Behavior Survey Research Articles

Touristic Learning Behaviors and Outcomes in Theme Parks: The Role of Activity and Affectional Contexts

ABSTRACTExisting studies have highlighted the significance of touristic learning; however, few have explored the effectiveness of different learning contexts. This study employs a combination of spatial–temporal behavior analysis and survey research to investigate how activity context (static vs. interactive) and affectional context (positive vs. negative) influence visitors' spatial–temporal behaviors and learning outcomes in zoological theme parks. The results indicated that interactive contexts are more effective than static contexts in extending visitors' duration of stay, increasing the diversity of venues explored, and enhancing both emotion and learning outcomes of visitors. The moderating effect of affectional context is significant, with the positive context notably enhancing emotion and learning outcomes of visitors associated with the interactive context. Additionally, visitors' emotion played a mediating role in the relationship between activity contexts and learning outcomes. These empirical findings offer valuable practical implications for the design of educational experiences within theme parks.

Associations Between a Social Determinant of Health Summary Measure and Self‐Reported Physical and Mental Health Among Cancer Survivors

ABSTRACTObjectiveWe sought to examine the associations between a social needs measure and physical, and mental health among cancer survivors in the United States.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional analysis using the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey involving 16,930 eligible cancer survivors. The primary outcomes of interest were self‐reported physical and mental health in the past 30 days. A social needs measure was our primary exposure of interest. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the associations of interest.ResultsOverall, 56% and 73% survivors with several days of poor physical and mental health, respectively, reported having two or more social needs. In multivariate analysis, those having at least one social need were more likely to report several days of poor physical (one need: OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.31–2.00, two or more needs: OR, 3.52; 95% CI, 2.84–4.35) and mental health (one need: OR, 3.07; 95% CI, 2.07–4.57, two or more needs: OR, 9.69; 95% CI, 6.83–13.74). Among survivors with two or more social needs, having exercised in the past 30 days were 41% and 59% less likely to experience poor physical and mental health, respectively (p‐value < 0.05). However, having at least one chronic disease was associated with several days of poor physical/mental health among those with two or more needs (p‐value < 0.05).ConclusionHaving social needs was associated with self‐reporting of several days of poor physical and mental health among cancer survivors. Integrated care should include mental/physical health management addressing cancer survivors' various social needs.

Promoting molecular diagnostic equity: assessing in-house real-time PCR for Neisseria gonorrhoeae in anal samples from MSM recruited in an outpatient setting in Morocco.

Gonorrhea is a prevalent sexually transmitted infection among men who have sex with men (MSM). In Morocco, the basic laboratory diagnosis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) is based on microscopy and, in some settings, on culture. However, no nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) has been implemented for routine diagnosis of gonorrhoeae.The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of an in-house real-time PCR test for detecting N. gonorrhoeae DNA in anal swabs samples collected during an Integrated Behavioral and Biological survey. Samples from 245 MSM, recruited using a Respondent Driven Sampling, were collected and tested for NG infection using GeneXpert CT/NG assay (Cepheid, USA). An In-House real-time PCR technique targeting the pseudo gene porA was developed and used for a parallel investigation of the same infection. The reliability of the in-house RT-PCR was validated through tests of reproducibility, repeatability, limit of detection, and cross-reactivity with other bacteria. The intrinsic performance characteristics of the qRT-PCR were assessed, namely, the sensitivity, the specificity, the positive predictive value (PPV), and the negative predictive value (NPV). The GeneXpert CT/NG assay was adopted as a reference method. For N. gonorrhoeae detection, the in-house real-time PCR assay showed a sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 100%, respectively. The PPV of the assay was 100% and the NPV was 97.3%. The in-house real-time PCR assay has high specificity and sensitivity, and it emerges as a promising approach for detecting N. gonorrhoeae in clinical specimens, particularly in decentralized settings such as regional laboratories.

