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Background: Although high parental education reduces adolescents' tobacco use, this effect may be weaker for ethnic minorities than non-Latino White adolescents. Aim: To study the association between parental education at baseline and adolescents' subsequent tobacco curiosity overall and by ethnicity. Methods: The current study used four years of follow-up data from the PATH-Adolescents) study. All participants were 12 to 17-year-old non-smokers at baseline and were successfully followed for four years (n = 3109). The outcome of interest was curiosity about (traditional and electronic) cigarettes in year four. The predictor of interest was baseline parental education, the covariates were age, sex, and parental marital status at baseline, and the moderator was ethnicity. Results: According to our linear regressions, higher parental education at baseline was predictive of adolescents' subsequent tobacco curiosity at year four; however, this association was weaker for Latino than non-Latino adolescents. We did not find a significant difference in the effect of baseline parental education on subsequent tobacco curiosity of White and African American adolescents. Conclusion: The effect of high parental education on tobacco curiosity differs between Latino and non-Latino adolescents. Future research should test the role of advertisement exposure, the prevalence of smokers, as well as other contextual factors at school and neighborhood conditions that may increase curiosity toward cigarettes in Latino adolescents regardless of parental education. The role of high-risk peers, family, friends, proximity to tobacco outlets, and other contextual conditions should be tested in future multi-level research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although risky behaviors such as educational problems and tobacco use tend to co-occur, these associations may vary across diverse ethnic groups, in part because ethnic minorities tend to reside in worse neighborhoods and tend to attend worse schools than Non-Latino White adolescents. Aim: To compare the association between baseline school achievement (student grades) and subsequent tobacco use susceptibility (openness to smoke in future) by ethnicity, we compared African American, Latino, and Non-Latino White adolescents in the US over a four-year period. Methods: This longitudinal study followed 3636 adolescents who were never smokers at baseline for a period of four years. Baseline and four-year data of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study were used for this analysis. All participants were 12 to 17 years old at baseline and were either Non-Latino White (Majority), African American (Minority), or Latino (Minority). The outcome was a tobacco use susceptibility score at wave 4 which was defined as openness to use tobacco in the future, measured at year four. The predictor was school achievement at wave 1, measured as grades from F to A+. The moderator was ethnicity (African American, Latino, Non-Latino White), and covariates were age, gender, parental education, and family structure. Results: Our linear regressions in the pooled sample showed an inverse association between baseline school achievement and subsequent tobacco use susceptibility four years later. However, this inverse association was weaker for ethnic minorities than for Non-Latino White adolescents, as documented by interaction effects between ethnic minority status and baseline school grades. Conclusion: Higher educational success better correlates with lower tobacco use susceptibility of non-Latino White than African American and Latino adolescents, which may reflect some tobacco use susceptibility of Latino and African American adolescents with highly educated parents. Future research should investigate how social context such as high-risk school environment, neighborhood risk, peer risk, and other mechanisms increase behavioral risk of educationally successful African American and Latino adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although high socioeconomic status (SES) is known to be associated with low-risk behaviors, the effects of high family SES may be weaker for racial and ethnic minority than majority youth. Aim: We compared the association between family SES and peers' tobacco use risk between majority and minority youth in the US. Methods: We used four years of follow up data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH-Youth) study. All participants were 12 to 17 years old at baseline and were successfully followed for four years. 4652 Non-Latino and Latino White and Black youth were enrolled. Outcome was peers' tobacco use risk at year four, treated as a continuous measure. Predictor was baseline parental SES, as a proxy of family SES. Moderator was racial and ethnic minority status. Covariates were age, gender, and family structure at baseline. Results: Our linear regressions in the pooled sample showed that higher family SES at baseline was associated with a lower level of peers' tobacco use risk at year four, however, this association was weaker for minority than majority youth. Our stratified models also showed that higher family SES was associated with a lower level of peers' tobacco use risk for majority but not for ethnic minority youth. Conclusion: The presumed protective effect of high family SES against peers' tobacco use risk varies between diverse ethnic groups of youth. Future research should test the role of school and neighborhood climate on weakening the protective effects of family SES for minority youth. The role of high-risk schools and neighborhood environments and other contextual conditions should be tested in future multi-level research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In November 2022, the global human population reached 8 billion and is projected to reach 10 billion by 2060. Theories, models, and evidence indicate that global population growth (GPG) increases the likelihood of many adverse outcomes, such as biodiversity loss, climate change, mass migrations, wars, and resource shortages. A small body of research indicates that many individuals are concerned about the effects of GPG, and these concerns are strongly related to the willingness to engage in mitigative and preventative actions. However, scientific understanding of the factors that influence GPG risk perceptions remains limited. To help address this research gap, we conducted a study of the perceived risk of GPG among UK and US residents (N = 1029) shortly after the "8 billion milestone." Our results confirmed that GPG is perceived as a moderate-to-high risk and these perceptions have a strong positive relationship with the willingness to engage in and support risk management actions. Our participants believed that the worst effects of GPG were yet to come but would largely be geographically and socially remote. Despite their willingness to engage in risk management actions, our participants reported low self-efficacy and that governments (cf. individuals and communities) have the greatest capacity to influence GPG. Risk perceptions were strongly predicted by worldviews and were higher among our UK (cf. US) participants. We also found that the perceived benefits of GPG were low and found no evidence to suggest that risk perceptions were affected by exposure to media coverage of the 8 billion milestone., (© 2024 The Authors. Risk Analysis published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society for Risk Analysis.)

Background: Slowing the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) requires behavioral changes such as physical distancing (e.g., staying a 6-foot distance from others, avoiding mass gatherings, reducing houseguests), wearing masks, reducing trips to nonessential business establishments, and increasing hand washing. Like other health behaviors, COVID-19 related behaviors may be related to risk representations. Risk representations are the cognitive responses a person holds about illness risk such as, identity (i.e., label/characteristics of risk), cause (i.e., factors causing condition), timeline (i.e., onset/duration of risk), consequences (i.e., intrapersonal/interpersonal outcomes), behavioral efficacy (i.e., if and how the condition can be controlled/treated), and illness risk coherence (i.e., extent to which representations, behaviors, and beliefs are congruent). The current study applies the Common-Sense Model of Self-Regulation (CSM-SR) to evaluate how risk representations may relate to COVID-19 protective and risk behaviors. Methods: Participants include 400 workers from Amazon's Mechanical Turk aged ≥ 18 years and US residents. Participants completed an online survey measuring risk representations (B-IPQ) and COVID-19 related behaviors, specifically, physical distancing, hand washing, and shopping frequency. Results: Risk coherence, consequences, timeline, emotional representation, and behavioral efficacy were related to risk and protective behaviors. Conclusions: Risk representations vary in their relationship to COVID-19 risk and protective behaviors. Implications include the importance of coherent, targeted, consistent health communication, and effective health policy in mitigating the spread of COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drugged driving, the act of driving a vehicle under the influence of illicit drugs, by adolescents is a serious public health concern. Many factors contribute to this risk behavior, but much less is known regarding the role of parenting behaviors in this phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to examine specific parenting behaviors and their influence among a nationally representative sample of adolescents. Pooled data from the 2016-2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) among 17,520 adolescents ages 16-17 years old were analyzed. Differences were found in specific parenting behaviors and adolescent drugged/drunk driving, with parents not checking homework and not telling their children they are proud of them being the most influential. Findings from the present study may inform drugged driving prevention programs for parents and adolescents and enhance road safety interventions.

