Differences In Behavior Change Research Articles

Changes in the number of macrophages, T-lymphocytes, activity of antioxidant enzymes in the brain, behavior and structure of the central nervous system neurons in adult and aging mice of different strains with the MPTP-induced model of parkinsonism

Background. Oxidative stress and immune cell (T-lymphocytes, macrophages) products are important for the development of morpho-functional disorders of the nervous system in Parkinson’s disease. Connection of Parkinson’s disease with age and functioning of the major histocompatibility complex genes are also shown. The purpose was to assess changes in the brain of T-lymphocytes, macrophages, malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, the structure of brain and spinal cord neurons, as well as behavior in adult and aging mice with different H-2 haplotypes and toxic model of parkinsonism. Materials and methods. Adult and aging female mice of FVB/N (genotype H-2q) and 129/Sv (genotype H-2b) strains were once injected with the neurotoxin 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) at the dose of 30 mg/kg. Contents of CD3+, CD3–CD11b+, CD3+CD11b+ cells, MDA and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the brain were evaluated. The structure of neurons of the substantia nigra, lumbar spine, behavior in the open field test, as well as in rigidity and rotarod performance tests were studied. Results. In adult mice of both strains, motor and non-motor (spatial-exploratory, emotional) activity is impaired under the influence of MPTP. At the same time, linear differences in behavior changes were revealed in their directions and expressiveness. In aging FVB/N experimental mice, motor behavior disorders prevailed and were combined with non-motor changes in 129/Sv mice. Violations in the structure of substantia nigra neurons after MPTP administration were more severe in FVB/N mice while those in the lumbar spinal cord neurons were more pronounced in the 129/Sv mice. In aging experimental mice of both strains, the percentage of damaged neurons in the brain and spinal cord was significantly lower than in adult animals. After MPTP administration to adult mice, the direction of changes in the brain T-lymphocytes and macrophages (increase or decrease) depended on their strains. In aging experimental mice, the linear heterogeneity of changes was preserved for the T-lymphocyte content, while the macrophage level was increased regardless of the animal strains. Under MPTP influence, the MDA content increased in the brain of mice of all experimental groups. The direction of changes in superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities (decrease or increase) depended on the strains of animals and their age. Conclusions. MPTP-induced changes (directions, expressiveness) in T-lymphocyte, macrophage contents, antioxidant enzymes activity, the structure of neurons of the substantia nigra and lumbar spine, as well as behavioral reactions largely depended on the adult mice H-2 haplotype. There were age-related effects of the neurotoxin on changes in the studied indicators in mice of different strains. At the same time, dependence of changes in most above indicators on the H-2 haplotype preserved.

Preventive health care information and social media: a comparison of Baby Boomer and Generation X health care consumers

PurposeAs consumer health-care spending increases, so does the need for effective communication of preventive health-care information (PHCI) with the potential to prompt lifestyle changes. Through proactive, effective dissemination of PHCI, health-care service providers can minimize and prevent costly health conditions while improving the efficiency of a traditionally reactive health-care system. Taking into account the considerable time consumers spend on social media and networks (SM&N) and hefty health-care spending among Baby Boomer and Generation X consumers, this study aims to address critical questions concerning the importance of SM&N for gathering PHCI, SM&N preferences for gathering PHCI and the types of behavioral changes consumers have pursued in response to PHCI.Design/methodology/approachDesigned as a generational cohort analysis, this study is based on the responses of 936 Baby Boomer and Generation X respondents to a questionnaire containing 200 items related to PHCI and social/digital media as a vehicle for acquiring both general and preventive health information. Crosstab analysis was used to examine differences in the characteristics of the generational cohorts. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess differences in the degree of importance Baby Boomer and Generation X health consumers assign to 28 SM&N sites as delivery systems of PHCI. The researchers used ANOVA to determine generational differences in behavioral changes associated with a healthier lifestyle as a result of exposure to PHCI.FindingsThere are significant differences in the characteristics of Baby Boomer and Generation X cohorts. Generation X health-care consumers assign greater importance to SM&N sites as PHCI delivery systems. Additionally, Generation X health-care consumers report greater behavioral change resulting from exposure to PHCI.Research limitations/implicationsNew information is provided concerning health-care consumer perceptions of SM&N as a source of PHCI and the behavioral changes consumers pursue as a result of PHCI exposure.Practical implicationsThis paper measures the effectiveness of interactive health-care marketing activities, explaining the role of SM&N as an effective source of PHCI and providing marketers with insights useful for PHCI content management and dissemination.Social implicationsEffective dissemination of PHCI via SM&N may help prevent illness among Baby Boomer and Generation X consumers and, accordingly, improve quality of life while easing the increasing pressure on the US health-care system.Originality/valueStudy results evidence the value of SM&N sites to health service providers as they endeavor to improve and extend consumer lives through dissemination of PHCI. Ideas and insights within this paper will inform and enhance social media marketing management practices within pharmaceutical and health-care organizations.