Association Between Sports Team Participation and Sunburn Among U.S. High School Students, National Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2021

Association Between Sports Team Participation and Sunburn Among U.S. High School Students, National Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2021

청소년의 식생활라이프스타일에 따른 외식행동 및 배달·테이크아웃 이용실태 : 2020년 식품소비행태조사 자료 이용

청소년의 식생활라이프스타일에 따른 외식행동 및 배달·테이크아웃 이용실태 : 2020년 식품소비행태조사 자료 이용

Predation risk for hoary marmots in Washington’s North Cascades Mountains

Abstract Declines in populations of small mammals associated with high elevations, e.g., marmots (Marmota spp.) and pikas (Ochotona spp.), have been attributed to both direct and indirect effects of environmental changes caused by humans. For example, populations of Olympic marmots (M. olympus) and Vancouver Island marmots (M. vancouverensis) have declined in response to increased predator access to high-elevation marmot habitats. In the North Cascades National Park Service Complex (NOCA), observed mean abundance of hoary marmots (M. caligata) declined by 74% from 2007 to 2016. Although these declines have been linked to harsh winter conditions, the role of predation and its association with decreasing snowpack has yet to be explored in this system. We noninvasively examined these predator–prey dynamics by coupling behavioral surveys of hoary marmots with indices of predation risk. We conducted 145 vigilance samples and 39 flight initiation distance trials to measure Hoary Marmot antipredator behavior. We derived a risk index for each predator by weighting its probability of use estimates (the probability of a predator–prey encounter) with its observed proportion of Hoary Marmot predation (probability of prey death given an encounter). We used genetic metabarcoding of vertebrate DNA from 413 predator scat samples to quantify predation on hoary marmots. We surveyed 9,930 trap-nights using 130 remote cameras to model predator probability of use near Hoary Marmot colonies. From camera traps and scat DNA, we detected 10 predator species in the study area, and we detected hoary marmots in the scats of 5 of these species. The proportion of observed Hoary Marmot predation was highest for coyotes (Canis latrans) at 50%. To our knowledge, we also report the first record of hoary marmots being consumed by Pacific martens (Martes caurina), which were also significant predators (proportion of observed predation = 32%). We expected predators with low-elevation habits to use sites with lesser snow persistence; this prediction was supported for coyotes but not for other typically low-elevation predators. We found estimated risk experienced by hoary marmots was highest from Pacific martens and lowest from Canada Lynx (Lynx canadensis). Contrary to our predictions and despite hoary marmots allocating >50% of their time to vigilance, neither estimates of predator risk nor human presence explained variation in marmot antipredator behavior. Based on the results from both our dietary and probability of use analyses, we expect coyotes to have an increasing effect on NOCA’s Hoary Marmot population as the climate warms and Coyote range continues to expand. Thus, our work highlights the need to better understand the effect of climate-driven shifts in predator–prey ecology in high-elevation systems.

Associations of demographic, health, and risk-taking behaviors with tattooing in a population-based cross-sectional study of ~18,000 US adults.

Little is known about current characteristics of individuals with tattoos. We quantified the prevalence of tattooing and associations of demographic, health, and risk-behavior factors with tattooing. We computed adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) of tattooing in a population-based analysis of > 18,000 Utah adults from the 2020-2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey. The prevalence of tattooing was 26% among women and 22% among men, with the highest prevalence among women ages 25-29 (45%). Tattoo prevalence was higher among younger individuals, individuals with a lower education level, and those without religious affiliation. Tattoo prevalence was higher among indviduals with current tobacco (women: PR = 2.89 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.60, 3.20]; men: 3.39 [2.98, 3.86]), e-cigarette (women: 2.44 [2.21, 2.69]; men: 2.64 [2.37, 2.94]), and heavy alcohol use (women: 2.16 [1.93, 2.43]; men: 1.89 [1.63, 2.19]). Tattoo prevalence was lower among individuals receiving a flu (women: 0.84 [0.76, 0.92]; men: 0.75 [0.67, 0.84]) or COVID-19 vaccine (women: 0.65 [0.54, 0.79]; men: 0.75 [0.61, 0.92]). Several risk-taking behaviors were associated with tattooing. Tattoo studios/conventions may present opportunities for partnership with tobacco cessation, alcohol reduction, and vaccination public health initiatives.

