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Sexting is associated with a range of negative outcomes among youth. While parents and caregivers can play a critical role in the prevention of youth risk behaviors, nationally representative research has yet to examine U.S. caregivers' perceptions of youth's sexting motivations to help inform sexting risk prevention efforts. Using 2018 and 2019 Fall ConsumerStyles online panel survey data (N = 1,034), this study estimated and examined U.S. caregivers' perceptions of youth's sexting motivations and the associations of such perceptions with concerns about their children (ages 10–17) getting and sharing sexts (sexual messages, photos, videos). Weighted percentages were calculated to describe caregivers' perceptions of youth's sexting motivations. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine associations between caregivers' perceptions and concerns about youth's sexting. Results suggest that many caregivers perceive youth sext because they think it is harmless (72.79%), they want to be popular or boast (70.51%), they have low self-esteem (52.00%), and/or it is part of their sexual exploration process (49.05%). Fewer caregivers perceived that youth sext because they want revenge (21.80%) or to harm others (16.06%). Caregivers' concerns about their children getting and sharing sexts were related to perceiving that youth sext because of low self-esteem, sexual exploration processes, or to harm others. The perception that youth sext because they want to be popular or boast was related to concern about youth getting but not sharing sexts. Odds of concern were significantly higher among caregivers from some racial/ethnic subgroups. Findings can inform sexting prevention efforts that include caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) reinfection following successful treatment threatens the achievement of HCV elimination. The primary aim of this study is to assess reinfection rate three years after sustained virologic response (SVR) in people who inject drugs (PWID) that are on opioid agonist treatment (OAT) who underwent anti-HCV treatment with interferon-free regimens. Methods Observational, non-interventional, prospective, descriptive study carried out in Spanish tertiary public hospitals between 2017 and 2022. Participants comprised 186 adult HCV infected individuals, 85.5% males with a mean age (Standard Deviation, SD) of 50.1 (5.9). All were enrolled in an OAT program at baseline and had attained SVR 12 weeks after therapy completion with an interferon-free treatment. Baseline data were abstracted from medical chart information collected through the routine clinical practice. Results The overall rate of HCV reinfection three years after SVR12 among PWID was 1.2 new cases per 100 person-years of follow-up at a median of 15.9 months. In the subgroup analyses, those with injection drug practice and without a stable housing had higher reinfection rates. Conclusion Although PWID in OAT present a low rate of reinfection by HCV after successful treatment, a closer monitoring in the first year and strengthening inter-consultations with services responsible for monitoring addiction in these patients will be crucial to reduce risky behaviors avoiding HCV reinfection.

Objective: The present study aims to assess the prevalence of suicidal ideation and identify associations with lifestyle. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 971 adolescents (14 to 18 years), of both sexes, attending public schools in Florianópolis, Brazil. Suicidal ideation was the outcome variable, assessed by the question "During the last 12 months, have you, at any time, seriously considered committing suicide (taking your own life)?" The response options were "yes" and "no." Lifestyle was assessed using the Fantastic Lifestyle questionnaire. Total and domain scores were treated as independent variables. Results: The overall prevalence of suicidal ideation was 22.1% (girls = 30.1%, boys = 15.0%, p < 00.5). In both boys and girls, the domains Family and Friends (OR: 0.86; IC95%=0.76-0.97; and OR: 0.75; IC95%=0.68-0.84), Tobacco and Toxics (OR: 0.80; IC95%=0.72-0.90; and OR: 0.71; IC95%=0.64-0.79), Sleep, Seatbelt, Stress, and Safe Sex (OR: 0.87; IC95=0.81-0.94; and OR: 0.87; IC95%=0.82-0.92), Type of Behavior (OR=0,72; IC95%=0.62-0.84; and OR: 0.74; IC95%=0.66-0.83), Insight (OR: 0.65; IC95%=0.58-0.72; and OR: 0.63; IC95%=0.57-0.69), and the overall lifestyle score were negatively associated with suicidal ideation (OR: 0.1; IC95%=0.84-0.94; and OR: 0.92; IC95%=0.90-0.94). Furthermore, in girls, there was a negative association of the Alcohol domain (OR: 0.85; IC95%=0.76-0.96) with suicidal ideation. Conclusion: The prevalence of suicidal ideation is alarming, affecting 2 out of 10 adolescents. Adolescents with lower lifestyle scores, as well as those with poorer scores in behavioral, psychological, and social domains, had the highest likelihood of experiencing suicidal ideation.

Many countries have modified their policies on banning or deferring blood donation by men who have sex with men (MSM) in light of ethical concerns and new evidence about transfusion risks. In Brazil, MSM were not eligible to donate blood unless they had been celibate for the previous 12 months. However, in May 2020, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court overturned this restriction. Many authors have attempted to stress possible risks of transfusion-transmitted infection under various scenarios of changes in bans or restrictions on donations by MSM using mathematical models, but we consider that it is a difficult task due to the wide variety of sexual behaviors, attitudes, and practices. Among these factors, we highlight sex under the influence of illicit drugs, and the fact that people with an undetectable human immunodeficiency virus viral load have the potential to transmit should their blood be transfused. Despite these possible risks, we believe that some MSM can donate blood regardless of the time elapsed since their last sexual contact, especially because blood donations by MSM were occurring even when there were time-based deferral rules. Blood banks should always seek to use screening algorithms to identify high-risk sexual behaviors using gender-neutral criteria, and education about transfusion risks should be offered to healthcare workers and MSM.

