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Problematic and risky behaviors such as drunk driving, drug taking, and binge drinking are often undertaken in social situations where a bystander could intervene. To date, research has examined neither social marketing's effect on interveners nor the mechanisms by which that might work. On the basis of reader response theory, we introduce a new concept, comedic reproducibility, defined as the perception that one can reuse stimuli to elicit mirth in others, and we study its role in humorous social advertising for intervening intentions. Our research reports two studies. In Study 1, we explore the route by which affiliative humor style affects intention to intervene via a mediation effect of intervening anxiety. We also examine the interactive influence of comedic reproducibility of the ad and audience affiliative humor style on intervening anxiety. In Study 2, we examine the direct effects of comedic reproducibility on intention to intervene. Results demonstrate that social advertising messages perceived as comedically reproducible provide audiences with a tool they can use in conjunction with their affiliative humor style to stop their friends from behaving dangerously. The findings can be used by social marketers to create and pretest the effectiveness of comedically reproducible campaigns that target intervening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four decades of research into the influences of time pressure on risky decisions have produced widely contrasting findings: 38.5% of the effects indicate that time pressure increases risk preferences, whereas 61.5% show the opposite. A theoretical framework with four conceptual categories of moderators is proposed to explain these heterogeneous findings: nature of the time constraint, negative outcome salience, negative outcome severity, and vulnerability to the outcomes. This framework is tested through a meta-analysis of 213 effect sizes reported in 83 papers, representing 65,574 unique respondents. The four categories of moderators effectively resolve notable conflicts. For example, regarding the nature of the time constraint, an absolute versus relative constraint increases risk preferences, but an ambiguous versus objective constraint decreases risk preferences. In terms of negative outcome salience, risk preferences decrease if the risk is learned about from a description (vs. experience) or the outcome is framed as a loss (vs. gain). Negative outcome severity also exerts an effect, as discrete choices lower risk preferences compared with attitudinal risk. In addition to managerial and public policy implications based on simulations, a comprehensive research agenda that builds on the robust insights of this meta-analysis is offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We build a novel comprehensive data set of new product trademarks as an output measure of product development innovation. We show that risk-taking incentives in CEO compensation motivate this type of innovation and that this innovation improves firm performance. Using an exogenous shock to executive compensation, we find that reductions in stock option compensation cause reductions in new product development. We also find that firms undertaking new product development experience increases in future cash flow from operations and return on assets. These findings suggest the importance of product development innovation to firms and new trademarks as a novel innovation measure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Policy makers and insurers promote the use of generic drugs because they can deliver large savings without sacrificing quality. But these efforts meet resistance from the public, who perceive generic drugs as inferior substitutes for brand name counterparts. Building on literature showing that negative emotions reduce risk-taking, the authors hypothesize that receiving bad medical news (i.e., negative information about one's health) prompts patients to favor brand name over generic drugs as means to safeguard their health. The evidence exploits low-density lipoprotein cholesterol test results, where a discontinuity from clinical guidelines enables the authors to estimate the causal effect of bad medical news. Using data covering patients' prescription drug choices across drug classes, the authors find that patients receiving bad medical news become 8% more likely to choose the brand name alternative. The findings are reinforced by a secondary analysis incorporating the similar context of hemoglobin A1c (blood sugar) testing. The authors also find that bad medical news reduces preferences for generics most strongly among drugs of direct clinical relevance for each test, but the effect also manifests among non–clinically relevant drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firms have appointed a significant number of female chief marketing officers (CMOs) over the past decade. However, the question of how female CMOs differ from their male counterparts is yet to be explored. This research uses a multimethod approach to examine when and why female CMOs' marketing decisions differ from those of male CMOs. In Study 1, the authors use secondary data to examine the effect of CMO gender on multiple marketing decisions and find that female CMOs make less risky decisions. Further, the authors find evidence that female CMOs' risk-taking behavior is contingent on structural, organizational, and environmental factors (CEO gender, relative firm performance, and demand uncertainty). In Study 2, the authors employ the MarkStrat simulation, in which participants assume the role of CMO, to test the main finding from Study 1 in a controlled setting and provide evidence for the differential effect of gender on radical versus incremental new product introductions. In Study 3, the authors examine survey data to find evidence for the underlying mechanisms (overconfidence, failure avoidance orientation, and scrutiny) behind female CMOs' lesser risk-taking behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article uses FAS 123R regulation to examine how reduction in CEO compensation incentives affects managerial "playing it safe" behavior. Using proxies reflecting deliberate managerial efforts to change firm risk, difference-in-difference tests show that affected firms drastically reduce both systematic and idiosyncratic risks, leading to an 8% decline in total firm risk. These reductions in risk are achieved by shifting to safer, but low-Q, segments while closing the riskier ones, without significant changes in investment levels. Our findings suggest that decrease in risk-taking incentives provided by option compensation, when not compensated for by alternative incentives or governance mechanisms, exacerbates risk-related agency problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the evolving landscape of medium-sized enterprises, intellectual capital has been an essential component of entrepreneurship strategy. The purpose of this study is to determine the significant relationship between intellectual capital- comprising of structural, human and customer capital- and entrepreneurship strategy- in the aspects of creative capabilities, risk taking and entrepreneurial culture. The study is focused and limited only to medium-sized companies which provide a localized perspective as it employs a descriptive-correlational research design and a purposive sampling technique, intentionally selecting fifty employees from various medium-sized companies. Moreover, the data was gathered using a modified version of an existing questionnaire, which included sections on demographics, level of intellectual capital, and level of entrepreneurship strategy. The findings demonstrated that there is a high degree of intellectual capital in medium-sized companies. It was also discovered that there is a high level of entrepreneurship strategy in the same sector. Furthermore, the study discovered a substantial association between intellectual capital and the entrepreneurial approach of medium-sized businesses. This means that as intellectual capital increases, the entrepreneurship strategy tends also to increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Intermittent sucrose/fasting protocol led to overeating behavior. • Animals with loss-control eating also showed depressive-like behavior. • Fasting itself did not induce depressive-like or sucrose overeating behavior. • Activity of monoamine oxidases was disrupted in overeating mice. • Sucrose-exposed mice tend to exhibit increased risk behavior after 20 h-fasting. Binge eating disorder is the most prevalent eating