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Aim: This study was to investigate the lived experiences of young people who had high-risk sexual behavior. Method: The approach studied in this study was qualitative and of the Grounded theory. Sixteen adolescents who experienced high-risk sexual behavior and were willing to cooperate with the researcher were selected by theoretical sampling method. These individuals were examined in depth using semi-structured interviews. After analyzing the data by Strauss and Corbin (1990) method, a total of 58 concepts, 15 primary categories and three secondary categories were extracted. Results: These categories were: 1- Predisposing factors (weakness of religious beliefs, structural problem of family, Sexual experiences and awareness in childhood, childhood abuse and developmental problems); 2. Involving factors (access to sexual stimuli, the impact of friendships, normalization and reduction of shame and guilt, low self-esteem or sexual audacity, poor sexual awareness and attitude, and easy access to sex); And 3- The existence of sexual perversions (having experiences of sexual perversions, gaining emotional rewards, having sexual temptations and seeking the maximum sexual excitement). Conclusion: it can be said that high-risk sexual behavior is caused by the interaction of several factors, and to prevent such behaviors, we need the joint cooperation of family, school and community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of social cognitive skills on the motivational structure of students with a tendency toward risky behavior. The research method was applied in terms of purpose and the design of the present research was quasi-experimental with pretest-posttest and follow-up with a control group. The statistical population consisted of female second-year secondary school students in the 7th district of Tehran in the academic year 2017-2018, of which 24 female students were selected based on the cut-off of Iranian Adolescents Risk-Taking Scale (IARTS) and randomly assigned to the control and experimental groups. Both groups answered the Personal Concerns Inventory (PCI) before the test, after the test, and at follow-up. After 12 sessions of social cognitive skills training, the present data were analyzed using analysis of variance with mixed design and SPSS-24 software. In the present study, the interaction effect of time*group for the components of inclination (P=0.001, F=11.03), control (P=0.006, F=5.70), information (P=0.008, F=5.41), effort (P=0.002, F=7.55), satisfaction (P =0.001, F=11.03), and engagement (P=0.002, F=6.91) was significant at the 0.05 level. Cognitive-social skills training improved the motivational structure of students with risky behaviors. Therefore, it is suggested that students and teachers should be taught cognitive-social skills to improve students’ adaptive motivational structure.

