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PURPOSE: To evaluate the test-retest reliability of self-reported sexuality-related data in a sample of African American adolescents residing in four U.S. cities. METHODS: Using audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (ACASI), 156 African American teens (mean age = 15.5 years) provided data on lifetime and recent sexual behavior, HIV/sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing, and theoretical antecedents of sexual risk behavior on two occasions separated by 2 weeks. RESULTS: Most self-reports of lifetime sexual behavior and STD/HIV testing were stable across the two assessment points. Test-retest agreement was substantial for dichotomous indices of lifetime sexual behaviors and STD testing (kappas ranging from .61-.87), and for 3-month recall of vaginal sex (kappa = .72) and number of sexual partners (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = .68). Lower reliability estimates emerged for count data of unprotected vaginal sex occasions (ICC = .44). Test-retest reliability estimates for antecedents of sexual risk behavior were highest for a validated measure of HIV-related knowledge (r = .73), but somewhat lower for peer norms (r = .58) and condom use self-efficacy (r = .50). CONCLUSIONS: Although variability in the stability of self-report data was observed, findings confirm that most sexual behavior, STD and HIV testing history, and psychosocial measures can be assessed reliably among adolescents. Research should continue to identify strategies to enhance the reliability of self-report sexual behavior data from youth at risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the psychometric properties of a new scale to measure adolescents' worry regarding outcomes of risky sexual behavior (i.e. sexually transmitted infections, including HIV [STI/HIV], and unintended pregnancy). The 10-item worry about sexual outcomes (WASO) scale, resulting in two subscales STI/HIV worry and pregnancy worry, was administered to a sample of 522 African-American female adolescents ranging in age from 14 to 18, residing in the southeast United States and participating in a sexual risk reduction intervention. The WASO demonstrated internal consistency across multiple administrations and yielded satisfactory construct validity. Worry was found to negatively correlate with sexual communication self-efficacy (with a new male partner and a steady male partner), frequency of sexual communication with male partner, attitudes about condom use and social support; worry was positively correlated with perceived barriers to condom use, condom negotiation, locus of control and depression. Overall, the results indicate that the WASO is a reliable and valid measure of assessing adolescents' worry about STIs, HIV and pregnancy. The WASO represents a brief self-administered instrument that can be easily integrated into sexual risk reduction assessments and interventions. Future studies employing the WASO might consider testing it with more diverse samples in terms of gender, race/ethnicity, age and sexual orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Condom use at last sex is a widely used indicator in sexual behavior research; however, there is little empirical research validating this indicator. This study examined whether a single-event recall period (the last time coitus occurred) was consistent with longer recall periods (14 days and 60 days) for a sample of African American adolescent females (N = 566). The findings from this study demonstrate that condom use at last coitus is a valid proxy for condom use behaviors spanning longer time periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports on the validation of a scale to assess adolescent girls' frequency of sexual communication with their parents. The Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale (PACS) was administered to 522 African American female adolescents ranging in age from 14 to 18. The PACS demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (across multiple administrations) and acceptable test-retest reliability over a 12-month follow-up period. Concurrently, scores on the PACS were correlated with frequency of sexual communication with partner, sexual communication self-efficacy (boyfriend), perceived parental knowledge, family support, depression, and condom use with steady male sex partners. Prospectively, baseline PACS scores were correlated with frequency of sexual communication with partner and condom use. The present investigation indicates that the PACS is a reliable and valid measure of frequency of sexual communication between female adolescents and their parents. Utility of the PACS for researchers and practitioners is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation examined reasons for having sex among a sample of 369 African-American and White adolescent detainees, aged 14-18. Using A-CASI technology, sociodemographic variables and motivations for having sex were assessed among this population. Findings indicated that adolescents hold underlying motivations for having sex and that these differ to some degree by gender, SES, but less by race. For programs to be optimally effective, program goals should address gender and SES differentials for having sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on three studies in which the Partner Communication Scale (PCS) is validated. The PCS assesses African American adolescent females' frequency of sexual communication with male sex partners. The PCS was administered to three samples of African American female adolescents (N = 522; N= 280; N= 715) ranging in age from 14 to 21. The PCS demonstrated strong internal consistency and acceptable stability over 6-month and 12-month follow-up periods. Scores on the PCS were correlated with frequency of parent communication, sexual communication self-efficacy, sexual refusal self-efficacy, fear of communication about condoms, partner-related barriers to condom use, relationship satisfaction, self-esteem, exposure to communication-related sex education in schools and condom use, particularly with nonsteady male sex partners. The present investigation indicates that the PCS is a reliable and valid measure of frequency of sexual communication for female adolescents with their male sex partners. Future research with the PCS with more diverse samples in terms of race/ethnicity, gender, age and sexual orientation will be useful to establish its reliability and validity for these adolescent subgroups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research was to identify environmental factors that influence incarcerated adolescents' risk for HIV/STDs. Based on data from six gender-stratified focus groups consisting of 28 incarcerated adolescents from three detention centers in Georgia, the following salient environments emerged: schools, families, peer groups, neighborhoods, malls, and detention centers. These environments represent places in which factors related to sexual decision-making are embedded for this high-risk population. Within these environments, five factors influence their risk for HIV/STDs: (1) hierarchical messages that promote abstinence and risk reduction, (2) availability and accessibility of condoms, (3) acceptability of condoms, (4) availability of comprehensive sex education, and (5) parental communication about sex and risk reduction. Increased understanding of the role of these factors may contribute to the development of integrated interventions designed to prevent HIV/STDs among incarcerated adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published reports have not investigated the issue of voluntary HIV testing among detained youth, a population disproportionately infected with HIV compared to other adolescent groups. Data were collected from 467 sexually active detained adolescents in Georgia on demographic, environmental, and drug and sexual history variables, to explore differences between those who ever tested for HIV and those who never tested for HIV prior to being detained. Among the total sample, testing was associated with living in a rural area, having received school or community-based sex education classes, causing a pregnancy or having been pregnant, having had an STD diagnosis, and recently having sex with a partner who was high on drugs. However, there were significant gender differences with respect to these findings. Results suggest that a significant number of detained adolescents (especially males) engage in risky sexual behaviors, but have never been tested for HIV. Consequently, strongly promoting HIV testing at detention centers may serve as a significant best baseline care practice for detained youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to determine whether the type of outcome expectation, stemming from HPV vaccination, would have any effect on young men's HPV vaccine intent. We recruited young men (18-24 years of age) from two university campuses (n = 150). After answering a series of questions they were randomly assigned to one of three information conditions (all delivered by computer): (1) how women may benefit from men's HPV vaccination, (2) preventing genital warts and (3) preventing head and neck cancers. Intent to be vaccinated against HPV in the next 12 months was assessed before and after receiving the informational session corresponding to the assigned condition. A repeated-measures t-test indicated that a significant increase in young men's intent to be vaccinated after they received the assigned information (t = 9.48, [147], P = 0.0001). However, the increase in intent to be vaccinated did not vary by group assignment as there were no significant differences in mean intent scores between the three groups (F = 0.59, [2/144], P = 0.56). Information that promotes the outcome expectations of protecting women from cervical cancer, preventing genital warts for men and preventing head and neck cancers for men may be equally effective in promoting increased intent for HPV vaccine acceptance among young university men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: One in five college women experiences sexual assault (SA). Feminist scholars have called for the use of programming that empowers women by increasing their ability to recognize and resist SA. One such program, the Enhanced Assess, Acknowledge, Act SA Resistance Education Program (EAAA), has demonstrated lower rates of SA up to 24 months (Senn et al., 2015, 2017). EAAA could be further enhanced by directly targeting women's risky alcohol and cannabis use, two known risk factors for SA, within an integrated framework. This study evaluated the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of an integrated version of EAAA with enhanced alcohol and new cannabis content., Methods: College women (n=14) aged 18-24 who reported engaging in past-month heavy alcohol use, cannabis use, and simultaneous alcohol and cannabis use participated in the adapted program. Women completed a baseline assessment, measures of acceptability at strategic points during the program, and a post-program assessment., Results: Women rated the program very high in likability, quality, organization, relevance, and usefulness and were likely to recommend it to other women. Overall, acceptability and usability ratings for EAAA+ were high. Content analysis of open-ended questions indicated that some women wanted more cannabis and/or alcohol content included., Conclusion: Results indicate that the adapted content is acceptable for the target population and has promising pre-post changes on alcohol, cannabis, and SA-related outcomes.