Sex differences among U.S. high school students in the associations of screen time, cyberbullying, and suicidality: A mediation analysis of cyberbullying victimization using the Youth Risk Behavioural Surveillance Survey 2021

AbstractThe objective of the study is to explore the associations of screen time, cyberbullying victimization, and suicidality during the COVID‐19 pandemic in female and male high school schools, especially the sex differences in the mediation effect of cyberbullying on the relation between screen time and suicidality. This study analysed the direct paths and mediation effects between variables among the 13,982 participants (female: 49%; male: 51%; age 15–17: 74%) in the Youth Risk Behaviour Survey 2021 (YRBS) using the Structural Equation Model and the Monte Carlo methods in Stata. Multiple‐group analysis was conducted to compare sex differences in the mediation effects. Elevated screen time increased the likelihood of suicide ideation (male: OR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.26–1.79; female: OR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.28–1.70), suicide plan (male: OR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.29–1.89; female: OR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.24–1.69), suicide attempts (female: OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.02–1.48). Cyberbully victims had higher odds of suicide ideation (female: OR: 3.69, 95% CI: 3.25–4.17; male: OR: 4.50; 95% CI: 3.80–5.34), suicide plan (female: OR: 3.74; 95% CI: 3.28–4.25; male: OR: 5.03; 95% CI: 4.22–6.01), and suicide attempt (female: OR: 4.24; 95% CI: 3.66–4.92; male: OR: 4.70; 95% CI: 3.81–5.79). Sex differences were revealed in the mediation effects on suicide ideations (χ2(2) = 8.72, p < .05), suicide attempts (χ2(2) = 8.80, p < .05), and suicide overall (χ2(2) = 6.42, p < .05), where the effects were stronger in female students than in males. Screen time and cyberbullying victimization were directly associated with suicide‐related behaviours in adolescents. Cyberbullying victimization in females had stronger mediation effects than in males. These findings emphasized the importance of understanding the new hybrid psychosocial dynamics and creating a healthy hybrid psychosocial environment, especially for female adolescents.

Naturalistic driving analysis of situational, behavioral, and psychosocial determinants of speeding

The present analysis used full-trip naturalistic driving data along with driver behavioral and psychosocial surveys to understand the individual and contextual predictors of speeding. The data were collected over a three-week period from 44 drivers and contain 3,798 full trips, with drivers speeding 7.8 % of the time. Speeding events were identified as periods when participants traveled at a velocity greater than five mph over the speed limit for at least five seconds. Data were analyzed using the Comprehensive Driver Profile (CDP) framework which uses principal component analysis (dimensionality reduction), random forest (predictive modeling), k-means clustering (grouping and profiling), and bootstrapping (profile stability) to decompose the predictive variables and driver characteristics. The final dataset included 188 candidate independent variables from the CDP framework and one dependent variable (speeding). Nine variables emerged as significant predictors of speeding onset with an AUC of 0.88, including the percent of trip time spent idling and speeding, highway driving in low traffic conditions, and positive attitudes toward phone use. Percent of trip speeding was associated with a higher likelihood of speeding by up to 42 percent, and percent trip idling was associated with it by up to 30 percent. Driver profile clusters revealed four types: Traffic & Idling Speeders, Infrequent Speeders, Frequent Speeders, and Situational Speeders. The present analysis demonstrates the importance of situational factors and individual differences in motivating speeding behavior. Countermeasures targeting speeding may be more effective if they address the root causes of the behavior in addition to the behavior itself.

Assessment of targeted intervention programme under the National AIDS Control Program among men who have sex with men in India.

The population of men who have sex with men (MSM) in India is vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. India instituted a targeted intervention (TI) programme to reduce this vulnerability. We aimed to measure the assessment of the TI programme for MSM. The national Integrated Biological and Behavioural Survey (IBBS) was carried out in 2014-2015. We analysed MSM data from the IBBS and used bivariate and multivariate logistic regression to calculate the unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. The use of a condom during their last sexual intercourse and consistent condom use during the previous month were considered indicators of programme effectiveness. The propensity score matching method was used to assess the effectiveness of the TI programme. The matched-samples estimate (i.e., average treatment effect on treated) for the use of condoms during their last sexual intercourse increased by 10.0% (0.10; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.08-0.12), and consistent condom use during the previous month increased by 9.0% (0.09; 95% CI 0.07-0.10) among those who had received condoms from the peer educator/outreach worker compared with those who had not received condoms. The TI programme intervention among MSM was effective in reducing HIV risk behaviours, as evidenced by an increase in the use of condoms during their last sexual intercourse and consistent condom use during the last month.

Sex Differences in the Associations of mental Health, Suicidality, Screentime, and Sleep: A Mediation Effect Analysis of Sleep Using Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance Survey 2021.

