Sexual Risk Behavior

A small percentage of participants in a large metropolitan felony Drug Court engaged in high-risk injection drug use, but a large percentage engaged in high-risk sexual behaviors. HIV risk behaviors were associated with being male, African-American, and younger. A large proportion of Drug Court participants resided in areas of the city with a high prevalence of persons living with HIV/AIDS, thus heightening the probability of exposure to the virus.

Consensus guidelines in HIV care call for clinicians to provide a brief sexual risk behavioral intervention in each visit. Studies based on participant reports find this occurs infrequently, but studies based on direct observation of clinical encounters are lacking. We conducted a mixed method study that used audio recordings of 116 routine outpatient visits by 58 different patients with HIV, in five different practice sites. Transcripts of the visits were coded and analyzed using a quantitative system. In addition, we conducted a qualitative analysis of the dialogue segments in which sexual risk behaviors arose as a topic. Discussion of sexual risk behavior occurred in 10 visits, and was generally quite brief. Two visits featured substantial counseling about sexual risk reduction; two others included substantial discussion which was not evidently directed at the patient's changing behavior. Cues suggesting a need or opportunity for such discussion that physicians did not follow up on occurred in seven additional visits. Interactions about sexual risk had less patient engagement than interactions about other health behaviors. Physicians seldom provide sexual risk reduction counseling in HIV care, even where specific indications are present.

Despite considerable interest in the sexual behavior of non-disclosing men who have sex with men and women (MSMW), little is known about where they meet their male and female partners and whether their sexual risk behavior differs with partners met in different sexual venues (e.g., bars, Internet, parks). These issues were examined among 46 non-gay-identified MSMW who had not disclosed their same-sex behavior to female partners (i.e., men on the "down low"). The prevalence of unprotected vaginal sex was nearly identical with women met in bars/clubs as with women met through friends, work, or the neighborhood. In contrast, the prevalence of unprotected anal sex was higher with male partners met on the Internet, in bars/clubs, and through friends/ work/neighborhood as compared with partners met in parks/restrooms or gyms. This is largely due to MSMW avoiding anal sex in parks, restrooms, and gyms, in favor of oral sex. These findings provide important insights into the role of venues on sexual risk and the locations where risk reduction interventions for MSMW may be provided.

The ''sexual trajectory'' is an age-graded set of various new sexual experiences, defined by three key dimensions: sequence, duration, and timing. A comprehensive description of sexual trajectories creates the possibility to investigate potential risks of certain trajectory types. The present study attempted to answer three questions: (1) Is it possible to identify a typology in (the early stages of) sexual trajectories? (2) Is sexual trajectory type related to demographic characteristics, such as sex, ethnic background, and educational level? (3) What are the associations between sexual trajectory type and recent sexual risk behavior? A representative Dutch sample of 1,263 males and 1,353 females (M = 20.46 years; range, 12-25) who had engaged in sexual intercourse completed a questionnaire about sexual (health) behavior. About three quarters of participants followed a progressive sexual trajectory from less intimate (e.g., kissing) to more intimate behavior (e.g., sexual intercourse). Immigrant groups and less educated youth were more likely to follow a nonlinear trajectory. A progressive trajectory was associated with a higher likelihood of consistent contraceptive use with the most recent partner and, for girls, with a lower likelihood of having unprotected anal intercourse with the last partner. It was hypothesized that the nonlinear trajectory could be ascribed to a lack of opportunities or skills to plan and steer early sexual experiences and that these limitations were fairly stable over time. Sexual education should aim at providing adolescents with sufficient (self) knowledge and skills to construct their sexual trajectories according to their own wishes or needs.

Findings regarding the relation between alcohol and intentions to have sex have been mixed, and little research has examined the role of condom availability on intentions to have sex. Sexual and emotional responding may influence subsequent sexual decisions. Thus, a better understanding of sexual and emotional responding combined with situational factors such as condom presence could help explain the discrepancies in findings regarding alcohol's effect on intentions to have sex. The effects of alcohol and condom presence on men's intentions to have sex were examined using an experimental paradigm involving an alcohol administration study and a second-person eroticized scenario. The effects of sexual and emotional responding were also examined in relation to intentions to have sex. It was found that alcohol increased positive mood, which was associated with higher intentions to have sex. In addition, condom presence was directly associated with higher intentions to have sex. ...