Background: Integrating aerobic exercise (AE) into rehabilitation programs for post-stroke individuals could enhance motor recovery and cardiovascular health by increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the myokine irisin. Chronic stroke survivors typically exhibit elevated matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activity, which is negatively correlated with steps and time in medium cadence, although the impact of AE on this biomarker remains unclear., Objective: To evaluate the effect of high-intensity AE training prior to modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) on BDNF and irisin concentration, and on MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity in chronic post-stroke individuals and to associate these results with functional improvements., Methods: Nine participants received AE combined with mCIMT for two weeks, while the control group ( n  = 7) received mCIMT alone. Manual dexterity and functional capacity were assessed before and after the intervention. Serum samples were analyzed for BDNF, irisin, MMP-2 and MMP-9., Results: There were no significant main effects of assessment, group or interaction on molecular biomarkers. However, the AE group had a significant increase in MMP-9 activity post-intervention ( p  = .033; d  = 0.67). For the Box and Block Test, there were significant main effects of assessment ( F [1, 14] = 33.27, p  = .000, η p 2  = 0.70) and group ( F [1, 14] = 5.43, p  = .035, η p 2  = .28). No correlations were found between biomarkers and clinical assessments., Conclusion: AE prior to mCIMT did not influence circulating BDNF and irisin levels but did induce an acute rise in MMP-9 activity, suggesting potential effects on cardiovascular remodeling in this population.

A key strategy in enhancing the efficacy of collagen-based hydrogels involves incorporating polysaccharides, which have shown great promise for wound healing. In this study, semi-interpenetrating polymeric network (semi-IPN) hydrogels comprised of collagen (Col) with the macrocyclic oligosaccharide β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) (20-80 wt.%) were synthesised. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed the successful fabrication of these Col/β-CD hydrogels, evidenced by the presence of characteristic absorption bands, including the urea bond band at ∼1740 cm -1 , related with collagen crosslinking. Higher β-CD content was associated with increased crosslinking, higher swelling, and faster gelation. The β-CD content directly influenced the morphology and semi-crystallinity. All Col/β-CD hydrogels displayed superabsorbent properties, enhanced thermal stability, and exhibited slow degradation rates. Mechanical properties were significantly improved with contents higher than β-CD 40 wt.%. These hydrogels inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli bacteria and facilitated the controlled release of agents, such as malachite green, methylene blue, and ketorolac. The chemical composition of the Col/β-CD hydrogels did not induce cytotoxic effects on monocytes and fibroblast cells. Instead, they actively promoted cellular metabolic activity, encouraging cell growth and proliferation. Moreover, cell signalling modulation was observed, leading to changes in the expression of TNF-α and IL-10 cytokines. In summary, the results of this research indicate that these novel hydrogels possess multifunctional characteristics, including biocompatibility, super-swelling capacity, good thermal, hydrolytic, and enzymatic degradation resistance, antibacterial activity, inflammation modulation, and the ability to be used for controlled delivery of therapeutic agents, indicating high potential for application in advanced wound dressings.

Coeliac disease is a common condition for which the only current treatment is a gluten-free diet. Adherence to this diet is not always easy and is associated with a reduction in quality of life for the patient and their family. Non-adherence is associated with complications of varying severity. The lack of control at the outpatient care level in a high percentage of these patients evinces the need to improve follow-up protocols and the approach to care delivery with coordination of paediatric gastroenterology units (PGU) and primary care paediatricians. With this aim in mind, the present document was developed by consensus to offer a set of recommendations adapted to our region, based on the recent recommendations published by the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN), and with participation of the pertinent scientific societies, including those concerning the adult population, for the management and follow-up of adolescents and the transition to adult care., (Copyright © 2024 Asociación Española de Pediatría. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.)

