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Transdermal alcohol sensors continuously collect reliable and valid data on alcohol consumption in vivo over the course of hours to weeks. Transdermal alcohol readings are highly correlated with breath alcohol measurements, but transdermal alcohol levels lag behind breath alcohol levels by one or more hours owing to the longer time required for alcohol to be expelled through perspiration. By providing objective information about alcohol consumption, transdermal alcohol sensors can validate self-report and provide important information not previously available. In this article, we describe the development and evaluation of currently available transdermal alcohol sensors, present the strengths and limitations of the technology, and give examples of recent research using the sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A movement advocating the use of evidence-based practice (EBP) is increasingly influencing health care and the practice of psychology. Thus, teaching evidence-based practice in psychology (EBPP) is critical to the preparation of future health service psychologists. In this article, the authors address common myths associated with EBP, propose core components involved in teaching EBPP, and describe an example of how such training can be incorporated into a professional psychology education and training curriculum. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 63: 657–670, 2007. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tobacco dependence is a serious public health concern. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has issued a practice guideline of best practices to encourage all health care providers to intervene with tobacco-dependent individuals they encounter. Psychologists may be ideally suited to implement brief tobacco interventions due to their expertise in behavior change strategies and interpersonal counseling skills. This study sought to investigate current tobacco assessment and intervention practices and perceptions of responsibility for tobacco intervention among a regional sample of licensed, practicing psychologists. Results suggest that a majority of psychologists fall far short of the ideal best practices recommended in the practice guideline, and many are unaware of the availability of the guidelines. Further, psychologists in this study perceived tobacco intervention to be a greater responsibility of physicians and other health care providers than of psychologists and other mental health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poor sleep health is associated with numerous health concerns, and sleep problems are exacerbated by cigarette smoking. Although rates of traditional tobacco use are declining, rates of electronic cigarette (e‐cigarette) use are comparatively high and growing. Given that nicotine is a primary mechanism by which smoking negatively impacts sleep health, e‐cigarette use may also be linked to poor sleep health; however, no research has investigated this association. Participants were 1,664 college students, 40.9% of whom reported ever trying or currently using an e‐cigarette. Questionnaires assessed demographic information, sleep health and e‐cigarette use status and patterns. All measures were completed remotely via a secure online survey. Analysis of covariance was used to compare the sleep health of daily/non‐daily e‐cigarette users to (a) non‐users and (b) users of combustible cigarettes. Gender and drinks per week were included as covariates in analyses. Current combustible and e‐cigarette users reported significantly more sleep difficulties than never users. Users of e‐cigarettes reported greater use of sleep medication than combustible cigarette users. Similar to combustible cigarette smoking, e‐cigarette use (vs. non‐use) was associated with worse sleep health, even among non‐daily e‐cigarette users. These findings may indicate a need for assessment of and education on the role of e‐cigarette use in sleep health among individuals who report experimentation with or current use of e‐cigarettes. Future research should examine these relationships prospectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]