Objective: This study was conducted to explore the sex differences in the direct and indirect associations among mental health/suicidality, sleep, and screen time. Methods: Using the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) data, 9408 participants were included in the analyses. The associations of endogenous variables (mental health and suicidality), exogenous variable (screen time), mediator (sleep), and covariates (demographic features and risky behaviors) were analyzed using the Structural Equation Model and "medsem" package, as well as logistic regression and bootstrapping methods. To explore the sex differences in the mediation effect, the Likelihood Ratio Test was used for the multiple-group analysis to compare the unconstrained model with the mediation path-constrained model. Results: Screen time had a significant negative association with sleep duration (female: β = -.09, p < .001; male: β = -.04, p < .001), positive relations to mental health problems (female: β = .10, p < .001; male: β = .12; p < .001), and suicidality (female: OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02-1.13; male: OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01-1.23). Sleep duration is negatively associated with mental health problems (female: β = -.16, p < .001; male: β = -.14; p < .001) and negatively associated with the likelihood of suicidality (female: .89, 95% CI: .85-.94; male: OR: .84, 95% CI: .79-.90). Furthermore, female adolescents had higher frequencies in mental health problems, higher odds ratio in suicidality, shorter sleep duration, and bigger mediation effects of sleep, compared to their male counterparts. Conclusion: Mental health and suicidality were affected differently by screen time and sleep between female and male adolescents. Future research may continue to explore sex differences and their underlying reasons.

Determinants of undervaccination of routine childhood immunization in Argentina: A cross-sectional study

Routine childhood immunization is one of the most effective methods of preventing infectious diseases in children. In Argentina, there has been a decline in routine immunization coverage since 2015, with very little evidence to date on underlying drivers of this steady decline. We administered an online nationwide behavioral insights survey in Argentina between July 1–25, 2022, targeting parents with at least one child under the age of 12 years. Our survey included 1504 parents, 7% (n = 111) of whom did not or only partially vaccinated their children. We found that, compared to the youngest parents (aged 18–24), older parents were less likely to under-vaccinate their children (e.g., 30–34 year-old parents: adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 0.31, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.16–0.57). Parents who undervaccinated their children were more likely to take vaccination advice from parent and wellness social media influencers (parent influencers: aOR 2.51, 95% CI 1.46–4.31), and were less likely to trust the social media accounts of official health organizations (aOR 0.82, 95% CI 0.70–0.96). Furthermore, these parents had heightened concerns about routine immunizations, including the number of vaccines given to children and potential for adverse side effects. When asked whether they knew enough to make a vaccine decision for their children, parents who undervaccinated their children were more likely to report that they did not know enough about vaccines or the vaccination schedule to make a decision. These results offer important insights into parental concerns surrounding routine childhood immunization and suggest potential drivers of - and solutions to - the decline in routine immunization seen in Argentina since 2015.

Risk and Protective Factors for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Marijuana, and Both Substances in a Population-Based Sample of High School Students

Using results from the 2017 Nevada Youth Risk Behavior Survey, this research aims to understand factors associated with driving under the influence of alcohol (DUIA), marijuana (DUIM), and both alcohol and marijuana (DUIB) among students who reported they drove and used alcohol and/or marijuana recently. DUIM was the most prevalent behavior (16.4%), followed by DUIB (9.3%) and DUIA (4.9%). Weighted multinomial logistic regression analysis showed more risk and protective factors were associated with DUIB than DUIM and DUIA. To decrease motor vehicle crashes among adolescents, interventions should address modifiable factors for driving under the influence of both alcohol and marijuana.

Population-level effects of Hurricane Sandy on adolescent health

BackgroundDisasters are increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change. Youth are the largest and most vulnerable group exposed to disasters. More evidence is needed regarding how youth mental health and health behaviors vary based on disaster exposure, how mental health influences health behaviors, and how diverse groups of youth may be differentially affected. MethodsUsing data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey and Federal Emergency Management Agency, we examined the impact of Hurricane Sandy (2012) on mental health (sadness, suicidality) and health behaviors (substance use, physical activity, screen time, sexual behaviors) of 240,365 youth. Difference-in-differences regression analyses evaluated pre-disaster (2005–2011) and post-disaster (2013–2019) changes. ResultsThere were 83,442 (34.7 %) adolescents (51.2 % female, 18.1 % non-Hispanic White) located in 6 districts exposed to Hurricane Sandy and 156,923 (65.3 %) adolescents located in 13 non-exposed districts. Exposure was associated with differences in substance use, physical (in)activity, and risky sexual behaviors, but not mental health outcomes. Mental health did not moderate the association between disaster exposure and health behaviors. Hispanic adolescents and those identifying as Other races/ethnicities were most vulnerable to post-disaster negative health outcomes. LimitationsStudy limitations include questionnaire design, cross-sectional data, sampling, and possible response biases. ConclusionsFindings provide critical information about youth mental health and health behaviors following disasters, as well as how youth may differ in their responses. Findings provide guidance for early identification and resource allocation for youth at higher risk for post-disaster health issues.

