2024
A Qualitative Exploration on Risk and Protective Factors of Substance Use Among Black Adolescent Girls
Opara I, Brooks-Stephens J, Aneni K, Asabor E, Weerakoon S, Duran-Becerra B. A Qualitative Exploration on Risk and Protective Factors of Substance Use Among Black Adolescent Girls. Journal Of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology 2024, ahead-of-print: 1-14. PMID: 38748661, DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2024.2344171.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchBlack adolescent girlsSubstance useAdolescent girlsFactors of substance useProtective factorsAbuse prevention programsSubstance abuse prevention programsPrevention programsEcological systems theoretical frameworkSystems theoretical frameworkParticipants' narrativesLived experienceGender-specificSocial environmentDrug useUnique risk factorsCoping mechanismsQualitative explorationFocus groupsThematic analysisTheoretical frameworkStudy findingsIntervention developmentSub-themesGirls
2023
Racial and ethnic disparities in chronic disease risk in adolescence after prenatal polydrug exposure: Examination of the Hispanic paradox
Weerakoon S, Chen B, Harrell M, Vidot D, Messiah S. Racial and ethnic disparities in chronic disease risk in adolescence after prenatal polydrug exposure: Examination of the Hispanic paradox. Journal Of Ethnicity In Substance Abuse 2023, 23: 1062-1079. PMID: 36840527, DOI: 10.1080/15332640.2023.2181257.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchChronic disease riskDisease risk factorsSystolic blood pressureHispanic paradoxElevated systolic blood pressureChronic disease risk factorsRisk of elevated systolic blood pressureSubstance useLifestyle Study cohortCardiovascular disease risk factorsDisease riskRisk factorsHispanic adolescentsHigher systolic blood pressureMaternal substance useDevelopment of chronic diseasesPrevent substance useOffspring heightPrenatal careEthnic disparitiesMaternal drug useHispanic womenRacial disparitiesChronic diseasesLowered systolic blood pressure
2022
Effect of in-utero polysubstance exposure on adolescent cardiovascular disease risk: Results from the Maternal Lifestyle Study
Weerakoon S, Chen B, Harrell M, Vidot D, Messiah S. Effect of in-utero polysubstance exposure on adolescent cardiovascular disease risk: Results from the Maternal Lifestyle Study. Progress In Pediatric Cardiology 2022, 66: 101528. DOI: 10.1016/j.ppedcard.2022.101528.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchCardiovascular disease riskMaternal substance useMaternal Lifestyle StudySystolic blood pressureDisease riskLifestyle StudySubstance useBlood pressureRates of polysubstance usePolysubstance useCardiovascular disease preventionExposed to tobaccoCombination of tobaccoPregnancy rangeNational Institute on Drug AbuseNormal birthweightPolysubstance exposureDisease preventionPregnancyCardiovascular diseaseHighest prevalenceTobaccoDrug abusePregnancy statusIllicit substances