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BackgroundThe Environmental Affordances Model (EAM) proposes that the effects of chronic stress on depression are moderated by unhealthy behaviors and race/ethnicity. The unique social structures and contexts of Hispanics/Latinos in the U.S. may influence such relationships. This study evaluated whether unhealthy behaviors weakened the relationship between allostatic load, a measure of chronic stress, and future elevated depressive symptoms among Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos participants.MethodsLongitudinal data (2008-2011 and 2014-2017) from 11,623 participants were analyzed. The exposure was allostatic load, an index of twelve established biomarkers categorized using clinically relevant cut points, at Visit 1. Elevated depressive symptoms were operationalized as a score of ≥10 (out of 30) on the CES-D 10 at Visit 2. An index of unhealthy behaviors, with one point each for cigarette smoking, excessive/binge drinking, sedentary behavior, and poor diet quality at Visit 1, was examined as an effect modifier. Multivariable logistic regression, in the overall sample and among Mexicans specifically and adjusted for demographic characteristics and elevated depressive symptoms at Visit 1, was used to model allostatic load, unhealthy behavior index (range: 0-4), and their interaction in relation to elevated depressive symptoms at Visit 2.ResultsOverall, greater allostatic load was associated with higher odds of elevated depressive symptoms after at least 6 years (aOR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.10). Overall, individuals with greater allostatic load and an unhealthy behavior index = 1, compared to those with an unhealthy behavior index = 0, had lower odds of elevated depressive symptoms at follow-up (aβ = -0.065, 95% CI = -0.12, -0.007).ConclusionsThe relationship between chronic stress and depression was partially moderated among Hispanics/Latinos who engaged in unhealthy behavior, which may have reduced their risk of elevated depressive symptoms given more chronic stress.

IntroductionThe Food and Drug Administration has the authority to regulate tobacco product constituents, including nicotine, to promote public health. Reducing the nicotine content in cigarettes may lead to lower levels of addiction. Smokers however may compensate by smoking more cigarettes and/or smoking more intensely. The objective of this study was to test whether individual differences in the level of nicotine dependence (as measured by the Fagerstrom Test of Cigarette Dependence [FTCD]) and/or the rate of nicotine metabolism influence smoking behavior and exposure to tobacco toxicants when smokers are switched to reduced nicotine content cigarettes (RNC).MethodsData from 51 participants from a previously published clinical trial of RNC were analyzed. Nicotine content of cigarettes was progressively reduced over 6 months and measures of smoking behavior, as well as nicotine metabolites and tobacco smoke toxicant exposure, CYP2A6 and nicotinic CHRNA5-A3-B4 (rs1051730) genotype were measured.ResultsHigher baseline FTCD predicted smoking more cigarettes per day (CPD), higher cotinine and smoke toxicant levels while smoking RNC throughout the study, with no interaction by RNC level. Time to first cigarette (TFC) was associated with differences in compensation. TFC within 10 min was associated with a greater increase in CPD compared to TFC greater than 10 min. Neither rate of nicotine metabolism, nor CYP2A6 or nicotinic receptor genotype, had an effect on the outcome variables of interest.ConclusionsFTCD is associated with overall exposure to nicotine and other constituents of tobacco smoke, while a short TFC is associated with an increased compensatory response after switching to RNC.

In the United States, a debate exists as to whether abstinence-only or comprehensive sexuality education strategies are most beneficial for school-age youth. Despite abstinence being a fundamental component of comprehensive education, the two are often characterized as polar opposites. Few studies have examined overlaps between the approaches. The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between abstinence education and comprehensive topic instruction among sexuality education teachers. Data came from public school teachers (n = 199) in Florida. Abstinence instruction was measured using the Section 510 A-H guidelines. Comprehensive topic instruction was measured using the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States' guidelines. Logistic regression analyses measured relationships between abstinence and comprehensive topic instruction. Nearly one-half of teachers taught all eight A-H guidelines, and the majority taught most comprehensive sexuality education topics. The odds of teaching comprehensive sexuality education topics generally increased as teachers taught more of the federal government's abstinence guidelines. This suggests that abstinence instruction, a core element of comprehensive sexuality education, may increase alongside instruction on other comprehensive topics. We discuss the relevance our findings have for understanding the nature of both abstinence and comprehensive sexuality education. (Contains 3 tables.)

Ecodevelopmental theory is a theoretical framework used to explain the interplay among risk and protective processes associated with HIV risk behaviors among adolescents. Although ecodevelopmentally based interventions have been found to be efficacious in preventing HIV risk behaviors among Hispanic youth, this theory has not yet been directly empirically tested through a basic research study in this population. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to empirically evaluate an ecodevelopmentally based model using structural equation modeling, with substance use and early sex initiation as the two outcomes of the ecodevelopmental chain of relationships. The sample consisted of 586 Hispanic youth (M age = 13.6; SD = 0.75) and their primary caregivers living in Miami, Florida. Adolescent, parent, and teacher reports were used. The results provided strong support for the theoretical model. More specifically, the parent-adolescent acculturation gap is indirectly related both to early sex initiation and to adolescent substance use through family functioning, academic functioning, perceived peer sexual behavior, and perceived peer substance use. Additionally, parent's U.S. orientation is associated with adolescent substance use and adolescent sex initiation through social support for parents, parental stressors, family functioning, academic functioning, and perceived peer sexual behavior and substance use. These findings suggest that HIV risk behaviors may best be understood as associated with multiple and interrelated ecological determinants. (Contains 1 note, 1 table, and 2 figures.)

Introduction: In Florida, a state that consistently leads the nation in adverse sexual health outcomes among adolescents, numerous demographic and socio-cultural differences exist across the North, Central, and South regions. However, little is known about regional differences in sexuality education and beliefs among teachers. Methodology: Using a mail-based survey of 462 teachers, we examined regional differences in parental consent requirements, abstinence instruction, student language barriers, availability of Spanish curricula, teacher beliefs regarding the dissemination of accurate safer sex information, and missing data. t-tests and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: North Floridian teachers taught more abstinence than those in Central and South Florida. Additionally, they had fewer students with language barriers, offered less Spanish curricula, and, in general, possessed less favorable attitudes toward presenting accurate safer sex information. However, South Floridian teachers were most likely to report parental consent requirements in their schools. These findings largely remained in multivariate analyses. Conclusions: The present study identified several noteworthy regional differences in sexuality education in Florida. Recommendations are given for developing and implementing programs that account for these differences within the state. (Contains 3 tables.)

Objectives. We assessed risk of cigarette smoking initiation among Hispanics/ Latinos during adolescence by migration status and gender. Methods. The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/ SOL) surveyed persons aged 18 to 74 years in 2008 to 2011. Our cohort analysis (n = 2801 US-born, 13 200 n on-US-born) reconstructed participants' adolescence from 10 to 18 years of age. We assessed the association between migration status and length o f US residence and risk of cigarette smoking initiation during adolescence, along with effects o f gender and Hispanic/Latino background. Results. Among individuals who migrated by 18 years of age, median age and year of arrival were 13 years and 1980, respectively. Among women, but not men, risk o f smoking initiation during adolescence was higher among the US-born (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.10; 95% confidence interval [Cl] = 1.73, 2.57; P<.001), and those who had resided in the United States for 2 or more years (HR = 1.47; 95% Cl = 1.11, 1.96; P= .01) than among persons who lived outside the United States. Conclusions. Research examining why some adolescents begin smoking after moving to the United States could inform targeted interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]