Risk behaviors frequently co-occur in adolescence and may share the same risk and protective factors, including parental factors. However, few longitudinal studies analyze this relationship with an approach that considers that adolescents may engage in more than one risk behavior simultaneously, especially in low-and-middle-income countries. Therefore, the present study aimed to extend existing knowledge by (1) identifying different latent patterns of risk behaviors; (2) evaluating whether parental factors (such as parenting styles, parental alcohol use, and parental living status) predicted these patterns of risk behaviors in a sample of Brazilian students. Seventy-two public schools with 6,391 seventh and eighth grade students participated in this longitudinal study. Measures used were collected at baseline and 21 months later. Four latent classes of adolescent risk behaviors (drug use, bullying, and unprotected sex) were identified through latent class analyses: "low-risk behaviors," "high bullying," "high alcohol use and bullying," and "high-risk behaviors." We found that authoritative parenting style is a protective factor for all risk behavior classes, and an indulgent parenting style seems to protect against the "high bullying" group. In addition, maternal drunkenness is a risk factor for adolescents' likelihood of belonging to the "high alcohol use and bullying" and "high-risk behavior" classes. Thus, prevention programs should focus on building positive parenting skills and raising awareness of the parental alcohol abuse effects once they seem to act as a protective factor to different types of risk behaviors simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examines the relationship between risk behaviors, stress, and coping strategies among Peruvian university students, highlighting the importance of these variables in their well-being. The sample consisted of 581 university students (ages 17 to 45). The instruments included: "Stress Scale for Transmissible Diseases", "Stress Coping Questionnaire", and an ad hoc questionnaire to assess risk behaviors. Results indicate that the most frequent risk behavior was not wearing a seatbelt (65%), followed by alcohol consumption (64.1%). Additionally, 25.7% reported high levels of stress, and the most used coping strategies were avoidance and seeking social support. Regression analysis shows that problem-focused coping and being employed are associated with a reduction in risk behaviors, whereas open emotional expression and being male increase the likelihood of engaging in such behaviors. In conclusion, the study underscores the need to implement specific interventions that promote effective coping strategies and reduce health risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The number of late diagnoses of HIV remains very high in Poland, leading to a high proportion of patients developing and dying of HIV-related diseases. The main reason for this is the very low utilization of HIV testing. Our analyses aimed to investigate knowledge about the indications for HIV testing among medical university students, as well as identify their own HIV testing experiences. Material and methods: A cross-sectional survey study was designed to collect information on the students' demographics and their experiences of HIV testing, as well as their knowledge of virus transmission and the indications for testing. Data were collected as part of the HIV_week@WUM project conducted at the Medical University of Warsaw in parallel with the 18th European AIDS Conference, which took place in Warsaw between 18 and 21 October 2023. Results: In total, 545 questionnaires were collected. The median age of the study participants was 20 (interquartile range (IQR): 19–22 years). The majority of respondents were as follows: women (67.5%), born in Poland (97.8%), and were attending the medical faculty (56.7%). Only 114 (21.43%) participants had ever been tested for HIV. For all modes of HIV transmission, most of the respondents overestimated the risk of acquiring HIV, but, at the same time, they had never been tested for HIV. Conclusions: Only one in five health sciences students has ever had a test for HIV, which is less than estimates for the general population of Warsaw. There is an ongoing need to popularize testing among future health care providers in order to address both the indications for testing for individuals and the better use of HIV testing in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increase youths' risk for leaving high school before graduating. However, to our knowledge, no one has examined how youth themselves conceptualize the role of ACEs in their journeys away from school. In this exploratory qualitative study, we used narrative analysis to examine (1) whether youth (n = 27) described ACEs leading them away from school, (2) how early these trajectories began, from youth's own perspectives, and (3) if this varied by elements of identity and social position. Focus groups were conducted with youth ages 18-25 from 13 communities across the U.S. We found that youth described their journeys away from school as starting with early ACEs. We also found that youths' narratives reflected intersectional gender differences in the pathways away from school that youth described. Girls articulated how ACEs influenced subsequent non-academic priorities; they eventually left or were kicked out due to a lack of credits. Boys expressed that early ACEs were followed by risk behaviors, punishment, and dropout. Implications for healing-centered engagement across settings and targeted dropout prevention are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This analysis identifies factors associated with overdose risk behaviors and non-fatal overdose among a sample of 577 adult-age people who use illicit opioids and live in NYC. Survey data--which included outcome measures assessing (1) past 30-day non-fatal overdose and past 30-day overdose-related risk behaviors and (2) predictors representing potential risk and protective factors—were analyzed using bivariate and Poisson regression techniques. Results indicate being 41–56 years in age, being widowed, using cannabis, injecting, and having greater pain severity and mental health challenges were associated with greater risks. Current employment, homelessness, and prescription of medications for opioid use disorder were associated with fewer risks. Being 57+ was negatively associated with past-month overdose; higher pain severity and opioid related withdrawal were positively related, as were employment, cannabis use, and injection. Findings suggest the importance of expanding access to MOUD and tailoring OD prevention interventions for mental health and pain management services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is an assumption that physically active adults lead an overall healthy lifestyle. To examine this assumption, we administered a cross-sectional, web-based survey to a sample of young-to-middle-aged US adults between 18 and 49 who self-reported participation in at least one recreational sporting event in the past month. Logistic regressions were conducted to examine demographic characteristics associated with cancer risk and protective behaviors. Gender was represented equally (N = 938), and the average age was 32 years (SD: 8.4). Most participants reported >three days of moderate- to high-intensity physical activity (79%), but not meeting fruit and vegetable consumption guidelines (78%). Many reported current tobacco use (32%), binge drinking at least once in the past 30 days (62%), and suboptimal sun protection use (67%). Participation in lifestyle-related cancer risk and protective behaviors varied based on age, sex, education, routine doctor visits, perceived overall health, health-information-seeking behavior (how participants obtained health information), or team-based sport participation in regression models. Future interventions should be tailored to address varied cancer risk profiles among even physically active adults to encourage multiple healthy behavior changes.