Objective: Unintentional injuries, the leading cause of death for American children, are caused by a range of psychosocial factors, including risk behavior. One factor that may impact child risk-taking is modeling of superhuman risk-taking from superhero media, both immediately following superhero exposure and based on lifetime exposure and engagement.Methods: Fifty-nine 5-year-olds were randomly assigned to view either a 13-min age-appropriate superhero television show or a comparable nonsuperhero show. After the viewing, children engaged in three risk-taking measures: (a) activity room, unsupervised play for 5 min with assortment of apparently dangerous items that might encourage child risk-taking; (b) picture sort, 10 illustrations of children in risk situations, with participant response concerning intended risk-taking in that situation; and (c) vignettes, 10 stories presenting situations with varying degrees of risk, with participant response on intended choice. Parents completed questionnaires concerning children's long-term superhero media exposure and individual superhero engagement (e.g., if child's most recent Halloween costume was of a superhero). Correlations and regressions evaluated effects of immediate superhero exposure, lifetime superhero exposure, and lifetime superhero engagement on children's risk-taking.Results: Mixed results emerged. Lifetime superhero exposure was significantly related to children's risk-taking outcomes in two bivariate (vignettes and picture sort) and one multivariate (picture sort) model. Neither immediate superhero exposure nor lifetime superhero engagement was strongly related to risk-taking.Conclusions: Children's lifetime superhero exposure may influence children's risk-taking. Given American children's substantial media exposure, research should continue to unpack the role of superhero media on children's unintentional injury and other health risk behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: This study assesses whether women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk behavior have higher Papanicolaou (Pap), human papillomavirus (HPV), and HIV testing, and whether the level of selected variables associated with HIV risk behavior correlate with greater testing. Association between HIV risk situations and HPV vaccination is also evaluated. Methods: A cross-sectional assessment was performed in women at age 18 years and older completing the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. Independent variables considered and adjusted for, included age, race/ethnicity, marital status, education, annual household income, smoking status, and health care status. Results: Prevalence of a Pap test in the past 3 years was 66.2%, of HPV test in the past 5 years was 40.2%, and of HIV test ever was 41.9%. HIV risk situations applied to 4.9% women (15.2% in ages 18–24, 7.2% in 25–44, 1.9% in 45–64, and 0.6% in 65 years and older). Adjusted odds (95% confidence interval) of a Pap, HPV, or HIV test according to HIV risk behavior status were 1.5 (1.3–1.8), 1.6 (1.4–1.8), and 2.6 (2.3–2.9), respectively. The positive association between HIV risk behavior and Pap testing depends on marital status. HIV risk behavior significantly correlates with several variables, which, in turn, correlate with testing. There was no association between HIV risk behavior and HPV vaccination. Conclusions: Women with HIV risk behavior are more likely to pursue Pap, HPV, and HIV testing. The significant positive associations are largest for HIV testing and smallest for Pap testing, after adjustment for the selected variables. HIV risk behavior is not associated with HPV vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the relationships between depression trajectories, depression diagnosis and sexual risk behaviors in the US Military HIV Natural History Study. Risk behavior survey data, a coded diagnosis of depression, available Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression measures, and self-reported depressive symptoms (n = 662) were utilized. Latent class analysis created 3 classes of depression trajectories, namely, low depression (LD, n = 378), recent-onset depression (ROD, n = 170), and high depression (HD, n = 114) trajectories. Overall, participants with clinically diagnosed depression were less likely to report often using condoms with new sexual partners in the past 3 months than those who have never been diagnosed with depression (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.49–2.53). Participants with ROD (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.28–0.97) and HD (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.24–0.96) trajectories were less likely to report often using condoms with new sexual partners in the past 3 months than those with LD trajectories. Moreover, those with either ROD (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.19–3.80) or HD (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.43–5.24) trajectories were more likely to have had sex with ≥2 new sexual partners in the last 3 months than those with LD trajectories. Continued efforts targeting HIV-infected persons with mental health disorders are warranted to reduce sexual risk behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Previous studies suggested adolescents' bullying experiences to be related to risk behaviors, internalizing problems and less perceived social support. Swearer and Hymel (2015) proposed a diathesis-stress model regarding bullying experiences. We expected the diathesis variable adolescent's sex, and the stressors bullying perpetrator or victimization experiences to be related concurrently to risk behaviors, internalizing problems, talking to friends, and perceived peer support. In a cross-cultural trend study, we aimed to test these diathesis-stress relationships across three countries at three measurement times (T1–T3, World-Health-Organization data) to get new insights for future intervention approaches. The samples consisted of n = 3458 adolescents from the United States, Germany, and Greece at T1, n = 3441 adolescents at T2, and n = 4021 adolescents (about 16 years of age) at T3. We conducted latent multi-group structural equation modeling including sex, bullying experiences as perpetrator or victim, risk behaviors, internalizing problems, talking to friends, perceived peer support, and further relevant variables (e.g., school pressure). The results support in part the diathesis-stress model. Girls and boys self-reported similar frequent risk behaviors (smoking, drinking alcohol). Sex related to internalizing problems which were higher in girls than in boys. Bullying perpetration experiences or bullying victimization experiences positively related to internalizing problems across culture and time but not or even negatively with talking to friends and perceived peer support. Talking to friends is difficult for both bullying perpetrators and bullying victims. Easy communication (e.g., talking to friends) should be a central approach in further bullying prevention and intervention programs. Highlights • The results support a diathesis-stress model regarding bullying in part. • Sex and bullying experiences related stable to problems across culture and time. • Girls reported similar risk behaviors as boys across culture and time. • Talking to friends is generally not easy for bullying perpetrators and victims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adherence challenges with oral pre-exposure prophylaxis have stimulated interest in alternate modes of administration including long-acting injections. We conducted 30 in-depth interviews with 26 male trial participants and 4 clinical providers in a Phase IIa study (ÉCLAIR) evaluating the use of long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA) injections in New York and San Francisco. Interviews exploring attitudes and experiences with CAB-LA were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Despite a high frequency of some level of side effects, almost all participants reported being interested in continuing with CAB-LA, versus a daily oral, due to its convenience and the