Effect of Dissemination of Resources and Information Method for Overnutrition Prevention Behavior on Primary School Children in Makassar

The prevalence of overnutrition among primary school aged children, which ranges from the risk of obesityglobally including Indonesia, is currently increasing. This study aimed to assess the difference in behaviorchange in physical activity and habit of soft drinks consumptions before and after the intervention withthe dissemination method of resources and information. The research was conducted at primary schools inMakassar City. This research used a Quasy Experiment approach with a pretest and post-test examinationthrough control group design. The study was conducted for 3 months by providing health information relatedto overnutrition and obesity while monthlyvisit or monitoring of children was carried out using a 24 hourfood recall. The sampling technique was carried out by means of proportional random sampling. Data wereanalyzed by univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis. The results showed that there was an effect ofdissemination of resources and information on physical activity (p = 0.000) and soft drink consumptionhabits (p = 0.000) before and after the intervention. The conclusion is that the application of the method ofdissemination of resources and information is effective in changing the behavior of preventing overnutritionin primary school children. It is expected that efforts in schools such as the method of dissemination ofresources and information with peer education will become a reference in efforts to prevent more nutritionin improving students’ healthy eating patterns through dissemination of resources and information.

Results from Project GOLD: A pilot randomized controlled trial of a psychoeducational HIV/STI prevention intervention for black youth

ABSTRACT Black youth face significant disparities in HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI) disease burden. Mental illness and emotion regulation are ontributors to HIV/STI risk, yet many HIV/STI prevention interventions do not address these factors. Project GOLD was a pilot randomized controlled trial of a psychoeducational HIV/STI prevention intervention designed to address the role of mental illness and emotion regulation in HIV/STI risk among heterosexually active Black youth aged 14–17 (N = 108). Participants were recruited from outpatient mental health treatment programs and general community settings via community partner referrals, face-to-face encounters, flyers and social media. Assessments were conducted pretest, immediate posttest, and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up. Although there were no statistically significant differences in behavior change from baseline, there were practically significant effect sizes among HIV condition participants when compared to the general health condition (e.g., fewer sexual partners at 6 months). An increase in theoretical mediators (e.g., condom use negotiation beliefs) was sustained at 12 months. HIV condition participants also reported lower depressive symptom severity, with statistical significance noted at immediate post and at 3 months. The findings highlight the importance and challenges of engaging Black youth in culturally and contextually relevant, developmentally and psychologically appropriate HIV/STI prevention interventions.

Pengaruh Pendampingan Dan Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Terhadap Penerapan Protokol Kesehatan Dan Menyikat Gigi Malam Hari Pada Masa Pandemi (Sistem Monitoring Melalui Daring)