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development is associated with altered modifications in DNA methylation, changing transcriptional regulation. Emerging evidence indicates that DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) plays a key role in the carcinogenesis process. This study aimed to investigate how pirfenidone (PFD) modifies this pathway and the effect generated by the association between c-Myc expression and DNMT1 activation. Rats F344 were used for HCC development using 50 mg/kg of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and 25 mg/kg of 2-Acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF). The HCC/PFD group received simultaneous doses of 300 mg/kg of PFD. All treatments lasted 12 weeks. On the other hand, HepG2 cells were used to evaluate the effects of PFD in restoring DNA methylation in the presence of the inhibitor 5-Aza. Histopathological, biochemical, immunohistochemical, and western blot analysis were carried out and our findings showed that PFD treatment reduced the amount and size of tumors along with decreased Glipican-3, β-catenin, and c-Myc expression in nuclear fractions. Also, this treatment improved lipid metabolism by modulating PPARγ and SREBP1 signaling. Interestingly, PFD augmented DNMT1 and DNMT3a protein expression, which restores global methylation, both in our in vivo and in vitro models. In conclusion, our results suggest that PFD could slow down HCC development by controlling DNA methylation.

Detergents are highly produced pollutants with environmental problems like foam generation and toxic effects in biota. Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) are efficient, economical, and versatile surfactants, used in detergents for more than 40 years due to their detergency capacity. In the environment, NPE biodegrades into the metabolite nonylphenol (NP), classified as an endocrine disruptor. The identification and quantification of 4-NP in a designed detergent and 30 commercially available detergents were performed to prove the degradation of NPE into 4-NP during storage time. This investigation introduces the first evidence of NPE degradation during storage in commercially available detergents, demonstrating a novel exposure pathway in humans that has not been explored before, representing potential human health risks. Therefore, simple, easy, low-cost, and available approaches to remove and substitute NP is paramount. Alkyl polyglucoside (APG) was assessed as a substitute, and the feasibility of this substitution was proven according to physical and chemical properties, cleaning performance, and antimicrobial properties. NPE substitution in detergents is demonstrated as a viable strategy to minimize exposure risks in humans and the environment., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

This paper focuses on the development and feasibility of a digitally-based educational intervention, titled Recognize & Resist (R&R) , for writers of One Direction (1D) fanfiction on Wattpad.com. The goal of R&R is to reduce the prevalence of social norms that are supportive of sexual violence within 1D fanfiction. 1D fanfictions, or fictional romance stories written by fans of this British boy band, have hundreds of millions of views on Wattpad.com. Formative research has found that social norms supportive of sexual violence are prevalent in 1D fanfictions and that some authors have internalized these norms. R&R aims to motivate 1D fanfiction writers to highlight sexual consent and egalitarian gender roles in their writing. To evaluate the intervention's feasibility, 15 1D fanfiction authors completed a survey and participated in an interview or focus group. Results demonstrate R&R's feasibility, with high ratings of its acceptability and demand. Insights from the interviews and focus groups provide suggestions for revising R&R before rigorously evaluating its efficacy. Additionally, results demonstrate the utility of using popular culture as a vehicle for attitude-change regarding sensitive health issues.

Acceptability of a sexual violence (SV) risk reduction program called RealConsent designed for first-year female college students was conducted as part of a larger, randomized controlled trial. RealConsent uses web-based and mobile technology to deliver four 45-minute theoretically and empirically derived modules designed to increase knowledge, affect attitudes and normative beliefs, increase bystander and other protective behaviors, and reduce alcohol misuse. Educational entertainment is used throughout the program to achieve these aims. A total of 444 first-year female college students recruited from three Southeastern universities who were eligible and provided informed consent were randomized to RealConsent . Acceptability was ascertained both quantitatively and qualitatively through a survey administered following the completion of each of four modules. Results suggest that overall, RealConsent was viewed as relatable, realistic, and relevant. Most participants rated modules as good/excellent in quality, in organization, and in the conveying of a high degree of knowledge regarding alcohol misuse, consent for sex, sexual communication, defense strategies, protective strategies, and intervening to prevent SV. Suggestions to improve RealConsent centered on having more content inclusive of sexual and gender-minoritized students. Results suggest that RealConsent is an acceptable SV risk reduction program among first-year female college students and may have advantages for dissemination over in-person programs due to its web-based and mobile technology., Competing Interests: Declaration of Conflicting InterestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Abstract: Sexual violence (SV) is a serious and long-standing public health problem on college campuses. At institutions of higher education, campus administrators, activists, and practitioners have worked for decades to address campus SV. Despite federally mandated campus SV prevention programming, rates of campus SV remain unchanged. The purpose of this commentary is to outline a strategy for enhancing campus SV prevention efforts using a comprehensive multilevel approach utilizing existing efficacious programs. The following three strategies for implementing optimal campus SV prevention are proposed, which include (a) the need to prioritize efficacy, (b) targeting multiple levels of the social ecology, and (c) leveraging the benefits of in-person programming and technology-driven prevention. A call to action is included for both institutions of higher education administrators and practitioners to implement and invest in comprehensive multilevel interventions using existing, efficacious SV programs, ideally combining a technology-based program with an in-person component. Furthermore, a coordinated effort between prevention and response is needed to achieve successful prevention of campus SV and revictimization, including a connection with the community for postassault interventions. Thus, implementing multilevel interventions on college campuses using existing evidence-based programs in combination with a coordinated community response of postassault interventions can bring the campus community together and is optimal to moving the needle on rates of campus SV., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 International Association of Forensic Nurses.)