perceived advantage of not worrying about adhering to pills. Providers reinforced the importance of CAB-LA as a prevention option and the need for guidelines to assist patient decision-making. Further research is needed on the acceptability of CAB-LA among men and women at higher risk for HIV in different settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emerging adulthood is characterized by not only opportunity and transition but also a substantial increase in risk behaviors (Fosco et al. Journal of Family Psychology, 26(4), 565-575, 2012; Johnston et al. 2016). Building on prior research, we tested a mediational model hypothesizing that Family Check-Up (FCU) intervention effects on young adult risk would be mediated by increases in self-regulation, and that these changes would continue to affect risk behavior as high school youths transitioned to young adulthood. We also predicted that the intent-to-treat intervention would be associated with lower levels of risk in young adulthood and that this effect would be accounted for by intervention-induced improvements in self-regulation during early adolescence, which in turn would prevent young adult risk. Participants were 593 adolescents and their families recruited from three public middle schools and randomized either to the FCU or to a control group. Item response theory was applied to construct a measure of high-risk behavior at this age, including risk behaviors such as substance abuse, high-risk sexual behavior, and vocational risk. Results suggested that changes in children's self-regulation that occurred early during the middle school years, and that were associated with the FCU, led to reductions in risk behaviors during young adulthood. This study builds on our prior research that has suggested that effects of the FCU during middle school lead to changes in a range of risk behaviors during the transition to high school (Fosco et al. Journal of School Psychology, 51(4), 455-468, 2013; Stormshak et al. School Mental Health, 2(2), 82-9, 2010). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

School closures during the COVID-19 pandemic have been reported to influence adolescents' behavioral health and may have altered their exposure to injury risk. We aimed to determine how in-person school attendance of individual adolescents in the United States during the pandemic was correlated with a range of risky health behaviors. We used self-reported data from adolescents 14–18 years old enrolled in grades 9–12 who participated in the 2020 Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey. The exposure of interest was in-person vs remote school attendance in the previous 30 days. Risk behavior outcomes included not wearing a seatbelt when riding in a car; riding with someone who was drinking and driving; suffering intimate partner violence (IPV); forced sexual encounters; suicidal ideation; suicidal planning; electronic bullying; gun carrying; and physical fighting. Based on a multivariable analysis of 5202 students (65% attending school in-person) adjusted for age, sex, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, parental unemployment, food insecurity, and homelessness, we found that in-person school attendance was associated with increased odds of every risk behavior except suicidal ideation and electronic bullying, with adjusted odds ratios ranging from 1.40 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04, 1.88) for not wearing a seatbelt to 3.43 for IPV (95% CI: 1.97, 5.97). Our analyses demonstrate that in-person school attendance during the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with higher rates of risk behavior among adolescents. Further research is needed explore if this relationship is causal, and how these risks could be mitigated, as most adolescents have now returned to in-person schooling. • School closures during the COVID-19 pandemic may have been associated with adolescents' injury risk. • We examined adolescents' risk behaviors and in-person school attendance in 2021 survey data. • Risk behaviors included unsafe driving; violence exposure (including sexual/dating violence); suicidality; and bullying. • Adjusting for socioeconomic confounders, in-person school attendance was associated with higher risk behavior exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined ethnic identity in relation to hazardous alcohol use, illicit drug use, and risky sexual behavior in 266 college students recruited on the campus of a historically Black college/university (HBCU). Participants were primarily African American students participating in HIV education and prevention outreach efforts. Data regarding prevalence of substance use, binge drinking, and sexual risk behaviors are reported. Results found no relationship among the risk variables and ethnic identity. HIV knowledge score results demonstrated a need to continue HIV education to include the less publicized facts about HIV transmission. Results are discussed in terms of implications for prevention efforts with African American college students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engagement in risk behavior has implications for individuals' academic achievement, health, and well-being, yet there is a paucity of developmental research on the role of culturally relevant strengths in individual and family differences in risk behavior involvement among ethnic minority youth. In this study, we used a longitudinal cohort-sequential design to chart intraindividual trajectories of risk behavior and test variation by gender and familism values in 492 youth from 12 to 22 years of age. Participants were older and younger siblings from 246 Mexican-origin families who reported on their risk behaviors in interviews spaced over 8 years. Multilevel cohort-sequential growth models revealed that youth reported an increase in risk behavior from 12 to 18 years of age, and then a decline to age 22. Male youth reported greater overall levels and a steeper increase in risk behavior from ages 12 to 18, compared to female youth. For familism values, on occasions when youth reported higher levels, they also reported lower levels of risk behavior (i.e., within-person effect). For sibling dyads characterized by higher average levels of familism values, youth reported lower average levels of risk behavior (i.e., between-family effect). Findings provide unique insights into risk behavior from adolescence to young adulthood among Mexican-origin youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past two decades of research, increased media consumption in the context of collective traumas has been cross-sectionally and longitudinally linked to negative psychological outcomes. However, little is known about the specific information channels that may drive these patterns of response. The current longitudinal investigation uses a probability-based sample of 5,661 Americans measured at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to identify a) distinct patterns of information-channel use (i.e., dimensions) for COVID-related information, b) demographic correlates of these patterns, and c) prospective associations of these information channel dimensions with distress (i.e., worry, global distress, and emotional exhaustion), cognition (e.g., beliefs about the seriousness of COVID-19, response efficacy, and dismissive attitudes), and behavior (e.g., engaging in health-protective behaviors and risk-taking behaviors) 6 mo later. Four distinct information-channel dimensions emerged: journalistic complexity; ideologically focused news; domestically focused news; and nonnews. Results indicate that journalistic complexity was prospectively associated with more emotional exhaustion, belief in the seriousness of the coronavirus, response efficacy, engaging in health-protective behaviors, and less dismissiveness of the pandemic. A reliance on conservative-leaning media was prospectively associated with less psychological distress, taking the pandemic less seriously, and engaging in more risk-taking behaviors. We discuss the implications of this work for the public, policy makers, and future research.