Community empowerment is an effort to provide power (empowerment) or strengthening (strengthening) to the community. Community empowerment is defined as the ability of individuals in the community forum to build community empowerment which aims to find new alternatives in community development. During a pandemic, family participation as a promotive, preventive and preventive approach is needed through the role of one family member to become mentoring whom a role model for the family to break the chain of Covit-19 disease. The research objective was to determine the effectiveness of the development of counseling through community empowerment with the approach of establishing Kader Mandiri Keluarga (KMK) as "Self-Screening Supervisor to Healthy and Night Toothbrushes".The analytical method used is descriptive quantitative, with a sample of 20 mother as a supervisor that representing 20 families. The implementation stages begin with socialization and counseling on the application of a lifestyle as a link breaker in the Covid-19 disease chain. Then every week for a month, questionnaires were distributed about the behavior of implementing health protocols and the behavior of brushing teeth before going to bed at night using a google form which was monitored every week via the WhatsApp group.The differences in behavior changes in control of healthy teeth maintenance from week 1, 2, 3 and week 4 were analyzed using the statistical test used, namely the Friedmen test. The results of the activity showed that there was a significant change in behavior in relation to brushing your teeth for 2 minutes and brushing your teeth before going to bed from week 1, 2, 3 to week 4 (p: 0.05). The role of mentoring activities as an effort to empower the community plays a role in improving and changing general health and dental behavior. The obstacle faced by the facilitator is that it is still difficult to change the mindset of the community in order to be more independent and not depend on the assistant.. Keywords : Mentoring, KMK, supervisors, behavior change

Impact of counseling and reinforcement by school teachers on behavior change in children: A one -year follow-up study.

INTRODUCTION:School teachers play an important role in instilling positive behavior changes among school children. School children at an early age group of 2–7 years face challenges and need extra support. Utilization of psychological interventions via school teachers for oral health promotion is minimal. The present study was done to determine the impact of counseling and reinforcement by school teachers on children for a follow-up period of 1 year.MATERIALS AND METHODS:A quantitative research on 58 randomly selected children for a follow-up of one year was conducted to determine the prevalence of preoperational characteristics in school children. The tools to determine characters in preoperational children consisted of classical cognitive experiments followed by behavior counseling intervention. The interventional group received reinforcement with school teachers for a follow-up of one year.RESULTS:The assessment of the three characteristics revealed a prevalence of ego centralism, centration, and lack of conservation and reversibility in 84.4%, 89.6%, and 89.6% children, respectively. A significant difference in behavior change was seen in children who received behavior counseling and reinforcement.CONCLUSION:The present study concluded that Piaget's characteristics were consistent for a follow-up period of one year.

Sickness behavior is not all about the immune response: Possible roles of expectations and prediction errors in the worry of being sick

BackgroundPeople react very differently when sick, and there are only poor correlations between the intensity of the immune response and sickness behavior. Yet, alternative predictors of the individual differences in sickness are under-investigated. Based on the predictive coding model of placebo responses, where health outcomes are function of bottom-up sensory information and top-down expectancies, we hypothesized that individual differences in behavioral changes during sickness could be explained by individual top-down expectancies and prediction errors. MethodsTwenty-two healthy participants were made sick by intravenously administering lipopolysaccharide (2 ng/kg body weight). Their expectations of becoming sick were assessed before the injection. ResultsParticipants having lower expectations of becoming sick before the injection reacted with more emotional distress (i.e., more negative affect and lower emotional arousal) than those with high expectations of becoming sick, despite having similar overall sickness behavior (i.e., a combined factor including fatigue, pain, nausea and social withdrawal). In keeping with a predictive coding model, the “prediction error signal”, i.e., the discrepancy between the immune signal and sickness expectancy, predicted emotional distress (reduction in emotional arousal in particular). ConclusionThe current findings suggest that the emotional component of sickness behavior is, at least partly, shaped by top-down expectations. Helping patients having a realistic expectation of symptoms during treatment of an illness may thus reduce aggravated emotional responses, and ultimately improve patients’ quality of life and treatment compliance. Registration“Endotoxin-induced Inflammatory and Behavioral Responses and Predictors of Individual Differences”, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02529592, registration number: NCT02529592.

Intermittent voluntary ethanol consumption combined with ethanol vapor exposure during adolescence increases drinking and alters other behaviors in adulthood in female and male rats.