Blood donor deferral is a part and parcel of the commitment of the blood transfusion services to assure the safety and health of the blood donor as well as the recipient. Periodic review of blood donor deferral is to incorporate or revoke deferral reasons based on the evidence generated in the process of review. Therefore, emphasis must be laid on preparing strategies to only judiciously defer blood donors, recruit and retain first time blood donors, which needs critical appraisal of the existing deferral policies, so that the evidence based changes can be done. A retrospective analysis of deferral in blood donors who presented at the blood donation centre of an institute of national importance over a span of nine years (2011–2019). Donors were screened as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 and Rules 1945 given by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of India. There were 1,37,935 donors attempts, out of which 20,167 (14.6%) donors were deferred from donating blood. Most of the deferred donors were male (88.5%), first time (86.1%) and temporarily deferred (87.6%). Almost comparable number of donors (49.1 % & 48.5%) were deferred for donor safety and patient safety reasons respectively. Overall the three most common reasons for deferral were low hemoglobin (21.6%), hypertension (11.4%) and history of jaundice (9%). In donor safety reasons, low hemoglobin (43.4%), hypertension (22.9%) and low blood pressure (4.5%), and in patient safety, a history of jaundice (18.6%), common cold (15.8%), and high-risk behavior (8.8%) emerged as the three most common reasons for deferral respectively. Blood donor deferral is an essential quality indicator of the blood donor selection process. Initiatives like fortification of dietary ingredients with iron, optimizing protein in diet served in schools under mid-day meal program, screening for iron deficiency, hypertension and education about high-risk behavior in schools and colleges may have long term effects of promotion of better health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This systematic review was aimed to estimate hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroprevalence and burden in disease in WHO South East Asia Region (SEAR). Methods: Electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar) and websites of non‐indexed national medical journals, government and international health agencies were searched to identify English language literature published between 1991 and June 2020. We selected the studies reporting HCV seroprevalence in asymptomatic general (low‐risk) and high‐risk adult populations, that is, persons living with HIV (PLHIV), persons who inject drugs (PWID), sex workers, persons on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD), people in prison, and men sex with men (MSM). Seroprevalence data were combined to estimate weighted pooled prevalence (95% confidence interval) in each group and in each country, using the random‐effects model. Estimated pooled seroprevalences were multiplied with estimated populations at risk to estimate the overall HCV burden. Results: The analysis included 538 studies (35 Bangladesh, 6 Bhutan, 2 DPR Korea, 323 India, 43 Indonesia, 2 Maldives, 18 Myanmar, 29 Nepal, 11 Sri Lanka, 67 Thailand, and 2 Timor‐Leste). In SEAR, the weighted pooled anti‐HCV seroprevalence was estimated as 0.84% (0.56–1.12) in low‐risk population and 13.67% (10.95–16.40) in PLHIV, 51.44% (43.67–59.20) in PWID, 25.80% (20.34–32.09) in MHD, 8.39% (5.84–11.51) in prison inmates, 2.69% (1.43–4.13) in people with high‐risk sex behavior, and 11.43% (8.61–14.74) in MSM. The total HCV burden in low‐risk and high‐risk populations in SEAR countries was estimated as 12.45 million and 1.65 million, respectively. Conclusion: Our estimates of HCV seroprevalence and burden should help the respective countries in planning their HCV elimination strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Our knowledge on the prevalence of high-risk behaviors among women of Alborz is not reliable due to the sensitivity of the issue. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of seven risk behaviors among the reproductive age women in Alborz Province, Iran. Method In this cross-sectional study, 2000 women were randomly selected from a registered healthcare system in 2019. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to collect the required data. The prevalence of the risk behaviors including drug abuse, hookah, alcohol drinking, tobacco smoking, extramarital intercourse, and gambling was estimated using the unmatched count technique, and the prevalence rate was reported at a 95% confidence interval. Results The response rate for this study was 95%. The estimated prevalence for drug abuse, hookah, alcohol drinking, tobacco smoking, extramarital intercourse, and gambling were 3% (95%CI: 2.78 to 3.22), 10.5% (95%CI: 10.29 to 10.71), 7% (95%CI: 6.78 to 7.22), 10% (95%CI: 9.78 to 10.22), 8.7% (95%CI, 8.29 to 8.71), and 7.5% (95%CI, 4.71 to 7.28), respectively. Conclusion High risk behaviors are highly prevalent among Iranian women. Enforcing laws, prohibition, marketing restrictions, increasing taxation, expanding treatment, promoting condom distribution and providing community-based service are recommended to reduce the effects of high risk behaviors among women.

This study aimed to assess the application of a task-centered model in social work on children labour’s tendency to high risk behaviors. Trough using a Randomized Controlled Trial, 30 children labour aged 13 15 years with higher risk behaviors based on Iranian adolescent risk questionnaire were recruited in to the intervention and control groups (each one = 15). We applied the intervention based on Professor Garvin's (1974) task-centered group protocol during 10 sessions. Iranian questionniar of tendency to high risk behaviors was used to measure dependent variables, comparing pre, and post measures between the groups and within each group. ANCOVA test was applied to analyze the data. The results showed that in pre-test, there were no significant differences between the groups in term of tendency to high risk behaviors and its dimensions and its domains but in post tests, there were significant differences. In conclusion, the task-centerd model in social work can be effective in reducing the high risk behaviours among children labour.

Background: Internet addiction has become more prevalent in Adolescents. Some adolescents who tend to use Internet excessively have a poorer health status, and engage in more risky behaviors than others. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the predictor role of Internet addiction in high- risk behaviors and the general health status among adolescences. Methods: This was a descriptive-analytical study of structural equation modeling, conducted on 300 students of Alborz University of Medical Sciences. The multi-stage sampling method was used to identify the number of students aged 19–21 years studying in each faculty in the first stage and convenience sampling was used in the second stage. Data were collected using Iranian Adolescents Risk-taking Scale (IARS), the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and the Young's Internet Addiction Test (YIAT). The data were analyzed using LISREL version 8.8. Results: The results of the measurement model using LISREL software showed a goodness of fit for the conceptual model. Internet addiction had a significant direct positive effect on the adolescents' high-risk behaviors (β = 0.17). Also, Internet addiction had a significant positive effect on the adolescents' general health status (β = 0.33) and general health problems increased by 0.33 per unit of Internet use. The result of structural model revealed no significant effects of general health on high-risk behaviors. Based on the value of the variance determined, Internet addiction could predict 11% of general health. Also, general health and Internet addiction together could predict 2.7% of high- risk behaviors. Conclusion: Given the effect of Internet addiction on the general health and high-risk behavior, it is recommended that adolescents will be screened about internet addiction and the necessary training is given to the adolescents on the appropriate use of Internet. All necessary information should be given to the parents regarding Internet risks and dangers.