Rationale: Mitigating the spread of COVID-19 requires that people understand the need for and engage in protective behaviors. Given the complexity and rapid progression of media information about the pandemic, health literacy could be essential to acquiring the accurate beliefs, concern for societal risks, and appreciation of restrictive policies needed to motivate these behaviors. Yet with the increasingly politicized nature of COVID-related issues in the United States, health literacy could be an asset for those with more liberal views but less so for those with more conservative views., Objective: This study tested a hypothesized model proposing that political views moderate the associations of health literacy with COVID-19 protective behaviors as well as the mediational roles of accurate and inaccurate COVID-19 beliefs, concern for society, and governmental control attitudes., Methods: We surveyed residents in three diverse regions of California in June 2020 (N = 669) and February 2021 (N = 611). Participants completed measures of health literacy, political views, and COVID-19 beliefs and behaviors., Results: Moderated mediational analyses largely supported the proposed model with both samples. Health literacy was associated with more accurate COVID-19 beliefs, less inaccurate COVID-19 beliefs, greater concern for societal risks, more positive attitudes regarding restrictive government control, more protective behavior, less risky behavior, and stronger vaccine intentions; beliefs, concern for society, and governmental control attitudes mediated the health literacy-behavior relationships. As predicted, however, these associations of health literacy with adaptive beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors varied according to political views. The direct and mediated relationships were held for participants with more liberal views and, to a lesser extent, for those with moderate views, but they were weaker or absent for participants with more conservative views., Conclusions: These findings contribute new evidence of processes linking health literacy with adaptive beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors and how social and political contexts can shape those processes., (Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Early adolescent sexting has implications for health and wellbeing. Parenting practices may impact youth engagement in online risk behaviors. This study examines associations between parental media mediation and early adolescent sexting in a sample of U.S. youth and their parents. Parents and their 10-14-year-olds (N = 306 dyads) completed an online survey of technology use and online experiences. Youth reported on receiving (valid % = 14.5) and sending (valid % = 11.5) sexts. Media parenting behaviors were measured by four scales (youth and parent report): active mediation, restriction, parental monitoring, and technology control. Logistic regression was used to test associations between media parenting and sexting, controlling for demographic and social covariates. Parent and child reports of restrictive parenting were negatively associated with sending and receiving sexts; active mediation was negatively associated with sending sexts; and parent report of monitoring was positively associated with sending sexts. Age, SES, and parent respondent gender were associated with sending sexts. Specific types of parental media mediation are associated with reduced youth sexting, particularly restriction and active mediation. Although parent and youth report of mediation were similar, differences emerged. Future research should explore these differences and associations with health risk behaviors. • Youth sexting has increased, with implications for youth health and wellbeing. • Parental media mediation may be protective against youth engagement in sexting. • Active and restrictive media parenting were negatively associated with youth sexting. • Monitoring positively were associated with youth sexting. • Future research should explore associations longitudinally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alcohol is the most widely used and abused substance among America' s youths. Understanding patterns of alcohol use over the course of adolescent development, including risk and protective factors related to variation in use, is a central goal of adolescent alcohol research. Authors of this article created a personalized graphic representation of individual drinking, as reported in seven waves of questionnaire data from an ongoing longitudinal study . The graphic served as the basis for a qualitative investigation of 12 young adults' retrospective explanations for increases and decreases in their alcohol consumption during adolescence. A total of 45 changes were assessed: 26 increases and 19 decreases. Three themes for increased alcohol use emerged: (1) adult role modeling, (2) coping with stress or loss, and (3) desiring social inclusion. Five themes for decreased alcohol use emerged: (1) internal motivation, (2) involvement in meaningful activities, (3) prosocial relationships with nonparental adults, (4) increased use of another substance, and (5) becoming a mother. Positive youth development framework was applied to suggest how these findings may be used to inform strategies to reduce underage alcohol use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With Bronfenbrenner’s (1977) ecological theory and other multifactor models (e.g. Pianta, 1999; Prinstein, Boergers, & Spirito, 2001) underlying this study design, the purpose was to examine, simultaneously, key variables in multiple life contexts (microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem levels) for their individual and combined roles in predicting adolescent risk-taking and goal-oriented behaviors. Predictor variables were parenting behaviors (parenting style, monitoring, and involvement), the risk-taking and goal-oriented behavior of peers, and religiosity (attendance, involvement, and importance). General media consumption was also explored. The participants in this study were 272 9th to 12th grade Caucasian and Arab-American high school students (124 males and 148 females) from a suburban public school district in the midwestern United States (Mean age = 15.64). Results revealed several themes, including that peers appeared to have the primary role in explaining variance in risk behaviors, while parents have the primary role in explaining goal-oriented behavior. Religiosity contributed minimally. There were several noteworthy differences between the two cultural groups regarding which factors explained the most variance in criterion variables. Results are explored in more detail and implications for prevention and intervention are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A study was conducted to examine the influence of a risk-oriented future self on self-reported marijuana use among college students. Drawing on theoretical work on possible selves, it was hypothesized that the extent to which a future self is viewed as risk-oriented will be associated with reported marijuana use and that effects of a risk-oriented future self on use would be partially mediated by risk-oriented attitudes and perceived attractiveness of users. Analysis of data from an online survey of college students supported hypotheses, with the additional finding that the effect of user attractiveness on use is mediated by attitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most peer influence research examines socialization between adolescents and their best friends. Yet, adolescents also are influenced by popular peers, perhaps due to misperceptions of social norms. This research examined the extent to which out-group and in-group adolescents misperceive the frequencies of peers’ deviant, health risk, and adaptive behaviors in different reputation-based peer crowds (Study 1) and the prospective associations between perceptions of high-status peers’ and adolescents’ own substance use over 2.5 years (Study 2). Study 1 examined 235 adolescents’ reported deviant (vandalism, theft), health risk (substance use, sexual risk), and adaptive (exercise, studying) behavior, and their perceptions of jocks’, populars’, burnouts’, and brains’ engagement in the same behaviors. Peer nominations identified adolescents in each peer crowd. Jocks and populars were rated as higher status than brains and burnouts. Results indicated that peer crowd stereotypes are caricatures. Misperceptions of high-status crowds were dramatic, but for many behaviors, no differences between populars’/jocks’ and others’ actual reported behaviors were revealed. Study 2 assessed 166 adolescents’ substance use and their perceptions of popular peers’ (i.e., peers high in peer perceived popularity) substance use. Parallel process latent growth analyses revealed that higher perceptions of popular peers’ substance use in Grade 9 (intercept) significantly predicted steeper increases in adolescents’ own substance use from Grade 9 to 11 (slope). Results from both studies, utilizing different methods, offer evidence to suggest that adolescents misperceive high-status peers' risk