disorder, affecting both sexes but more commonly found in women. Given the frequent co-occurrence of psychiatric disorders, this study aimed to establish a standardized experimental intermittent protocol to investigate overeating associated with depression. A 10-day protocol induced uncontrolled eating behavior in C57BL/6J female mice. The first experiment included the following groups: naive group (chow ad libitum), control group (chow and sucrose solution ad libitum), and fasting groups (16 and 20 h) exposed to an intermittent sucrose solution (10 %) and chow regimen. Subsequently, the feeding test, open field test, elevated plus maze test, tail suspension test, and light/dark conflict test were conducted. Furthermore, monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B activities in brain structures and plasma corticosterone levels were assessed. Food overconsumption and depressive-like behavior were observed in both sucrose fasting groups, while risk-taking behaviors were specifically observed in the 20-hour fasting sucrose group. While both fasting sucrose groups caused reduced hippocampal MAO-A activity, only the F20 sucrose group inhibited MAO-B in the cortex and hypothalamus. Moreover, both fasting sucrose groups exhibited elevated corticosterone levels. In a separate design (Experiment 2), groups with 16 and 20 h of fasting alone (without sucrose) did not show the same behavioral results as the intermittent fasting sucrose groups, thus avoiding fasting bias. Based on these results, the 20-hour sucrose fasting group was chosen as the ideal protocol for mimicking overeating behavior associated with depression to investigate future therapeutic approaches for this comorbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are becoming increasingly important and well liked for delivering pervasive computing environments for a range of applications. Extending the networking life lifetime in WSNs is an important issue that must be addressed. Effective techniques for conserving the WSN's limited energy resources must be developed. Cross‐layer protocols are employed in WSNs to solve network lifespan difficulties. This paper proposes a new cross‐layer–cross‐domain routing scheme with stages such as "(1) network association stage, (2) nearer node detection phase, and (3) consistent state phase." In the consistent stage, the optimal cluster head selection (CHS) is carried out by taking into account risk, delay, energy, trust, and distance. A new model called manta ray collided dwarf mongoose optimization (MRC‐DMO) is introduced to help with this. Furthermore, the routing is accomplished by dependable data communication. The results obtained establish the effectiveness of the MRC‐DMO scheme for SEACRCLCD in WSN over varied methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media use is omnipresent among college students. The current study investigated how exposure to student risk-taking forms of alcohol use on social media shapes the perceptions of the prototypical student and drinking norms among students. A 2020, three time-point experiment was conducted that measured 208 (M age = 18.85, SD = 1.94; 160 female) participant's partying/drinking prototypes along with their perceived normative support of alcohol consumption. At Time 2, participants were randomly assigned to one of the four conditions, three video conditions and one non-video condition, with one video condition displaying risk-taking drinking behavior. A Mixed ANOVA revealed that within the risk-taking drinking condition, participants used more pro-alcohol words to describe the typical ingroup member and perceived an increase in normative support of alcohol consumption. Implications of this study suggest that risk-taking content from social media may pose barriers to developing social norms interventions to address problematic college student drinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To examine trends in young adult self-reported driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI-A), cannabis (DUI-C), and simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use (DUI-AC) in a state with legalized nonmedical cannabis use from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. We used logistic regression and annual statewide data from the Washington Young Adult Health Survey to assess DUI behaviors from 2016 to 2021. Results. Both prepandemic yearly changes in prevalence and deviations from those trends during the pandemic years were small and not statistically significant. However, prevalence estimates were alarming: 12.0% of participants reported DUI-A, 12.5% reported DUI-C, and 2.7% reported DUI-AC. Exploratory moderation analyses indicated a relative increase in DUI-A during 2020 among 4-year college students relative to young adults not attending 4-year colleges. Conclusions. Young adults in Washington State continued to engage in risky DUI behaviors during the pandemic. College students may have increased their likelihood of DUI-A during COVID-19. Public Health Implications. Young adults, for whom vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of death, showed little change in DUI behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is continued need for young adult DUI prevention efforts. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(S8):S698–S701. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307767) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are two ways for a situation to be uncertain. Subjective uncertainty refers to not knowing facts. Objective uncertainty refers to future events that have not been determined yet. A wide ranging literature review finds that subjective uncertainty inhibits behavior, increases conserving resources and willpower, and stimulates search for information – though in crude, sometimes dysfunctional fashion. In contrast, objective uncertainty calls for action, reflected in agentic control, increased arousal, and greater willingness to take risks. Again, some responses are irrational, such as exerting more effort for less expected reward, and betting more on uncontrollable future than past events. With both kinds of uncertainty, attention is mobilized and emotion is prolonged. Our review uncovered multiple signs that some uncertainty is beneficial and heightens enjoyment as a kind of spice of life, or, in some cases, as a welcome hope that a bad outcome might still be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Among international immigrants, health changes by duration of residence are commonly interpreted as an expression of acculturation to the receiving country context. This study compares changes in immigrants' health risk behaviors by duration of residence to changes by acculturation levels, in order to assess whether duration of residence can be regarded as a proxy for acculturation. Methods: Using data from a previous systematic review, we identified 17 quantitative studies examining changes in alcohol, tobacco and drug use, physical inactivity, and diet by both duration of residence and acculturation level in the same population. We compared the directionality and consistency of these associations through tabulation and vote counting. Results: The majority of studies reported no or inconsistent changes in health risk behaviors by duration of residence versus by acculturation, including with opposite directionality. Four studies reported significant estimates with consistent directionality, while five reported consistent, non-significant estimates. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that duration of residence should not be used as a proxy for acculturation when studying health risk behaviors among immigrants. Researchers should consider additional time-dependent factors to explain behavioral changes by duration of residence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is unknown how the Addictions Neuroclinical Assessment markers—negative affect, sensation seeking, and executive function—contribute to substance use development. This study examined whether associations of negative affect and sensation seeking with substance use vary by executive function. Participants were 167 adolescents (47% female) who participated annually for four years (Mage = 14.07, SDage = 0.54 at Time 1). There were within-person bidirectional associations between higher negative affect and higher substance use for adolescents with lower executive function. Adolescents with higher sensation seeking at age 14 exhibited increasing substance use trajectories from age 14 to 17, regardless of executive function level. Negative affect and substance use influence each other within individuals, whereas sensation seeking predicts substance use between individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Playing outside is essential to growing up actively, socially and in good health. It is theorized that children particularly benefit from risky play situations. Opportunities for risky play, however, have declined in the last decades. Based on interviews with parents, play professionals and municipal policymakers in the Netherlands, we illustrate how environments for children's (risky) play are produced through the interplay between these three groups of stakeholders. Beliefs, attitudes and decisions of these stakeholders influence choices on risk and safety, which, in turn, become manifest in the social and physical context for play. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the longitudinal associations of self-control and parental involvement with prosociality and internalizing problems from early to mid-to-late adolescence, within a risk and resilience and a developmental cascade framework. We used a panel design (i.e., four measurement times at 2-year intervals from 2008 onwards) to examine data on 1523 Swiss adolescents when they were aged about 11, 13, 15, and 17. A cross-lagged analytical approach was used to respond to our purpose. Results showed that parental involvement promotes later levels of prosociality from early to mid-to-late adolescence. Furthermore, we observed that parental involvement predicted later improvements in self-control and that prosociality and internalizing problems mutually and positively predicted each other during the same period. Our findings suggest that interventions aimed at promoting positive parental involvement with their offspring may contribute to later adolescent prosociality and self-control and that health professionals should consider encouraging a healthy balance between self-interest and concern for others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although substance use rates among adolescents have decreased, drug overdose deaths among adolescents have increased since 2020, driven largely by illegally made fentanyl (IMF). This study explores substance use patterns and characteristics of adolescents who were assessed for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment to inform prevention and response strategies. Methods: A convenience sample of adolescents aged 10–18 years assessed for SUD treatment from September 2017 to December 2021 was analyzed using the Comprehensive Health Assessment for Teens. The percentage of lifetime and past 30-day substance use was examined. Adolescent characteristics (e.g., demographics, history of overdoses or hospital visits due to drug/alcohol use) were analyzed by lifetime substances used. Results: Among 5,377 assessments, most were male (58.7%), aged 16–18 years (50.5%), non-Hispanic White (43.1%), enrolled in school (87.3%), and living with their parent(s) (72.4%). The most commonly reported lifetime substances used were marijuana (68.0%), alcohol (54.2%), and prescription opioid misuse (13.6%). The most common past 30-day substance use combination was alcohol and marijuana (35.6%). The percentage of assessments indicating past-year overdoses or hospital visits due to drug/alcohol use was greatest among those who reported lifetime use of IMF (24.0%), followed by heroin (21.4%) and cocaine (15.3%). Overall, 2.3% reported lifetime IMF use and 0.6% thought IMF was causing them the most problems. Conclusions: Findings inform opportunities to address substance use and increased IMF-involved overdose among adolescents. Continued overdose prevention and response strategies such as evidence-based education campaigns, naloxone distribution and harm reduction efforts, and evidence-based SUD treatment expansion are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is emerging evidence that negative emotions can be leveraged to help construction workers recognize hazards, with fear being closely associated with avoidance behavior among negative emotions. Previous research has indicated that decision-making during a simulated crisis differs significantly from real crisis scenarios. In order to induce fear arousal based on actual harm (referred to as real fear arousal), this study utilized the high degree of consistency between humans and mice in conducting a three-phase experiment employing a modified two-way active avoidance paradigm. The study's key finding indicates that integrating construction elements into the modified two-way active avoidance paradigm can activate the renewal of active avoidance behavior toward shocks under conditions of fear arousal throughout the experiment. The level of fear demonstrated a significant impact on active avoidance of hazards (AAH) in the three-phase experiment. Practical Applications: Managerial decision-making under crisis theory emphasizes the notable disparity between decision-making in simulated crisis scenarios and actual crisis situations. Consequently, effectively intervening in construction workers' risk-taking behaviors often proves challenging. Numerous studies have established a close relationship between fear and avoidance behaviors. In order to ethically and effectively explore the influence of fearful emotions on real-life risk-taking behaviors, a three-phase avoidance experiment (comprising acquisition, extinction, and renewal phases) was conducted based on the classical paradigm used in experimental methods of animal behavior. Therefore, appropriately inducing fear arousal may enhance construction workers' ability to avoid risk, particularly among those who have previously been injured, with potentially more pronounced effects. We advocate for a focus on enhancing the fear experience within reasonable limits during future safety training initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Addressing risky decision-making may prevent negative outcomes for youth. • Few interventions directly focus on modifying decision-making processes. • Impulsive decision reduction training for youth (IDRT-Y) may fill this gap. • This case report describes and provides preliminary support for IDRT-Y. Impulsive, risky decision-making has been associated with harmful behaviors and negative outcomes across the lifespan. Targeting maladaptive decision-making during adolescence could prevent adverse consequences in adulthood. However, few interventions directly address decision-making biases and promote adaptive decision-making skills in youth. Impulsive Decision Reduction Training for Youth (IDRT-Y) was developed to address this need by adapting an existing adult intervention. IDRT-Y is an 8-session, manualized cognitive behavioral therapy approach in which youth learn to change their maladaptive decision-making habits, increase their future orientation when making decisions, and learn more adaptive decision-making strategies to reduce risky, impulsive decisions. This article describes IDRT-Y and its application by presenting a case study of a 16-year-old boy with a history of impulsive and risky decision-making patterns who was treated with IDRT-Y. Pretreatment, posttreatment, and 24-week follow-up assessments were conducted. Both the youth and parent reported high satisfaction with IDRT-Y. The youth demonstrated reductions in impulsivity, substance use, internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and improvement in his consideration of future consequences when making decisions. The case study illustrates how IDRT-Y is delivered and shows IDRT-Y was an acceptable and effective intervention for addressing risky, impulsive decision-making in this adolescent. We discuss the implications of these findings and future directions to study the acceptability and effectiveness of IDRT-Y in larger youth samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the relationship between corporate environmental responsibility (CER) and risk-taking in Chinese A-share listed companies from 2011 to 2020. It seeks to understand the influence of CER on risk-taking behavior and explore potential moderating factors. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative approach is used, using data from Chinese A-share listed companies over the specified period. Regression analysis is used to examine the relationship between CER and risk-taking, while considering moderating variables such as performance aspiration, environmental enrichment and contextual factors. Findings: The findings indicate that CER positively influences corporate risk-taking, with significant impacts on information asymmetry and corporate reputation. Moreover, positive performance aspiration strengthens the effect of CER on risk-taking, while negative performance aspiration and environmental enrichment weaken this effect. Cross-sectional analysis shows that the positive association between CER and risk-taking is more prominent for firms located in areas with strict environmental regulation, for nonstate-owned firms, and for firms with higher levels of internal control. Originality/value: This research contributes to the literature by providing insights into the dynamics between CER and risk-taking in the Chinese market context. It expands existing knowledge by considering the influence of performance aspiration on this relationship, offering practical implications for firms seeking to enhance corporate performance through strategic management of environmental responsibilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although emotions have garnered scholarly attention in tourism, an opportunity remains to examine the interplay between different emotions and their implications on tourism outcomes. This multi-method research was carried out in Venezuela and assesses the physiological arousal and cognitive appraisal of emotions. A guided walking tour through Venezuela's high-risk zones resulted in varied degrees of emotional stimulation among participants. Their responses were associated with individual differences, such as travel history and personal/professional interests. The appraisal process showed that people who visit conflict-ridden destinations develop cognitively and emotionally. These findings underscore the significance of non-hedonic trips in emotional processes and illustrate how tourism can foster beneficial outcomes. Travel can especially shape tourists' attitudes towards residents, conflict, and themselves. This research also broadens the literature on risk taking and danger zone tourism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of European Journal of Social Work is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background and Objectives: Public health messaging increasingly emphasizes the importance of "lifestyle interventions" to reduce dementia risk. Our study aimed to understand how people interpret and respond to information about dementia risk. In a second sub-aim, we examined how these interpretations may contribute to dementia-related lifestyle stigma. Research Design and Methods: We engaged in a secondary analysis of 50 semi-structured interviews using a framework approach to understand, from the perspective of community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults, how they may interpret, make sense of, and respond to information about dementia risk and risk reduction. During the interpretive and narrative phase, the authors began to elucidate participant responses analytically and identified that these responses could be interpreted within the health locus of control literature. Results: Of the 23 participants who discussed dementia risk, 13 felt some sense of personal responsibility and control over their dementia risk. Of those 13, four participants believed they had personal responsibility and control and actively engaged in lifestyle interventions. The remaining nine participants also engaged in lifestyle interventions, aiming to find comfort in knowing they had done what they could to reduce their risk and working to alleviate self-attribution of blame if diagnosed with dementia. Discussion and Implications: The tendency to internalize responsibility may inadvertently contribute to the stigmatization of dementia as a 'lifestyle disease' creating dementia-related lifestyle stigma. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of dementia risk, including environmental and external factors beyond individual control, is essential to combatting the 'lifestyle stigma' increasingly associated with the condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women engaged in sex work (WESW) who use drugs are a key population in Kazakhstan's HIV epidemic. Global research suggests susceptibility to HIV varies by sex work environment. This study aims to identify evidence-based typologies of WESW and examine their associations with HIV risk. We surveyed 400 WESW who use drugs in two Kazakhstani cities, including questions on sociodemographic characteristics, social, physical, and economic risk environments, and sexual risk behaviors. Latent class analysis identified four distinct typologies of sex work practice: occasional sex work (n = 61, 15%), professional sex work for money (n = 187, 47%), sex work in exchange for drugs, goods, or other services (n = 117, 29%), and managed sex work under a boss/pimp/madam (n = 35, 9%). We then used logistic regression to examine associations between typologies and risk behaviors. Compared to professional sex work, occasional sex work was associated with lower odds of multiple sexual partners (aOR:0.46[95%CI:0.24,0.90]), of multiple paid clients (aOR:0.25[0.13,0.49]), and of > 1 instance of unprotected sex with a paying partner (aOR:0.33[0.17,0.63]). Compared to professional sex work, sex work for nonmonetary items was associated with higher odds of multiple sexual partners (aOR:1.85[0.96,3.67]) and of > 1 instance of unprotected sex with a paying partner (aOR:1.71[1.01,2.93]). Results suggest heterogeneity among WESW who use drugs in Kazakhstan, and that typologies of sex work are associated with varying HIV risk environment factors and risk behaviors. Effective HIV prevention efforts must be tailored to address these varying risk environments and the resulting variety of needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of AIDS & Behavior is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Condoms continue to be used by many gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBM) to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. However this is impacted by condom failure events, defined here as condom breakage and slippage. In a prospective, observational cohort study of 343 HIV serodiscordant male couples recruited through high HIV caseload clinics and hospitals between 2012 and 2016 in Australia, Brazil, and Thailand, condom failure rates and associated factors were analysed, including with the study partner versus other sexual partners. There were 717 reported instances of condom failure from an estimated total of 25,831 sex acts with condoms, from over 588.4 participant years of follow up. Of the HIV-negative partners (n = 343) in the study, more than a third (n = 117, 36.7%) reported at least one instance of condom failure with any partner type during study follow-up. Condom failure with their study partner was reported by 91/343 (26.5%) HIV-negative partners, compared with 43/343 (12.5%) who reported condom failure with other partners. In total, there were 86 events where the HIV-negative partner experienced ano-receptive condom failure with ejaculation, representing 12.0% of all failure events. In multivariable analysis, compared to Australia, HIV-negative men in Brazil reported a higher incidence risk rate of condom failure (IRR = 1.64, 95%CI 1.01–2.68, p = 0.046) and HIV-negative men who reported anal sex with other partners reported an increased risk of condom failure compared with men who only had sex with their study partner (IRR = 1.89, 95%CI 1.08–3.33, p = 0.025). Although at least one event of condom failure was reported by a significant proportion of participants, overall condom failure events represented a small proportion of the total condom protected sex acts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idea screening is crucial as it must select the most promising ideas that are best suited to increase front‐end success. Although paradox theory indicates that learning tensions characterize the evaluation and screening of idea creativity, we know little about how idea screeners navigate through the associated competing demands. In response, we investigate the effects of idea screeners' paradoxical thinking on the assessment of the creativity of ideas as well as its motivational antecedents of paradoxical thinking. By analyzing a survey (N = 326) and an experiment (N = 292), we show that paradoxical thinking increases front‐end success and both dimensions of idea creativity (encompassing meaningfulness and novelty). In turn, by creating a motivational context (comprising decision autonomy, encouragement to take risks, and tolerance for mistakes), firms can provide the antecedents to adopt paradoxical thinking. Our study contributes to and extends the literature on screening idea creativity and paradox theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research Summary: Government involvement plays a significant role in fostering entrepreneurship. We examine how government