Background: Sexual violence (SV) is a significant, global public health problem, particularly among young adults. Promising interventions exist, including prosocial bystander intervention programs that train bystanders to intervene in situations at-risk for SV. However, these programs suffer from critical weaknesses: (1) they do not address the proximal effect of alcohol use on bystander decision-making and (2) they rely on self-report measures to evaluate outcomes. To overcome these limitations, we integrate new content specific to alcohol use within the context of prosocial bystander intervention into an existing, evidence-based program, RealConsent1.0. The resulting program, RealConsent2.0, aims to facilitate bystander behavior among sober and intoxicated bystanders and uses a virtual reality (VR) environment to assess bystander behavior in the context of acute alcohol use., Methods: This protocol paper presents the design of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) in which we evaluate RealConsent2.0 for efficacy in increasing alcohol- and non-alcohol-involved bystander behavior compared to RealConsent1.0 or to an attention-control program ("Taking Charge"). The RCT is being implemented in Atlanta, GA, and Lincoln, NE. Participants will be 605, healthy men aged 21-25 years recruited through social media, community-based flyers, and university email lists. Eligible participants who provide informed consent and complete the baseline survey, which includes self-reported bystander behavior, are then randomized to one of six conditions: RealConsent2.0/alcohol, RealConsent2.0/placebo, RealConsent1.0/alcohol, RealConsent1.0/placebo, Taking Charge/alcohol, or Taking Charge/placebo. After completing their assigned program, participants complete a laboratory session in which they consume an alcohol (target BrAC: .08%) or placebo beverage and then engage in the Bystanders in Sexual Assault Virtual Environments (BSAVE), a virtual house party comprising situations in which participants have opportunities to intervene. Self-reported bystander behavior across alcohol and non-alcohol contexts is also assessed at 6- and 12-months post-intervention. Secondary outcomes include attitudes toward, outcome expectancies for, and self-efficacy for bystander behavior via self-report., Discussion: RealConsent2.0 is the first web-based intervention for young men that encourages and teaches skills to engage in prosocial bystander behavior to prevent SV while intoxicated. This is also the first study to assess the proximal effect of alcohol on bystander behavior via a VR environment., Trial Registration: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04912492. Registered on 05 February 2021., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

It has been argued that increasing the number of women in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields could mitigate violence against women by advancing gender equality. However, some research points to a "backlash" effect wherein gains in gender equality are associated with heighted sexual violence (SV) against women. In this study, we compare SV against undergraduate women majoring in STEM disciplines to those majoring in non-STEM disciplines. Data were collected between July and October of 2020 from undergraduate women ( N  = 318) at five institutions of higher education in the United States. Sampling was stratified by STEM versus non-STEM majors and male-dominated versus gender-balanced majors. SV was measured using the revised Sexual Experiences Survey. Results indicated that women majoring in STEM disciplines that are gender balanced reported more SV victimization in the form of sexual coercion, attempted sexual coercion, attempted rape, and rape compared to their peers in both gender-balanced and male-dominated non-STEM and male-dominated STEM majors. These associations held even after controlling for age, race/ethnicity, victimization prior to college, sexual orientation, college binge drinking, and hard drug use during college. These data suggest that the risk of repeated SV victimization within STEM populations may be a threat to sustained gender parity in these fields and ultimately to gender equality and equity. Gender balance in STEM should not be furthered without addressing the potential use of SV as a potential means of social control over women.

Background: Sexual violence (SV) incidence among college women has been invariant for the past 20 years. Innovative prevention strategies that are low resource and technology driven but demonstrate efficacy are greatly needed., Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of a novel theoretically driven internet-based intervention for first-year college students who identify as women (RealConsent) in reducing their risk of exposure to SV and alcohol misuse as well as increasing alcohol protective and bystander behaviors., Methods: This randomized controlled trial involved first-year college students who identified as women (n=881) attending 1 of 3 universities in the southeastern United States. Participants aged 18 to 20 years were randomized to RealConsent (444/881, 50.4%) or to an attention-matched placebo control (437/881, 49.6%). RealConsent is fully automated and consists of four 45-minute modules that incorporate entertainment-education media and proven behavior change techniques. The primary outcome was exposure to SV; the secondary outcomes were alcohol protective behaviors, dating risk behaviors, alcohol misuse, and bystander behavior. Study outcomes were assessed at baseline and 6-month follow-up., Results: Among participants with some exposure to SV, those in the RealConsent group experienced less exposure to SV than the placebo group (adjusted incidence rate ratio 0.48, 95% CI 0.33-0.69; P=.002). Furthermore, participants in the RealConsent group engaged in more alcohol protective behaviors (adjusted odds ratio 1.17, 95% CI 0.12-2.22; P=.03) and were less likely to binge drink (adjusted incidence rate ratio 0.81, 95% CI 0.67-0.97; P=.003). Finally, participants in the RealConsent group who had 100% dosage were more likely to engage in bystander behavior than those with <100% dosage plus placebo group (adjusted odds ratio 1.72, 95% CI 1.17-2.55; P=.006)., Conclusions: A comprehensive exposure to SV, alcohol use, and bystander educational program was successful in decreasing the occurrence of exposure to SV among those most at risk and in increasing alcohol protective behaviors. Because of its web-based and mobile technologies, RealConsent can be easily disseminated and holds potential for reducing campus SV., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03726437; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03726437., (©Laura Francisca Salazar, Anne Marie Schipani-McLaughlin, Yesser Sebeh, Zainab Nizam, Matt Hayat. Originally published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research (https://www.jmir.org), 21.06.2023.)

Purpose: Tobacco use is prevalent among sexual and gender minorities (SGM), yet few studies have examined the specific drivers of tobacco use among trans women. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of proximal, distal, and structural stressors associated with tobacco use among trans women., Methods: This study is based on a cross-sectional sample of trans women ( n =162) living in Chicago and Atlanta. Analyses were conducted to examine the association between stressors, protective factors, and tobacco use using a structural equation modeling framework. Proximal stressors (transgender roles scale, transgender congruence scale, internalized stigma, and internalized moral acceptability) were operationalized as a higher order latent factor, while distal stressors were operationalized as observed variables (discrimination, intimate partner violence, sex work, rape, child sexual abuse, HIV, and violence). Protective factors included social support, trans-related family support, and trans-related peer support. All analyses adjusted for sociodemographic variables (age, race/ethnicity, education, homelessness and health insurance)., Results: The prevalence of smoking among trans women in this study was 42.9%. In the final model, homelessness (odds ratio [OR]: 3.78; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.97, 7.25), intimate partner violence (OR: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.07, 4.28), and commercial sex work (OR: 2.22; 95% CI: 1.09, 4.56) were all associated with tobacco use. There was no association between proximal stressors and tobacco use., Conclusion: Among trans women, tobacco use prevalence was high. Tobacco use was associated with homelessness, intimate partner violence, and commercial sex work. Targeted tobacco cessation programs should account for the co-occurring stressors that trans women face., Competing Interests: No competing financial interests exist., (Copyright 2023, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers.)