Do e-cigarette retail licensure laws reduce youth tobacco use?

E-cigarette licensure laws (ELLs) require retailers to obtain a state license to sell e-cigarettes over the counter. This study is the first to comprehensively explore the effect of ELL adoption on youth tobacco product use. Using data from the State Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) and a difference-in-differences approach, we find no evidence that ELL adoption reduces youth ENDS use. The precision of our estimates allows us to rule out, with 95 % confidence, ELL-induced declines in prior-month, frequent, and everyday youth ENDS use of more than 0.7, 0.3, and 0.4 percentage points, respectively. The pattern of null findings persists when we examine ELLs that impose higher penalties for retailer non-compliance, higher renewable licensure fees, and criminal in addition to civil penalties. We conclude that ELLs have only limited success in curbing access to ENDS among youths.

Influenza Vaccination in Adults in the United States with COPD before and after the COVID-19 Pandemic (2017-2022): A Multi-Year Cross-Sectional Study.

There is limited literature regarding seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) among those with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HCOPD) prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, and no information on the topic assessing the years following the pandemic. This cross-sectional study used the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS) data from the years 2017 to 2022 (n = 822,783 adults ages 50-79 years; 50.64% males). The exposure was a HCOPD, and the outcome was SIV within the past year. Weighted and adjusted logistic regression models were conducted overall and by the significant effect modifiers: smoking status, sex, and year. Having an HCOPD significantly increases the weighted adjusted odds (WAO) of SIV when compared to not having an HCOPD overall and by smoking status, sex, and year. For 2017 through 2022, among all current, former, and never smokers with an HCOPD, the WAO of SIV were: 1.36 (1.28, 1.45), 1.35 (1.27, 1.43), and 1.18 (1.09, 1.27), respectively. Among males with an HCOPD who were current, former, and never smokers, the WAO of SIV were: 1.35 (1.23, 1.48), 1.45 (1.33, 1.58), and 1.23 (1.05, 1.44), respectively. Among females with an HCOPD who were current, former, and never smokers, the WAO of SIV were: 1.31 (1.20, 1.43), 1.24 (1.15, 1.35), and 1.13 (1.04, 1.23), respectively. Study findings suggest males had significantly greater WAO ratios of receiving SIV than females in 2020 and 2022, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. More specifically, males with an HCOPD who were former smokers had significantly greater WAOR of receiving SIV than females in 2020 and 2022. Understanding the potential barriers to SIV receipt by smoking status and sex, especially during a pandemic, and especially for individuals impacted by an HCOPD, is essential for better health interventions in times of a national crisis such as a pandemic. Additionally, SIV receipt is low among those with an HCOPD, and efforts should be made to improve this.

Pathways of exposure to Vibrio Cholerae in an urban informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya.

Cholera is a diarrhoeal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae (V. cholerae) bacterium, with strains belonging to serogroups 01 and 0139 causing a huge proportion of the disease. V. cholerae can contaminate drinking water sources and food through poor sanitation and hygiene. This study aimed to identify environmental routes of exposure to V. cholerae within Mukuru informal settlement in Nairobi. We collected nine types of environmental samples (drinking water, flood water, open drains, surface water, shaved ice, raw produce, street food, soil, and public latrine swabs) over 12 months. All samples were analysed for V. cholerae by culture and qPCR, then qPCR-positive samples were quantified using a V. cholerae DNA standard. Data about the frequency of contact with the environment was collected using behavioural surveys. Of the 803 samples collected, 28.5% were positive for V. cholerae by qPCR. However, none were positive for V. cholerae by culture. V. cholerae genes were detected in majority of the environmental water samples (79.3%), including open drains, flood water, and surface water, but were only detected in small proportions of other sample types. Vibrio-positive environmental water samples had higher mean V. cholerae concentrations [2490-3469 genome copies (gc) per millilitre (mL)] compared to drinking water samples (25.6 gc/mL). Combined with the behavioural data, exposure assessment showed that contact with surface water had the highest contribution to the total V. cholerae exposure among children while ingestion of municipal drinking water and street food and contact with surface water made substantial contributions to the total V. cholerae exposure for adults. Detection of V. cholerae in street food and drinking water indicates possible risk of exposure to toxigenic V. cholerae in this community. Exposure to V. cholerae through multiple pathways highlights the need to improve water and sanitation infrastructure, strengthen food hygiene practices, and roll out cholera vaccination.