Background Several studies in low-income populations report the somewhat counterintuitive finding that positive income gains adversely affect adult health. The literature posits that receipt of a large portion of annual income increases, in the short term, risk-taking behaviour and/or the consumption of health-damaging goods. This work implies the hypothesis that persons with an unexpected gain in income will exhibit an elevated risk of accidental death—the fifth leading cause of death in the USA. We test this hypothesis directly by capitalizing on a natural experiment in which Cherokee Indians in rural North Carolina received discrete lump sum payments from a new casino.Methods We applied Poisson regression to the monthly count of accidental deaths among Cherokee Indians over 204 months spanning 1990–2006. We controlled for temporal patterns in accidental deaths (e.g. seasonality and trend) as well as changes in population size.Results As hypothesized, the risk of accidental death rises above expected levels during months of the large casino payments (relative risk = 2.62; 95% confidence interval = 1.54–4.47). Exploratory analyses of ethnographic interviews and behavioural surveys support that increased vehicular travel and consumption of health-damaging goods may account for the rise in accident proneness.Conclusions Although long-term income gains may improve health in this population, our findings indicate that acute responses to large income gains, in the short term, increase risk-taking and accident proneness. We encourage further investigation of natural experiments to identify causal economic antecedents of population health.

Context: Severity of alcohol dependence is related to the high-risk behavior of alcohol dependents. Aim: To assess the high-risk behavior in patients with alcohol dependence and study the association between them. Settings and Design: This is a descriptive study of high-risk behavior in patients with alcohol dependence, conducted over a period of 15-month duration that is from January 2011 to April 2012 on 200 alcohol-dependent patients (178 men and 22 women) in the Department of Psychiatry, Mamata Medical College and General Hospital, Khammam (TS), India. Materials and Methods: Patients and their caregivers fulfilling the selection criteria were included in the study, and informed consent was obtained. Interview was carried out after 2 weeks to rule out the possibility of the presence of withdrawal symptoms in alcohol-dependent patients. Tools used for data collection include Sociodemographic and Clinical Profile Schedule, Clinical Institute of Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol, Mini--Mental Status Examination, Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire, and High Risk Behavior Questionnaire. Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, and logistic regression test were used. Results: The occurrence of high-risk behavior was substantial among patients with alcohol dependence syndrome. Event analysis method indicated that road traffic accidents associated with prior heavy drinking was the most frequently observed high-risk behavior. Conclusions: The study reiterates the relationship between alcohol and sexual behavior and also highlights that individuals dependent on alcohol are a specifically vulnerable group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most high risk behavior form in adolescence. Unhealthy behavior such as unhealthy food habits, non physical activity, tobacco and alcohol consumption, and non safe sexual behavior establish in this critical period. Since the formation of the three domains of behavior can be influenced by behavioral, interpersonal, and environmental, exploring high-risk behaviors root among adolescents in socio -cultural infrastructure would be important. A qualitative content analysis has been used. Open semi structured Interviews were conducted until data saturation. These three categories have been emerged: parent communication, peer communication. A high risk behavior as abnormal behavior has interwoven causes. Therefore, peer role in communicative structure regarding to environmental and social institutions such as family and school is beyond of individual factors.

Background: Alcohol is the world's third largest risk factor for disease and disability. The mortality and morbidity associated with alcoholism is compounded by the concept of risk taking. Heavy alcohol use is associated with varieties of high risk behavior such as motor vehicle accidents, high risk sexual behavior, criminal acts and self injurious behavior. Aims and objectives: To evaluate the association between severity of alcohol dependence and high risk taking behavior, sociodemographic factors and personality variables in male patients with alcohol dependence syndrome attending a tertiary care hospital in south India. Methods: The study is an observational study conducted in the department of psychiatry in a tertiary care teaching hospital. The severity of alcohol dependence was assessed using Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire and relationship of high- risk behavior to alcohol use was determined by asking about that ‘critical incident’ to define the role of alcohol during the incident. Results: A total of 50 subjects were included in the final analysis out of which 28(56%) belonged to 20 to 40 years and the remaining 22 (44%) belonged to 41 to 60 year age group. The high risk behavior was 66% (95% CI 51.2% to 78.8%) in the study population. The association between severity of alcohol dependence and high risk behavior, the association between sensation seeking score, impulsivity score and high risk behavior was statistically significant (p-value