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Background: Previous studied have identified individual and school-level characteristics that are associated with sexual risk-taking. But similar studies in Indonesia is lacking. This study aimed to examine the contextual effect of school on the premarital sex among adolescents in Bantul, Yogyakarta. Subjects and Method: This was a cross sectional study carried out at 25 senior high schools in Bantul, Yogyakarta, from November to December 2018. A sample of 225 adolescents aged 15-18 years was selected by stratified random sampling. The dependent variable was premarital sex. The independent variables were intention, subjective norm, perceived behavior control, family intimacy, and peer group. The data were collected by questionnaire and analyzed by a multilevel logistic regression on Stata 13. Results: Premarital sex incrased with favorable intention (b= 2.70; 95% CI= 0.50 to 3.15; p= 0.007), subjective norm (b= 4.66; 95% CI= 1.89 to 4.63; p<0.001), and suitable peer group (b= 4.34; 95% CI= 1.99 to 5.28; p<0.001). Premarital sex decreased with positive attitude (b= -4.31; 95% CI= -4.15 to -1.55; p<0.001), strong perceived behavior control (b= -2.37; 95% CI= -2.53 to -0.23; p=0.018), and strong family intimacy (b= -2.44; 95% CI= -2.69 to 0.29; p=0.015). There was contextual effect of school on premarital sex with ICC= 63.72%. Conclusion: Premarital sex incrases with favorable intention, subjective norm, and suitable peer group. Premarital sex decreases with positive attitude, strong perceived behavior control, and strong family intimacy. There is contextual effect of school on premarital sex, which calls for attention.

Background: Alcohol consumption, marijuana use, unprotected sex, and multiple concurrent sexual partnerships are prevalent among youth globally. These factors are regarded as important behavioural risk factors for HIV infection. The aim of this study was to assess the sociodemographic and other characteristics associated with behavioural risk factors of HIV infection among male mountain-climbing porters working on Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. This cross-sectional study enrolled a representative sample of 384 male mountain-climbing porters from 7 tour companies in the Kilimanjaro region using a multi-stage sampling technique. Local interviewers completed a structured questionnaire with porters in the local language, Kiswahili. The questionnaire covered demographics, alcohol and marijuana use, sexual history, sexual partners, and condom use. In-person interviews were completed between April and May 2013. Univariate and bivariate analysis were used to describe data and determine significant predictors of behavioural risk factors of HIV infection. Results: Of 384 participants, 381 (99.2%) were sexually experienced, 353 (92.6%) were sexually active, and 168 (44.1%), reported condom use at last sex. The prevalence of ever-use of alcohol was 62%, and 68% of participants reported being current alcohol users. The prevalence of ever-use of marijuana was 15%, and 49% of participants reported being current marijuana users, with 12% reporting daily use. Age, marital status, working duration as a porter, transactional sex practices, and number of concurrent sexual partners were factors that were significantly associated with unprotected sex, alcohol consumption, and marijuana use (P<.05). Conclusions: Age, marital status, working duration, transactional sex practices, and number of concurrent sexual partners were significantly associated with unprotected sex, alcohol consumption, and marijuana use, among porters in this setting. The findings suggest the need for efforts to motivate sexually active male porters to engage in HIV prevention interventions, including condom use and reduction of multiple concurrent sexual partners, transactional sexual practices, alcohol consumption, and marijuana use.

This paper reviews several ways in which social influence can affect to young people's HIVpreventive heterosexual behaviour, while the results from previous studies carried out by the authors and by other researchers, are presented. We conclude by pointing out: 1) the clinical usefulness of assessing self-efficacy expectancies, in order to intervene specifically in those areas where young people perceive themselves as less able to be preventive. 2) the observed relationship between self-reported condom use and the beliefs about its acceptance by the closest social referents. 3) young people must have enough communication skills to successfully negotiate condom use and counteract possible social influences against its use.

cuando tenga relaciones sexuales con una pareja ocasional y con una pareja estable, en una muestra de 484 adolescentes catalanes estudiantes en centros de educación secundaria obligatoria (49,5% varones; 19,4% sexualmente activos), con edades comprendidas entre los 13 y los 17 años. Los resultados de la regresión múltiple jerárquica indican que las variables que mejor predicen la intención de uso del preservativo son: la creencia en los resultados de la conducta (eficacia del preservativo para evitar transmisión del VIH), la norma subjetiva (creencia de que sus amigos también lo utilizan) y el control conductual percibido (se sienten capaces de usarlo y de negarse a mantener relaciones sexuales desprotegidas). También resultan variables predictoras la preocupación por infectarse con el VIH, la creencia de que es una medida de protección práctica y las consecuencias inmediatas de la conducta (que no sea molesto ni "corte el rollo"). Estos resultados ponen de relieve la importancia de tener en cuenta estas variables en la planificación de programas que promuevan una sexualidad saludable entre los adolescentes.

