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A multiple family group intervention is discussed as an alternative to individual or family therapy for treatment of disruptive behavioral problems of low-income minority children. Topics include outcome measures, data analyses, involvement in mental health services, reductions in child behavioral difficulties, parental descriptions of impact of services, and applications to social work practice.

Potassium channels that are activated by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) promote vasodilation. The inhibition of ATP-sensitive channels in the cremaster muscle of the hamster results in partial vasoconstriction. The partial constriction of large arterioles using glibenclamide channel blockers indicates that ATP-sensitive potassium channels are one of the factors that mediate functional dilation. The release of adenosine metabolites during hyperemia mediates the activation of ATP-sensitive potassium channels.

The Metropolitan Area Child Study offers an empirically based, 22 week, family intervention program to prevent serious antisocial behavior among inner-city minority children. The program incorporates previously tested methods with major emphases on functional, sequential, structural-strategic, and psychoeducational approaches. The program is rigorously designed and evaluated in five stages: preengagement, joining and assessment, goal definition, intervention, and ending. It proves to be a promising response to a serious problem faced in the US.

We assessed the effect of depression, hopelessness, and self-concept on HIV prevention attitudes and knowledge about infection, transmission and sexual risk behavior among adolescents living with HIV in Uganda. Utilizing longitudinal data from 635 adolescents living with HIV, multiple ordinary least square regression was used to evaluate associations between the three indicators of mental health functioning at baseline and HIV knowledge and prevention attitudes at 12-months follow-up. We found that depression (β = − 0.17; 95% CI − 0.31, − 0.04) and hopelessness (β = − 0.16; 95% CI − 0.28, − 0.04) scores at baseline were associated with a 0.17 and 0.16 average reduction in HIV prevention attitudes and HIV knowledge scores, respectively at 12-months follow-up. However, self-concept was not significantly associated with HIV knowledge or prevention attitudes. Adolescents living with HIV with greater levels of hopelessness are at increased risk of having limited HIV knowledge while those with greater symptoms of depression had less favorable HIV prevention attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a common mental health concern and is particularly prevalent among children living in poverty-impacted communities. A family strengthening/parent management training (PMT)-based multiple family group (MFG) program entitled, the 4 Rs and 2 Ss for Strengthening Families, focuses on the following family process variables: rules, responsibilities, relationships, respectful communication, social support, and stress. While evidence supports effectiveness of this treatment program, less is known about the specific relationship between the family process variables and mental health outcomes of children and caregivers. The current study examined these relationships among a sample of 287 caregiver/child dyads who participated in a NIMH-funded Type II hybrid effectiveness-implementation study in New York City. Data were analyzed using SPSS 27 and Mplus 8. Results indicated that two of the six family process variables related to one or more child and caregiver mental health outcome. Caregiver stress significantly related to child inattention (b = 0.034, SE = 0.01, p < 0.001), child ODD (b = 0.053, SE = 0.02, p < 0.01), and caregiver depression (b = 0.049, SE = 0.02, p < 0.01). Family rules significantly related to caregiver depression (b = 0.228, SE = 0.11, p < 0.05) over time. Findings point towards the substantial role of caregiver stress in child and caregiver mental health, in addition to the impact of inconsistent discipline with difficulty establishing rules on caregiver depression. Examinations of treatment components in relation to improvements in child and caregiver mental health can guide practitioners towards utilizing models that result in positive therapeutic outcomes and/or making adaptations with added content that has been shown to be effective. Highlights: Oppositional defiant disorder is a prevalent mental health concern among youth relating to negative outcomes in adulthood. The 4 Rs and 2 Ss for Strengthening Families is a family strengthening/parent management training program targeting family rules, responsibilities, relationships, respectful communication, social support, and stress. Two of the six family process variables (Rules & Stress) related to one or more child and caregiver mental health outcome. Findings point towards the substantial role of caregiver stress in child and caregiver mental health. Examinations of treatment components and targets are essential to inform practice and both utilization and adaptation of interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Having parents and their children meet together to share information, address common concerns or develop supportive networks can be an efficient, effective means of providing child and family mental health services. This article will provide a description of a multiple family therapy group (MFTG) developed to meet the needs of inner city children and their families. The structure of a multiple family group aimed at addressing a range of child behavioral difficulties will be described. Case examples will highlight the potential clinical benefits of such groups for children and their families. Obstacles that group facilitators must confront will also be identified.