involvement in venture capital (VC) investments shapes the decoupling between risk‐taking and investment returns. We distinguish government involvement through state ownership (GVC) and personal political connections (connected VC). We theorize that government involvement through GVC is associated with the downside risk–return paradox, that is, concurrent higher risk‐taking and lower‐than‐expected returns. In contrast, government involvement through connected VCs is linked to the upside risk–return paradox, that is, concurrent lower risk‐taking and higher‐than‐expected returns. Our theoretical predictions receive general support from analyses using longitudinal data from VC firms in China. Our study sheds light on the heterogeneity in the decoupling between risk and return and the underlying mechanisms through which governments influence entrepreneurship. Managerial Summary: Governments often seek to promote entrepreneurship; yet, their involvement in start‐ups tends to deviate from the conventional wisdom of a positive risk–return association. Government‐owned venture capital (VC) firms tend to take greater risks and invest in earlier‐stage start‐ups, but yield lower returns from their investments. Conversely, VC firms that have personal ties to government officials tend to take lower risks and prefer later‐stage start‐ups, yet achieve higher returns. These intriguing findings reveal the complexities of government participation in entrepreneurial activities and offer valuable insights for policy formulation. In addition, our findings highlight the importance for entrepreneurs to recognize diverse goals and resources in government involvement. Considering this when seeking external financing is helpful in positioning start‐ups for growth and success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Adolescence is a key developmental period characterized by increased maladaptive risky behaviors. Two related but distinct constructs, urgency (the tendency to act rashly in response to strong negative or positive emotions) and emotion dysregulation, are important risk factors for engaging in maladaptive risky behaviors. Thus far, research has largely agreed that these two risk factors are highly correlated. However, the causal direction between these constructs is less understood. The goal of the current study is to determine whether urgency predicts emotion dysregulation change among adolescents. Method: This project is an analysis of 544 youth (49.8% female, Mage=14.22, SD=0.52). We tested whether urgency at baseline predicts change in emotion dysregulation over a nine-week period, and whether that relationship differs across boys and girls. Results: Two multigroup latent change score path analyses found that negative, but not positive, urgency significantly predicted emotion dysregulation change (negative urgency: b= -0.57, p=0.001; positive urgency: b=0.22, p=0.06). There was no evidence of moderation by gender. Discussion: This work provides initial evidence of a temporal relationship between higher negative urgency and increased emotion dysregulation. The next step is to determine whether negative urgency imparts risk for maladaptive behaviors through its effect on emotion dysregulation. The long-term goal of this program of research is to design and test interventions to reduce the impact of negative urgency for adolescent risk-taking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Even though mental health problems and alcohol use remain major challenges facing adolescents, our understanding of their developmental progressions primarily stems from cohorts coming 1 of age in the early 2000's. We aimed to examine and describe normative developmental trajectories of depression, conduct problems, and alcohol use across adolescent years among more recent cohorts of Norwegian youth born in the 21st century. Methods: Multilevel mixed linear models for symptoms of depression and conduct disorder, and multilevel mixed logistic models for depressive disorder, conduct problems, any alcohol use, and risky drinking, were estimated with longitudinal data from a nationwide sample N = 3436 (55% girls) of Norwegian adolescents (mean age 14.3 [SD = 0.85] in 2017). We compared models with linear, quadratic, and cubic change with age, and models that tested moderation by sex and centrality (rural vs. urban communities). Results: Average symptoms and the rate of depressive disorder increased sharply from age 13 to age 19, but both the initial levels and the rates of change were greater for girls than for boys. Average symptoms of conduct disorder and the rate of conduct problems increased in early adolescence and were greater for boys than girls. The rates of any alcohol use and risky drinking both increased sharply from age 14, but there were no notable sex differences either in the initial levels or rates of change over time. Adolescents from more rural communities had greater rates of any drinking in mid-adolescence, but there were no other effects of centrality. Conclusions: This study provides a much-needed update concerning normative developmental trajectories of depression, conduct problems, and alcohol use among millennium cohorts. Consistent with prior studies, we observed significant increases in all outcomes across adolescence, with depression being both greater and more prevalent among girls and conduct problems being both greater and more prevalent among boys. Consistent with the emerging evidence, we observed no sex differences in alcohol use. Finally, there were no differences in the examined developmental trajectories as a function of centrality. These findings underscore the importance of early prevention and treatment of mental health and substance use problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2022, South Africa (SA) had the second-highest HIV incidence rate among adolescents worldwide. This study's participants were boys living in SA aged 15–19 years old, in a current dating or sexual relationship, and diagnosed with HIV before the age of 10. Despite the launch of campaigns to spread awareness of Undetectable equals Untransmittable (U = U), our findings showed that a significant number of adolescents living with HIV do not demonstrate an understanding of the concept. This highlights the importance of integrating U = U messaging in ongoing conversations with healthcare workers given the potential positive impact on adolescent wellbeing, transmission risk perception, and safer sexual practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity, alcohol use and hypertension place military service members at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD). The current study utilised the Defense Medical Epidemiology Database (DMED) data to conduct a retrospective cohort study on the incidence rate trends of CVD and six risk factors (per 10 000) in active duty service members from 2016 to 2021. The average incidence rates of CVD diagnoses in active service members decreased except for angina. Specifically, aortic aneurysm and tear, atherosclerosis, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), stroke and heart attack incidence rates decreased (-31.94%, -29.91%, -19.58%, -9.36%, and -3.49%, respectively). However, incidence rates of angina increased by 14.77%. When examining CVD and risk factors, the incidence rate of inappropriate diet increased (54.58%). The remaining risk factors, such as diagnoses of overweight/obesity, diabetes mellitus (types 1 & 2), hypertension, high cholesterol and tobacco use (-21.42, -39.31%, -30.08%, -24.41%, and -36.85%, respectively) decreased between the years 2016 and 2021. The decrease in incidence rates of CVD warrants further investigation into the explanations for this decline. The large overrepresentation of specific demographics signals a warranted need to increase screening efforts for those at increased risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The present study examines the network structure and, using Bayesian network analysis, estimates the directional pathways among symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and levels of alcohol and cannabis use. Method: A sample of 1471 adults in the United States, who reported at least one potentially traumatic event, completed the PTSD Checklist (PCL-5), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and the Alcohol/Cannabis Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT/CUDIT). A regularized partial correlation network provided estimates of symptoms clusters and connections. Directional pathways within the network were then estimated using a directed acyclic graph (DAG). Results: Symptoms clustered in theoretically