Catechol-O-methyltransferease (COMT) metabolizes prefrontal cortex dopamine (DA), a neurotransmitter involved in executive behavior; the Val158Met genotype has been linked to executive dysfunction, which might increase sexual risk behaviors favoring HIV transmission. Main and interaction effects of COMT genotype and executive functioning on sexual risk behavior were examined. 192 sexually active nonmonogamous men completed a sexual behavior questionnaire, executive functioning tests, and were genotyped using blood-derived DNA. Main effects for executive dysfunction but not COMT on number of sexual partners were observed. A COMT x executive dysfunction interaction was found for number of sexual partners and insertive anal sex, significant for carriers of the Met/Met and to a lesser extent Val/Met genotypes but not Val/Val carriers. In the context of HIV and methamphetamine dependence, dopaminergic overactivity in prefrontal cortex conferred by the Met/Met genotype appears to result in a liability for executive dysfunction and potentially associated risky sexual behavior.

INTRODUÇÃO: A investigação sistemática e detalhada dos comportamentos sexuais de risco constitui um dos principais alicerces para o desenvolvimento de pesquisas que visam à criação de intervenções eficazes para a prevenção do HIV. OBJETIVO: Descrever e discutir as etapas do processo de adaptação lingüístico-cultural das versões masculina e feminina da Escala de Avaliação de Comportamento Sexual de Risco para pacientes psiquiátricos para o português brasileiro pelo Projeto Interdisciplinar em Sexualidade, Saúde Mental e AIDS. MÉTODOS: Treinamento dos investigadores brasileiros no instrumento original, comparação da tradução e da retrotradução, seguida de adaptação lingüístico-cultural à luz da fase formativa do projeto, resultando em uma versão utilizada no treinamento dos entrevistadores brasileiros em entrevistas com pacientes psiquiátricos. Verificação lingüística, confiabilidade qualitativa do instrumento e confiabilidade entre entrevistadores constituíram as etapas complementare...

We examined condom attitudes, perceived vulnerability to HIV, HIV testing experiences, and sexual and substance use risk behaviors of 161 active Latino male gang members, aged 18-26 years old, living in Los Angeles, California. Gang members reported negative condom attitudes and a perceived vulnerability to HIV. The majority (53%) of gang members reported unprotected vaginal intercourse (UVI) in the previous 12 months. Multivariate analyses indicated that participants who engaged in the following behaviors were more likely to report UVI: had sex with someone they just met (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.66), received money or drugs for sex (AOR = 5.05), or had sex with someone who had a sexually transmitted disease (AOR = 4.99). Participants with a higher perceived vulnerability to HIV were less likely to report UVI (AOR = 0.82). Our findings offer implications for development of an HIV prevention intervention for Latino male gang members.

O objetivo deste trabalho é determinar e comparar as prevalências de fatores de risco individuais para DST/HIV/AIDS entre adolescentes de Montes Claros, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo transversal com uma amostra final de 775 alunos que responderam a um questionário auto-aplicável no biênio 2008-2009. Foram considerados fatores de risco: a) iniciação sexual precoce (idade ≤ 14 anos); b) uso inconsistente de camisinha e c) não uso de camisinha. Os dados foram analisados no Software SPSS. As prevalências de fatores de risco para meninos e meninas, respetivamente, foram: iniciação sexual precoce 71.4% vs 42.1% (p = .000); uso inconsistente de camisinha 43.7% vs 58.6% (p = .006); não uso de camisinha 6.2% vs 13.5% (p = .001). A prevalência de uso de camisinha, por gênero, na primeira relação sexual foi 65.5% vs 67.8% (p = .760) e na última relação foi 26.0% vs 45.4% (p = .001). História de DSTs entre os meninos foi 5.0% e entre as meninas 6.0%. Observou-se importante prevalência de fatores de vulnerabilidades individuais, com destaque para a maior vulnerabilidade das meninas. Os resultados sugerem a necessidade de estratégias efetivas para a redução das vulnerabilidades juvenis.

Cell phones and online media are used frequently but we know little about their use among African American adolescents. This study examines the frequency of such use and its relationship to psychosocial variables and STI/HIV risk behavior. 1,518 African American, aged 13-18 years, from 2 Northeast US cities (Providence, RI; Syracuse, NY) and 2 Southeast US cities (Columbia, SC; Macon, GA), were assessed from 2008-2009. Participants were assessed on frequency of cell phone and Internet use, psychological constructs (ie, depression, life satisfaction, impulsivity) and HIV/STI risk behaviors (ie, history of intercourse, sexual sensation seeking attitudes, peer sexual risks norms) with reliable scales and measures using an audio computer-assisted self-interview. Over 90% of African American adolescents used cell phones every day or most days and 60% used social networking sites every day or most days (96% used Myspace). Greater frequency of cell phone use was associated with sexual sens...

Objectives. This study evaluated the long-term effectiveness of Draw the Line/Respect the Line, a theoretically based curriculum designed to reduce sexual risk behaviors among middle school adolescents. Methods. The randomized controlled trial involved 19 schools in northern California. A cohort of 2829 sixth graders was tracked for 36 months. Results. The intervention delayed sexual initiation among boys, but not girls. Boys in the intervention condition also exhibited significantly greater knowledge than control students, perceived fewer peer norms supporting sexual intercourse, had more positive attitudes toward not having sex, had stronger sexual limits, and were less likely to be in situations that could lead to sexual behaviors. Psychosocial effects for girls were limited. Conclusions. The program was effective for boys, but not for girls.