behaviors, and these misperceptions may predict adolescents’ own risk behavior engagement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background: Research has demonstrated that there can be substantial gender differences in circumstances surrounding initiation of injection drug use; however, little is known about the gendered dynamics of first injection in rural areas where syringe exchange is inaccessible or among those who predominantly inject prescription medications. The present study examines gender differences in first injection experience among rural residents who predominantly inject prescription opioids. Methods: Interview-administered questionnaires collected data from a sample of injection drug users (n =394) recruited from Appalachian Kentucky using respondent-driven sampling. Results: Women were more likely to have initiated injection due to social-pressure (p =0.001), received the drugs as a gift (p =0.011), initiated in their partner's home (p =0.004) and in their partner's presence (p <0.001), been injected by their partner (p <0.001), used an unclean syringe (p =0.026), and received the syringe from their partner (p <0.001). Women were also more likely to report having engaged in sexual intercourse before or after initiation (p <0.001). Men were more likely to have personally purchased the drugs (p =0.002), to have acquired the syringe from a pharmacy/clinic (p =0.004), and to have injected with a friend (p =0.001) or family member (p =0.020). Men were also more likely to have a friend administer the first injection (p =0.007). Conclusions: In this population of rural drug users, notable gender differences in injection initiation were observed. Social pressure played a more substantial role in women's first injection experience, and male partners had an integral role in women's initiation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Since the inception of the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System in 1991, all surveys have been conducted in schools, using paper and pencil instruments (PAPI). For the 2019 YRBSS, sites were offered the opportunity to conduct their surveys using electronic data collection. This study aimed to determine whether differences in select metrics existed between students who completed the survey electronically versus using PAPI., Methods: Thirty risk behaviors were examined in this study. Data completeness, response rates and bivariate comparisons of risk behavior prevalence between administration modes were examined., Results: Twenty-nine of 30 questions examined had more complete responses among students using electronic surveys. Small differences were found for student and school response rates between modes. Twenty-five of 30 adolescent risk behaviors showed no mode effect., Conclusions: Seven of 44 states and DC participated electronically. Because survey data were more complete; school and student response rates were consistent; and minor differences existed in risk behaviors between modes, the acceptability of collecting data electronically was demonstrated., (© 2022, American School Health Association. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.)

This mixed-methods study identified correlates of unemployment among homeless young adults in five cities. Two hundred thirty-eight homeless young people from Los Angeles (n = 50), Austin (n = 50), Denver (n = 50), New Orleans (n = 50), and St. Louis (n = 38) were recruited using comparable sampling strategies. Multivariate logistic regression results indicate that homeless young adults were more likely to be unemployed if they had been on the streets longer, currently lived on the streets, earned an income from panhandling, and were addicted to drugs. Quantitative findings are expanded on with focus-group data from a group of homeless young people in Los Angeles regarding their challenges in locating and maintaining employment. Employment-related barriers for this population include prior homelessness, geographic transience, previous felonies, mental illness, and addiction. Findings suggest that homeless young adults’ employment status and use of specific income-generating activities may be influenced by demographic, environmental, and geographic contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Health-related behaviors in adolescence establish trajectories of risk for obesity and chronic degenerative diseases, and they represent an important pathway through which socio-economic environments shape patterns of morbidity and mortality. Most behaviors that promote health involve making choices that may not pay off until the future, but the factors that predict an individual’s investment in future health are not known. In this paper we consider whether expectations for the future in two domains relevant to adolescents in the U.S.—perceived chances of living to middle age and perceived chances of attending college—are associated with an individual’s engagement in behaviors that protect health in the long run. We focus on adolescence as an important life stage during which habits formed may shape trajectories of disease risk later in life. We use data from a large, nationally representative sample of American youth (the US National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health) to predict levels of physical activity, fast food consumption, and cigarette smoking in young adulthood in relation to perceived life chances in adolescence, controlling for baseline health behaviors and a wide range of potentially confounding factors. We found that adolescents who rated their chances of attending college more highly exercised more frequently and smoked fewer cigarettes in young adulthood. Adolescents with higher expectations of living to age 35 smoked fewer cigarettes as young adults. Parental education was a significant predictor of perceived life chances, as well as health behaviors, but for each outcome the effects of perceived life chances were independent of, and often stronger than, parental education. Perceived life chances in adolescence may therefore play an important role in establishing individual trajectories of health, and in contributing to social gradients in population health. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Incarceration has been proposed to be a driving factor in the disproportionate impact of HIV in African-American communities. However, few data have been reported on disparities in criminal justice involvement by race among men who have sex with men (MSM). To describe history of arrest and associated factors among, we used data from CDC's National HIV Behavioral Surveillance system. Respondents were recruited by time-space sampling in venues frequented by MSM in 15 US cities from 2003 to 2005. Data on recent arrest (in the 12 months before the interview), risk behaviors, and demographic information were collected by face-to-face interview for MSM who did not report being HIV-positive. Six hundred seventy-nine (6.8%) of 10,030 respondents reported recent arrest. Compared with white MSM, black MSM were more likely to report recent arrest history (odds ratio (OR), 1.6; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.3-2.1). Men who were less gay-identified (bisexual [OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1-1.9] or heterosexual [OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2-3.5]) were more likely to report recent arrest than homosexually identified men. In addition, men who reported arrest history were more likely to have used non-injection (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 2.4-3.6) and injection (OR, 4.7; 95%, 3.3-6.7) drugs, exchanged sex (OR, 2.7; 95% CI, 2.1-3.4), and had a female partner (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2-2.0) in the 12 months before interview. Recent arrest was associated with insertive unprotected anal intercourse in the 12 months before interview (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2-1.7). Racial differences in arrest seen in the general US population are also present among MSM, and history of arrest was associated with high-risk sex. Future research and interventions should focus on clarifying the relationship between criminal justice involvement and sexual risk among MSM, particularly black MSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. This study investigated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing and risk behaviors in a longitudinal sample of young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Design. Data came from the Healthy Young Men's study, comprising five waves of nonexperimental survey data collection every 6 months between February 2005 and January 2008. Setting. Participants were recruited from public venues in Los Angeles County in which YMSM spend time. Subjects. A total of 526 participants (24% African-American, 37% white, 39% Latino; mean age, 20.14 years; range, 18-24 years) were enrolled. Retention was 93%. Measures. Testing recency was assessed with a four-point ordinal scale. HIV risk behaviors were operationalized as binary measures of unprotected anal intercourse with multiple partners or partners