consistent ways. Risky behavior demonstrated the highest strength centrality and bridge strength. Neither alcohol nor cannabis use appeared central in the network, and DAG results suggested that MDD and PTSD symptoms are more likely to lead to substance use than the other way around. Conclusions: Results suggest that cannabis use is largely connected to alcohol use. Consistent with prior research, risky behavior appeared to be the primary bridge between substance use and PTSD. The direction of associations between substance use and psychological symptoms requires further attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shared social identity and social norms are often un(der)recognized within mass gatherings health literature, yet they can increase infectious disease transmission by motivating people to engage in risk‐taking behaviours. Across three experiments (Ntotal = 1551), we investigated how shared social identities, perceived norms of resource‐sharing, and perceived riskiness of sharing interact to shape decisions that can lead to disease transmission. In Experiment 1 (N = 528), we examined how shared social identity and perceived descriptive norms affect the likelihood of crowd members sharing resources that may contribute to disease spread. We then replicated this in Experiment 2 (N = 511) using perceived injunctive norms. In Experiment 3 (N = 512), we explored how high shared social identity, perceived norms, and perceived health risks of resource‐sharing impact the likelihood of sharing that may, in turn, increase infectious disease transmission at mass gatherings. We found that high shared social identity interacts with perceived descriptive and injunctive norms, and low health risk perceptions, to increase the likelihood of accepting resources and giving resources at mass gatherings. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to build effective strategies to mitigate infectious disease transmission at mass gatherings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Adolescence is a particularly crucial period of physical, emotional, and social development and adaptation, rendering these formative years rather challenging for individuals with chronic conditions like type 1 diabetes (T1D). Despite rapid improvement in diabetes therapies, adolescents with T1D are characterized by poorer adherence to treatment regimens compared with other pediatric age groups. Insufficient adherence is strongly related to low diabetes control, increasing morbidity, and risk for premature mortality. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of adolescents' most common barriers to T1D adherence, stressing the need for a deep and comprehensive understanding of these barriers. The complexity of these barriers is underscored by the diverse factors contributing to poor T1D adherence in adolescents. Methods: A narrative review was conducted, surveying four databases (PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Science) for full-text articles in the English language published up to June 2024. All studies related to barriers to T1D adherence in adolescents were considered. The literature was selected using selection and exclusion criteria and extracted and organized using Mendeley. Exclusion criteria included studies with insufficient data and non-peer-reviewed articles. This review revealed that adolescents face numerous obstacles to T1D adherence related to psychological factors, flux in family dynamics, perceived social pressures, therapy-related factors, transitioning responsibility, risk-taking behaviors, and pubertal changes. Conclusions: Navigating the adaptations to the different aspects of T1D, from treatment to complications and adolescents' personal growth, effectively requires a thorough understanding of the barriers of a treatment regimen that patients at this critical age face. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aims to fill the existing research gaps by investigating the role of teacher care in protecting African American adolescents in under-resourced neighborhoods from negative outcomes of adverse life events. The study included 638 adolescents from four under-resourced neighborhoods in Chicago's Southside who were assessed to determine the moderating role of caring teachers on the relationship between adverse adolescent experiences and risky sexual behaviors, substance use, bullying perpetration, and violent behaviors. Caring teachers had a significant moderating effect on the association between adverse experiences and both bullying perpetration and violent behaviors. Adolescents who perceived their teachers as caring showed lower tendencies towards bullying and violence, even if they had adverse experiences. These results highlight the crucial role of teacher care in supporting African American adolescents from under-resourced neighborhoods who have experienced adverse life events. It emphasizes educators' role in shaping our youth's future, especially those facing adversity and at a crossroads in their lives. Plain language summary: Despite adverse life events, adolescents who perceived their teachers as caring were less at risk of engaging in bullying and violence. Caring teachers are especially important for African American adolescents in under-resourced neighborhoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Family functioning is associated with adolescent drug use, alcohol use, cigarette use, and sexual risk behaviors. Assessing adolescents for family functioning, commonly associated with multiple risk behaviors, may help identify adolescents at risk for adverse health outcomes. This study examined whether a latent family functioning construct, encompassing multiple dimensions of family functioning, was associated with adolescents' substance use and sexual risk behaviors. Method: This study used data harmonization with three intervention trials, including data from 1451 adolescents (M = 13.6, SD = 1.0), to perform a full-information item bifactor analysis on 46 family functioning items from five pre-existing family functioning measures. Regression analysis was used to examine the association between the identified subset of items and the following outcomes: cigarette use, alcohol use, drug use, and condom use. Results: Bifactor analysis identified a 26-item latent family functioning construct. Regression analysis indicated that a 26-item latent family functioning construct was associated negatively with lifetime and past 90-day cigarette use, alcohol use, and drug use. Conclusion: In sum, the multi-dimensional latent family functioning construct may target specific barriers to risk screening in adolescent populations, including time constraint, hesitancy in discussing sensitive health topics, and use culturally appropriate and age-appropriate assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prevention and control of human immunodeficiency virus and sexually transmitted infections (HIV/STI) face challenges worldwide, especially in China. Prediction tools, which analyze medical data and information to make future predictions, were once mainly used in HIV/STI research to help make diagnostic or prognostic decisions, has have now extended to the public as a freely accessible tool. This article provides an overview of the different roles of prediction tools in preventing and controlling HIV/STI from the perspectives of individuals, healthcare providers, and policymakers. For individuals, prediction tools serve as a risk assessment solution that assess their risk and consciously improve risk reception or change risky behaviors. For researchers, prediction tools are powerful for assisting in identifying risk factors and predicting patients' infection risk, which can inform timely and accurate intervention planning in the future. In order to achieve the best performance, current research increasingly underscores the necessity of considering multiple levels of information, such as socio-behavioral data, in developing a robust prediction tool. In addition, it is also crucial to conduct trials in clinical settings to validate the effectiveness of prediction tools. Many studies only use theoretical parameters such as model accuracy to estimate its predictive. If these improvements are made, the application of prediction tools could be a potentially inspiring solution in the prevention and control of HIV/STI, and an opportunity for achieving the World Health Organization's agenda to end the HIV/STI epidemic by 2030. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is limited research on how fatalism influences risky health behaviors that are linked to higher cancer risks. This study investigates the relationship between risky health behaviors (tobacco smoking, electronic cigarette use, and heavy alcohol drinking) and fatalistic cancer beliefs while controlling for health care–related self-efficacy and sociodemographic and clinical factors among adults without a history of cancer. Methods: We used cross-sectional data from the 2020 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 5 Cycle 4. The study sample included noninstitutionalized adults (aged ≥18 years without a self-reported cancer history (n = 2464). The outcome variable was risky health behaviors comprised of tobacco smoking, electronic cigarette use, and heavy alcohol drinking. We combined these 3 risky behaviors into a binary variable (0, not having risky health behavior; 1, having ≥1 risky health behavior). The key independent variable was cancer fatalistic beliefs. We used descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: Overall, 50% of the sample were women, 64.7% of participants self-identified as non-Hispanic White, 16.4% as Hispanic, and 10.6% as non-Hispanic Black. About 43% of participants reported having at least one risky health behavior. While holding all other factors constant, each unit increase in cancer fatalism score was associated with 30.0% higher odds of increased risky health behaviors (odds ratio = 1.30, 95% confidence interval 1.04-1.62, P =.021) among adults without a history of cancer. Conclusion: By understanding the relationship between cancer-related fatalistic beliefs and risky health behaviors, cancer prevention outreach programs can be personalized to suit the unique needs of specific individuals and communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Socioeconomic differences in health risk behaviours during pregnancy may be influenced by social relations. In this study, we aimed to investigate if social need fulfillment moderates the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and health risk behaviours (smoking and/or alcohol consumption) during pregnancy. We used baseline data from the Lifelines Cohort Study merged with data from the Lifelines Reproductive Origin of Adult Health and Disease (ROAHD) cohort. Education level was used to determine SES, categorized into low, middle, and high, with middle SES as the reference category. Social need fulfillment was taken as indicator for social relations and was measured with the validated Social Production Function Instrument for the Level of Well-being scale. The dependent variable was smoking and/or alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association of SES and social need fulfillment with health risk behaviours and to test for effect modification. We included 1107 pregnant women. The results showed that women with a high SES had statistically significantly lower odds of health risk behaviours during pregnancy. The interaction effect between SES and social need fulfillment on health risk behaviours was not statistically significant, indicating that no moderation effect is present. The results indicate that social need fulfillment does not modify the effect of SES on health risk behaviours during pregnancy. However, in literature, social relations are identified as an important influence on health risk behaviours. More research is needed to identify which measure of social relations is the most relevant regarding the association with health risk behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A correction to the article "Reduced drug use as an alternative valid outcome in individuals with stimulant use disorders: Findings from 13 multisite randomized clinical trials," published online is presented.

Construction workers in South Africa are an at-risk group for HIV/AIDS. Substance misuse, other than alcohol, is associated with poor decision-making, risky lifestyle behaviour, and non-use of condoms. Substance misuse is also associated with harmful and hazardous alcohol consumption and depression. The Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT) is a widely used screening tool to detect drug abuse. The present study examines both the psychometric properties of the DUDIT and the prevalence of drug abuse among construction workers. A field study involving 496 male workers at 18 construction sites of seven construction companies in the Western Cape province of South Africa, was undertaken. Descriptive statistics, reliability, and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to determine the prevalence of substance use, and the dimensionality, reliability and construct validity of the DUDIT. Approximately 10% of participants reported some form of substance use. Four hundred and sixty-seven employees (94.2%) were determined not to have drug-related problems (DUDIT score < 6). Of the at-risk employees (score >5), 5.0% (n = 25) were classified as 'possibly having a drug-related problem' (score 6–24) and 0.8% (n = 4) as 'possibly highly dependent on drugs' (score 25 or more). Of the 47 employees who reported drug use, 29 (61.7%) were classified as having a medium to high risk in relation to drug use. The internal consistency of the DUDIT was very good. The DUDIT reported a one-factor factorial structure, and the model fit indices indicated good model fit to the data. All factor loadings were significant, but there was some evidence of collinearity. Concurrent validity was demonstrated. DUDIT items 1 and 10 require further investigation due to their poor performance compared to the other items. The contribution of these two items needs to be investigated using item response theory (IRT). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: People who inject drugs (PWID) experience high rates of violence, especially in early childhood, increasing their likelihood of engaging in risky substance use behavior in adulthood. Additionally, complex trauma has been reported among PWID due to witnessing and experiencing an overdose, further highlighting the need to examine the role of multiple experiences of trauma on their vulnerability to substance misuse. Methods: Our study of 350 PWID from rural Kentucky examined differences in polysubstance use between participants who experienced violence earlier (≤15 years old) versus later (≥16 years old) in their childhood. Results: Findings highlighted a direct association between experiences of early childhood violence and polysubstance use in adulthood. Additionally, our sample of PWID who experienced violence early in their childhood reported higher rates of severe substance use disorder and mental health distress. Conclusions: Tailored approaches that incorporate trauma-informed care may help to address the disproportionate rates of substance use and related adverse effects among PWID. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Authors discuss the connections between novel psychoactive substance (NPS) use and psychological trauma. The transition from classical substances to NPS, a paradigm change, poses a challenge for the treatment systems. Objective: Research evidence suggests difficulties in emotion regulation and trauma-related NPS-use. Authors explore some demographic and psychopathological characteristics related to such findings and examine the connections between emotion regulation deficiency and the choice of substance. Method: This study uses a methodological triangulation of a biologically identified sample to confirm NPS use, a survey method to describe users' socioeconomic characteristics, and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI-2) subscales to study dysfunctions in emotion regulation. Results: Participants (77 patients) were mainly polydrug users. The transgenerational transfer of substance use was a salient feature, but material deprivation was not characteristic of the entire sample. NPS use was not connected to certain psychopathological characteristics the way classical substance use was. More than half of the respondents had elevated scores on MMPI-2 Demoralization (RCd) and Dysfunctional Negative Emotions (RC7) scales. Nearly half of them also scored high on Neuroticism/Negative Emotionality (NEGE). Conclusions: Results suggest that NPS use in the context of polydrug use is connected to psychological trauma and emotion regulation deficiency, but the MMPI-2 scales to assess emotional dysfunctions are not connected to a particular type of NPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Risky alcohol use is frequent among college students and can be associated with functional outcomes. Bidirectional associations have been shown between alcohol use and the stability of romantic relationships, though little is known about the longitudinal association between risky alcohol