2022
A Systematic Review on Sexual Health and Drug Use Prevention Interventions for Black Girls
Opara I, Pierre K, Assan M, Scheinfeld L, Alves C, Cross K, Lizarraga A, Brawner B. A Systematic Review on Sexual Health and Drug Use Prevention Interventions for Black Girls. International Journal Of Environmental Research And Public Health 2022, 19: 3176. PMID: 35328864, PMCID: PMC8950684, DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063176.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPoor sexual health outcomesSexual health outcomesHealth outcomesDrug useSexual healthSystematic reviewEarly pregnancySearch criteriaPrevention interventionsUnwanted pregnancyBlack girlsAdolescent femalesAdolescent girlsInterventionOutcomesHIVPregnancyHigh ratePrevention researchersGirlsBlack adolescent femalesReviewHealthInfectionLarge sample
2021
Effects of Brief Interventions on Internalizing Symptoms and Substance Use in Youth: A Systematic Review
McDanal R, Parisi D, Opara I, Schleider J. Effects of Brief Interventions on Internalizing Symptoms and Substance Use in Youth: A Systematic Review. Clinical Child And Family Psychology Review 2021, 25: 339-355. PMID: 34731373, PMCID: PMC9061892, DOI: 10.1007/s10567-021-00372-2.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSubstance use outcomesInternalizing problemsBrief interventionSubstance useUse outcomesInternalizing symptomsCo-occurring internalizing problemsProgram effectsYouth internalizing symptomsYouth substance useYouth-focused interventionsYouth difficultiesEvidence-based interventionsYoung peopleSchool settingsVoicemail messagesIntervention effectsInternalizingYouthTest interventionsIntervention characteristicsInterventionOnline designCoping in the Time of COVID-19: Buffering Stressors With Coping Strategies
Okafor C, Bautista K, Asare M, Opara I. Coping in the Time of COVID-19: Buffering Stressors With Coping Strategies. Journal Of Loss And Trauma 2021, 27: 83-91. PMID: 35173557, PMCID: PMC8845574, DOI: 10.1080/15325024.2021.1914987.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMental health tollSymptoms of depressionBehavioral disengagementCoping strategiesEmotional reasonsSocial supportSubstance useHealth tollAnxietyPolicy-making effortsDepressionOdds of feelingGeneral populationDisengagementFeelingsStressorsParticipantsAdultsCross-sectional studyInterventionCOVID-19FindingsSupportSymptoms
2020
Comment on Project THANKS: Examining HIV/AIDS-Related Barriers and Facilitators to Care in African American Women: A Community Perspective
Amutah-Onukagha N, Mahadevan M, Opara I, Rodriguez M, Baxter A, Trusdell M, Kelly J. Comment on Project THANKS: Examining HIV/AIDS-Related Barriers and Facilitators to Care in African American Women: A Community Perspective. Journal Of The International Association Of Providers Of AIDS Care (JIAPAC) 2020, 19: 2325958220936406. PMCID: PMC7436835, DOI: 10.1177/2325958220936406.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchAfrican American womenAmerican womenCommunity-based health centersHealth literacy needsMultiple chronic diseasesSubstance use disordersMental health outcomesChronic diseasesChronic illnessHealth centersUse disordersDual diagnosisHealth outcomesHIVMental healthFuture interventionsComorbiditiesWomenSocial supportInterventionLicensed social workersComplicationsIllnessDiseaseDiagnosis
2019
Increasing Viral Hepatitis Knowledge Among Urban Ethnic Minority Youth: Findings from a Community Based Prevention Intervention
Opara I, Lardier D, Herrera A, Garcia-Reid P, Reid R. Increasing Viral Hepatitis Knowledge Among Urban Ethnic Minority Youth: Findings from a Community Based Prevention Intervention. Journal Of Community Health 2019, 45: 269-277. PMID: 31515664, PMCID: PMC7065932, DOI: 10.1007/s10900-019-00740-8.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsEthnic minority youthMinority youthUrban communitiesUrban ethnic minority youthNortheastern urban communityHepatitis knowledgeViral hepatitis knowledgeLogistic regression analysisHIV/AIDSYouthUnited StatesKnowledge interventionOpioid epidemicPrevention interventionsVH casesSubstance abuseEducation interventionBaseline surveyCommunityInterventionU.S.Significant increaseRegression analysisInfectionInnovative approach