Objectives: To describe the frequency of maternal complications in pregnant women with major or minor placenta previa (PP), and to assess a potential association between PP type and the presence of severe maternal bleeding and other associated outcomes., Materials and Methods: Retrospective descriptive cohort. The study included pregnant women with 20 weeks of gestation or more and a confirmed diagnosis of placenta previa who were seen in a high complexity hospital in Cali (Colombia), between January 2011 and December 2020. Women with a diagnosis of placenta previa and concomitant placenta accreta were excluded. The collected variables were maternal age, body mass index, smoking, obesity, parity, presence of bleeding, postpartum hemorrhage, management of postpartum hemorrhage, transfusion, and maternal ICU admission. A descriptive analysis was performed. The protocol was approved by the ethics committee of Fundaciónn Valle de Lili., Results: A total of 146 patients met the inclusion criteria. The population consisted of women with a mean age of 32 years, with no history of prior surgery, with a prenatal diagnosis of placente previa at week 22; 70 % were major placenta previa cases. The most frequent complications were postpartum hemorrhage (37.9 % vs. 16.3 % for patients with major and minor placenta previa, respectively), transfusion requirement (23.3 and 9.3 %, respectively), and maternal ICU admission (40.8 % vs. 18.6 %, respectively). There were no cases of maternal death., Conclusions: There is a high frequency of complications in women with placenta previa, and it is probably higher in cases of major placenta previa. Further studies are needed to compare the frequency of maternal complications according to the type of placenta previa.

This study examined whether knowledge of sexual consent buffers the relationship between risk factors for sexual violence (SV) and SV perpetration among first-year college men. The study data were drawn from a longitudinal study with 1144 first-year college men. A series of generalized linear models were conducted to examine whether knowledge of sexual consent moderated the relationship between SV risk factors and SV perpetration. Knowledge of sexual consent moderated the effect of hypermasculinity (P < 0.001), binge drinking (P < 0.001), rape-supportive social norms (P = 0.007) and peer support for SV (P < 0.001) such that there was a positive association between risk factors and SV perpetration among those with lower, but not higher, knowledge of sexual consent. Knowledge of sexual consent did not significantly moderate the relationship between SV perpetration and outcome expectancies for non-consensual sex (P = 0.387) and pornography use (P = 0.494). Knowledge of sexual consent may counteract risk factors for SV perpetration among young college men. The findings highlight the need for consent education to be incorporated in youth comprehensive sexual education to increase knowledge of sexual consent prior to college and campus-based SV prevention programming delivered to college students., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: African Americans have a higher incidence of early-onset stroke and poorer stroke-related outcomes than other race/ethnic groups., Objectives: Our two-arm, randomized controlled trial was implemented to assess efficacy of the nurse-led Stroke Counseling for Risk Reduction (SCORRE) intervention in reducing stroke risk in young African American adults by improving accuracy of perceived stroke risk and lifestyle behaviors (i.e., diet, physical activity, and smoking cessation). Stroke knowledge, behavior change readiness, and perceived competence to live a healthy lifestyle were also explored as secondary outcomes., Methods: African Americans aged 20-35 years, recruited from an urban university and surrounding community, were randomized to SCORRE or an attention placebo control group receiving safe sex education. Data were collected pre-intervention, immediate post-intervention, and at 8 weeks. Multilevel models were used for primary outcome analyses., Results: Participants ( n = 106) were mostly in their mid-20s, female, college students, and averaged about three modifiable stroke risk factors. Compared to the control group, participants in the intervention group had, on average, a significant increase in accuracy of perceived stroke risk post-intervention, a greater change in perceived competence to live healthy, and a greater increase in dietary components at 8 weeks. Significant changes were not found in physical activity and other outcomes., Discussion: These findings suggest that SCORRE is a promising intervention to reduce stroke risk among young African American adults. Results will inform a more robust, randomized controlled trial of SCORRE to have an age, culture, and gender-focused intervention that effectively reduces stroke risk among African Americans early in life., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to report., (Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Despite the relative success of constraint-induced movement therapy in the recovery of injury-/trauma-related populations, the mechanisms by which it promotes its results are still unknown. From a dynamical systems approach, we investigated whether the induced exploratory patterns within and between trials during an exercise in Shaping (the therapy's practice) could shed light on this process. We analyzed data from four chronic spinal-cord injury patients during a task of placing and removing their feet from a step. We assessed the within and between trial dynamics through recurrent quantification analyses and task-space analyses, respectively. From our results, individuals found movement patterns directed to modulate foot height (to accomplish the task). Additionally, when the task was manipulated (increasing step height), individuals increased coupling and coupling variability in the ankle, hip, and knee over trials. This pattern of findings is in consonance with the idea of Shaping inducing exploration of different movements. Such exploration might be an important factor affording the positive changes observed in the literature.