This study investigates suicidality and health-risk behaviors among female juvenile detainees and identifies the extent to which suicidal behaviors are correlated with other risky activities. This study also explores 12 health risk behaviors, their prevalence, and relative associations to suicidal behaviors within the sample-population. Researchers collected data from 104 female adolescents, ages 12 to 20, residing in a long-term, detention center in the southeastern region of the United States. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were utilized. Suicidal ideations (40%) and suicide attempts (34%) were highly prevalent among female juvenile detainees. Results also suggest that the persistence of suicidal ideations was significantly influenced by exposure to various forms of interpersonal violence. Despite increased exposure to psychosocial factors strongly correlated to suicidal and high risk behaviors, little attention has been given to this particular population. Research recommendations are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Introduction: Integrated counseling and testing (ICTC) for HIV is a cost-effective intervention in preventing the spread of HIV transmission and is an integral part of HIV prevention program, which provides an opportunity to learn and accept the HIV status in a comfortable, convenient, and confidential manner. Material and Methods: A retrospective study of 3600 attendees visiting the ICTC centre from April 2010 to April 2011was undertaken. The study included 3600 attendees who came either voluntarily or referred by various department of this institute. Dominant reason for visiting ICTC was the history/presence of high risk behavior (HRB). Results: 60% indulged in heterosexual route; other HRB including men having sex with men or MSM were 5% and injecting drug users or IDU) were 15%. There were more positive among males, 21-40 years of age group, those living singly, unmarried, divorcee, widow(er) and separated. Similarly positives were more amongst illiterates, less educated and those engaged in unskilled and semi skilled jobs. Adolescent students (>14 years) accounted for one-fifth of the total positives. Direct walk in clients were more positive compared to those referred by doctors. Overall sero positivity was 4.8%; high in males, 21-40 years age, unmarried and divorcee etc. Conclusions: Sero prevalence decreased with improvement in education and also with improvement in job nature. It was also high in those living alone compared to those staying with their family.

Background Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have a negative impact on health outcomes. Using a cross-sectional study design, our objective was to identify the prevalence of ACEs among residents of South Bronx and the increased relationship between such childhood stressors and the prevalence of both chronic disease and modifiable high-risk behavior in adulthood. Methods We recruited patients from a hospital-based, adult primary care clinic in the metropolitan area of the South Bronx. A prospectively designed, observational study recruited patients in a consecutive fashion to conduct a cross-sectional survey between September 2017 and January 2018. The demographic representation comprises a low socioeconomic sector of urban New York City, with low education and immigrant population. A modified ACE questionnaire that included nine ACE categories (Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Household Substance Abuse, Separation from Parents, Incarcerated Household Member, Parental Separation/Divorce, and Bullying) in addition to questions on demographics, high-risk behavior, and diagnosis of chronic disease. Our primary objective was to gather the incidence of ACEs organized by domains. Secondary objectives were to demonstrate any expected increase (as odds ratios (ORs)) in chronic disease or maladaptive social habits when compared to patients with no ACEs within the cohort. The OR for the associations was calculated with logistic regression. Individual logistic regression models for each chronic disease, high-risk behavior, and demographics were used to measure the exposure response of the nine ACE categories.  Results A total of 454 patients completed the survey. The average age was 53.1±14.2 years, and females were 49% of the sample. Hispanics were at 61% followed by Blacks at 34%. Participants reported high-risk behavior at 24%, had a high prevalence of chronic illness (82%), and had ACE events at 70%. We found a significant relationship between ACE events and having a chronic disease diagnosis and engagement in high-risk behavior with higher odds of reporting chronic illnesses among participants with exposure to childhood stressors (OR 1.26, 95% confidence interval 1.1-1.5, p=0.002). Of the nine ACE categories, many were independently associated with one or more chronic diseases in adulthood. Conclusion According to our survey data, ACE events in our patient population were more prevalent (30% with four or more exposures), higher than the proposed average of one out of six Americans with four or more exposures nationally according to national statistics. These childhood stressors appeared to have a strong association with the development of high-risk behavior and chronic illnesses., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2023, Njoroge et al.)

