RTI International Research Publications
RTI publishes the results of our research in a variety of formats, and many can be downloaded for free as a PDF file. When we don’t own the copyright of a publication, we provide a full citation and/or a link to an online version.
RTI Press
Under the imprint of the RTI Press, we also publish research reports, methods reports, conference proceedings, and books and monographs to further disseminate the results of RTI research.
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Featured Publications
The following publications were featured in the the latest edition of the RTI Publications Bulletin.
A Practical Guide to Program Evaluation Planning: Theory and Case Examples
Holden, D.J., & Zimmerman, M.A. (Eds.). (2008). A Practical Guide to Program Evaluation Planning: Theory and Case Examples. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.
This new book provides a step-by-step process to guide evaluators in planning a comprehensive and practical program evaluation. The authors developed a model to guide the complex process of planning for program evaluations in a variety of settings. This model, entitled Evaluation Planning Incorporating Context (EPIC) builds on previous work by providing a practical, applied process.
The model and the case examples by contributing authors provide evaluators with the conceptual tools and a framework for thinking about the pre-evaluation tasks that may be necessary for a successful, useful, and informative evaluation.
The model and the case examples by contributing authors provide evaluators with the conceptual tools and a framework for thinking about the pre-evaluation tasks that may be necessary for a successful, useful, and informative evaluation.
External Link»Parenting services for mothers involved with child protective services: Do they change maternal parenting and spanking behaviors with young children?
Casanueva, C., Martin, S.L., Runyan, D.K., Barth, R.P., & Bradley, R.H. (2008). Parenting services for mothers involved with child protective services: Do they change maternal parenting and spanking behaviors with young children? Children and Youth Services Review, 30 (8):861-878.
According to a new study by researchers at RTI International, parent training obtained through the Child Welfare System did not significantly change parenting practices.
The study, which assessed whether parenting training was related to changes in parenting practices 18 months after training, found a need for cohesive, national, evidence-based effective parenting training for families involved with Child Protective Services.
The study, which assessed whether parenting training was related to changes in parenting practices 18 months after training, found a need for cohesive, national, evidence-based effective parenting training for families involved with Child Protective Services.
ISEA2007 panel: Integration of better exposure characterizations into disaster preparedness for responders and the public
Rodes, C.E., Pellizzari, E.D., Dellarco, M.J., Erickson, M.D., Vallero, D.A., et al. (2008). Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 18 (6):541-550.
An expert panel, led by RTI researchers, in October 2007 at the International Society for Exposure Analysis Annual Meeting suggested that effective and timely exposure characterizations must be applied during responses to any disaster, whether terrorist, manmade, or natural in origin. A new publication detailing the panel's recommendations has now been posted by the society journal (JESEE).
The authors indicate that improving the infrastructure and technologies for collecting the right exposure information before, during, and immediately after disasters would advance our ability to define risks and better protect responders and the public. N.C. Congressman David Price keynoted the panel and noted that we haven't made the progress (since the World Trade Center disaster) needed in defining the importance of exposure science for current and future disasters.
The authors indicate that improving the infrastructure and technologies for collecting the right exposure information before, during, and immediately after disasters would advance our ability to define risks and better protect responders and the public. N.C. Congressman David Price keynoted the panel and noted that we haven't made the progress (since the World Trade Center disaster) needed in defining the importance of exposure science for current and future disasters.
BMI-related errors in the measurement of obesity
Rothman, K.J. (2008 Aug). International Journal of Obesity, 32 Suppl 3:S56-S59.
Using the Body Max Index is not necessarily an accurate means of estimating obesity, according to a recently published report by a researcher at RTI International.
The report emphasized that BMI is an indirect measure of body fat, compared with more direct approaches such as bioelectrical impedance. BMI does not always reflect the changes that occur with age. Additionally, the relationship between BMI and percentage of body fat is not linear and differs for men and women. These differences can, in principle, lead to errors in the results and interpretations of studies based on BMI as a measure of obesity.
The report emphasized that BMI is an indirect measure of body fat, compared with more direct approaches such as bioelectrical impedance. BMI does not always reflect the changes that occur with age. Additionally, the relationship between BMI and percentage of body fat is not linear and differs for men and women. These differences can, in principle, lead to errors in the results and interpretations of studies based on BMI as a measure of obesity.
