Research

LONGSCAN: Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect

LONGSCAN is a consortium of research studies operating under common by-laws and procedures. It was initiated in 1990 with grants from the National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect through a coordinating center at the University of North Carolina Injury Prevention Research Center and five satellite sites. Each site is conducting a separate and unique research project on the etiology and impact of child maltreatment. While each project can stand alone on its own merits, through the use of common assessment measures, similar data collection methods and schedules, and pooled analyses, LONGSCAN is a collaborative effort.

UNC Social Medicine Researcher: Desmond Runyan

Link: LONGSCAN Home Page

Mental health effects of the Khmer Rouge Trials in Cambodia

From 1975 to 1979, Cambodia experienced one of the worst genocides of the 20th century under the reign of the Khmer Rouge. In 2006, a joint U.N.-Cambodian tribunal was empanelled to try the senior leaders of the Khmer Rouge. But what effect will the trials have on the Cambodian people? Will the trials decrease desire for revenge and increase feelings of justice or will the trials bring back painful memories (or both)? The purpose of this NIH-funded study is to assess the psychosocial impact of the trials on Cambodians. It is the first national longitudinal study of any human rights tribunal.

UNC Social Medicine Researcher: Jeffrey Sonis

The Period of PURPLE Crying

The Period of PURPLE Crying program is the name given to the National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome's evidence-based SBS prevention program, which includes a full color 11-page booklet and a 10-minute DVD intended to be given to parents of new infants. Over the past 3 years, the NCSBS conducted research testing the PURPLE program through randomized controlled trials in Seattle, Washington and Vancouver, B.C. Delivery sites included pediatric practices, maternity departments, pre-natal classes, and nurse home visitor programs. Over 4,400 parents participated in the studies. Additionally, 25 parent focus groups were conducted to develop the new materials. The program is available nine languages and includes closed captioning.

UNC Social Medicine Researcher: Desmond Runyan

Link: PURPLE Program Home Page

Social effects of the Greensboro Truth and Reconciliation Commission

The Greensboro Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) the first "truth commission" in the United States, examined the causes and consequences of an event in 1979 in which 5 people were killed and 10 injured during a public "Death to the Klan" demonstration. This study, funded by the Andrus Family Fund, explores the impact of the TRC on the people of Greensboro. It is the first longitudinal study of any truth commission.