Children and adolescents in residential care often present with emotional and/or behavioral problems associated to previous adverse experiences such as abuse and neglect. Consequently, child welfare systems have developed therapeutic residential care (TRC) programs to address the most complex needs of this population. The aim of this study is to explore the characteristics of youths in TRC comparing them with those of youth in general residential care (GRC), and to detect the factors predicting referral to TRC programs. The sample consisted of 900 adolescents aged 12–17 years old (M = 15.57; SD = 1.33; 66.2% boys), from General Residential Care (n = 554) and Therapeutic Residential Care (n = 346). Profile information was collected through official files and an ad hoc questionnaire. Mental health problems were evaluated using the youth self-report (YSR). Significant sociodemographic differences were found between groups. Also, a higher frequency of emotional abuse and neglect, worse mental health, more breakdowns in child welfare measures and risk behaviors were found among adolescents in TRC. Sociodemographic and familial characteristics, features of the protective process and risk behaviors were associated to referral to TRC programs. Youths in GRC and TRC present with mental and behavioral problems that make it necessary to implement prevention programs and early detection procedures. Screening and evaluation of youth's mental health and establishment of concrete criteria are suggested to ensure appropriate referral to the most suitable resource according to the individual needs of adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L'objectif de notre étude est d'explorer les mécanismes à l'œuvre dans les cas de passages à l'acte suicidaires en période de post-partum. Il s'agit ici de souligner l'importance de l'accompagnement pluridisciplinaire, tant psychologique, médical que social, dans la mise en place d'un maillage pluridisciplinaire autour des parents pendant et après la grossesse. Notre méthode consiste en une revue de la littérature sur les enjeux de l'accompagnement de femmes en ante- et post-partum, afin de prévenir ou d'accompagner la dépression du post-partum et les passages à l'acte pouvant en découler. Nous appuierons notre propos sur l'étude d'un cas clinique illustrant les points aveugles du système de soin. Les résultats de notre étude montrent que la dynamique suicidaire en post-partum est multifactorielle, prenant sa source en période anténatale et parfois bien en amont, mêlant des facteurs endogènes et exogènes pour des femmes confrontées aux attendus supposés de la société envers la jeune mère. Il est également à noter que l'accompagnement de la dépression du post-partum se fait de façon inégale sur les différents territoires, par manque de moyens effectifs ou structurels, laisse échapper certains sujets au maillage professionnel et mène parfois un passage à l'acte. Nous observons que l'accompagnement pluridisciplinaire des femmes suicidaires permet de limiter les risques d'aggravation de la symptomatologie et d'un passage à l'acte. Nous encourageons le travail conjoint entre les professionnels institutionnels et les professionnels libéraux du champ psychiatrique, médical et social, pour la constitution du maillage pluridisciplinaire indispensable à l'accompagnement de toute femme dans son devenir mère, il s'agit d'une question de santé publique. The aim of our study is to explore the mechanisms that come into play in cases of suicidal acts during the post-partum period. Our starting point is to emphasize the importance of multidisciplinary support – psychological, medical and social – in establishing a multifaceted network for parents during and after pregnancy. Additionally, the link between post-partum depression and suicidal behavior is discussed, as are the different types of risk factors. Our method consists of a review of the literature on the issues involved in supporting women in the ante- and post-partum periods, to prevent or support post-partum depression, and any resulting acts of aggression. These observations are then supported through the study of a clinical case illustrating the blind spots in the care system, which can leave certain subjects out in the cold. The clinical case illustrates the desire to have a child, the use of drugs during the perinatal period and the consequences of confinement in France during the post-partum period. The results of our study show that the post-partum suicidal trajectory is multifactorial, originating in the antepartum period, combining endogenous and exogenous factors, as well as society's supposed expectations of the mother-to-be. It should also be noted that support for mothers suffering from post-partum depression is often uneven in the different regions of the country, due to a lack of resources in terms of staff or structure, sometimes allowing the patient to slip through the net of care, leading her to act out. Information and training for professionals on the issue of the post-partum period and its possible repercussions on the mother's behavior are essential for better prevention and rapid treatment. Sometimes, depression is diagnosed during pregnancy, which facilitates treatment and speeds up contact with professionals to provide the best possible support for the mother during her perinatal period. We note, however, that multidisciplinary support for suicidal women helps limit the risk of the symptoms worsening and the risk of the patient acting on them. We emphasize and encourage concerted work and cooperation between institutional professionals and independent professionals in the psychiatric, medical, and social fields, to establish the multidisciplinary network needed to support all women, as they become mothers. Multidisciplinary support for mothers is essential during the perinatal period. Of course, we need to consider the importance of the health professional's work, but the family, spouse, and friends are also essential resources for the mother's well-being, and it is important to include them in this support network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to address a critical gap in understanding adolescent sexual health risks in Argentina, a country that has undergone substantial socio-economic changes that made significant strides in education and healthcare. A secondary data analysis of the 2018 Argentina Global School-based Student Health Survey was performed. In this study, 23,262 sexually active adolescents were categorized into four risk groups based on the predicted granular risk: number of sexual partners and condom use in their last sexual encounter. Males and older adolescents were more prone to high-risk sexual behaviors. Additionally, key psychosocial factors such as loneliness, anxiety, experiences of violence, and school absenteeism were significantly associated with high-risk sexual behaviors. Early alcohol use and recent experiences of hunger were also identified as strong predictors of heightened sexual risk behaviors. Conversely, positive parental engagement and awareness exhibited protective factors. These findings highlight the necessity for policy interventions that focus on mental health support, parental involvement, and awareness of adolescent issues and activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: Firearms are the most frequent means of youth suicide for the 14–18‐year‐old age group, and adolescent firearm access confers substantial increases in the risk of suicidal behaviors. There have been significant increases in firearm purchases and firearm violence in the United States since the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods: This study uses four time points of nationally representative data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) from 2015 to 2021 to examine the differential associations of reporting having carried a firearm and suicide‐related outcomes, after controlling for relevant demographic factors. As a sensitivity analysis, we examined whether a similar risk pattern was seen for the probability of reporting depressed mood. Results: Results reveal significant increases in suicide‐related outcomes among students who reported carrying a firearm and no significant increases among those who did not. Unlike the suicide‐related outcomes, increases in depressed mood overtime were not limited to students who carried firearms, suggesting that the risk associated with firearms may be specific to suicide‐related outcomes. Conclusions: Carrying a firearm is associated with significant increases in the risk of suicidal ideation and behaviors among youth and this risk has increased between 2015 and 2021. Implications for youth suicide prevention and directions for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are subject to a substantial burden of treatment-related morbidity. Engaging in health protective behaviors and eliminating risk behaviors are critical to preventing chronic diseases and premature deaths. This study is aimed to provide updated information on currently smoking, physical inactivity, binge drinking patterns and associated factors among CCS using a nationwide dataset. Methods We constructed a sample of CCS (cancer diagnosis at ages

Youth at-risk for HIV are also at-risk for mental health disorders and psychiatric hospitalization. Understanding the association between engagement in HIV prevention, concurrent risk behaviors, and psychiatric hospitalization may lead to improvements in integrated prevention and mental health treatment efforts. Youth at-risk for HIV, aged 14-24 years old, predominantly Black/African American and Latinx (75%) were recruited through youth-serving clinics and community sites in Los Angeles (n = 839) and New Orleans (n = 647). We compared youth with and without histories of psychiatric hospitalization on engagement in HIV prevention, concurrent risk behaviors, and demographic characteristics. We examined predictors of hospitalization using multiple imputations for missing data. Hospitalized youth (30%) were more involved in HIV programs, but were less likely to use PrEP/PEP or condoms than non-hospitalized youth. The odds of hospitalization were higher for transgender/gender nonconforming youth relative to cisgender youth; the OR was increased after adjustment for concurrent risk behaviors. Hospitalization was associated with homelessness, trauma, incarceration, substance use, and involvement in substance abuse treatment programs. There is a continuing need to integrate the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders into HIV prevention programs to better address multiple challenges faced by vulnerable youth.