Epidemiological studies suggest that binge drinking is prevalent among adolescents, and may result in neurobehavioral consequences. Animal models provide the experimental control to investigate the consequences of "binge" alcohol exposure during this neurodevelopmental epoch. The current study used an animal model that combined an intermittent pattern of alcohol vapor exposure with voluntary drinking of 20% unsweetened alcohol in adolescent male and female Wistar rats (postnatal day [PD] 22-62), in order to test for potential differences in behavioral changes, ethanol drinking, and hypocretin/orexin (Hcrt/OX) signaling associated with exposure status. Two weeks after discontinuation of the alcohol vapor exposure and drinking during adolescence, rats were tested in adulthood for anxiety-like behaviors using a modified open-field conflict task, pre-pulse facilitation of startle response, light/dark box, and marble burying test. Adolescent alcohol exposure led to overall decreased startle response and increased behavioral arousal in the light/dark chamber during adulthood. Additionally, male rats demonstrated more disinhibited behavior during the conflict task compared to females, and female rats exhibited more rearing behavior during the light/dark test. Rats were also given a 2-bottle choice test that resulted in adolescent alcohol-exposed rats drinking significantly more alcohol in adulthood. Further, female rats also consumed more alcohol in adulthood compared to males. Estrous cycle phase did not account for any of the sex differences observed in the behavioral measures. Histological results indicated that adolescent alcohol did not alter Hcrt/OX-1 or Hcrt/OX-2 receptor mRNA expression levels in adult rats compared to control adults. However, female rats expressed a higher level of Hcrt/OX-1 and Hcrt/OX-2 receptor mRNA in the frontal cortex compared to males. These data suggest that our current model of intermittent ethanol exposure in adolescence can modestly affect both behavior and future consumption of alcohol and that Hcrt/OX receptor signaling differs between males and females.

LRRK2 G2019S Induces Anxiety/Depression-like Behavior before the Onset of Motor Dysfunction with 5-HT1AReceptor Upregulation in Mice

Mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene are the most common genetic cause of Parkinson's disease (PD). The neuropathology of LRRK2 mutation-related PD, including increased dopaminergic neurodegeneration and Lewy bodies, is indistinguishable from that of idiopathic PD. The subtle nonmotor phenotypes of LRRK2 mutation-related PD have not been fully evaluated. In the present study, we examined anxiety/depression-like behaviors and accompanying neurochemical changes in differently aged transgenic (Tg) mice expressing human mutant LRRK2 G2019S. Through multiple behavioral tests, including light-dark test, elevated plus maze, sucrose preference test, forced swimming test, and tail-suspension test, we found that anxiety/depression-like behavior appeared in middle-aged (43-52 weeks) Tg mice before the onset of PD-like motor dysfunction. These behavioral tests were performed using both male and female mice, and there were no sex-related differences in behavioral changes in the middle-aged Tg mice. Along with behavioral changes, serotonin levels also significantly declined in the hippocampus of Tg mice. Additionally, increases in the expression of the 5-HT1A receptor (5-HT1AR) grew more significant with aging and were detected in the hippocampus, amygdala, and dorsal raphe nucleus. In vitro study using the serotonergic RN46A and hippocampal HT22 cells showed that 5-HT1AR upregulation was related to enhanced expression of LRRK2 G2019S and was attenuated by the LRRK2 inhibitor LRRK2-IN-1. Wild-type LRRK2 had no significant effect on 5-HT1AR transcription. The present study provides the first in vivo and in vitro evidence demonstrating abnormal regulation of 5-HT1AR along with the manifestation of anxiety/depression-like, nonmotor symptom in PD related to LRRK2.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disorder, is clinically characterized by motor dysfunctions. In most cases, various nonmotor symptoms present several years before the onset of the classical motor features of PD and severely affect the quality of life of patients. Here, we demonstrate the causative role of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), a common PD-linked mutation, in the development of anxiety/depression-like behaviors. We found that age-dependent 5-HT1A receptor upregulation in the hippocampus, amygdala, and dorsal raphe nucleus is accompanied by the expression of the LRRK2 mutant phenotype. Our findings demonstrating a potential mechanism for nonmotor psychiatric symptoms produced by LRRK2 mutation suggest that directly targeting the 5-HT1A receptor can improve the therapeutic efficacy of drugs for PD-associated depression.