Objectives. This study evaluated the long-term effectiveness of Draw the Line/Respect the Line, a theoretically based curriculum designed to reduce sexual risk behaviors among middle school adolescents. Methods. The randomized controlled trial involved 19 schools in northern California. A cohort of 2829 sixth graders was tracked for 36 months. Results. The intervention delayed sexual initiation among boys, but not girls. Boys in the intervention condition also exhibited significantly greater knowledge than control students, perceived fewer peer norms supporting sexual intercourse, had more positive attitudes toward not having sex, had stronger sexual limits, and were less likely to be in situations that could lead to sexual behaviors. Psychosocial effects for girls were limited. Conclusions. The program was effective for boys, but not for girls.

Adolescence is characterized by active sexual hormones that can lead to sexual urges with the opposite sex. These urges, in turn, may trigger risky sexual behavior. College students, in a transitional period from adolescence to early adulthood, exhibit diversity in addressing sexual activity. This research aimed to analyze the risks associated with adolescent sexual activity in a college in Surabaya, Indonesia. The study utilizes a cross-sectional design with accidental sampling of active students aged 18-24 years. The total number of participants in this study was 221 people who filled out a questionnaire in the form of a Google Form, distributed through social media. The results show that, among all the factors identified, dating status has a significant relationship with PR 11.688 (95%CI 5.048-27.061) in engaging in risky sexual activities among adolescents. Reproductive health education at the university level is needed to reduce risky sexual activities among students.

Cybersex behavior can lead to potential harm and addiction among adolescents. The aim of this study was to analyze factors that influence cybersex behavior among adolescents. The design used in this study was a cross-sectional. Data was collected from students at senior high school from March to June 2022 using simple random sampling. Total sample was 140 students. The questionnaire were parental sexual communication questionnaires, family monitoring questionnaires, peer interaction questionnaires, internet addiction test (IAT), internet sex screening test. Data was analyzed using Spearman's Rho test. The results showed that parental sexual communication was in the low category (55.7%), family monitoring was in the low category (39.3%), most of the adolescent's peer interaction was at a moderate level (88.6%), the use of social media was moderate (85%), cybersex behavior was at risk was 97.1%. The results show that there was a relationship between parental sexual communication and cybersex behavior (p=0.002); peer interaction and cybersex behavior (p=0.002), social media and cybersex behavior (p=0.000); family monitoring and cybersex behavior (ρ=0.000) among adolescents. Parental monitoring and communication, social media use education and look for positive peer are important factors to prevent cybersex behavior among adolescents.

Background: Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS) is generally used to study hidden or hard-to-reach populations. The objective of the present work is to describe the initiation, implementation, and complications that arise during RDS of female sex workers (FSWs) around the world. Method: Behavioural and biological data of FSWs collected through RDS was mined from peer-reviewed articles, published during 2010-2022. Review protocol was developed and registered in the PROSPERO (registration number CRD42022346470) and published separately. Results: It was found that most of the RDS (69 articles, globally) were largely successful in the recruitment of FSWs, with varying response rates. Conclusion: Present outcomes supports the application of RDS in surveillance for any such population by providing a minimal set of parameters of testing procedures (methodology) including methods to evaluate the quality also.

S ince the Chinese government ' s reform and open policy, and the handover of Hong Kong to the Chinese administration in 1997, the economy of Hong Kong has been increasingly integrated with and dependent on that of the mainland China. Many business people in Hong Kong have set up factories across the border, especially in nearby cities such as Shenzhen and Dongguan, where production costs are much lower. With its proximity to the Pearl River Delta Region and its highly effi cient container terminals, Hong Kong acts as a major entréport for South China, and cross-border truck drivers serve as important links for these two regions. According to the Hong Kong Port Devel-op ment Council, a total of 20.4 million 20-foot equivalent units of containers were handled in Hong Kong in 2003, 78% of which were container traffi c related to South China. 1 A survey conducted by Hong Kong Department of Transport in 2003 shows that the total number of goods vehicle movements at the three cross-border check points at Man Kam To, Sha Tau Kok, and Lok Ma Chau had reached 31,200 trips per day, among which 40% were container trucks. The recent introduction of the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement between mainland China and Hong Kong will no doubt accelerate the socioeconomic integration of the two places. Long-distance truck drivers are regarded as a vulnerable population because of the transient and mobile nature of their job, greater exposure to health risks, and medical indigence. Orris and colleagues investigated the association of occupational stress and psychological distress among truck

Over time, when in crises, the partners in a marital couple have tried to solve their problems in an extramarital frame, the unfaithful relationships being the constant cause of couples' dissolution, no matter the age or durability of the marriage. Unfaithfulness has been the way married people chose to express themselves against narrow, traditional patterns, and a dull private life. Therefore, the adulterous relationships have meant, to some extent, the attempt to compensate for the dissatisfactions of the married life, thus sweetening the banality of the conventional and the bitterness of having an unwanted partner.

