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Background Implementation intentions are situation-linked action plans that increase health behaviors such as condom use. Few studies have measured the strength of implementation intentions, especially regarding condom use. Non-injection drug users are at high risk for HIV due to risky sexual practices. Substance use before sex may increase risky sexual behaviors, and implementation intentions are a promising, practical route for HIV prevention. Purpose This prospective study assessed the measurement properties of the newly developed Strength of Implementation Intentions Scale (SIIS) for condom use and investigated whether the SIIS predicted condom use one-year later. The study evaluated whether behavioral intentions and alcohol or methamphetamine use before sex modified the relationship between the SIIS and condom use. Methods Participants were 590 non-injection drug users convicted of nonviolent drug offenses in court-mandated outpatient drug diversion programs. They completed self-directed computer assessments at baseline and at one-year follow-up. Measures included demographics, behavioral intentions to use condoms, the SIIS for condom use, alcohol and methamphetamine use before or during sex, and condom use. Psychometric properties, direct, and interaction effects of the SIIS were evaluated using structural equation modeling and general linear regressions. Results The SIIS, behavioral intentions, and condom use were positively correlated and there was discriminant validity between all three constructs. In addition, the SIIS predicted condom use one-year later in this high-risk population. No significant interactions were detected. Conclusions The SIIS is predictive of condom use behavior, is psychometrically sound and distinct from behavioral intentions, and can be incorporated into HIV prevention interventions and used as a mediator variable. In addition, it can be used as an outcome measure where a follow-up is not feasible. The SIIS can also be tailored for additional HIV-related behaviors such as HIV-testing, adhering to antiretroviral medication, prescribing and adhering to pre-exposure prophylaxis, and other health behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale Engaging in risky sexual behavior increases transmission of HIV. Objective The present study used previously elicited salient outcomes of condom use to examine the factor structure and test the predictive utility of a condom use expectancy scale. Methods Participants were drug offenders from court ordered drug diversion programs in Southern California. The condom use expectancy scale consisted of three factors: positive condom outcome items, negative condom outcome items, and safe sex items. Results The factor analysis confirmed the three-factor structure. Positive condom use expectancies were a significant predictor of both condom use and intentions to use condoms, and negative condom use expectancies predicted non-use of condoms. Conclusion Understanding conditions of condom use can aid public health researchers and practitioners to better identify those in need of HIV prevention and how to target those needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Review literature focused on neurological associations in brain structure among individuals with a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Methodology A review of literature examining physiological irregularities in brain structures of individuals with a history of CSA was conducted. Results Results revealed that a history of CSA was associated with irregularities in the cortical and subcortical regions of the brain. These irregularities have been recognized to contribute to various cognitive, behavioral, and psychological health outcomes later in life. Age of CSA onset was associated with differential neurological brain structures. Conclusion Mental and behavioral health problems such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, dissociative disorders, and sexual dysfunction are associated with CSA and may persist into adulthood. Research depicting the associations of CSA on neurological outcomes emphasizes the need to examine the biological and subsequent psychological outcomes associated with CSA. Early intervention is imperative for CSA survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: International behavioral research requires instruments that are not culturally-biased to assess sensation seeking. In this study we described a culturally adapted version of the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale for Chinese (BSSS-C) and its psychometric characteristics. The adapted scale was assessed using an adult sample (n =238) with diverse educational and residential backgrounds. The BSSS-C (Cronbach alpha=0.90) was correlated with the original Brief Sensation Seeking Scale (r =0.85, p <0.01) and fitted the four-factor model well (CFI=0.98, SRMR=0.03). The scale scores significantly predicted intention to and actual engagement in a number of health risk behaviors, including alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking, and sexual risk behaviors. In conclusion, the BSSS-C has adequate reliability and validity, supporting its utility in China and potential in other developing countries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]