Adolescence is a critical period of growth in which youth are vulnerable to a variety of risk factors that affect their development, including exposure to psychoactive substances. Studies showed that health risk behaviors tend to be interrelated with evidence suggesting a cumulative impact of these behaviors. The current study aims to examine the accumulation of risk factors and the accumulated lack of resiliency factors that predict substance use among youth in the northern Mediterranean region. Data were obtained from the Health Behavior in School-Aged Children study in 2018/2019. Adolescents (10,084; age 15; 51.7% girls) were selected using representative cluster sampling and surveyed by questionnaire in the classroom. Findings revealed that cumulative risk factors and a cumulative lack of resiliency factors were associated with a higher likelihood of psychoactive substance use. Furthermore, each additional unit of increase in either risk factors or lack of resiliency factors demonstrated higher odds of substance use. Among the examined resiliency factors, negative school feelings and lack of familial support emerged as the most significant predictors of substance use. Likewise, early sexual initiation was the most prominent predictor among the examined risk factors. Our findings demonstrated the importance of resiliency factors in reducing adolescents' risk behaviors. It may also contribute to developing and implementing intervention programs specifically designed for the shared characteristics and culture of the Mediterranean countries to prevent substance use among adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to review available literature evidence about the harmful effects of long-term anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) abuse on the heart. A review of 11 existing literature articles regarding this association has been used in the development of this review article. There is increasing medical literature documentation of the eventual harmful effect of AAS misuse or abuse on the heart. Individuals who misuse these steroids are susceptible to significant debilitation and loss of productive person-hours, and in severe cases, it can lead to death. Raising awareness about this potentially deleterious effect of anabolic steroids is crucial to prevent its misuse or abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To analyze the observed frequency of three risk behaviors in motorcycle users (cell phone use, lack of helmet use and transport of minors) and to identify possible human, vehicular and environmental factors associated with these behaviors. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out based on natural observations of motorcyclists riding on roads in a city in Argentina (Mar del Plata). We worked with a non-probabilistic sample of 1727 drivers and 358 motorcycle passengers, registered in 17 sites of the city (main roads covering all areas of the city). Results: 72% of the occupants wore helmets, although correct use was 63%. Use was lower among passengers -compared to drivers-, among young people and among private users. Only among passengers, use was lower among men. Lower use was observed in areas of greater socio-environmental vulnerability, in urban low-cost motorcycles and in vehicles without license plates. A quarter of the passengers were under 18 years of age. Among those under 11 years of age, only half wore helmets. Children were more frequently transported when a woman was driving and in more vulnerable areas. Cell phone use was 3%, being more frequent among commercial motorcyclists. Conclusion: The results show that risk behaviors in motorcyclists continue to be a challenge for road safety policies. The identification of factors that are relevant to these behaviors allows guiding prevention actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was planned to analyze traffic behavior undertaken by drivers, including the emerging so-called awareness gaps. The study was conducted in Poland, and 211 drivers participated in it. The results show many important relationships that could form the basis for proposing effective social campaigns on road safety, including increasing the awareness of drivers as those who have a real impact on its improvement. The analyses confirm the existence of the awareness gap in the examined target group. They also show what kinds of behaviors are considered by drivers to be risky and what kinds of behaviors are aggressive. Moreover, they show the percentage of undesirable behaviors in road traffic and indicate which behaviors are considered by drivers to be the most threatening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

School bullying and cyberbullying are serious public health problems that negatively affect the lives of school-aged children. We examined the correlation between risk behaviors and lack of resiliency factors with bullying and cyberbullying across seven Mediterranean countries. The sample consisted of 33,399 adolescents (51.1% girls) aged 11, 13, and 15 years who participated in the Health Behavior in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey in 2018 in Greece, Israel, Italy, Macedonia, Malta, Portugal, and Spain. Bivariate logistic regressions were conducted to test the relationship between risk behaviors, resilience, and bullying. All risk behaviors and lack of resiliency factors examined were related to involvement in bullying as a victim, perpetrator, or bully-victim, both in school and cyberbullying. Moreover, the odds of involvement in school bullying and cyberbullying increased as the number of risk behaviors and the lack of resiliency factors grew. Our results may contribute to the development and implementation of anti-bullying programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundThe HIV infection status among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China is a cause for concern. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) serves as a highly effective biomedical preventive measure against HIV infection. Substantial evidence has established an association between PEP utilization and risk behaviors among MSM, but whether the utilization of PEP has an impact on risk behaviors remains unknown. This study sought to elucidate the impact of PEP usage on risk behaviors among MSM and provide recommendations for developing targeted HIV prevention programs.MethodsA cohort study was conducted in Qingdao, China, from April 2021 to January 2022. Participants were enlisted by volunteers from community-based organizations through a snowball sampling method. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect sociodemographic and behavioral information of participants. The study encompassed a retrospective investigation, baseline survey, and follow-up survey, representing periods before, during, and after PEP usage, respectively. Generalized estimating equations, fitting a Poisson regression model, were applied to scrutinize changes in risk behaviors of MSM during and after PEP usage, in comparison to before PEP usage.ResultsA total of 341 MSM were recruited in the cohort study, with 179 individuals completing the follow-up survey. In comparison to before PEP usage, there was a significant increase in the proportion of Rush Popper usage (17.6% vs. 23.8% vs. 29.6%) and commercial sexual partners (10.9% vs. 17.6% vs. 21.8%) among MSM during and after PEP usage. Before PEP usage, 88.7% of MSM reported having ≥3 temporary sexual partners in the last 6 months. This proportion exhibited no significant change during PEP usage (91.8%), but it significantly increased to 97.8% after PEP usage (P < 0.05). Notably, there was a significant decrease in group sex during and after PEP usage compared to before PEP usage (30.8% vs. 21.4% vs. 21.2%).ConclusionThe utilization of PEP may impact risk behaviors among MSM, potentially leading to increased Rush Popper usage, temporary sexual partners, and commercial sexual partners after PEP usage, accompanied by a decrease in group sex. Further research is imperative to elucidate the impact of PEP utilization on MSM and develop targeted HIV prevention programs.

This study delves into heterosexual identity–behavior discordance, exploring the interaction between sexual identification and behavior in the UK. Analyzing representative 2010 data from the British population (N = 12,472), this research categorizes participants into different groups: nonheterosexual, concordant heterosexual, and three discordant heterosexual categories (closeted, experimenters, and desisters). These groups were compared in terms of sociodemographics, attitudes toward sexuality, risk behaviors, and health indicators. Discordance was associated with permissive social attitudes, including behaviors such as adultery and one-night stands, and with increased substance abuse and risky sexual behaviors, especially among the closeted. Surprisingly, the physical and mental health of discordant heterosexuals was similar to concordant heterosexuals, in contrast to the poorer health of nonheterosexuals. Due to the significant variations in lifestyles and health indicators among different groups, this study highlights the importance of providing targeted services and interventions.