We tested the impact of four social cognitive constructs (multifaceted condom use selfefficacy and hedonic, social, and self-evaluative outcome expectations) on sexual risk behavior change. Each construct was hypothesized to have an independent effect on four indicators of behavior change: consistency of reported condom use, condom use at last intercourse, frequency of unprotected intercourse acts, and stage of condom use behavior change. STD clinic patients (n ϭ 472) were recruited, given baseline interviews, and placed in small-group health education sessions. Three-month follow-up interviews were conducted. Hypotheses were tested with logistic regressions and general linear models. Results showed that baseline self-efficacy and hedonistic expectations regarding condom use predicted sexual behavior and stage of change. In addition, follow-up levels of each of two additional outcome expectation domains, expected partner reaction and self-approval for condom use, were associated with sexual behavior at follow-up, controlling baseline levels of each dependent variable. These latter outcome expectations accounted for the greatest proportion of the variance among the SCT factors. These results support a social cognitive model of condom use behavior change and provide important clues for refining condom promotion interventions.

The increase in risky sexual behavior among adolescents indicates the need to strengthen sexual and reproductive health. Schools have an essential role, but few studies are related to mapping models of school-based sex and reproductive education for adolescents in developing countries. This scoping review examines school-based sexual and reproductive health education among adolescents in developing countries. A systematic approach was used to search the literature through 5 electronic databases: Science Direct, EBSCO, PubMed, CrossReff, and Proquest. Subsequently, two reviewers conducted a conformity analysis with the inclusion/exclusion criteria, and then the search results that met the requirements were analyzed descriptively. A total of 14 articles met the inclusion criteria. The model of sexual health education in schools comprises digital-based education, peer groups, and comprehensive sex education to improve life skills. Barriers to implementation include culture, traditional norms, organization, commitment, and supporting resources. The supporting factors are student enthusiasm, exciting methods and media, community, and parental support. School-based sexual and reproductive education increases knowledge and attitudes about sexual health. Therefore, there is a need for a comprehensive sexual education model integrated into the school curriculum using attractive media and involving several well-organized stakeholders.

Approximately one in five individuals living with HIV infection in the United States is 50 years of age or older. This proportion continues to increase as HIV incidence remains stable and potent antiretroviral therapy has reduced the morbidity and mortality associated with HIV infection. Newly identified HIV-seropositive older individuals are proportionately more likely than younger persons to have AIDS at the time of diagnosis. Clinicians have to think about the possibility of HIV infection in older persons to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment. Immunologic recovery in older individuals initiated on combination antiretroviral therapy is less robust in some studies compared with younger individuals. However, virologic suppression on treatment in young versus old antiretroviral naïve patients is comparable. Co-morbid conditions and their treatment pose a special challenge to health care providers with regard to drug metabolism and interactions with HIV medications. HIV prevention should be discussed with all at risk individuals. The HIV epidemic will only worsen if medical practitioners neglect to discuss sexual risk behavior with their older patients.

Despite what is currently the most rapid urbanization on the globe, an alarming growth of impoverished urban slum settlements in Africa, and the highest rates of HIV in the world-with greater prevalence in urban than rural areas-insufficient attention has been paid to the relationship between urban poverty and risky sexual behavior. Although emerging research has focused on how slum residence is linked to risky behavior, there is a paucity of work on how migration to slums is related to risky sex. Using a sample of sexually active women from the 2000 Nairobi Cross-Sectional Slum Survey (NCSS), this paper demonstrates that the relationship between slum residence and risky behavior is a multifaceted one. Beyond the effect of current residence in slums migratory factors, specifically previous place of residence and length of time since arrival, prove to be significant cofactors, with the effect of the former conditioned by the latter. Perhaps more importantly, where migrants moved from appears to influence risky behavior in a non-uniform manner.

Many HIV positive drug users are unaware that they have the virus, either because they never obtained testing for HIV or because they submitted a biological specimen for testing but never returned to obtain the result of the test. Using data collected from a large multi-site sample of out-of-treatment HIV positive drug users (N=1,544), we identify a variety of socio-demographic characteristics and drug use and sexual risk behaviors that differentiate HIV-positive individuals who had obtained HIV testing in the past and those who had not and, among those who had been tested, what differentiates individuals who had returned to obtain their HIV test results and those who had failed to return. Results of the analyses suggest that there is a need to target different subgroups of high risk drug users for interventions to obtain HIV testing as compared with those that need encouragement to obtain the results of this testing.