with unknown or discordant serostatus, club drug use, and illicit drug use over the prior 3 months. Analysis. Correlations, Cochran's Q tests, and repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed in SPSS. Analyses included all data available at each wave. Results. No significant correlations emerged between testing recency and sex risk at any wave. Repeated-measures ANOVA showed significant positive, linear change in HTV testing recency over time, but no significant changes emerged for sex risk or drug use. Conclusion. Although participation in testing increased, there was no corresponding change in HTV risk behavior. Initiatives may need to target risk behavior separately and specifically to reduce these behaviors among YMSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Students who engage in high-risk behaviors, including early initiation of sexual intercourse, alcohol use, marijuana use, tobacco use, and externalizing behavior are vulnerable to a broad range of adverse outcomes as adults. Latent class analysis was used to determine whether varying patterns of risk behavior existed for 212 urban African-American students from Baltimore public schools who were recruited as part of a study for the prevention of drug use. A two-class model was estimated. The proportion of the sample bearing a high probability of each of the five risk behaviors was 10.7%; in comparison, the proportion of students with a low probability of the risk behaviors was 89.3%. Controlling for other variables, older age and parental drug or alcohol use was associated with being in the high-risk class, whereas neighborhood was not predictive of latent class. Results from this study may be used to target early adolescents with co-occurring risk behaviors for prevention and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the United States, an estimated three million men are victims of sexual violence each year, yet the majority of existing studies have evaluated the consequences and characteristics of victimization among women alone. The result has been a gap in the existing literature examining the physical and psychological consequences of sexual assault among men. The main objective of this study was to identify health outcomes, risk behaviors, and perpetrator/victim relationship characteristics among men who have experienced an attempted or completed sexual assault using data from the sexual violence module of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. A total of 59,511 male respondents participated in the sexual violence module, and the majority of participants were White (73.7%), between the ages of 35 to 44 years (19.8%), married (69.0%), graduated from college (34.6%), and had an annual household income of more than US$50,000 (49.9%). Stratified multivariate logistic regression models were conducted to test the associations between victimization and health outcomes and risk behaviors controlling for age, marital status, race/ethnicity, income, education, and other potential confounders. Results of these analyses suggest important associations between health and sexual violence victimization. Specifically, men who reported unwanted attempted intercourse and attempted and completed intercourse were more likely to report poor mental health, poor life satisfaction, activity limitations, and lower emotional and social support. The current study extends knowledge of consequences of male sexual violence by considering characteristics of sexual assault and by identifying associations between victimization and a broad range of health indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following from life history and attachment theory, individuals are predicted to be sensitive to variation in environmental conditions such that risk and uncertainty are internalized by cognitive, affective, and psychobiological mechanisms. In turn, internalizing of environmental uncertainty is expected to be associated with attitudes toward risk behaviors and investments in education. Native American youth aged 10–19 years ( n = 89) from reservation communities participated in a study examining this pathway. Measures included family environmental risk and uncertainty, present and future time perspective, adolescent attachment, attitudes toward risk, investments in education, and salivary cortisol. Results support the idea that environmental risk and uncertainty are internalized during development. In addition, internalizing mechanisms significantly predicted attitudes toward risk and education: (1) lower scores on future time perspective and higher cortisol predicted higher scores on risk attitudes, and (2) higher scores on future time perspective and lower scores on problems with attachment predicted higher self-reported school performance. Gender differences were seen, with males anticipating a shorter lifespan than females, which predicted higher scores on risk attitudes and lower school performance. Implications for research on adolescent problem behavior and academic achievement are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methods of collecting behavioral surveillance data, including Web-based methods, have recently been explored in the United States. Questions have arisen as to what extent Internet recruitment methods yield samples of MSM comparable to those obtained using venue-based recruitment methods. We compare three recruitment methods among MSM with respect to demographic and risk behaviors, one sample was obtained using time location sampling at venues in San Francisco, one using a venue based like approach on the Internet and one using direct-marketing advertisements to recruit participants. The physical venue approach was most successful in completing interviews with approached men than both Internet approaches. Respondents recruited via the three methods reported slight differences in risk behavior. Direct marketing internet recruitment can obtain large samples of MSM in a short time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study examines the roles of sensation seeking and invulnerability as predictors of health compromising behaviors in a multiethnic sample of 1690 emerging adult college students (mean age=19.8, range 18–25 years) from nine US colleges and universities. Participants completed the Arnett Sensation Seeking Inventory and the Adolescent Invulnerability Scale; and reported how often they had participated in a set of health compromising risk behaviors (i.e., substance use, impaired driving, and sexual behaviors) in the 30 days prior to assessment. Sensation seeking and danger invulnerability scores were moderately correlated (r =.30). Findings from a series of multivariate Poisson regression analyses suggest that when considered simultaneously as predictors, sensation seeking appears to be a general risk factor associated with engagement in a variety of risk behaviors, whereas danger invulnerability is primarily a factor in those risk behaviors that are less common among peers (e.g., hard drug use, casual sex, and driving while intoxicated). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Roughly one in ten American adults have used hallucinogens, and emerging evidence suggests that the prevalence of use is increasing. However, our understanding of the degree to which individuals "specialize" in the use of a particular hallucinogen or are poly-hallucinogen users remains incomplete.Methods: This study examined data from 6381 individuals reporting past-year hallucinogen use in the 2016-2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Logistic regression examined the association between the number of distinct hallucinogens used and psychosocial/behavioral risks, and latent class analysis (LCA) characterized subgroups of hallucinogen users.Results: The vast majority of hallucinogen users, roughly 70%, are not "specialists" who use only one hallucinogen type; rather, lifetime poly-hallucinogen use is the norm. Critically, however, we also see that important differences exist within the population of hallucinogen users-half (51%) could be classified as LSD-Mushroom-Ecstasy users only (this group was disproportionally comprised of youth), nearly one third (30%) were Poly-Hallucinogen users (this group was disproportionately male and non-Hispanic White), and smaller proportions were limited primarily to use of LSD-Mushrooms (6%; these individuals were almost exclusively ages 35 and older) or Ecstasy Only (12%; these individuals were mostly younger adults ages 18-34).Conclusions: Findings provide a fresh contribution to our understanding of poly-hallucinogen use in a time in which local and state governmental leaders, and people across the country, weigh the benefits and drawbacks of legalizing specific hallucinogenic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) experiencing homelessness or imminent risk of homelessness, a history of incarceration may serve as a marker for ongoing risk behavior or health disparities. We examined factors associated with a history of incarceration among HIV-positive clients of housing agencies in Baltimore, Chicago, and Los Angeles ( N = 581). We used logistic regression