Positive Youth Development (PYD) emerged as a holistic and strength-based perspective that focuses on the fact that young people may have the internal and external resources for healthy and successful development through five dimensions (5Cs) that empower them: Perceived Competence, Confidence, Character, Connection, and Caring. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the overall PYD factor, the 5Cs, and risk behaviors, in addition to analyzing gender differences. This study showed the results of a cross-sectional study of 1044 emerging adults from 11 Spanish universities in 2021. Data collection was performed by applying an online self-report measure. The results showed that the Character was protective against substance abuse, mainly in women, while the connection was related to the participation of betting money and online betting in men. Caring was protective against money bets in the men’s sample. However, controversial results were found regarding Perceived competence, which had a positive association with substance abuse, money bets, and drunk driving. It seems that high levels of Perceived competence, rather than objective competence, were associated with engagement in various risk behaviors. Concerning gender differences, men showed more risky behaviors than women. A partial mediation model pointed out that lower character and higher perceived competence in men partly explained the higher presence of risky behavior compared to women. These results underline the need to promote PYD within the university context to prevent risky behaviors by addressing gender differences and the separate role of the 5Cs.

IntroductionUntil vaccines became available in late 2020, our ability to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within countries depended largely on voluntary adherence to mitigation measures. However, individual decision-making regarding acceptable COVID-19 risk is complex. To better understand decision-making regarding COVID-19 risk, we conducted a qualitative substudy within a larger Berkeley COVID-19 Safe Campus Initiative (BCSCI) during the summer of 2020, and completed a mixed-methods analysis of factors influencing decision-making.Materials and methodsWe interviewed 20 participants who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and 10 who remained negative, and analyzed quantitative survey data from 3,324 BCSCI participants. The BCSCI study enrolled university-affiliated people living in the local area during summer of 2020, collected data on behaviors and attitudes toward COVID-19, and conducted SARS-CoV-2 testing at baseline and endline.ResultsAt baseline, 1362 students (57.5%) and 285 non-students (35.1%) said it had been somewhat or very difficult to comply with COVID-19-related mandates. Most-cited reasons were the need to go out for food/essentials, difficulty of being away from family/friends, and loneliness. Eight interviewees explicitly noted they made decisions partially because of others who may be at high risk. We did not find significant differences between the behaviors of students and non-students.DiscussionDespite prevailing attitudes about irresponsibility of college students during the COVID-19 pandemic, students in our study demonstrated a commitment to making rational choices about risk behavior, not unlike non-students around them. Decision-making was driven by perceived susceptibility to severe disease, need for social interaction, and concern about risk to others. A harm reduction public health approach may be beneficial.

Background: The number of late diagnoses of HIV remains very high in Poland, leading to a high proportion of patients developing and dying of HIV-related diseases. The main reason for this is the very low utilization of HIV testing. Our analyses aimed to investigate knowledge about the indications for HIV testing among medical university students, as well as identify their own HIV testing experiences. Material and methods: A cross-sectional survey study was designed to collect information on the students’ demographics and their experiences of HIV testing, as well as their knowledge of virus transmission and the indications for testing. Data were collected as part of the HIV_week@WUM project conducted at the Medical University of Warsaw in parallel with the 18th European AIDS Conference, which took place in Warsaw between 18 and 21 October 2023. Results: In total, 545 questionnaires were collected. The median age of the study participants was 20 (interquartile range (IQR): 19–22 years). The majority of respondents were as follows: women (67.5%), born in Poland (97.8%), and were attending the medical faculty (56.7%). Only 114 (21.43%) participants had ever been tested for HIV. For all modes of HIV transmission, most of the respondents overestimated the risk of acquiring HIV, but, at the same time, they had never been tested for HIV. Conclusions: Only one in five health sciences students has ever had a test for HIV, which is less than estimates for the general population of Warsaw. There is an ongoing need to popularize testing among future health care providers in order to address both the indications for testing for individuals and the better use of HIV testing in clinical practice.

Little information is known about the cisgender women who seek and initiate pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention in the United States. Adherence Enhancement Guided by Individualized Texting and Drug Levels was a 48-week single-arm open-label demonstration study of daily oral tenofovir disoproxil fumaratel emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) in cisgender women ≥ 18 years old at risk for HIV. Participants were surveyed at screening and enrollment about sociodemographics, HIV risk perception and behaviors, and PrEP perspectives and aggregated into three risk groups according to HIV sexual risk behavior: being in a serodiscordant partnership (SD), engaging in sex work (SW), and having partners with unknown HIV status at risk for HIV (UP). One hundred sixty-seven women presented for screening with n = 31 screen failures. Of the 162 women completing enrollment, mean age was 40 (standard deviation 11), with 41% non-Hispanic Black, 22% non-Hispanic White, and 19% Latina. Compared with those who screened ineligible, enrolled participants were more likely to have heard of PrEP, had higher HIV risk perception, and reported higher perceived PrEP efficacy. Sixty-four women (47%) were categorized as SD, 21 (15%) as SW, and 51 (38%) as UP. The SW were more likely to report higher levels of drinking and drug use (p = 0.002) and history of intimate partner violence in the past year (p

BackgroundGeoffrey Rose's paper "Sick Individuals, Sick Populations" highlights the counterintuitive finding that the largest share of morbidity arises from populations engaging in low- to moderate-risk behavior. Scholars refer to this finding as the prevention paradox. We examine whether this logic applies to SARS-CoV-2 infected persons considered low to moderate risk.MethodsWe conducted a population-representative survey and sero-surveillance study for SARS-CoV-2 among adults in Orange County, California. Participants answered questions about health behaviors and provided a finger-pin-prick sample from 10 July to 16 August 2020.ResultsOf the 2979 adults, those reporting low- and moderate-risk behavior accounted for between 78% and 92% of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Asymptomatic individuals, as well as persons with low and moderate scores for self-reported likelihood of having had SARS-CoV-2, accounted for the majority of infections.ConclusionsOur findings support Rose's logic, which encourages public health measures among persons who self-identify as unlikely to have SARS-CoV-2. See video abstract at, http://links.lww.com/EDE/B860.