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a public health challenge facing both developing and developed nations. Although injecting drug use is even the main route of HIV transmission in Iran, sexual route is rising gradually. Vulnerable women have been considered as important bridging population for driving HIV epidemics. To increase the access to vulnerable women, in 2007, 5 pilot centers were established in risky areas to deliver comprehensive services to women who themselves or their spouses are engaged in drug use, risky sexual behavior or have history of imprisonment. Management of Sexually Transmitted Infection, psychological counseling and harm reduction are provided by female staff. The aim of this study was to report the activities conducting in 2008.Methods: Registered information was used to assess the demographic characteristic, HIV/ AIDS related risk factors and services delivered to clients.Results: Till March 2008, 442 clients have been admitted. Most of them (36.2%) had 25-34 years old. 14.3% were illiterate and 31% were totally jobless. The most prevalent risk factors were risky sexual behavior (27.1%) and non-injecting drug use (23.2%). Injecting drug use was detected in 11.3% of attendees. Dividing clients according to marital status, risky sexual behavior was the main risk factor in unmarried (40.2%) and divorced (26.9%) but in married and widow ones, non-injecting drug use was the most (25.8% and 36.5% respectively). Harm reduction (40.5%) and counseling (36.6%) were the most delivered services.Conclusion: Since vulnerable women play a critical role to spread HIV-epidemic to general population, increasing centers provide more access to this population

Background & Objectives: The epidemic of HIV has been become worldwide. Infected people with HIV which are most intravenous drug users (IDUs) and/or people who have unsafe sex are important source of transmission of infection to other persons in a community. Since there is little known about the knowledge and attitudes of HIV positives about HIV in Iran, therefore we decided to measure the level of knowledge and attitudes of this group in Golestan province in compare with individuals with risky behavior. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 54 HIV+ persons and 134 people with high risk behavior individuals in 2007 year. Results: Our study showed that HIV- (High risk group) cases had higher education level (P=0.034). Rate of jobless was higher in HIV+ persons (P

Background: Adolescence is a distinct age group (10-19 yrs) with complex needs because of physical and psychological development during puberty. Aim: To evaluate adolescents’ nutritional status and high risk behavior. Settings and design: A Cross Sectional study was conducted in West Zone of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, Gujarat. Methods & Material: 401 students (10-19years) from 10 schools and colleges surveyed using pretested questionnaire about nutritional status and high risk behavior. To analyze nutritional status height, weight and BMI were taken and analyzed using WHO growth standards 2007. Statistical analysis: Qualitative data analysis done using Epi Info and WHO Anthro Plus softwares. Results: 47.4% (95% CI= 30.7% - 64.6%) were stunted and 19.5% (95%CI=12.6% - 28.7%) were overweight according to WHO growth standards 2007. Awareness about HIV/AIDS was 93.27% and main media of awareness was television(55.35%). 13.22% were sexually active and 35.85% used condoms during last sexual act. 22.56% have habit of masturbation. 25.19% students believe masturbation is bad habit. Only boys (15.9%) had addiction and common was tobacco chewing (61.29%). No one was Intravenous Drug User. Mean age for menarche was 12.84 yrs. From them 60.93% have problems during menstruation. Most common problem was dysmenorrhea (58.7%). For discussing sexual health problems, 74.64% students prefer with friends. Conclusions: Adolescents have many health problems that need to be taken care of by effective interventions. Key message: Nationwide adolescent health data is inadequate. Focus must be given on analyzing adolescent health issues and to solve them.

Introduction: Construction workers are susceptible to unique health problems together with stress leading to increased promis- cuity and addiction. Objective of the study was to get details of prevalent addiction and sexual practices and their relationship with each other. Methods: 125 male construction workers of a private company were approached from the premise of a new medical college in Kol- kata. Semi-structured schedule was used to collect data on socio- demographic, addiction and sexual behaviour by interview tech- nique. Results: Analysis on 110 workers showed 58.2% consumed alcohol and 2/3rd smoked. 37% workers under 25 years had sex with FSW with condom non-use of 86.5%. Age and literacy level was signifi- cantly associated with awareness of HIV/AIDS transmission. Al- cohol and oral tobacco intake was associated with increased vul- nerability to HIV/AIDS (aOR=11.5 & 2.8 respectively). Conclusion: Intensive Behaviour change communication is needed to address growing menace of alcoholism and oral tobacco among young construction workers.

