While a great deal of research has been conducted to understand acculturation and its relationship to adaptation in the new country, surprisingly little attention has been paid to the ways in which the characteristics of the local community impact these processes. The present study addresses this gap in the literature by exploring the potential role of community differences in the acculturation and adaptation processes of 269 refugee and immigrant adolescents from the former Soviet Union who resettled in two different community contexts. Specifically, a prior study on acculturation and adjustment among high school students (D. Birman, E. J. Trickett, & A. Vinokurov, 2002) was replicated with the same émigré population in a contrasting community within the same state. The contrast between these communities allowed us to test hypotheses emerging from an ecological perspective concerning (1) patterns of acculturation, (2) levels of discrimination and its effect on acculturative outcomes, and (3) community differences in the relationship between acculturation and outcomes. In addition to the focus on community differences, the study also employs a multidimensional measure of acculturation and assesses acculturation to both American and Russian culture. Furthermore, adaptation is assessed across different life domains; including peer relationships, family relationships, school adaptation, and psychological adaptation. Findings support the general ecological perspective, suggesting the importance of studying acculturation and adaptation as a reflexive process in which culture and context are very much intertwined.

BackgroundUnsafe abortion in India leads to significant morbidity and mortality. Abortion has been legal in India since 1971, and the availability of safe abortion services has increased. However, service availability has not led to a significant reduction in unsafe abortion. This study aimed to understand the gap between safe abortion availability and use of services in Bihar and Jharkhand, India by examining accessibility from the perspective of rural, Indian women.MethodsTwo-stage stratified random sampling was used to identify and enroll 1411 married women of reproductive age in four rural districts in Bihar and Jharkhand, India. Data were collected on women's socio-demographic characteristics; exposure to mass media and other information sources; and abortion-related knowledge, perceptions and practices. Multiple linear regression models were used to explore the association between knowledge and perceptions about abortion.ResultsMost women were poor, had never attended school, and had limited exposure to mass media. Instead, they relied on community health workers, family and friends for health information. Women who had knowledge about abortion, such as knowing an abortion method, were more likely to perceive that services are available (β = 0.079; p < 0.05) and have positive attitudes toward abortion (β = 0.070; p < 0.05). In addition, women who reported exposure to abortion messages were more likely to have favorable attitudes toward abortion (β = 0.182; p < 0.05).ConclusionsBehavior change communication (BCC) interventions, which address negative perceptions by improving community knowledge about abortion and support local availability of safe abortion services, are needed to increase enabling resources for women and improve potential access to services. Implementing BCC interventions is challenging in settings such as Bihar and Jharkhand where women may be difficult to reach directly, but interventions can target individuals in the community to transfer information to the women who need this information most. Interpersonal approaches that engage community leaders and influencers may also counteract negative social norms regarding abortion and associated stigma. Collaborative actions of government, NGOs and private partners should capitalize on this potential power of communities to reduce the impact of unsafe abortion on rural women.

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Domestic violence protective orders (DVPOs) are the nation's most widely used intimate partner violence (IPV)-related legal intervention, and there is emerging evidence that DVPOs are effective. However, little is known about DVPO defendants. We examined a population-based sample of male DVPO defendants. Most had previous IPV-related offenses, mental health issues, and alcohol and drug-use histories. Court personnel should be aware of the severity of violence plaintiffs are likely experiencing, and the potential danger posed by defendants, and ensure that expedited and appropriate protection is awarded. Concurrent treatment for substance abuse and mental health may enhance the effectiveness of DVPOs.

The Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant Program (SPF SIG) is a national public-health initiative in the United States to prevent and reduce substance-related harm. The model promotes data-driven decision making (DDDM), with an emphasis on using epidemiological data to help select prevention priorities and to allocate prevention resources. This article examines how well the first two cohorts of SPF SIG states (N = 26) implemented DDDM, and also explores what factors facilitated and hindered the process. Data were collected by reviewing and coding states' strategic plans, supplemented by interviews with state project directors, evaluators, and epidemiological workgroup chairs. Fidelity to the process was scored as high, medium, or low, based on transparency and support from relevant evidence. On selecting prevention priorities, 81% of states received high or medium scores on all priorities selected. On allocating prevention resources, 85% received a high or medium score. Facilitators included collaboration among stakeholders, training and technical assistance, and efforts of epidemiological workgroups and evaluators. However, states that lacked established data infrastructures for prevention were at a decided disadvantage in implementing the model. Future implications for SPF SIG states and ongoing challenges to DDDM in general are discussed.