Many HIV positive drug users are unaware that they have the virus, either because they never obtained testing for HIV or because they submitted a biological specimen for testing but never returned to obtain the result of the test. Using data collected from a large multi-site sample of out-of-treatment HIV positive drug users (N=1,544), we identify a variety of socio-demographic characteristics and drug use and sexual risk behaviors that differentiate HIV-positive individuals who had obtained HIV testing in the past and those who had not and, among those who had been tested, what differentiates individuals who had returned to obtain their HIV test results and those who had failed to return. Results of the analyses suggest that there is a need to target different subgroups of high risk drug users for interventions to obtain HIV testing as compared with those that need encouragement to obtain the results of this testing.

A adolescencia e um breve e marcante periodo de transicao da infância para a vida adulta realizada por uma multiplicidade de mutacoes fisicas, psicologicas e sociais, na qual prevalece a percepcao de que as necessidades imediatas tem prioridade sobre as consequencias de longo prazo, sentimento de invulnerabilidade, realinhamento da dependencia familiar com a busca da autonomia e de aceitacao pelos pares. E na adolescencia que sao estabelecidos padroes basicos de comportamento que se perpetuarao ao longo da vida e o momento na qual ocorre a iniciacao sexual, quase sempre acompanhada pela ausencia de conhecimentos e meios que permitam escolhas seguras, em grande parte associada ao ambiente cultural e socioeconomico em que os adolescentes transitam. No Brasil, as persistentes altas taxas de fecundidade adolescente ao longo das ultimas decadas, ja ha algum tempo constituem-se em um forte fator de impulso dos estudos do comportamento sexual e reprodutivo dos adolescentes, em particular s...

Background: In developing country like India, increased access to anti-retroviral therapy for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) has extended life span and reduced morbidity and mortality and also enabled several of them to resume their sexual activity. Our study aims to know the prevalence and predictors of sexual risk behaviour among heterosexual PLWHA attending HIV clinic at a tertiary care teaching hospital.

Methods: It was a cross-sectional study, conducted among 103 PLWHA [52 women and 51men] attending HIV clinic at a tertiary care teaching hospital, after getting informed written consent.

Results: Among 103 study participants 64 (62%) were alcoholics and majority (65%) of them showed sexual risk behaviour. 55% of males and 69% of females had disclosed the HIV status to their partners. 47% engaged in sexual risk activity with the partners, it was more among males [56.9%]. Significant association was found between sexual risk behaviour and those engaging in multiple sexual partner (p = 0.01), unmarried (p = 0.001) and frequency of condom use among multiple sexual partners (p = 0.03).

Conclusions: The study revealed 62% PLWHA disclosed their HIV status to their partners and prevalence of sexual risk behaviour was found to be 47% and it was more among males.

The inability to control themselves causes adolescents to have low selfregulation and causes engage in risky sexual behavior which can cause serious problems such as sexually transmitted diseases, disability, and death. This study aims to develop a self-regulation model based on the theory of planned behavior to prevent risky sexual behavior in adolescents. Explanatory observation with a cross-sectional approach to 140 adolescents in four high schools/vocational schools selected using a convinience sampling. Data collection used questionnaires, focus group discussion (FGD), and expert discussions. Data analysis using partial least square. The development of a self-regulation model based on the theory of planned behavior toward preventing risky sexual behavior in adolescents has the best path, namely the path from background factors (X1) to subjective norms (X3) to personal regulation (X6) and behavioral self-regulation (Y1). The direct effect shows that intention (X4) has a direct effect on self-regulation (Y1). Intention is an important domain for forming a behavior through attitudes, subjective norms, and behavioral control so that self-regulation will be formed to prevent risky sexual behavior in adolescents. Adolescents should be given the training to improve self-regulation to be able to take action to prevent risky sexual behavior.

for understanding engagement in UAI with ejaculation. Men who engaged in such behaviors with casual partners were more likely to have negative attitudes towards condoms, report difficulty communicating desires for safer sex, disagree with the belief that AIDS is fatal, and be intoxicated during anal intercourse. Men who reported engaging in anal intercourse, but who never shared unprotected ejaculations, were most likely to be unknowingly infected with HIV, suggesting that many men may become infected while following what they believe to be "safer sex practices." In designing effective interventions, public health authorities need to take into account socially embedded risk-negotiating practices.

Background HIV number continues to increase, especially among the minority of Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) due to the high risks of their sexual behavior. This study aims to identify the correlation between sexual violence experiences and pornography media exposure to sexual risk behavior among people with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) MSM. Design and Method The study employed a cross-sectional design with the consecutive sampling technique and involved 258 PLWHA MSM under the guidance of an NGO in Bandung, Jawa Barat, Indonesia. The data were collected by employing an online questionnaire. Result The results show that there is a significant correlation between sexual violence experiences and sexual risk behavior (p-value = 0.000, α = 0.05; OR = 6.496), pornography media exposure and sexual risk behavior (p-value = 0.000, α = 0.05; OR = 4.271). The multivariate analysis of multiple logistics regression results reveals that the sexual violence experience is the factor that mostly influences th...