BackgroundMen who have sex with men (MSM) have a high prevalence of HIV and a low rate of HIV testing in China. HIV self-testing (HIVST) presents a viable strategy for expanding HIV testing among MSM. However, the impact of HIVST on risk behaviors among MSM remains controversial. Our study sought to ascertain this impact.MethodsFrom April 2021 to January 2022, a mixed-methods study was conducted in Qingdao City, employing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. The quantitative component entailed a cohort study among MSM who had used HIVST. Generalized estimating equations fitting Poisson regressions were used to analyze the changes in risk behaviors of MSM in short time after HIVST (ST-HIVST) and longer time after HIVST (LT-HIVST) compared to before HIVST. Subsequently, we conducted in-depth interviews with 18 MSM who completed the follow-up to delve deeper into the impact of HIVST on MSM.ResultsA total of 410 MSM were recruited in the cohort, of whom 83 were lost to follow-up. Compared to before HIVST, there were no significant changes in risk behaviors in ST-HIVST (p > 0.05), while the proportion of recreational drugs abuse (20.7% vs. 33.3%), commercial sex (14.6% vs. 22.9%), and unprotected anal sex (95.9% vs. 98.5%) increased significantly in LT-HIVST (p

Background: To determine whether tobacco, alcohol consumption and other risk factors are associated with self-reported tooth loss. Methods: A cross-sectional study of a community-based sample of 8,467 college students was carried out in Mexico. Data were collected using questionnaires. The dependent variable was self-reported tooth loss, and any number above zero was considered positive for tooth loss. Oral hygiene, gum bleeding, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption, along with information on sociodemographic characteristics were considered as independent variables. Results: Respondents reported tobacco use (25.1%) and alcohol consumption (weekly mean 2.5 SD 5.2 units). A minority of respondents (12.8%) reported having lost at least one tooth. The multivariate analysis showed that smoking more than five cigarettes a day was associated with an increased probability of tooth loss (p < .01), while alcohol intake did not (p > .05). Older age and female sex were associated with tooth loss. Conversely, good oral hygiene and absence of gum bleeding were protective factors against self-reported tooth loss. Conclusions: We confirmed that smoking is a factor associated with tooth loss in a sample of communitydwelling young college students. A narrow array of clinical, sociodemographic, and socioeconomic variables also showed an association with tooth loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study delves into heterosexual identity–behavior discordance, exploring the interaction between sexual identification and behavior in the UK. Analyzing representative 2010 data from the British population (N = 12,472), this research categorizes participants into different groups: nonheterosexual, concordant heterosexual, and three discordant heterosexual categories (closeted, experimenters, and desisters). These groups were compared in terms of sociodemographics, attitudes toward sexuality, risk behaviors, and health indicators. Discordance was associated with permissive social attitudes, including behaviors such as adultery and one-night stands, and with increased substance abuse and risky sexual behaviors, especially among the closeted. Surprisingly, the physical and mental health of discordant heterosexuals was similar to concordant heterosexuals, in contrast to the poorer health of nonheterosexuals. Due to the significant variations in lifestyles and health indicators among different groups, this study highlights the importance of providing targeted services and interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper investigates the association between self-reported perceived health status and doctor-informed medical conditions among US active duty service members (ADSM).Methods: Data are from the 2018 Health-Related Behaviors Survey – a cross-sectional survey weighted to represent the US military (N = 17166). Perceived good health status was defined as having a response choice of "good", "very good", or "excellent" to the question: Would you say your overall physical health is ___? Medical conditions were based on self-reported presence of nine clinical conditions. Analysis included weighted prevalence and log-binomial regression models to explore relationships between ADSM characteristics with perceived good health status as well as concordance between perceived status and medical conditions.Results: ADSM rated their health to be excellent (14.6%), very good (37.7%), good (36.2%), fair (9.7%) and poor (1.7%). About 88.5% perceived a good (to excellent) health status. Perceived good health status was negatively associated with the number of medical conditions present (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): ranging from 0.78 to 0.92) as well as several health behaviors (aOR): ranging from 0.86 to 0.98) and other sociodemographic factors. Among all ADSMs, 51% perceived good health in the absence of medical conditions, while 8% perceived poor health status in the presence of medical conditions. Concordance between perceived health status and medical conditions was significantly lower among ADSM who were older (aOR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.54– 0.69), with dependent children (aOR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.84– 0.95), or had been deployed (aOR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.84-0.95).Conclusion: The prevalence of perceived good health status among ADSMs was consistent with those documented in the general US population. The interrelationships between ADSM's perceptions, medical conditions and sociodemographic characteristics may have implications for their health literacy and utilization of health services. Study findings suggest that interventions promoting healthy behaviors, health literacy and treatment-seeking may influence perceived health status and mitigate medical conditions among ADSM, thus improving the US Military readiness, resilience and mission success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of the Internet has several positive functions, but at the same time it also represents a health risk, especially for adolescents. The increased use of the Internet in recent decades has also been linked to an increase in problematic Internet use, which has now become a global social issue. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Internet use increased even more and influenced adolescents' habits, leading to an increase in sedentary behaviors. The aim of this study was to understand whether Internet addiction differed between sportive and nonsportive adolescents and between males and females. We analyzed two samples of adolescents, with different behaviors regarding sports practice. Internet addiction was assessed by the administration of a validated questionnaire (UADI) via an online survey. Although all the mean values of both the subgroups fell into the "non-pathological" category, differences between sports groups and sexes were found, with different trends for each one of the five dimensions of Internet use. In conclusion, sportive adolescents generally showed less severe Internet addiction; therefore, encouraging sports practice can help to fight wrong habits related to a sedentary lifestyle. The promotion of sports practice in these ages is therefore a priority aspect, especially in females, who showed a general predisposition to escape from reality in comparison to males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Positive Youth Development (PYD) emerged as a holistic and strength-based perspective that focuses on the fact that young people may have the internal and external resources for healthy and successful development through five dimensions (5Cs) that empower them: Perceived Competence, Confidence, Character, Connection, and Caring. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the overall PYD factor, the 5Cs, and risk behaviors, in addition to analyzing gender differences. This study showed the results of a cross-sectional study of 1044 emerging adults from 11 Spanish universities in 2021. Data collection was performed by applying an online self-report measure. The results showed that the Character was protective against substance abuse, mainly in women, while the connection was related to the participation of betting money and online betting in men. Caring was protective against money bets in the men's sample. However, controversial results were found regarding Perceived competence, which had a positive association with substance abuse, money bets, and drunk driving. It seems that high levels of Perceived competence, rather than objective competence, were associated with engagement in various risk behaviors. Concerning gender differences, men showed more risky behaviors than women. A partial mediation model pointed out that lower character and higher perceived competence in men partly explained the higher presence of risky behavior compared to women. These results underline the need to promote PYD within the university context to prevent risky behaviors by addressing gender differences and the separate role of the 5Cs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescence is a critical period for engaging in health risk behaviors. Migrant adolescents may face unique challenges due to acculturation stress. This study aims to monitor substance use and problem gambling among migrant adolescents living in Italy. Data from the 2017/18 Health Behavior in School-Aged Children survey in Italy were analyzed. The 18,794 participants included 15-year-olds, categorized as native or migrants, with ethnic backgrounds from Western, Eastern European, or non-Western/non-European countries. Girls had higher smoking rates, while boys exhibited higher prevalence of alcohol-related risk behaviors, cannabis use, and gambling. Boys from Eastern European countries displayed a greater risk of drunkenness (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.06–2.37), particularly in the first generation, while those from Western countries showed a higher risk of multiple substance use (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.05–1.96). Girls from Eastern European and non-Western/non-European countries had a lower risk of alcohol consumption (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.29–0.85; OR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.33–0.91, respectively). Finally, boys, especially those from Eastern European and non-Western/non-European countries, had a significantly higher risk of problem gambling (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.04–3.22; OR: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.29–3.42, respectively). This disparity was more pronounced in the first generation, possibly due to acculturation challenges and socio-economic factors. Risk behaviors in adolescents are influenced by complex interplays of gender, cultural factors, and migration generation. Preventive strategies should consider these factors to effectively address substance use and gambling in this heterogeneous population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite its high prevalence in same-sex couples, the study of intimate partner violence (IPV) has been mostly focused on different-sex couples. When lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) samples are considered, similarities between same- and different-sex couples arise, as well as some specificities regarding same-sex couples. Although several studies report a higher IPV prevalence among LGB couples in comparison to heterosexual couples, less research focuses on the differences among the violent dynamics and the influence of risk factors, and most do not consider a Spanish sample. After being recruited on social networks and Spanish lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) associations, a sample of 605 Spanish people participated in this study (71.7% female and 35.7% engaged in a same-sex relationship) through an online survey that included self-reported measures on IPV experiences and behavioral risk factors (witnessing interparental violence; risky sexual behaviors; tobacco, alcohol, and drug consumption). Results suggest a similar IPV prevalence between same- and different-sex couples. Moreover, different IPV types presented comparable prevalence among individuals engaged in gay and lesbian couples. Multinomial logistic regressions showed IPV and partner's sex have a significant effect on an individual adopting risky sexual behaviors and consuming alcohol, with those behaviors having a higher prevalence in individuals engaged in same-sex couples. These results differed by sex, as the impact of IPV and partner's sex on adopting risky sexual behaviors and consuming alcohol only existed among female participants. Our findings accentuate the need to consider the different pressures and IPV experiences among same- and different-sex couples while creating interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Youth at-risk for HIV are also at-risk for mental health disorders and psychiatric hospitalization. Understanding the association between engagement in HIV prevention, concurrent risk behaviors, and psychiatric hospitalization may lead to improvements in integrated prevention and mental health treatment efforts. Youth at-risk for HIV, aged 14-24 years old, predominantly Black/African American and Latinx (75%) were recruited through youth-serving clinics and community sites in Los Angeles (n = 839) and New Orleans (n = 647). We compared youth with and without histories of psychiatric hospitalization on engagement in HIV prevention, concurrent risk behaviors, and demographic characteristics. We examined predictors of hospitalization using multiple imputations for missing data. Hospitalized youth (30%) were more involved in HIV programs, but were less likely to use PrEP/PEP or condoms than non-hospitalized youth. The odds of hospitalization were higher for transgender/gender nonconforming youth relative to cisgender youth; the OR was increased after adjustment for concurrent risk behaviors. Hospitalization was associated with homelessness, trauma, incarceration, substance use, and involvement in substance abuse treatment programs. There is a continuing need to integrate the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders into HIV prevention programs to better address multiple challenges faced by vulnerable youth.

