This study evaluated the Penn Resiliency Program's effectiveness in preventing depression when delivered by therapists in a primary care setting. Two-hundred and seventy-one 11- and 12-year-olds, with elevated depressive symptoms, were randomized to PRP or usual care. Over the 2-year follow-up, PRP improved explanatory style for positive events. PRP's effects on depressive symptoms and explanatory style for negative events were moderated by sex, with girls benefiting more than boys. Stronger effects were seen in high-fidelity groups than low-fidelity groups. PRP did not significantly prevent depressive disorders but significantly prevented depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders (when combined) among high-symptom participants. Findings are discussed in relation to previous PRP studies and research on the dissemination of psychological interventions.

Objective: To determine whether nutrient intake and academic and psychosocial functioning improve after the start of a universal-free school breakfast program (USBP). Methods: Information was gathered from 97 inner city students prior to the start of a USBP and again after the program had been in place for 6 months. Students who had total energy intakes of <50% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) and/or 2 or more micronutrients of <50% of RDA were considered to be at nutritional risk. Results: Prior to the USBP, 33% of all study children were classified as being at nutritional risk. Children who were at nutritional risk had significantly poorer attendance, punctuality, and grades at school, more behavior problems, and were less likely to eat breakfast at school than children who were not at nutritional risk. Six months after the start of the free school breakfast programs, students who decreased their nutritional risk showed significantly greater: improvements in attendance and school breakfast participation, decreases in hunger, and improvements in math grades and behavior than children who did not decrease their nutritional risk. Conclusion: Participation in a school breakfast program enhanced daily nutrient intake and improvements in nutrient intake were associated with significant improvements in student academic performance and psychosocial functioning and decreases in hunger.

No abstract

Preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT‐M) is a reproductive technology used in conjunction with in‐vitro fertilization (IVF) to reduce the risk of passing on a known genetic condition from parent to child. There is limited research describing the experience and emotional impact of PGT‐M among individuals with inherited aortic or vascular disease (IAVD). Our qualitative study aims to explore the factors that influence reproductive decision‐making and the uptake of PGT‐M within this population. Individuals diagnosed with IAVD who have considered PGT‐M, and/or their reproductive partner, were recruited using internal clinical databases and advocacy organizations. Virtual semi‐structured interviews were conducted using an interview guide that included questions related to participants' lived experience of their condition, risk perception, reproductive history, familiarity with PGT‐M/IVF, and financial/psychosocial considerations. A total of 17 interviews were completed (13 affected individuals, 4 unaffected partners) and analyzed using thematic analysis. Emergent themes included: (1) the lived experience and perceived severity of disease; (2) need for comprehensive, balanced, and timely information; (3) and impact of personal values and circumstances. When discussing the impact of lived experience on reproductive decision‐making, participants identified the physical and emotional impact of disease and variability of disease as factors influencing the uptake of PGT‐M. Many described PGT‐M as the only reproductive option presented to them by providers. Even so, participants expressed gaps in their understanding of PGT‐M, particularly regarding cost/insurance coverage and the experience of IVF. Finally, participants recognized that the decision to pursue PGT‐M primarily requires introspection and evaluation of one's values, but that cost remains a significant consideration. The findings from our study highlight the complexity of reproductive decision‐making for individuals with IAVD and provide insight into their psychological and informational needs when engaging in this process. Providers can use these findings to tailor their discussions about reproductive decision‐making with this patient cohort.