to conduct analyses. Of the 581 participants, 68% ( n = 438) reported a history of incarceration: 32% ( n = 182) had spent more than 1 year incarcerated. After adjustment for covariates, incarceration history was associated with having ever injected drugs, ever engaged in sex exchange, and ever experienced physical abuse. Incarceration history was also associated with having a detectable HIV viral load, better mental health, and being a biological parent. It was not associated with current risk behavior. Service providers may explore possible increased need for medical support among homeless PLWHA with a history of incarceration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a model of entrepreneurial risk-taking behavior in different cultural settings. Young entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship students in Germany and the United States were tested by means of an experimental design to evaluate the underlying model and to identify cultural differences in the decision to start a company. The central research question states: How does the cultural context influence the decision-making and risk-taking behavior of entrepreneurs? The overall result of the international sample indicates that the significant differences between entrepreneurs and nonentrepreneurs in risk-taking behavior are culturally driven. Thus, this study extends earlier US studies that distinguish between risk propensity and risk perception in respect of entrepreneurs’ risk behavior within an international, intercultural sample. Furthermore, the survey researches the influence of the personal traits overconfidence and worry. From a managerial perspective, “would-be entrepreneurs” can use the conducted experiment as an individual diagnostic instrument, making it possible to identify individual anomalies in risk and decision-making behavior and, consequently, contribute to a better understanding of suitable entrepreneurial behavior as well as to reveal discrepancies between self-assessment and actual behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gambling on college and professional sports and the influence of attending colleges with differing levels of ‘sports interest’ were examined among athletes, sports fans, and other students (N = 10,559) at 119 colleges in the United States using multilevel statistical analysis. Athletes and fans reported more sports gambling compared to other students, with no differences between athletes and fans. Male students were more likely to gamble than female students, but gender did not moderate the relationship between athletic participation and sports gambling. Students attending schools with a greater ‘sports interest’ were more likely to gamble on college sports after adjusting for individual characteristics. Athletes, sports fans, and students attending schools with high ‘sports interest’ are appropriate targets for prevention efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. As Latin Americans’ exposure to the USA increases through migration patterns and US political and economic ties to their countries of origin, they become susceptible to adopting not only the cultural expressions of the USA such as fashion, but also the health-related behaviors of the US population. In assessing potential health risks for Salvadoran youth that may result from the connection between Latin Americans and the USA, this study compared the prevalence of health risk behaviors from four behavior domains (aggression and victimization, depression and suicidal ideation, substance use, and sexual behavior) between Salvadoran and US Latino secondary school students aged 14–17 years.Design. A secondary analysis was performed on two 1999 cross-sectional survey data. In the USA, results were based on 1,063 Latino high school students who answered the nationally representative Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In El Salvador, results were based on 793 public secondary school students who answered a local YRBS survey conducted in coordination with the Ministry of Education of El Salvador.Results. The prevalence rates for aggression/victimization and for depression and suicidal ideation behaviors were similar between Salvadoran and US Latino adolescents. Substance use prevalence, however, was 10–40% higher for US Latino adolescents. While the prevalence of sexual intercourse was higher among US Latino youth (between 13 and 27% higher, depending on age), the prevalence of condom use was lower among sexually active Salvadoran youth (between 11 and 42% lower, depending on age).Conclusions. In the context of the transnationalization of the Salvadoran population, with potential for increased influence of the USA in Salvadoran culture, these differences in risk behavior are important for targeting effective interventions for Latino adolescents in El Salvador and in the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined how information obtained from an adolescent screening instrument administered in a medical clinic is affected by the method of data collection and knowledge that a summary report would be given to the provider. The Adolescent Health Review (AHR) was administered to 610 adolescent patients randomly assigned to 1 of 3 conditions to test the effect of mode of administration (paper vs. computer) and disclosure of results to the provider versus only to researchers (using the computer version). The AHR obtained information on mental health, sexual experiences, and use of psychoactive substances. Response patterns varied by mode of administration, with the paper version generally eliciting higher, and arguably more accurate, rates of disclosure. Knowing that the results would be provided to the doctor further attenuated disclosure. Results suggest that the paper version's higher rates of reporting must be weighed against the computer version's benefits of automated scoring and reporting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describe the instrument development process and report the validity and reliability of the Children's Health Risk Behavior Scale (CHRBS), a scale designed to screen for health risk behaviors among youth aged 10–13 Years. Methods: Domain identification and item generation using the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and testing relevance and test–retest reliability among a target audience sample of 77 fifth graders in their classrooms in two separate public school districts. Results: Youth performed their tasks as expert item reviewers effectively. Twenty-one items comprise the CHRBS with a reading level determined to be at the third grade. Conclusions: We have developed a reliable and valid measure to assess late elementary youth's participation in health risk behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines: (a) the extent to which chronic wasting disease (CWD) may influence individuals to hunt in other states or quit hunting permanently; (b) hunters' acceptance of strategies for managing the disease; and (c) whether hunters' responses differ by residency, species hunted, and state where they hunted. Data were obtained from mail surveys (n = 9,567) of resident and nonresident deer hunters in eight states and elk hunters in three states. Hunters were shown hypothetical scenarios depicting CWD prevalence levels and human death from the disease. At current prevalence levels in some states, few hunters would change their behavior. If conditions worsen (e.g., 50% prevalence across state, human death), up to 18% of hunters would hunt deer or elk in other states and 37% would quit hunting these species. Arizona and North Dakota hunters were most likely to alter their behavior. Given that CWD is not in these states, it may pose a new risk. In Wisconsin, where hunting is a tradition, hunters were least likely to change their behavior. Across most scenarios: (a) hunters were more likely to quit than switch states; (b) residents were more likely to quit and nonresidents would switch states; and (c) CWD testing and herd reduction were acceptable, whereas taking no action was unacceptable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Parenting style may be a determinant in reducing adolescent risk behavior. Previous studies have relied on a typological parenting approach, with classification into four groups: authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful. In this study, two distinct parenting dimensions, demandingness and responsiveness, were examined as independent predictors of adolescent condom use. Design and Sample: This study used a subsample of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) that included 153 adolescent–mother pairs. Measurement: Maternal demandingness and responsiveness were measured using Wave I mother interviews. Logistic regression analyses were used to predict adolescent condom use at sexual debut at Wave II and to assess moderation by gender and race. Results: (1) Maternal demandingness predicted increased likelihood of condom use in African American adolescents but decreased likelihood of condom use in White adolescents; (2) maternal responsiveness did not predict condom use; and (3) gender moderation