Research Publications

Study investigated the relationship between the severity-based definition of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), choice of treatment, and neurocognitive outcomes at age 3 and 8 years. This is a secondary analysis of data collected from a prospective, longitudinal sample of 99 children with a history of BPD.

Structural equation modeling was used to examine the relationship of childhood trauma, educational level, and the use of avoidant coping on substance abuse and psychological distress in a community sample of 285 women. Results indicated that self‐reported childhood trauma was significantly related to greater substance abuse and psychological distress, through educational attainment and avoidant coping strategies.

Objective To assess 6-year-old cocaine- and noncocaine-exposed children’s mental health outcomes controlling for potential confounders. Methods The sample consisted of 322 children [169 cocaine exposed (CE) and 153 noncocaine exposed (NCE)] enrolled in a longitudinal study since birth. At age 6, children were assessed for mental health symptoms using the Dominic Interactive (DI), a child self-report measure, and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), a caregiver report of behavioral problems. Results CE children were more likely to self-report symptoms in the probable clinical range for oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Because of methodological limitations, the results of the few prospective studies assessing long-term cognitive effects of prenatal cocaine exposure are inconsistent. Study assesses effects of prenatal cocaine exposure and quality of caregiving environment on 4-year cognitive outcomes.