Background: High concentrations of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and -9 (MMP-9) are associated with inflammation early after stroke. In chronic stages, the elevation of some cytokines is related to the presence of co-morbid conditions in these individuals. In addition to this, some characteristics such as sensorimotor impairment, atrophy, and sedentary lifestyle predispose the system to an inflammatory response., Objective: To quantify MMP-2 and -9 serum activity in chronic post-stroke individuals and correlate it with variables of physical activity level, body composition, functional and walking capacity, and with inflammatory biomarkers. Additionally, gelatinase activity was characterized according to motor impairment., Methods: Fourteen patients with stroke onset >6 months and seven healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. The clinical assessment included: body composition, measure by bioelectrical impedance analyzer; Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment Scale; six-minute and ten-meter walk tests, and physical activity level assessed by the StepWatch® Activity Monitor. Blood samples were collected from antecubital vein and serum MMP-2 and -9 activity was analyzed using gelatin Zymography, and the TNFα, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10 biomarkers using ELISA kits., Results: Chronic post-stroke individuals presented an increased activity of MMP-2 and -9 compared to healthy individuals. Positive correlations with time and steps in low cadence and negative ones with medium cadence and peak activity index were observed. According to the motor impairment, the MMP-2 activity was increased in the mild-moderate group compared to the control group., Conclusion: Increased gelatinases in chronic post-stroke individuals could describe an inflammation process related to the limited capacity of walking in high intensities.

This study examined the limited efficacy of a mixed media campaign that promoted bystander intervention as a sexual violence (SV) prevention strategy and aimed to decrease alcohol use. A quasi-experimental design was used to assess the limited efficacy of the Be a Watch Dawg mixed media campaign implemented at a large Southeastern public university in 2017. Social marketing along with social cognitive theory, social norms theory, and theory of planned behavior were utilized as the framework for the campaign. Be a Watch Dawg promoted bystander intervention in SV risk situations and targeted bystanders' alcohol use via social media (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) and printed materials (e.g., posters, stickers, and handbills). Participants included 244 undergraduate students 18 to 24 years of age. Study outcomes included bystander intervention, intentions to intervene, and alcohol use. Adjusted linear regression and logistic regression models were used to examine differences in outcomes between pre and postcampaign samples as well as associations with campaign exposure. Significant increases in bystander intervention were observed between the pre and postcampaign samples. Campaign exposure was marginally related to intentions to intervene but was not significantly associated with bystander intervention. Social media analytics revealed that the campaign reached 39,466 social media users and received 50,854 impressions and 19,523 views. A mixed media campaign may be a promising and low-resource approach to increase bystander intervention as a strategy to combat campus SV.

Objective: To determine whether college men's perceptions of campus drinking norms, aggregated at the institution-level, predicted heavy episodic drinking and sexual violence perpetration. Participants: Data were collected from a sample of 1144 first-year male college freshmen enrolled at one of thirty four-year institutions in the state of Georgia. Methods: Four waves of online survey data were collected as part of a longitudinal cohort study completed in 2016. Results: Perceptions of campus drinking norms aggregated at the institution-level significantly predicted college men's heavy episodic drinking. Heavy episodic drinking mediated the relationship between perceptions of the typical students' drinking behavior and perpetration of sexual violence, such that participants at institutions with higher levels of perceived drinking norms reported more heavy episodic drinking and sexual violence perpetration. Conclusions: Findings from this study provide further support for the inclusion of broader campus-level prevention strategies as part of a comprehensive approach to preventing sexual violence.

The purpose of this study is to examine the factors associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) among youth living in the slums of Kampala. This analysis is based on a cross-sectional study of youth living in the slums of Kampala conducted in spring 2014 ( N = 1,134). The participants (12-18 years of age) were attending Uganda Youth Development Link centers, which serve youth living on the streets and slums of Kampala. Bivariate and multivariable multinomial analyses were conducted to examine risk factors associated with IPV victimization only, IPV perpetration only, and both IPV victimization and perpetration compared with no IPV victimization or perpetration. Among youth who reported having a boyfriend or girlfriend ( n = 600), 18.3% ( n = 110) reported experiencing both IPV victimization and perpetration, 11.0% ( n = 66) reported IPV perpetration only, 7.7% ( n = 46) reported experiencing IPV victimization only, and 63.0% ( n = 378) reported no IPV experiences. In the multivariable analysis, IPV victimization only was associated with witnessing parental IPV (odds ratio [OR] = 2.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.42, 5.48]), experiencing parental physical abuse (OR = 2.27; 95% CI = [1.16, 4.46]), and neighborhood cohesiveness (OR = 0.73; 95% CI = [0.31, 1.69]). IPV perpetration was only associated with experiencing parental physical abuse (OR = 2.86; 95% CI = [1.62, 5.07]). Reporting both IPV victimization and perpetration was associated with non-problem drinking (OR = 2.03; 95% CI = [1.15, 3.57]), problem drinking (OR = 2.65; 95% CI = [1.48, 4.74]), witnessing parental IPV (OR = 2.94; 95% CI = [1.80, 4.80]), experiencing parental physical abuse (OR = 2.23; 95% CI = [1.38, 3.60]), and homelessness (OR = 1.90; 95% CI = [1.14, 3.16]). Levels of IPV victimization and perpetration are very high in this population and warrant urgent attention.