Biomedical interventions to prevent HIV infection: Evidence, challenges, and way forward
Padian, N.S., Buve, A., Balkus, J., Serwadda, D., & Cates, W. (2008). Lancet, 372 (9638):585-599.
With no HIV vaccine available for the foreseeable future, focus on proven biomedical HIV prevention methods such as male condoms, male circumcision and prophylactic antiretroviral drugs to prevent mother-to-child transmission is required, according to a new report by researchers at RTI International, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Makerere University School of Public Health, and Family Health International.
The researchers said oral and vaginal antiretroviral therapies are being assessed and are showing great promise for both pre-exposure prophylaxis and to reduce infectiousness among HIV-positive individuals.
The researchers said oral and vaginal antiretroviral therapies are being assessed and are showing great promise for both pre-exposure prophylaxis and to reduce infectiousness among HIV-positive individuals.
Co-occurring conditions associated with FMR1 gene variations: findings from a national parent survey
Bailey, D.B., Raspa, M., Olmsted, M., & Holiday, D.B. (2008 Aug 15). American Journal of Medical Genetics. Part A, 146A (16):2060-2069.
People with fragile X syndrome, as well as those who carry the gene, are likely to have additional conditions that include attention problems and anxiety, according to a study by researchers at RTI International.
The study surveyed more than 1,000 parents of children who either had fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability, or were a carrier of the disease. Researchers found that most boys and many girls with the syndrome experience attention problems, anxiety and hyperactivity, in addition to developmental delay. Eighty-five percent of males and 44 percent of females experienced two or more additional conditions.
The study surveyed more than 1,000 parents of children who either had fragile X syndrome, the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability, or were a carrier of the disease. Researchers found that most boys and many girls with the syndrome experience attention problems, anxiety and hyperactivity, in addition to developmental delay. Eighty-five percent of males and 44 percent of females experienced two or more additional conditions.
Incidence of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus among white Americans by sex, stage, and age
Brown, L.M., Devesa, S.S., & Chow, W.H. (2008 Aug 20). Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 100 (16):1184-1187.
The rate of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus has risen steadily among white Americans over the past 3 decades, according to a new study.
The research found that the incidence among white men has increased 463 percent in the past 30 years, and 335 percent among white women during that same time. The major risk factors for esophageal adenocarcinoma, and the condition that precedes this cancer, Barrett's esophagus, are gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD -- chronic heartburn) and obesity.
The research found that the incidence among white men has increased 463 percent in the past 30 years, and 335 percent among white women during that same time. The major risk factors for esophageal adenocarcinoma, and the condition that precedes this cancer, Barrett's esophagus, are gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD -- chronic heartburn) and obesity.
Peer effects in adolescent overweight
Trogdon, J.G., Nonnemaker, J., & Pais, J. (2008). Journal of Health Economics, 27 (5):1388-1399.
Friends have been thought to influence just about everything a teen does, and now a new study by researchers at RTI International finds they may also affect teens' weight.
The study found that friends' weight is correlated with an adolescent's own weight even after considering demographics, smoking status, birth weight, and household characteristics such as parental obesity. The researchers found the peer effect on weight was strongest among females, and among adolescents who were at risk of becoming overweight.
The study found that friends' weight is correlated with an adolescent's own weight even after considering demographics, smoking status, birth weight, and household characteristics such as parental obesity. The researchers found the peer effect on weight was strongest among females, and among adolescents who were at risk of becoming overweight.
Differences in contraceptive use across generations of migration among women of Mexican origin
More featured publications…
Wilson, E.K. (2008). Maternal and Child Health Journal, Online First.
A large majority of both Mexican immigrant woman and Mexican-American women use contraceptives; however, Mexican immigrants are less likely than Mexican-American women to use contraception before they have had a baby, according to a new study by a researcher at RTI International.
Data from a national survey in Mexico indicate that the patterns of contraceptive use among Mexican immigrants in the U.S. is similar to that of women who remain in Mexico: Although 69 percent of sexually active women in Mexico use a contraceptive method, only 24 percent of childless women do.
Data from a national survey in Mexico indicate that the patterns of contraceptive use among Mexican immigrants in the U.S. is similar to that of women who remain in Mexico: Although 69 percent of sexually active women in Mexico use a contraceptive method, only 24 percent of childless women do.