use and romantic relationships in college and about college students' perceived stress regarding one's love life. Objectives: The present study aims to explore these relationships both cross-sectionally and at one-year follow-up. Method: Data were drawn, from the French portion of the World Mental Health International College Student Survey initiative (WMH-ICS). First-year college students who completed an online survey (n = 1,624) and a second survey at one-year follow-up (n = 727) were included. Current romantic relationship status and stress regarding one's love life, past-year risky alcohol use, lifetime presence of DSM-5 mental health disorders and sociodemographic correlates were assessed. Results: Risky alcohol use was cross-sectionally associated with dating in multivariate models adjusting for lifetime mental disorders (aOR = 1.70, 95%CI = 1.31-2.20), and in particular with unsteady relationships (aOR = 2.87, 95%CI = 2.01-4.10), but was no longer associated with both one year later. Risky alcohol use was, however, not associated with severe perceived stress regarding one's love life in multivariate models adjusting for lifetime mental disorders in both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses, while it was associated in bivariate models for both analyses. Conclusions: These findings extend our understanding of the association between excessive drinking and romantic relationship patterns among college students underlying the importance of comorbid disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management and treatment of harmful sexual behaviors (HSBs) in autistic adolescents is a complex area of research and clinical practice. Autistic adolescents face unique challenges in understanding social and sexual interactions, putting them at a higher risk of engaging in HSBs. Existing research on interventions for HSBs among autistic adults is growing, but evidence for adolescents is not well understood. Thus, understanding the effectiveness of interventions targeting HSBs in autistic adolescents is crucial. We conducted a rapid evidence assessment to review peer-reviewed research on the effectiveness of interventions for autistic adolescents at risk of or engaging in HSBs. In all, 12 studies met the criteria for review. Inclusion criteria required articles to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, be related to HSB prevention and intervention in adolescents aged 12 to 18 with autism spectrum disorder, be written in English, and include original data. Six databases were used, and we screened the titles and abstracts of 34 studies. The reviewed studies described cognitive-behavioral therapy, pharmacological interventions, family involvement, and multidisciplinary team approaches in addressing HSBs. However, the literature has significant limitations and we suggest that the literature is not robust enough to indicate a promising evidence-based approach for interventions for autistic adolescents who are at risk of or who display and engage in HSBs, and the findings are not transferable to practice. Additional research is required to better prepare healthcare professionals for addressing HSBs in autistic adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although smartphone ownership among minors has become an important social phenomenon, its impact on children's and adolescents' well-being, as well as the mechanisms by which this might take place are not yet sufficiently well-established. To date, no research has examined the effect of smartphone ownership on the well-being of minors through the consumption of influencer-generated content, nor has it explored the effectiveness of the main prevention strategies employed by parents in this context. To fill those gaps, 800 Spanish minors (50% female) aged from 8 to 16 years old (M = 12.33, SD = 2.38) participated in a correlational study in which the ownership of electronic devices, the consumption of influencer generated content, the parasocial relationship with the influencer, and the most common parental mediation strategies were considered. The results showed a positive association between electronic device ownership and psychological discomfort, problematic usage, and imitation of dangerous behaviors. This association was mediated by the consumption of influencer-generated content and the parasocial relationship established by the minor with the influencer. Regarding preventive strategies, only active mediation was inversely related to poorer well-being indicators, however this positive effect significantly decreased when a smartphone or a similar electronic device was owned by the minor (vs. no owned). These findings contribute to the understanding of how smartphone ownership can affect the well-being of children, emphasizing the need for thoughtful consideration when deciding whether to provide smartphones to minors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To examine the associations of dimensions of masculinity—respect/toughness and anti-femininity/hypersexuality—with sexual risk behaviors and protective behavioral intentions and the effects of awareness of anti-Blackness. Participants: 127 Black heterosexual men were recruited from four Historically Black Colleges and Universities and one Minority Serving Institution in the South. Methods: Students completed an online survey as part of a pilot study to assess the sexual health needs of Black college students. Results: Our results indicated that respect/toughness and anti-femininity/hypersexuality were significant correlates of protective behavioral intentions. After accounting for awareness of anti-Blackness and age, anti-femininity/hypersexuality was a significant correlate of sexual risk behaviors. Conclusions: Our study highlights the complex multi-dimensional construct of masculinity and how forms of anti-Blackness continue to influence HIV vulnerability. Therefore, there is a need to include structural factors within research to better understand behaviors among Black college men and incorporate dimensions of masculinity that promote healthy sexual behaviors in interventions and programming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To compare the prevalence and trajectories of risky health behaviors in sexual minority (SM; lesbian/gay/bisexual/questioning/asexual) versus heterosexual undergraduates across their first year of post-secondary. Participants. First-year undergraduates (N = 704, Mage=17.97 years, 24% SM) from a midsized Canadian university. Methods. Students completed monthly (September-April) online questionnaires assessing substance use (binge drinking, tobacco, cannabis, illicit drug use) and disordered eating (binge eating, fasting, purging). Results. At the outset of the academic year, SM students endorsed more frequent cannabis use, illicit drug use, fasting, and binge eating, but less frequent tobacco use, versus heterosexual students. Over the year, SM students' binge drinking frequency declined less than that of heterosexual students, but their illicit drug use decreased while that of their heterosexual peers increased, and all students reported declining disordered eating frequency. Conclusions. Campus wellness initiatives for SM students should offer prevention and harm-reduction strategies prior to or shortly after their arrival on campus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

National responses should be improved and accelerated to meet the target of ending the Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic by 2030. In the Republic of Cyprus, Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), accounting approximately for half of all annual HIV diagnoses. This study assesses the evolution of HIV incidence in MSM in Cyprus until 2030 using a model calibrated to Cypriot epidemiological data. Four scenarios were examined: status quo, two scenarios focusing on introducing Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and a 90% HIV incidence reduction scenario. Reaching only the 95-95-95 HIV cascade of care targets among MSM would reduce HIV incidence by 48.6% by 2030 compared to 2015. Initiating a PrEP intervention only for high risk MSM would cause a modest further reduction in HIV incidence. To meet the 90% reduction target, PrEP should be expanded to both high and medium risk MSM and, after 2025, behavioral interventions should be implemented so as high-risk MSM gradually move to the medium-risk category. Cyprus will not reach the HIV incidence reduction target by 2030 unless PrEP is gradually promoted and delivered to all high and medium risk MSM along with awareness and behavioral interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]