Background: The present study characterizes the socio-demographic variables of injection drug users (IDUs) attending Oral substitution therapy (OST) center. Aims & Objectives: To provide a comprehensive knowledge and better insight regarding the socio-demographic profile and pattern IDUs. Material & Methods: A total of 158 IDUs aged 18 to 60 years who attended the OST centre during one-year period at a government medical college are included in the study. Results: All the IDUs are male with median age of 33.13 years. More than half of the participants are homeless and earn their livelihood by rag picking and rickshaw driving. 35.4% of participants are married. Their mean monthly income is Rs 2823.4 ± 1811.8 and they spend a major amount of it on drug use. Conclusion: All the participants are using Pharmaceutical Opioid injections (POI), mostly as cocktail with benzodiazepines and antihistamines. Sharing of needle and paraphernalia is present in most of the participants especially among the illiterate and low income group IDUs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Our objective was to design an RCT in order to assess the effects of adding a brief skill-based psychoeducation (PE) to routine Needle and Syringe Programs to reduce injection and high risk sexual behaviors associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection among referrals of Drop-in Centers (DICs). Method/design: This was a randomized control trial with the primary hypothesis that adding skill-based PE to the routine needle syringe program (NSP) provided in the DICs would be more effective in reducing injection and high risk sexual behaviors associated with HIV infection compared to the routine programs. We intended to randomly allocate 60 patients per group after obtaining informed written consent,. The intervention group receive a combination of brief psychoeducation consisting two individual sessions of skill-based education concerning blood borne viral infection, specifically HIV. The control group received the routine primary NSP services provided in DIC. Study assessments were und rtaken by a psychologist at baseline, 1 and 3 months after recruitment. The primary outcome measure was the comparison of the trend of alterations in high risk sexual and injection behaviors associated with HIV infection during 3 months after the initiation of the intervention between the two groups. Secondary outcome measures included the comparison of HIV/AIDS related knowledge and client satisfaction in the participants . Discussion: This paper presents a protocol for an RCT of brief skill-based PE by a trained psychologist to reduce the sexual and injection related high risk behaviors among drug users who received primary NSP services in DIC. This trial tried to investigate the efficacy of the intervention on increasing HIV/AIDS related knowledge and client satisfaction. The results of different indicators of high risk behaviors will be discussed.

Background: Sikkim is emerging as an important area for prescription opioid abuse with frequent news of seizures and arrests due to possession of prescription opioids. However, till date there is a little information on descriptive epidemiology and high risk behavior of prescription opioid abusers from Sikkim. Aims: The aim was to describe demographic (age, sex, religion, marital status, community, occupation, etc.); socioeconomic (income, education, family information etc.); and high risk behavior (e.g., injection sharing, visit to commercial sex workers [CSWs], homosexuality etc.) among treatment-seeking prescription opioid abusers in Sikkim. Materials and Methods: Epidemiological data were collected by administering predevised questionnaires from n = 223 prescription opioid abusers (main problem prescription opioids) reporting for treatment at five different drug abuse treatment centers across Sikkim. Results: The mean age of prescription opioid abusers in Sikkim was 27 years; all were male, of Nepalese ethnicity and single/never married, school dropout and/or illiterate, earning