Objective: Higher adiponectin concentration has been associated with the presence of sarcopenia in individuals with cardiovascular diseases. Post-stroke individuals presented higher adiponectin concentrations than non-stroke ones. However, no previous study has investigated the association between the adiponectin concentration and skeletal muscle mass in post-stroke individuals. On the other hand, higher adiponectin concentration has been associated with a more favorable lipid profile and the physical activity level might regulate adiponectin concentration. These associations have not been studied in this population. Thus, the main objective of this study was to determine whether the adiponectin concentration is associated with: (1) body composition; (2) lipid profile; and (3) physical activity level in chronic post-stroke individuals., Materials and Methods: This study was a correlational, cross-sectional exploratory study. Data on body composition and lipid profile were collected using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer (InBody® 720) and an automated method analyzer (CELL-DYN Ruby), respectively. The physical activity level was measured by the StepWatch® Activity Monitor and the serum adiponectin concentration was analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Correlation analyses were made using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (r s )., Results: Twenty-one post-stroke participants took part in the study. The adiponectin concentration was associated with the following: skeletal muscle mass (r s  = -0.78), skeletal muscle mass index (r s  = -0.75) and high-density lipoprotein (r s  = 0.43)., Conclusions: A greater adiponectin concentration is associated with a lower skeletal muscle mass and a higher high-density lipoprotein level in chronic post-stroke individuals, but not with physical activity levels., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors completed the ICJME Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest and reported no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The SAVA syndemic is frequently used to describe the co-occurrence of HIV, gender-based violence (GBV), and substance use. In this study we determine the extent to which the typologies of the SAVA syndemic can be described and utilized for intervention strategies among youth living in the slums of Kampala, Uganda. We analyzed the "Kampala Youth Survey 2014," a cross-sectional survey conducted in the spring of 2014, consisting of a convenience sample (N = 1134) of urban youth (12-18 years of age). Descriptive statistics were computed for hypothesized risk factors and demographic variables among the 8 typologies of GBV, HIV, and alcohol use. Multinomial logistic regression was conducted to determine statistically significant correlates with each typology. The overall prevalence of GBV was 31.7%, whereas the overall prevalence of alcohol use in the past 12 months was 31.2%. HIV-Positive youth comprised 10.5% of the total sample. Females comprised the majority of the typology with no SAVA components compared to males (55% vs. 45%, respectively), as well as the SAVA syndemic typology (GBV + HIV + ALC +) (58% vs. 42%, respectively). Engaging in commercial sex work (36%), witnessing parental abuse (61%), and depression/suicidality (81%) were all highly prevalent among youth in the SAVA syndemic typology (GBV, HIV, and alcohol use). Sex work and observing parental abuse were associated with the SAVA syndemic typology in the multivariable model. In our study, alcohol rarely coexisted without GBV among the typologies. Therefore, prevention efforts including structural interventions may be particularly warranted in vulnerable populations to address alcohol use, which may directly or indirectly impact GBV and HIV., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Objectives: This study prospectively examined binge drinking's effect on prosocial bystander behavior and indicators of bystander behavior: intentions to intervene, self-efficacy to intervene, and positive outcome expectancies for intervening. Participants: College men were recruited from February to April 2010. Methods: Pre- and posttest surveys were administered as part of a randomized controlled trial ( n  = 743). Potential confounders were identified using Pearson product-moment correlations. Controlling for covariates, multiple linear regression was used to examine whether binge drinking was predictive of prosocial bystander behavior and indicators of bystander behavior. Results: Binge drinking was related to lower bystander behavior ( p <.05), lower intentions to intervene ( p <.001), and less positive outcome expectancies for intervening ( p <.05). Conclusions: Binge drinking may reduce the ability to notice a risk situation and intervene as a prosocial bystander. Results highlight the need for bystander programs to address alcohol use within the context of bystander behavior.

Currently, the control of the properties of collagen based hydrogels represents a promising area of research to develop novel materials for biomedical applications. The crosslinking of the collagen with trifunctional polyurethane (PU) allows a hybrid matrix to be formed by improving the coupling with exogenous polymeric chains to generate innovative semi-interpenetrated network (semi-IPN) hydrogels. The incorporation of polyacrylate (PA) within a hybrid matrix of collagen-PU allows to regulate the structure and physicochemical properties such as polymerization rate, physicochemical crosslinking, thermal stability, storage module and swelling/degradation behavior of the 3D matrices in the hydrogel state, also exhibiting modulation of their in vitro biocompatibility properties. This work contemplates the study of the effect of PA concentration on the physicochemical properties and the in vitro biological response of these novel semi-IPN hydrogels based on collagen-PU-PA. The results indicate that semi-IPN hydrogels that include 20 wt% of PA exhibit improved swelling with respect to the collagen-PU hydrogel, controlling the degradation rate in acidic, alkaline and proteolytic media; showing E. coli inhibition capacity, high hemocompatibility and not altering the metabolism of monocytes and fibroblasts growing on them. Therefore, these novel hydrogels represent biomaterials with potential application in biomedical strategies such as wound healing dressings., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Interstitial lung [ILD] disease and granulomatous lung disease [GLD] are rare respiratory disorders that have been associated with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. Clinical presentation is polymorphic and aetiology is unclear., Methods: This was an ECCO-CONFER project. Cases of concomitant ILD or GLD and IBD, or drug-induced ILD/GLD, were collected. The criteria for diagnosing ILD and GLD were based on definitions from the American Thoracic Society and the European Respiratory Society and on the discretion of reporting clinician., Results: We identified 31 patients with ILD. The majority had ulcerative colitis [UC] [n = 22]. Drug-related ILD was found in 64% of these patients, 25 patients [80.6%] required hospitalisation, and one required non-invasive ventilation. The causative drug was stopped in all drug-related ILD, and 87% of patients received systemic steroids. At follow-up, 16% of patients had no respiratory symptoms, 16% had partial improvement, 55% had ongoing symptoms, and there were no data in 13%. One patient was referred for lung transplantation, and one death from lung fibrosis was reported. We also identified 22 GLD patients: most had Crohn's disease [CD] [n = 17]. Drug-related GLD was found in 36% of patients and 10 patients [45.4%] required hospitalisation. The causative drug was stopped in all drug-related GLD, and 81% of patients received systemic steroids. Remission of both conditions was achieved in almost all patients., Conclusions: ILD and GLD, although rare, can cause significant morbidity. In our series, over half of cases were drug-related and therefore focused pharmacovigilance is needed to identify and manage these cases., (© Crown copyright 2019.)

Background: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the prevalence and context of alcohol use, problem drinking and alcohol-related harm among boys and girls in the slums of Kampala, Uganda., Methods: The Kampala Youth Survey is a cross-sectional study conducted in 2014 among youth (ages 12-18 years) living in the slums of Kampala ( n = 1133) who were participating in Uganda Youth Development Link (UYDEL) centers. Chi-square tests were used to determine differences in alcohol use behaviors between 1) gender (boys vs. girls), and 2) alcohol use behaviors between problem drinkers and non-problem drinkers, stratified by gender., Results: Among all participants ( n = 1133), the prevalence of any alcohol use in the past 12 months was 31% ( n = 346). A higher percentage of girl drinkers reported having sex in the past month, without a condom (57.9%) due to alcohol consumption, compared to boy drinkers (41.9%) ( &nbsp; χ 2 = 8.09, df = 1, p = 0.005). For girl and boy drinkers, nearly half (49.5% and 44.1%, respectively) met the criteria for problem drinkers, measured using the Cut-Annoyed-Guilty-Eye-Opener (CAGE) questionnaire., Conclusions: The high prevalence of alcohol use and problem drinking among youth, as well as alcohol-related harm, warrant urgent alcohol prevention and intervention strategies, particularly among these underserved girls.