For men who have sex with men (MSM) in the US, the positive and negative aspects of social capital - access to resources within their social networks and experiences of homophobia - may explain their disproportionate burden of HIV infection. We analyzed data from 379 HIV seronegative and seropositive MSM in Los Angeles, collected between May 2017 and February 2018. Dependent variables were HIV transmission risk behaviors and care continuum outcomes. We used multivariable logistic regression to estimate the association between social capital resources and experiences of homophobia with dependent variables, adjusting for sociodemographics and drug use. Most participants were under age 40 and 41% identified as Black/African American and 36% as Hispanic/Latino. Social capital resources associated with likelihood of new sexually transmitted infections (-5.5% per standard deviation (SD), 95%CI -10.3, 0.7%) and HIV testing (5% per SD, 95%CI 0.8, 9.2%). Experiences of homophobia associated with likelihood of methamphetamine use during sex (10% per SD, 95%CI 7, 14%), receiving (4.3% per SD, 95%CI 1.9, 6.7%) and giving (7.2% per SD, 95%CI 4.5, 9.9%) exchange sex, and missing appointments (7.2% per SD, 95%CI 0.8, 13.6%). Findings that social capital associated with HIV transmission risk behaviors and HIV testing suggest interventions to increase social capital resources would impact the HIV-prevention continuum.

There are limited data characterizing HIV retesting among high-risk adults in sub-Saharan Africa. From October-December 2018, we distributed recruitment cards offering health evaluations with HIV testing at venues frequented by individuals at-risk of HIV infection in Southwest Uganda. Those who attended were asked about their HIV testing history and risk factors: having >1 sexual partner, an HIV+ partner, STIs, and/or transactional sex. We defined "highest risk" as ≥3 risk factors and "frequent testing" as ≥3 tests within the past year. Of 1,777 cards distributed, 1,482 (83%) adults came to clinic: median age was 26(IQR: 22-31), 598 (40%) were men, and 334 (23%) were HIV+. Of 1,148 HIV-negative adults, 338 (29%) were highest risk and 205 (18%) were frequent testers. Frequent testing was similar in women (19%) and men (16%, p = 0.22). Among women, those at highest risk were more likely to report any testing (90% vs. 81%, p = 0.01) and frequent testing (25% vs. 18%, p = 0.06) than those at lower risk. Among men, any testing and frequent testing were similar between risk levels. Among adults recruited from high-risk venues in peri-urban Uganda, HIV risk behaviors were commonly reported, yet frequent retesting remained low. Interventions to promote retesting are needed, particularly among men.