Introduction: Given the important role of family in shaping human behavior, the current research has been conducted with the aim of identifying the family characteristics of individuals with risky sexual behaviors. Materials and Methods: In this correlative study the statistical population included women with risky and extramarital sexual behaviors. 104 women were selected through available sampling method in 2010-11 in Tehran. Data collection tools included: AIDS Risk Assessment Questionnaire to assess risky behavior and related factors and the Risky Sexual Behavior Questionnaire and Family demographic questionnaire. SPSS software, t-test, analysis of variance, and correlation coefficient were used for data analysis. Results: Results from studying the family factors and variables related to the degree of risky sexual behaviors in the study group shows that residential situations, occupational conditions, living conditions, parents' living status, and the degree of intimacy in the family has a significant negative relationship with risky sexual behaviors (P<0.05). There is a positive correlation (P<0.05) between history of abuse by family members and the number of risky sexual behaviors. There is no significant correlation between marital status, educational status, and parents' living status with risky sexual behaviors (P>0.05). Conclusion: Based on the results about the important role of family in the risky sexual behaviors, and also the increasing rate of these behaviors in our society, attention to the role of family is necessary for its prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a public health challenge facing both developing and developed nations. Although injecting drug use is even the main route of HIV transmission in Iran, sexual route is rising gradually. Vulnerable women have been considered as important bridging population for driving HIV epidemics. To increase the access to vulnerable women, in 2007, 5 pilot centers were established in risky areas to deliver comprehensive services to women who themselves or their spouses are engaged in drug use, risky sexual behavior or have history of imprisonment. Management of Sexually Transmitted Infection, psychological counseling and harm reduction are provided by female staff. The aim of this study was to report the activities conducting in 2008.Registered information was used to assess the demographic characteristic, HIV/ AIDS related risk factors and services delivered to clients.Till March 2008, 442 clients have been admitted. Most of them (36.2%) had 25-34 years old. 14.3% were illiterate and 31% were totally jobless. The most prevalent risk factors were risky sexual behavior (27.1%) and non-injecting drug use (23.2%). Injecting drug use was detected in 11.3% of attendees. Dividing clients according to marital status, risky sexual behavior was the main risk factor in unmarried (40.2%) and divorced (26.9%) but in married and widow ones, non-injecting drug use was the most (25.8% and 36.5% respectively). Harm reduction (40.5%) and counseling (36.6%) were the most delivered services.Since vulnerable women play a critical role to spread HIV-epidemic to general population, increasing centers provide more access to this population.

