Conversations about mass shootings in the United States, particularly school shootings, should no... more Conversations about mass shootings in the United States, particularly school shootings, should not be a temporary reflection. Rather, these shootings should prompt continuous action from citizens until something effective is done. It is particularly important to stop repeating past errors, such as focusing on who, or what, to blame (1). Most likely, the impetus behind the shootings cannot be found in a singular cause but is instead an intersection of many issues: mental health problems, a culture of violence, gun regulations, the consequences of poverty, etc. Perhaps the most pressing issue is the inability to establish a dialog between all involved parties to find reasonable solutions.
The objective of this study was to investigate the association exposure to violence, drugs and al... more The objective of this study was to investigate the association exposure to violence, drugs and alcohol has in shaping the psychosocial and behavioral profiles of Mexican American adolescents of low socioeconomic status. A cross-sectional study was conducted in which 881 Mexican-American adolescents described their exposure to violence, drugs, and alcohol, while their parents responded to a questionnaire about their children's behavioral, emotional, and social problems. Participant information was extracted from electronic record databases maintained in six university-based clinics in El Paso, Texas on the U.S. side of the border with Mexico. A total of 463 (52.6%) adolescents reported they had not been exposed to violence, alcohol, or drugs. The remaining 418 (47.4%) adolescents indicated only a single category of exposure: violence (25.1%), alcohol (24.9%), or drugs (8.6%). In addition, some adolescents reported combined exposure to violence and alcohol (13.4%), alcohol and drugs (14.6%), or violence, alcohol, and drugs (13.4%). The association between combined exposure to violence, drugs, and/or alcohol and the psychosocial and behavioral profiles of these Mexican-American adolescents showed an increased risk of emotional and behavioral problems. Little is known about the mental health of Mexican Americans who are exposed to alcohol, violence, and drugs, especially adolescents living in poverty in neighborhoods along the U.S.-Mexico border, who are at a high risk for these exposures. These findings highlight the risks associated with adolescent exposure to violence, drugs, and alcohol and the need for effective interventions within this subgroup of Mexican-American youth and their families.
Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, Jun 26, 2014
The effects of video games on youths have been subject to debate. Some researchers have linked vi... more The effects of video games on youths have been subject to debate. Some researchers have linked video games to behavioral and emotional problems, while others have found no adverse effects. The behavioral and emotional problems experienced by some gamers may be linked to certain types of video games. We hypothesized that Mexican American youths with lower socioeconomic status and who play "aggressive" video games have more emotional and behavioral problems than those who do not play such games. We examined a total of 579 youths using the Child Behavior Checklist and analyzing the games played within the last 6 months. Youths who played aggressive video games had higher scores and more emotional and behavioral problems compared with those who did not play aggressive video games.
This 5-year study evaluated a virtual visitation implementation initiative in a neonatal intensiv... more This 5-year study evaluated a virtual visitation implementation initiative in a neonatal intensive care unit. Our objectives were to (1) use the Plan-Do-Study-Act methodological framework to implement a virtual visitation program, (2) investigate whether implementation of virtual visitation could be done with no patient harm and minimal workflow disruption, (3) foster a top-down participatory structure for decision making, and (4) evaluate parent use and satisfaction. The study involved a qualitative and quantitative description of cycles and results. Routine collection of outcome data allowed problems that arose as a result of changing practices to be quickly and efficiently addressed. The study results suggested that the virtual visitation implementation initiative in a neonatal intensive care unit using Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles helped create an environment of trust and provided benefits. A steady increase in the use of virtual visitation by parents and their extended families indicated utilization. During the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual visitation helped families feel connected with each other and their neonate, despite being in separate locations.
Virtual Neonatal Visitation in an Intensive Care Unit: Advantages of Technology during a PANDEMIC... more Virtual Neonatal Visitation in an Intensive Care Unit: Advantages of Technology during a PANDEMIC More than 7% of all live births in the USA are admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The relationship between parents and their children, including sick term and preterm infants, begins in an unfamiliar, stressful and highly technological NICU environment creating an unfavorable environment in many different areas. A baby's stay in the NICU can last anywhere from a few days to a few months, challenging a parent's well-being, as well as …
This paper aims to present data from a narrative review of the literature on some child behaviors... more This paper aims to present data from a narrative review of the literature on some child behaviors taken as socially skilled in Brazilian culture, and to highlight the importance of social skill to the healthy development of a child. Self-control, cooperation, civility, empathy, and skillful academic practice are some of the behaviors pointed out by literature as being socially skillful. The development of such behaviors stems in childhood, during the interactions with parents as well as with other adults, and with their peers during the first years of school. Some children who do not develop a socially skillful repertoire, may learn other behaviors that contribute to the establishment of negative interactions between them and the social group. The aspects of children's education discussed in this work are supported by extension projects with children considered at risk and can to support teachers and parents to prevent children's behavioral problems, thereby avoiding learning and socialization difficulties in childhood and adolescence.
Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference, Mar 1, 1999
The main objective of this program was to produce animated educational material to stimulate stud... more The main objective of this program was to produce animated educational material to stimulate students' interest and learning process related to the sciences and to measure their impact. The program material was designed to support middle school educators with an effective, accessible, and novel didactic tool produced specifically to enhance and encourage the learning of chemistry. The study introduced the Periodic Table of the Elements, utilizing materials developed for middle school students in two distinct formats: printed material in English or Spanish, and an animated video with English or Spanish language narration. Participants were 320 students in middle schools in Mexico and Texas. A questionnaire was administered to assess learning. The results compare the difference between the students' ability to recall and comprehend complex subjects as presented by linear multimedia as opposed to printed text. The study additionally offered an opportunity to observe the advantage of applying a narrative format to procedural text. It is concluded that, in both countries, students appeared to be more attentive to the animated material. (AEF)
Background: Psychosocial and behavioral problems should be detected early during the pediatric co... more Background: Psychosocial and behavioral problems should be detected early during the pediatric consultation to prevent more severe psychosocial impairment as children move into adolescence. The pediatric visit offers an excellent opportunity to assess possible problems using screening tools. The aim of this study is to assess whether an adaptation of a screening tool (Pediatric Symptom Checklist) using visual aids is valid and suitable for the early detection of psychosocial problems among a sample of Mexican children and adolescents. Methods: We included 411 of 468 (87.8%) Mexican mothers or female caretakers of children and adolescents aged 4-16 undergoing routine health assessments in two Preventive Child Health Clinical Services in El Paso, Texas, USA. Mothers or female caretakers completed the Pictorial Pediatric Symptom Checklist and a psychological comprehensive test known as the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Sensitivity and specificity was established using the CBCL as criteria for the validity of the PPSC. Results: The PPSC screening tool performed well as demonstrated by its detection rates of psychosocial and behavioral problems among the sample of Mexican children. Sensitivity and specificity at the standard cut-off scores was 69.6% and 95.2% for children 4-5 years old and 61.8% and 91.8% for children 6-16 years old respectively. The results were slightly lower than those found using the PSC among other ethnic groups in the United States, with a sensitivity and specificity of 71.7% and 93.0%, respectively. Conclusions: The PPSC is a simple, effective tool that can detect on average more than 65% of the children and adolescents with possible psychosocial problems during pediatric consultations. This free screening tool detected psychosocial problems in pediatric populations of Mexican origin living on the border and may be also effective for Mexican children living in Mexico.
Conversations about mass shootings in the United States, particularly school shootings, should no... more Conversations about mass shootings in the United States, particularly school shootings, should not be a temporary reflection. Rather, these shootings should prompt continuous action from citizens until something effective is done. It is particularly important to stop repeating past errors, such as focusing on who, or what, to blame (1). Most likely, the impetus behind the shootings cannot be found in a singular cause but is instead an intersection of many issues: mental health problems, a culture of violence, gun regulations, the consequences of poverty, etc. Perhaps the most pressing issue is the inability to establish a dialog between all involved parties to find reasonable solutions.
The objective of this study was to investigate the association exposure to violence, drugs and al... more The objective of this study was to investigate the association exposure to violence, drugs and alcohol has in shaping the psychosocial and behavioral profiles of Mexican American adolescents of low socioeconomic status. A cross-sectional study was conducted in which 881 Mexican-American adolescents described their exposure to violence, drugs, and alcohol, while their parents responded to a questionnaire about their children's behavioral, emotional, and social problems. Participant information was extracted from electronic record databases maintained in six university-based clinics in El Paso, Texas on the U.S. side of the border with Mexico. A total of 463 (52.6%) adolescents reported they had not been exposed to violence, alcohol, or drugs. The remaining 418 (47.4%) adolescents indicated only a single category of exposure: violence (25.1%), alcohol (24.9%), or drugs (8.6%). In addition, some adolescents reported combined exposure to violence and alcohol (13.4%), alcohol and drugs (14.6%), or violence, alcohol, and drugs (13.4%). The association between combined exposure to violence, drugs, and/or alcohol and the psychosocial and behavioral profiles of these Mexican-American adolescents showed an increased risk of emotional and behavioral problems. Little is known about the mental health of Mexican Americans who are exposed to alcohol, violence, and drugs, especially adolescents living in poverty in neighborhoods along the U.S.-Mexico border, who are at a high risk for these exposures. These findings highlight the risks associated with adolescent exposure to violence, drugs, and alcohol and the need for effective interventions within this subgroup of Mexican-American youth and their families.
Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, Jun 26, 2014
The effects of video games on youths have been subject to debate. Some researchers have linked vi... more The effects of video games on youths have been subject to debate. Some researchers have linked video games to behavioral and emotional problems, while others have found no adverse effects. The behavioral and emotional problems experienced by some gamers may be linked to certain types of video games. We hypothesized that Mexican American youths with lower socioeconomic status and who play "aggressive" video games have more emotional and behavioral problems than those who do not play such games. We examined a total of 579 youths using the Child Behavior Checklist and analyzing the games played within the last 6 months. Youths who played aggressive video games had higher scores and more emotional and behavioral problems compared with those who did not play aggressive video games.