The purpose of this analysis was to examine the associated factors of self-reported HIV/STI co-infection among youth living in the slums of Kampala. The study sample consists of a cross-sectional survey. Participants comprised a convenience sample (N = 1134) of youth living on the streets or in the slums (age 12-18). Multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association between hypothesized risk factors and levels of HIV/STI co-infection, adjusting for sociodemographic variables. Among the sample of youth who were sexually active (n = 586), 9.9% (n = 58) of youth reported HIV/STI co-infection. Among youth with HIV (13.8%), 71.6% reported a co-infection with another STI. In the multivariable analysis, youth with HIV/STI co-infection were more likely to engage in problem drinking (OR 2.55; 95% CI 1.08, 6.02) and drinking alcohol without problematic alcohol behavior (OR 3.43; 95% CI 1.60, 7.36). HIV/STI co-infection rates are high among youth living in the slums of Kampala and warrant urgent attention.

Background: Transgender women (TGW) in the U.S. experience high rates of stigma, depression, and elevated rates of suicide. This study examined correlates of suicidal ideation and estimated the conditional indirect effects of perceived stigma and psychosocial mediators on suicidal ideation., Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design, TGW (N = 92) were recruited through snowball sampling in Atlanta, Georgia. Structured interviews were conducted. Suicidal ideation was assessed by combining two variables that measured suicidal thoughts. Logistic regression models were performed to identify the potential risk and protective factors for suicidal ideation. We examined hypothesized psychosocial factors, including anxiety, depression, psychosocial impact of gender minority status, and substance use behaviors as potential mediators for the relationship between perceived stigma and suicidal ideation. All models were controlled for age, race, education, and homelessness., Results: Suicidal ideation was reported by 33% (N = 30) of the study participants. In multivariable analysis, suicidal ideation was associated with sexual abuse (AOR = 3.17, 95% CI = 1.10-9.30), anxiety (AOR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.10-2.73), family verbal abuse (AOR = 2.99, 95% CI = 1.10-8.40), stranger verbal abuse (AOR = 3.21, 95% CI = 1.02-10.08), and psychosocial impact of gender minority status (AOR = 3.42, 95% CI = 1.81-6.46). Partner support was found to be the protective factor for suicidal ideation (AOR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.13-0.90). In the mediation analysis, the psychosocial impact of gender minority status mediated the relationship between perceived stigma and suicidal ideation. The estimated conditional indirect effect was 0.46, (95% CI = 0.12-1.11)., Conclusion: Interventions that aim to reduce suicidal behaviors among TGW should address stigma, psychosocial impact of gender minority status, and different forms of violence and abuse.

New alternatives for the removal of transition metal ions that present an environmental risk are required. The chemical adsorption of these ions on surfaces with chemisorbent properties represents a promising area of research. In this work, manganite (γ-MnOOH) nanorods were synthesized, with a surface area of 20.22 m 2 g -1 , pore size of 32.18 nm and pore volume of 0.1627 cm 3 g -1 . After chemical and structural characterization of the manganite sample, it was evaluated as an adsorbent of Cu(ii) from aqueous solution. The equilibrium adsorption data were well fitted by the Langmuir isotherm, and the results indicated that the maximum adsorption capacity of Cu(ii) was 11.926 mg g -1 . Cu(ii) ion adsorption on the manganite surface is a spontaneous and exothermic process (Δ G °< 0 and Δ H °< 0). The negative value of Δ S ° suggests the stability of the adsorption process without structural change at the manganite-aqueous solution interface. A scheme for chemisorption of Cu(ii) ions on the hydroxylated surface of manganite is proposed., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) rates are high in Uganda (6.7%), and rates are especially high among at-risk groups such as youth living in the slums of Kampala, Uganda. The objective of this study was to assess the psychosocial correlates, particularly alcohol use, associated with HIV among youth living in the slums of Kampala, Uganda., Methods: Analyses are based on cross-sectional survey data collected in Spring of 2014. Participants comprised a convenience sample (N = 1134) of urban service-seeking youth living on the streets or in the slums, 12-18 years of age who were participating in a Uganda Youth Development Link drop-in center (56.1% female and 43.9% male). Chi-Square Tests were used to determine differences in the proportions of alcohol use patterns between self-reported HIV-positive and HIV-negative youth. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were conducted to determine the associated risk factors with self-reported HIV. Institutional Review Board approvals were obtained from the Georgia State University and the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology., Results: Among the total sample of youth (N = 1103), 10.5% (n = 116) reported being HIV-positive. There were statistically significant differences between HIV-positive and HIV-negative youth on ever living on the streets (χ 2 =10.14, df = 1, p = 0.002), past 12-month alcohol use (χ 2 =16.38, df = 1, p < .0001), ever having sexual intercourse (χ 2 =14.52, df = 1, p = 0.0001), ever engaging in sex work (χ 2 =13.19, df = 1, p = 0.0003), inconsistent condom use in the past 3 months (χ 2 =5.03, df = 1, p = 0.03), and ever being raped (χ 2 =15.29, df = 1, p < 0.0001). A higher percentage of HIV-positive youth were classified as problem drinkers, defined by the CAGE scores (21.6% vs. 13.9%, respectively). In the multivariable analysis, previously being raped (OR: 1.70; 95% CI: 1.02, 2.83) and alcohol use without problem drinking (OR: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.24, 3.69) was associated with HIV., Conclusion: Youth living in the slums of Kampala, Uganda have a high prevalence of HIV. These youth are in dire need of interventions which address both alcohol use behaviors and sexual risk behaviors to reduce further complications of their existing health conditions, including HIV.