was not present. Conclusions: To provide appropriate family counseling, public health nurses need to consider racial differences in contraceptive practices. Education regarding parental supervision practices should be considered as part of nursing interventions intended to increase condom use in African American adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Injection drug use has accounted for more than one third of acquired immune deficiency syndrome cases in the United States. The purpose of this study was to compare the demographic characteristics, types, and frequency of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-risk behaviors among injection drug users (IDUs) recruited from a needle exchange program (NEP), methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), and detoxification (detox) program. Design: A cross-sectional, correlational design was used to determine whether the selected HIV-risk behaviors and demographic characteristics of IDUs varied by site of recruitment. Sample and Measurements: Confidential questionnaires were completed by 445 IDUs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Results: Data analysis revealed that HIV sexual and injection-risk behavior varied by recruitment site. Subjects recruited from the NEP were more likely to engage in HIV-risk behaviors than subjects recruited from the MMT or detox sites. Conclusions: Interventions occurring in program and treatment sites need to be sensitive to various demographic characteristics and behaviors if they are to reach those at highest risk of HIV infection. Targeting HIV prevention interventions based upon risk group membership alone (e.g. IDUs) fails to address the distinct risk behaviors and demographic characteristics of enrollees in different programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impacts of chronic wasting disease (CWD) on hunters’ behavior and beliefs about acceptable management actions are not clearly understood. This article presents findings from an initial phase of a multi-stage, multi-state effort to address these knowledge gaps. Data were obtained from mail surveys (n = 659) of resident and nonresident deer hunters in eight states and elk hunters in three states. Hunters were presented with hypothetical situations of increasing: (1) CWD prevalence (all eight states), and (2) human health risks (two states). Logistic regression equations estimated that at current prevalence levels in some states, 3% (residents) to 5% (nonresidents) of hunters would stop hunting deer/elk in their state. If 50% of the deer or elk across the state were infected, approximately 42% (residents) and 54% (nonresidents) would stop hunting deer/elk in their state. In hypothetical situations where a hunter died from CWD at this prevalence level, the percentage was 68%. Potential for conflict indices (PCI) showed that as prevalence and human health risks increased, acceptability of testing and lethal management increased and acceptability of allowing CWD to take its natural course decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Technology has changed the way that men who have sex with men (MSM) seek sex. More than 60% of MSM in the United States use the internet and/or smartphone-based geospatial networking apps to find sex partners. We correlated use of the most popular app (Grindr) with sexual risk and prevention behavior among MSM., Methods: A nested cohort study was conducted between September 2018 and June 2019 among MSM receiving community-based human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening in central San Diego. During the testing encounter, participants were surveyed for demographics, substance use, risk behavior (previous 3 months), HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use, and Grindr usage. Participants who tested negative for HIV and who were not on PrEP were offered immediate PrEP., Results: The study included 1256 MSM, 1090 of whom (86.8%) were not taking PrEP. Overall, 580 of 1256 (46%) participants indicated that they used Grindr in the previous 7 days. Grindr users reported significantly higher risk behavior (greater number of male partners and condomless sex) and were more likely to test positive for chlamydia or gonorrhea (8.6% vs 4.7% of nonusers; P = .005). Grindr users were also more likely to be on PrEP (18.7% vs 8.7% of nonusers; P < .001) and had fewer newly diagnosed HIV infections (9 vs 26 among nonusers; P = .014). Grindr users were also nearly twice as likely as nonusers to initiate PrEP (24.6% vs 14%; P < .001)., Conclusions: Given the higher risk behavior and greater acceptance of PrEP among MSM who used Grindr, Grindr may provide a useful platform to promote HIV and STI testing and increase PrEP uptake., (© The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

With the emergence of the novel SARS-CoV-2 and the disease it causes; COVID-19, compliance with/adherence to protective measures is needed. Information is needed on which measures are, or are not, being undertaken. Data collected from the COVID Impact Survey, conducted by the non-partisan and objective research organization NORC at the University of Chicago on April, May, and June of 2020, were analyzed through weighted Quasi-Poisson regression modeling to determine the association of demographics, socioeconomics, and health conditions with protective health measures taken at the individual level in response to COVID-19. The three surveys included data from 18 regional areas including 10 states (CA, CO, FL, LA, MN, MO, MT, NY, OR, and TX) and 8 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (Atlanta, GA; Baltimore, MD; Birmingham, AL; Chicago, IL; Cleveland and Columbus, OH; Phoenix, AZ; and Pittsburgh, PA). Individuals with higher incomes, insurance, higher education levels, large household size, age 60+, females, minorities, those who have asthma, have hypertension, overweight or obese, and those who suffer from mental health issues during the pandemic were significantly more likely to report taking precautionary protective measures relative to their counterparts. Protective measures for the three subgroups with a known relationship to COVID-19 (positive for COVID-19, knowing an individual with COVID-19, and knowing someone who had died from COVID-19) were strongly associated with the protective health measures of washing hands, avoiding public places, and canceling social engagements. This study provides first baseline data on the response to the national COVID-19 pandemic at the individual level in the US. The found heterogeneity in the response to this pandemic by different variables can inform future research and interventions to reduce exposure to the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus.

To meet the diverse and complex needs of school-age children, school nurses must practice student-centered, evidence-based, and quality care. As school nurses look to increase the use of data within their practice, the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) is an essential source of information about adolescent behaviors that contribute to leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Results from the YRBS are available at the national, state and, in some cases, school district and county level. In addition to providing an overview of the YRBS survey, this article will guide readers on how to implement the survey, access results, and apply the findings within their student population. The use of these data aids nurses who act as leaders within the school community.

Introduction: Opioid misuse has evolved into an American health crisis over the past decade, becoming a public health epidemic. Measures need to be taken to prevent overdoses by opioid misuse as well as prevent the transition into injection drug use, a high risk factor for contracting HIV/HCV. This study utilized social media to survey individuals currently misusing opioids to identify groups of individuals with different risk and use patterns., Methods: We recruited participants for our online survey from Reddit. Five risk behaviors were used to characterize overdose and HIV/HCV risk groups. Gender, age, and socioeconomic status were also included in the analyses, as well as items outlining social media use surrounding opioids., Results: Two groups of participants were characterized by high likelihoods of different combinations of risky behaviors: (1) Overdose Risk Group and (2) Sexual Risk Group. Those in the Overdose Risk Group were more likely to be younger in age and female, and this group was more likely to desire or be ready for treatment relative to the lowest risk group. Those in the Sexual Risk Group were more likely to be of a minority race/ethnicity, to desire or be ready for treatment, and to post more often on Reddit about opioid use., Discussion: The results of this study illustrate patterns of opioid use and risk behaviors to inform tailored outreach and treatment efforts for groups of opioid misusers and suggests the potential for utilizing social media as a tool to engage these individuals into treatment and recovery activities., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)