Association between secondhand smoke exposure and anxiety among adolescents: A nationwide cross-sectional study.

Adolescents are especially susceptible to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke exposure. Mental health issues may be one of these negative consequences. This study aimed to explore the association between secondhand smoke exposure and anxiety among Korean adolescents. This study used the nationwide representative cross-sectional data obtained from the 4-year (2020-2023) Korea Youth Risk Behavior Survey. In total, 214514 individuals aged 12-18 years were included in this study (109910 males and 104604 females). Secondhand smoke exposure was assessed based on responses to questions concerning the days they were exposed (at home and in public places), while anxiety levels were measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 scale. Multivariable logistic regression analysis divided by sex was performed to explore the association (p=0.0173 for interaction by secondhand smoke exposure and sex), and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Among the study population, 8.8% of the male and 15.6% of the female participants had anxiety. After adjusting for covariates, adolescents with secondhand smoke exposure had a higher likelihood of reporting anxiety than those without the exposure (male, OR=1.23; 95% CI: 1.16-1.29; female, OR=1.27; 95% CI: 1.21-1.33). In additional stratified analyses, this association was more prominent among those who were never smokers, were exposed for more days, and had severe levels of anxiety. This study found that secondhand smoke exposure was associated with anxiety in adolescents; hence, proper political interventions to reduce secondhand smoke exposure may be required.

Assocations between fruit intake frequency, sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, and dietary habits in Korean adolescents: Based on the 17th(2021) Korean Youth Risk Behavior Survey

Assocations between fruit intake frequency, sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, and dietary habits in Korean adolescents: Based on the 17th(2021) Korean Youth Risk Behavior Survey

Risky Weapon Carrying Behaviors, Youth Violence, and Substance Use Among Young Black Males in Chicago: A Cross-sectional Analysis.

. The study evaluates the prevalence of risky weapon-carrying behaviors (WCB) among YBM in Chicago and examines their associations with various forms of direct and vicarious violence-youth violence, community violence, and partner abuse-as well as substance use and substance-related aggression. . We performed Pearson Chi-square tests and multivariable negative binomial regression analysis on cross-sectional data from 266 violence-involved young Black males (YBM) in Chicago. This data was collected using a modified version of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Our dependent variable, weapon-carrying behavior, was measured by the frequency of weapon carrying, including items such as guns, knives, and clubs, over the past year. . In a sample of 266 YBM (ages 15-24, 99% African American), the mean age was 18.32 ±3.10 years, and 42.7% had some high school education. The 30-day weapon-carrying incidence was 17.3%, with 19.1% threatening someone with a weapon ≥ 2-3 times in the past year. About one-third engaged in partner violence (30.4%), primarily psychological (36.7%) and physical (28.3%) abuse. Approximately 64.8% experienced some form of violence or aggression in the past year, and 76.4% witnessed community violence. Over 20.8% reported binge drinking, and 43.6% engaged in illicit drug use, with 37.2% participating in or initiating violent acts following alcohol or drug consumption. Negative binomial regression results revealed that exposure to direct and vicarious violence, along with substance use, significantly increased the likelihood of carrying weapons. Specific risk factors such as recent threats or injuries, witnessing violence, involvement in physical altercations, and substance-related aggression significantly predict WCB. Age and relationship dynamics also critically influence these behaviors. Additionally, for each year of age, the risk for WCB increased by 22%. This study identified significant associations between different types of violence, substance use, and risky WCB among YBM in Chicago. The results underscore the need for comprehensive, culturally sensitive, multifaceted interventions addressing both individual and psychosocial factors behind risky WCB. These interventions are crucial for reducing gun violence and improving urban community safety, offering vital data to inform policies and interventions for youth protection in similar environments.