This 5-year study evaluated a virtual visitation implementation initiative in a neonatal intensiv... more This 5-year study evaluated a virtual visitation implementation initiative in a neonatal intensive care unit. Our objectives were to (1) use the Plan-Do-Study-Act methodological framework to implement a virtual visitation program, (2) investigate whether implementation of virtual visitation could be done with no patient harm and minimal workflow disruption, (3) foster a top-down participatory structure for decision making, and (4) evaluate parent use and satisfaction. The study involved a qualitative and quantitative description of cycles and results. Routine collection of outcome data allowed problems that arose as a result of changing practices to be quickly and efficiently addressed. The study results suggested that the virtual visitation implementation initiative in a neonatal intensive care unit using Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles helped create an environment of trust and provided benefits. A steady increase in the use of virtual visitation by parents and their extended families indicated utilization. During the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual visitation helped families feel connected with each other and their neonate, despite being in separate locations.
Virtual Neonatal Visitation in an Intensive Care Unit: Advantages of Technology during a PANDEMIC... more Virtual Neonatal Visitation in an Intensive Care Unit: Advantages of Technology during a PANDEMIC More than 7% of all live births in the USA are admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The relationship between parents and their children, including sick term and preterm infants, begins in an unfamiliar, stressful and highly technological NICU environment creating an unfavorable environment in many different areas. A baby's stay in the NICU can last anywhere from a few days to a few months, challenging a parent's well-being, as well as …
This paper aims to present data from a narrative review of the literature on some child behaviors... more This paper aims to present data from a narrative review of the literature on some child behaviors taken as socially skilled in Brazilian culture, and to highlight the importance of social skill to the healthy development of a child. Self-control, cooperation, civility, empathy, and skillful academic practice are some of the behaviors pointed out by literature as being socially skillful. The development of such behaviors stems in childhood, during the interactions with parents as well as with other adults, and with their peers during the first years of school. Some children who do not develop a socially skillful repertoire, may learn other behaviors that contribute to the establishment of negative interactions between them and the social group. The aspects of children's education discussed in this work are supported by extension projects with children considered at risk and can to support teachers and parents to prevent children's behavioral problems, thereby avoiding learning and socialization difficulties in childhood and adolescence.
Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference, Mar 1, 1999
The main objective of this program was to produce animated educational material to stimulate stud... more The main objective of this program was to produce animated educational material to stimulate students' interest and learning process related to the sciences and to measure their impact. The program material was designed to support middle school educators with an effective, accessible, and novel didactic tool produced specifically to enhance and encourage the learning of chemistry. The study introduced the Periodic Table of the Elements, utilizing materials developed for middle school students in two distinct formats: printed material in English or Spanish, and an animated video with English or Spanish language narration. Participants were 320 students in middle schools in Mexico and Texas. A questionnaire was administered to assess learning. The results compare the difference between the students' ability to recall and comprehend complex subjects as presented by linear multimedia as opposed to printed text. The study additionally offered an opportunity to observe the advantage of applying a narrative format to procedural text. It is concluded that, in both countries, students appeared to be more attentive to the animated material. (AEF)
Background: Psychosocial and behavioral problems should be detected early during the pediatric co... more Background: Psychosocial and behavioral problems should be detected early during the pediatric consultation to prevent more severe psychosocial impairment as children move into adolescence. The pediatric visit offers an excellent opportunity to assess possible problems using screening tools. The aim of this study is to assess whether an adaptation of a screening tool (Pediatric Symptom Checklist) using visual aids is valid and suitable for the early detection of psychosocial problems among a sample of Mexican children and adolescents. Methods: We included 411 of 468 (87.8%) Mexican mothers or female caretakers of children and adolescents aged 4-16 undergoing routine health assessments in two Preventive Child Health Clinical Services in El Paso, Texas, USA. Mothers or female caretakers completed the Pictorial Pediatric Symptom Checklist and a psychological comprehensive test known as the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Sensitivity and specificity was established using the CBCL as criteria for the validity of the PPSC. Results: The PPSC screening tool performed well as demonstrated by its detection rates of psychosocial and behavioral problems among the sample of Mexican children. Sensitivity and specificity at the standard cut-off scores was 69.6% and 95.2% for children 4-5 years old and 61.8% and 91.8% for children 6-16 years old respectively. The results were slightly lower than those found using the PSC among other ethnic groups in the United States, with a sensitivity and specificity of 71.7% and 93.0%, respectively. Conclusions: The PPSC is a simple, effective tool that can detect on average more than 65% of the children and adolescents with possible psychosocial problems during pediatric consultations. This free screening tool detected psychosocial problems in pediatric populations of Mexican origin living on the border and may be also effective for Mexican children living in Mexico.
Uploads
Papers by Marie Leiner