Introduction: Egyptian and Roma communities represent two of the most deprived and stigmatized ethnic minorities in Albania. However, research investigating vulnerability and well-being in youth from these communities is scant. Even less is known among Egyptian and Roma adolescents who dropped-out of school. Within a Positive Youth Development framework, we investigated among Egyptian and Roma adolescents: (1) risk behaviors, well-being, and developmental assets (personal and contextual); (2) associations of developmental assets with risk behaviors and well-being; (3) specificities by ethnicity, gender, and education. Methods: A total of 201 Egyptian and Roma adolescents (Mage = 16.63, SDage = 1.80; 47% girls; 53% school dropouts) completed a series of questionnaires in a community setting in August 2020 (first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic). Results: Binomial, Poisson and linear regression models indicated that Egyptian and Roma adolescents reported similar and high levels of risk behaviors, with boys reporting overall more risk behaviors than girls. Low level of well-being and of personal and contextual assets were reported. Girls reported higher family assets, positive values and social competencies than boys. The situation of adolescents attending school was overall not better than that of youth who had dropped out. Higher positive identity was associated with higher well-being. Discussion: Intervention and prevention efforts are urgently needed to support minority adolescents' development during and in the aftermath of the pandemic. They should address the structural factors which limit the availability of personal and contextual resources in minority youth's lives. Interventions aimed at building safer neighborhoods and providing safe access to schools for minority youth should be a priority and are essential to prevent the widening of inequalities during and after this health emergency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Sexting is common among adolescents and is associated with numerous health risk behaviors and negative psychosocial constructs. This study examined the relationships between high school students' experiences with sexual violence victimization, dating violence victimization, and engagement in risky sexual behaviors with experiences of receiving sexts. METHODS: Cross‐sectional data from the 2014 to 2016 data from Pennsylvania Youth Risk Behavior. Participants were selected using an independent 2‐stage cluster sample design to produce a statewide population‐based sample. The pencil and paper surveys were conducted in school. Participants included 6734 Pennsylvania high school students in grades 9‐12. RESULTS: Overall, 29.0% of Pennsylvania high school students had received a sext, which varied by sex, race/ethnicity, school grade, and sexual identity. Students who engaged in sexual risk behaviors, experienced dating violence, or experienced lifetime sexual violence outside of the dating context had a significantly higher prevalence of receiving a sext than students who did not engage in those behaviors or have those experiences. CONCLUSIONS: Early screening and prevention efforts that include discussions about sexting behaviors may help prevent other negative outcomes, such as risky sexual behaviors and interpersonal violence. Addressing sexting in the education and health sectors may help to prevent other related harmful health and violence experiences during adolescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While previous research has identified a significant relationship between adult sexual minority men's (SMM) peer crowd affiliation and health risk and promotion behaviors such as substance, drug, and condom use, these associations have not been investigated in a focused exploration with emerging adult SMM. The current study investigated the association between health risk and promotion behaviors with peer crowd affiliation among emerging adult SMM. Data in this study came from the first of the seven-wave longitudinal P18 Cohort Study and included N = 568 18-year-old SMM in New York City. Researchers regressed 17 SMM peer crowds with health risk behaviors while controlling for socioeconomic status and race/ethnicity. SMM who affiliated with the peer crowds, guy next door, sexpig, trendy, hipster, fashionista, circuit boy/club kid, ballroom drag, and twink endorsed engaging in significantly more or less health risk behaviors (i.e., drug use, substance use, and condom use) compared to nonaffiliates. For example, twink peer crowd affiliates engaged in significantly more condomless anal receptive sex behaviors compared to nonaffiliates while also engaging in substantially less marijuana use. Sexpig peer crowd affiliates demonstrated no relationship with condom use but used cocaine and other drugs (e.g., poppers, ecstasy, Viagra, heroin, methamphetamine) significantly more compared to nonaffiliates, while drag/ballroom affiliates used significantly more cocaine and less alcohol than nonaffiliates. Findings suggest that affiliating with SMM-specific peer crowds may protect or encourage SMM emerging adults' engagement in substance, drug, and condom use. Researchers discuss the implications of culture-specific peer crowd behavioral norms in emerging adult SMMs' lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Analytically describe the effect depression, anxiety, and risk behaviors have on the health team. In these psychosocial factors, recognizing that health personnel suffers from depression is vital to excellent or inadequate health care for the general population; if it is not detected, it cannot be treated. The condition must not evolve since it can be associated with attempts or suicide; it is common in inmates, residents, and attending physicians due to the stress they experience. Anxiety is frequent because there is a responsibility to preserve life in the health team, then frustration, suffering, helplessness, fear, apprehension, and worry arise. Regarding risk behaviors, high exposure to risk factors such as alcohol consumption, tobacco, and a sedentary lifestyle dramatically affects general health and life expectancy for many years in health personnel. We consider it necessary to carry out more systematic studies on psychosocial factors in health professionals, where it is imperative to have a broader vision of the mental health situation that they are going through and that allows the implementation of strategies that strengthen working conditions, preventive medicine, in addition to improving and guaranteeing a better quality of care for patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Managers of parks and protected areas use numerous strategies to mitigate risk. We investigated two of those in the context of an actual risk mitigation challenge at the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Big 4 Mountain Ice Caves trail: signage strategy and a broadened range of activity options along the trail (i.e., an expanded experiencescape). Signage is a very widely used strategy (Mason, 2005) for managing risk and visitor behavior. The expanded experiencescape strategy was recommended by USDA Forest Service professionals who managed the trail and was intended to redirect visitors' attention and behavior away from the high-risk feature of the trail (ice caves) by attracting them to other features and activity options (e.g., a beaver pond, varying ecological zones). We created simulated hikes under different interpretation and experiencescape scenarios to evaluate effects of five specific strategies a) new terminus design (experiencescape strategy), b) signage telling the story of the formation of an ice cave (signage strategy), c) a new loop trail (experiencescape strategy), d) death and injury statistics posted at the trailhead (signage strategy), and e) interpretation of trail features other than the ice caves (signage strategy). We evaluated the five strategies by systematically varying the presence or absence of each strategy across simulation videos. After viewing the simulated hike video to which they were randomly assigned, participants (two samples of adult outdoor recreationists, N=406) reported their probability of approaching, entering, or climbing on the ice caves. Effects of new terminus design, posting injury death statistics at the trailhead, and expanded interpretation were significant. Findings suggest that interpretation and experiencescape strategies may promote visitor safety. Recommendations to managers of the Big Four Mountain Ice Caves trail may generalize to other risk-prone sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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