The benefits of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for treating human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have been well described. The objective of this study was to identify the predictors of two-year survival in persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Benin. This retrospective transversal study included all patients from 46 HIV/AIDS therapy sites across Benin who started ART between July 1 st , 2011 and June 30 th , 2012. The independent variables were patients' sociodemographic, clinical, biological and therapeutic characteristics and their ART regimen. The main dependent variable was the time of death. Data were collected from medical records, using documentary review. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to investigate factors associated with survival. Among the 771 PLWHA participants of the study, 18 (2.3%) died within the two-year period. The estimated mortality of the 771 PLWHA was 3% at 24 months. Among the sociodemographic, lifestyle and therapeutic characteristics studied, the main predictor of two-year mortality was poor adherence [odds ratio = 4.15, 95% confidence interval (1.55-11.28)]. This study confirms that improving the survival of PLWHA receiving ART requires enhanced adherence.

A literatura revela que, embora a população jovem possua suficiente conhecimento sobre métodos contraceptivos, é baixa a frequência de sua utilização. Este estudo investigou características do uso de preservativos e possíveis variáveis controladoras desse comportamento em estudantes com idade entre 13 e 18 anos. Foi utilizado um questionário estruturado, cujos resultados sugerem que: (1) os adolescentes demonstram seguir regras que mantêm o comportamento de não usar o preservativo; (2) os pais ou responsáveis não controlam punitivamente esse comportamento; (3) os serviços de saúde são pouco reforçadores para o esclarecimento de dúvidas sobre sexualidade e para a obtenção de preservativos. São analisadas influências de história individual e de práticas culturais sobre os resultados.

The purpose of this enquiry was to understand how gay men
form and maintain their attitudes toward HIV transmission preventative
behaviors. Autobiographical life histories of sixteen
gay men showed that once they acquired knowledge of preventative
behavior they consistently adhered to that behavior.
They adhered because of fear of HIV infection and because they
held a moral norm that obligated them to behave altruistically
(Schwartz, 1977) to protect not only themselves, but also their
sex partners, loved ones, and their positive self-evaluation. They
saw their HIV negative status, and their adherence, as prerequisite
and enabler for achieving their goals in life. Dick and
Basu’s (1994) Framework for Customer Loyalty, a commercial
marketing communications theoretical framework, explains
development and maintenance of these men’s loyalty (their
consistent adherence). This understanding, within a marketing
communications framework, will inform development of social
marketing communications aiming to increase adherence to
behaviors that prevent HIV transmission.
KEYWORDS
HIV/AIDS; prevention; moral
norm; altruism; adherence;
loyalty; gay

Purpose-We evaluate the efficacy of a short family intervention in reducing sexual risk behavior, drug use, and delinquent behaviors among homeless youth. Methods-A randomized controlled trial of 151 families with a homeless adolescent aged 12 to 17 years. Adolescents were recruited from diverse sites in southern California from March 2006 through June 2009 and assessed at recruitment (baseline), 3, 6, and 12 months later. Families were randomly assigned to an intervention condition with five weekly home-based intervention sessions or a control condition (standard care). Main outcome measures reflect self-reported sexual, substance use and delinquent behaviors over the last 90 days. Results-Sexual risk (e.g., mean number of partners) (p < .001), alcohol use (p = .003), hard drug use (p < .001), and delinquent behaviors (p = .001) decreased significantly more over 12 months in the intervention condition compared to the control condition. Marijuana use, however, significantly increased in the intervention condition compared to the control condition (p < .001). Conclusion-An intervention to re-engage families of homeless youth has significant benefits in reducing risk over 12 months.

Rates of teenage pregnancy and childbearing have been declining in the United States among all racial/ethnic groups, among older and younger teenagers, and in all states. However, the most recent estimates indicate a slowing of the decline in the U.S. teen birth rates, with increases in birth rates in two states and an increase in the total number of births to teens. 7 Moreover, U.S. teen pregnancy rates, birth rates, and rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain among the highest in the industrialized world. 16,19,22 These high rates generate concern for multiple reasons. For example, the vast majority of births to teenage mothers are unintended and occur outside of marriage, 2,8 and teenage mothers and their children have more negative outcomes than do women who delay childbearing. 14 Moreover, the statistics continue to show large disparities, with especially high rates of teen pregnancy, childbearing, and STIs among racial and ethnic minorities. 7 The most obvious ways for teenagers to avoid early and unintended pregnancy, childbearing, and STIs are by delaying sexual initiation or, if teenagers are sexually experienced, by reducing levels of sexual activity and the number of sexual partners, and by improving contraceptive use. Delaying sexual intercourse has been shown to be associated with multiple positive outcomes. Compared with teenagers who have sex at a young age, adolescents who delay their first sexual experience are less likely to regret the timing of their first sexual experience, 15 have fewer sexual partners, 6,20 and are less likely to be involved in coercive sexual relationships. 1 This Research Brief draws on recently released nationally representative data to provide information on teenage sexual activity. (For more detailed information on these data, see the box on page 2.) In this brief, we provide trends through 2002 on multiple indicators of sexual experience and activity for males and females, members of racial and ethnic groups, and for younger and older teenagers. These new analyses indicate declines in sexual experience among many subpopulations. However, we also identify subgroups of teenagers who engage in oral sex and have multiple sexual partners, placing them at a greater risk of unintended pregnancy and childbearing or of contracting a sexually transmitted infection.