Introduction: Integrated counseling and testing (ICTC) for HIV is a cost-effective intervention in preventing the spread of HIV transmission and is an integral part of HIV prevention program, which provides an opportunity to learn and accept the HIV status in a comfortable, convenient, and confidential manner. Material and Methods: A retrospective study of 3600 attendees visiting the ICTC centre from April 2010 to April 2011was undertaken. The study included 3600 attendees who came either voluntarily or referred by various department of this institute. Dominant reason for visiting ICTC was the history/presence of high risk behavior (HRB). Results: 60% indulged in heterosexual route; other HRB including men having sex with men or MSM were 5% and injecting drug users or IDU) were 15%. There were more positive among males, 21-40 years of age group, those living singly, unmarried, divorcee, widow(er) and separated. Similarly positives were more amongst illiterates, less educated and those engaged in unskilled and semi skilled jobs. Adolescent students (>14 years) accounted for one-fifth of the total positives. Direct walk in clients were more positive compared to those referred by doctors. Overall sero positivity was 4.8%; high in males, 21-40 years age, unmarried and divorcee etc. Conclusions: Sero prevalence decreased with improvement in education and also with improvement in job nature. It was also high in those living alone compared to those staying with their family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Our objective was to design an RCT in order to assess the effects of adding a brief skill-based psychoeducation (PE) to routine Needle and Syringe Programs to reduce injection and high risk sexual behaviors associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection among referrals of Drop-in Centers (DICs). Method/design: This was a randomized control trial with the primary hypothesis that adding skill-based PE to the routine needle syringe program (NSP) provided in the DICs would be more effective in reducing injection and high risk sexual behaviors associated with HIV infection compared to the routine programs. We intended to randomly allocate 60 patients per group after obtaining informed written consent,. The intervention group receive a combination of brief psychoeducation consisting two individual sessions of skill-based education concerning blood borne viral infection, specifically HIV. The control group received the routine primary NSP services provided in DIC. Study assessments were undertaken by a psychologist at baseline, 1 and 3 months after recruitment. The primary outcome measure was the comparison of the trend of alterations in high risk sexual and injection behaviors associated with HIV infection during 3 months after the initiation of the intervention between the two groups. Secondary outcome measures included the comparison of HIV/AIDS related knowledge and client satisfaction in the participants . Discussion: This paper presents a protocol for an RCT of brief skillbased PE by a trained psychologist to reduce the sexual and injection related high risk behaviors among drug users who received primary NSP services in DIC. This trial tried to investigate the efficacy of the intervention on increasing HIV/AIDS related knowledge and client satisfaction. The results of different indicators of high risk behaviors will be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: High-risk sexual behaviors such as multiple sexual partners, inconsistent condom use, acquisition of sexually transmitted infection (STIs), and non-use of contraceptives persist in HIV patients undergoing care. We conducted a systematic review of studies conducted in the era of increased access to HAART (2000-2010) to assess whether wide-scale use of HAART was associated with high-risk behavior among HAART-using patients. Methodology: We conducted a comprehensive search of databases (AIDSLINE, National Library of Medicine, MEDLINE, PubMed, CINHAL and EMBASE) from January 2002 to January 2010, reviewed conference proceedings and journals, and contacted the researchers involved. We analyzed the association of high-risk behaviors (non-disclosure of sero-status to sexual partners, inconsistent condom use, unprotected sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners, non-use of contraceptives and acquisition of STIs) with using HAART. Information from eligible studies was abstracted using a standardized checklist. Fourteen English-language studies met the selection criteria of having high-risk behavior as an outcome in patients using HAART in sub-Saharan Africa. Results: Of the 92 eligible articles screened, 14 met the criteria for inclusion as primary articles, 10 showed that HAART is not associated with increased high-risk behavior, two showed increase in acquisition of STIs among HAART-using patients, (which was inconsistent with other measures of high-risk behavior), and two studies showed short-term increase in high-risk behavior. Conclusions: Persistence of high-risk behavior in HAART-using patients suggests that more effort needs to be incorporated in HIV care to reduce such behavior to reduce HIV transmission to uninfected populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estonia has the second highest adult HIV prevalence in Europe of 1.3%. The primary transmission is among injecting drug users (IDU), who account for 56-90% of HIV infections (Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic: UNAIDS/WHO, July and Platt et al. AIDS 20(16):2120-2123, ). Of those persons newly diagnosed, 50.4% reported injecting drugs in the last 12 months, 16.3% of these reported IDU as the sole risk factor and 31.2% reported IDU among other risk factors. In this sample ( n = 790) 170 persons reported a high risk behavior and 51 persons received a positive result through rapid testing. The largest proportion (35.29%) was among persons reporting high risk heterosexual intercourse and second (33.33%) among persons sharing injecting equipment. Covariates in a logistic regression model indicate that male sex (OR = 2.57, 95% CI 1.00-6.59), non-Estonian ethnicity (OR = 2.68, 95% CI 1.46-4.93), higher education (OR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.40-0.80), and high risk heterosexual intercourse (OR = 2.68, 95% CI 1.19-6.02) are statistically significant in predicting a positive HIV status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fire setting is one of the most challenging behaviors for the child welfare system. However, existing knowledge about its prevalence and correlates has been limited to research on single programs. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services initiated a uniform assessment process at entry into state custody using a trauma-informed version of the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS). By using information from these assessments it is possible to establish an estimate of the prevalence of fire setting behavior and identify clinical and functional correlates. A review of 4,155 children and youth entering state custody reveals an overall prevalence rate of 1.35%. However, the rate for children and youth, 10 years and older was 3.5%. The rate was higher for boys than girls but there was no relationship to race. In general, the children and youth who engaged in fire setting behaviors had much higher levels of needs, fewer strengths, and were lower functioning. Within group analysis suggests the children and youth who set fires represent a relatively homogeneous group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of anxiety/depression in the progression of youth externalizing problems to future high risk behaviors has been disputed in the literature. Mixed support exists for a multiple problem hypothesis (i.e., co-occurring anxiety/depression leads to more high risk behaviors) and a protective hypothesis (i.e., anxiety/depression buffers this progression). The present study compared these two hypotheses in a sample of 124 African-American single mother families by examining mother report of externalizing problems and anxiety/depression at an initial timepoint and youth report of high risk behaviors fifteen months later. Results support the multiple problem hypothesis: In the context of high levels of externalizing problems, high levels of anxiety/depression were associated with more youth engaging in high risk behavior across the 15 month follow-up than were low levels of anxiety/depression. The findings suggest it is important to consider multiple domains of youth problem behaviors to conceptualize and prevent high risk behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The life paths of young boys and girls and their families in cities in the Philippines, India, Brazil, Kenya and Italy provide a first analysis, often in the children's own words, of the multiple overlapping crises that lead them to situations of distress. Such situations include running away to live in the streets and/or progressively falling into high risk behavior, such as dropping out of school, abusing different kinds of substances, engaging in sex for money or protection, and peddling drugs. Their life histories illustrate their resilience. But they also illustrate how the quality of their relationships to meaningful adults is being increasingly threatened and how painful and disruptive that is for these developing young people, who need the caring presence and reassuring validation of key adults, both within and outside their families, as they enter into an adult world. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]