initiation and progression to established tobacco use. Methods. We used data from waves 1 to 3 of GfK’s KnowledgePanel (2011–2012), a nationally representative cohort of young adults aged 18 to 34 years (n = 2144). We examined prevalence and patterns of tobacco product use over time, associated demographics, and state-level tobacco policy. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine predictors of initiation of cigarettes as well as noncombustible and other combustible products. Results. The prevalence of ever tobacco use rose from 57.28% at wave 1 to 67.43% at wave 3. Use of multiple products was the most common pattern (66.39% of tobacco users by wave 3). Predictors of initiation differed by product type and included age, race/ethnicity, policy, and use of other tobacco products. Conclusions. Tobacco use is high among young adults and many are using multiple products. Efforts to implement policy and educate young adults about the risks associated with new and emerging products are critical to prevent increased initiation of tobacco use.

This randomized trial provides the first evidence of the effect of e-cigarette advertising on a behavioral outcome in young adults. Compared to the control group, ad exposure was associated with greater curiosity to try an e-cigarette among never e-cigarette users and greater likelihood of e-cigarette trial at follow-up in a small number of never e-cigarette users and greater likelihood of e-cigarette trial at follow-up among never users of cigarettes and e-cigarettes.

This study examined the reliability and construct validity of a modified version of the Colorado Symptom Index (MCSI), a brief, self-report measure of psychological symptomatology, in a study of interventions to prevent homelessness. Eight projects in a national, cooperative study collected new data at baseline, 6, and 12 months using a set of common measures as well as site-specific instruments. The pooled sample consisted of 1,381 persons in treatment for mental illness or substance abuse (or both), of which 84% had a history of homelessness. The analyses employed classical and Rasch methods to examine the MCSI's content validity, internal consistency and item quality, test/retest reliability, dimensionality, appropriateness for the sample, construct validity, and responsiveness to change. This 14-item scale was found to be a reliable and valid measure of psychological symptoms in this sample. Its content was consistent with other symptom measures, its high internal consistency and test-retest coefficients supported its reliability, its relationships to other measures indicated that it had good construct validity, and it was responsive to change. We conclude that the MC

Data from 2003 suggest that the characteristics of homeless mothers changed over the 10-year period assessed. Service providers and shelter staff may need to refine services so that they are responsive to these changing needs.

No abstract

Innovative study design and analytic strategies are required to build the evidence base and promote rapid dissemination of effective interventions. Findings from this study will assist purveyors in refining the intervention, and will lay the groundwork for further replication and testing to build the evidence base for parents with serious mental illnesses and their families.