Rates of teenage pregnancy and childbearing have been declining in the United States among all racial/ethnic groups, among older and younger teenagers, and in all states. However, the most recent estimates indicate a slowing of the decline in the U.S. teen birth rates, with increases in birth rates in two states and an increase in the total number of births to teens. 7 Moreover, U.S. teen pregnancy rates, birth rates, and rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain among the highest in the industrialized world. 16,19,22 These high rates generate concern for multiple reasons. For example, the vast majority of births to teenage mothers are unintended and occur outside of marriage, 2,8 and teenage mothers and their children have more negative outcomes than do women who delay childbearing. 14 Moreover, the statistics continue to show large disparities, with especially high rates of teen pregnancy, childbearing, and STIs among racial and ethnic minorities. 7 The most obvious ways for teenagers to avoid early and unintended pregnancy, childbearing, and STIs are by delaying sexual initiation or, if teenagers are sexually experienced, by reducing levels of sexual activity and the number of sexual partners, and by improving contraceptive use. Delaying sexual intercourse has been shown to be associated with multiple positive outcomes. Compared with teenagers who have sex at a young age, adolescents who delay their first sexual experience are less likely to regret the timing of their first sexual experience, 15 have fewer sexual partners, 6,20 and are less likely to be involved in coercive sexual relationships. 1 This Research Brief draws on recently released nationally representative data to provide information on teenage sexual activity. (For more detailed information on these data, see the box on page 2.) In this brief, we provide trends through 2002 on multiple indicators of sexual experience and activity for males and females, members of racial and ethnic groups, and for younger and older teenagers. These new analyses indicate declines in sexual experience among many subpopulations. However, we also identify subgroups of teenagers who engage in oral sex and have multiple sexual partners, placing them at a greater risk of unintended pregnancy and childbearing or of contracting a sexually transmitted infection.

Statement of the Problem: Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at disproportionate risk for HIV infection. While many studies have examined psychosocial factors associated with HIV risk among MSM, few have focused specifically on MSM in the military. The purpose of this exploratory study is to examine ways in which specific psychosocial factors are associated with sexual risk behaviors among MSM in the military. Methods: Data were collected from 63 MSM who were active duty military personnel or veterans in the Southeastern US. Participants were recruited from geosocial mobile applications, social media platforms, and military LGBT organizations. Logistic regression was used to investigate the associations between internalized homonegativity, masculinity, sexual sensation seeking, degree of outness, and sexual risk behaviors. Results: The mean age of participants was 38.5 years (SD=13.2). Half of the participants (50.8%) were currently serving on active duty and 49.2% were veterans. Degree of outness (NOS) was negatively correlated with internalized homonegativity (IH) (r =-.70, p<.001) and masculinity (MASC) (r=-.48, p<.001). IH was positively correlated with MASC (r=.38, p<.001). Active duty participants (M=105.1, SD = 30.6) had significantly higher MASC scores than veterans (M=88.3, SD = 20.0), t (61) = 2.6, p<.05. Men who were in a long-term relationship with a man/married to a man had significantly different scale scores for MASC (M = 87.1, SD = 23.4), IH (M = 37.0, SD = 11.6) and NOS (M = 6.8, SD = 2.1) when compared to men who were in a long-term relationship with a woman/married to a woman (MASC:

Se presentan los resultados de un estudio que tuvo como objetivo principal evaluar la capacidad de predicción de eventos disposicionales (conocimientos, creencias, circunstancias sociales y motivos) sobre la práctica de cuatro conductas de riesgo para la infección por VIH en una muestra de estudiantes universitarios. De tales eventos, únicamente los motivos evidenciaron su poder de predicción sobre todas las conductas de riesgo. Se analizan los resultados en función de la importancia que reviste la incorporación de variables de tipo motivacional en el diseño y puesta en marcha de programas de prevención del SIDA dirigidos a ese sector de la población. Palabras clave: Eventos disposicionales; conductas de riesgo; Infección por VIH; programas de prevención; SI-DA.