Increasing confidence and changing behaviors in primary care providers engaged in genetic counselling

BackgroundScreening and counseling for genetic conditions is an increasingly important part of primary care practice, particularly given the paucity of genetic counselors in the United States. However, primary care physicians (PCPs) often have an inadequate understanding of evidence-based screening; communication approaches that encourage shared decision-making; ethical, legal, and social implication (ELSI) issues related to screening for genetic mutations; and the basics of clinical genetics. This study explored whether an interactive, web-based genetics curriculum directed at PCPs in non-academic primary care settings was superior at changing practice knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors when compared to a traditional educational approach, particularly when discussing common genetic conditions.MethodsOne hundred twenty one PCPs in California and Pennsylvania physician practices were randomized to either an Intervention Group (IG) or Control Group (CG). IG physicians completed a 6 h interactive web-based curriculum covering communication skills, basics of genetic testing, risk assessment, ELSI issues and practice behaviors. CG physicians were provided with a traditional approach to Continuing Medical Education (CME) (clinical review articles) offering equivalent information.ResultsPCPs in the Intervention Group showed greater increases in knowledge compared to the Control Group. Intervention PCPs were also more satisfied with the educational materials, and more confident in their genetics knowledge and skills compared to those receiving traditional CME materials. Intervention PCPs felt that the web-based curriculum covered medical management, genetics, and ELSI issues significantly better than did the Control Group, and in comparison with traditional curricula. The Intervention Group felt the online tools offered several advantages, and engaged in better shared decision making with standardized patients, however, there was no difference in behavior change between groups with regard to increases in ELSI discussions between PCPs and patients.ConclusionWhile our intervention was deemed more enjoyable, demonstrated significant factual learning and retention, and increased shared decision making practices, there were few differences in behavior changes around ELSI discussions. Unfortunately, barriers to implementing behavior change in clinical genetics is not unique to our intervention. Perhaps the missing element is that busy physicians need systems-level support to engage in meaningful discussions around genetics issues. The next step in promoting active engagement between doctors and patients may be to put into place the tools needed for PCPs to easily access the materials they need at the point-of-care to engage in joint discussions around clinical genetics.

Relationship between Chewing Behavior and Oral Conditions in Elementary School Children Based on the “Chewing 30” Program: An Intervention Study

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between chewing behavior and oral conditions in elementary school children based on an intervention study. The subjects were allocated into an intervention group (5th grade students, n=81) and a control group (5th grade students, n=39) in 2 elementary schools in Tokushima Prefecture, Japan. Eating habits were self-reported using a questionnaire in both groups. The PMA index (Schour-Massler index) of each subject in the intervention group was assessed. The school lunch program “Chewing 30” was performed 5 times per year using a chewing counter. After the completion of the program, a significant difference in behavior change regarding “sufficient chewing” was observed between the intervention and control groups (p<0.01). The participants in the intervention group were sub-divided into 2 groups based on the change of “sufficient chewing”. The PMA index of the non-improved group significantly increased (p<0.05), while that of the improved group showed no significant difference. These results suggest an association between insufficient chewing behavior and gingival inflammation in elementary school children. The program “Chewing 30” might be effective to prevent gingival inflammation in addition to promoting sufficient chewing.

Perceptions of negative health-care experiences and self-reported health behavior change in three racial and ethnic groups

ABSTRACTObjectives: Our two study objectives were: (1) to understand the relationship between the perception of a previous negative health-care experience and race/ethnicity, and how socio-demographic, access-to-health-care, and self-reported health variables modified this relationship; and (2) to assess how many behaviors participants reported changing as a result of experiencing a perceived negative health-care experience, which behaviors they changed, and if there were differences in patterns of change across racial/ethnic groups.Design: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of a convenience sample of 600 African-American, Mexican-Hispanic, and white adults in socioeconomically diverse neighborhoods in Chicago, IL. We used multivariable logistic regression to analyze the relationship between a perceived negative health-care experience in the last 5 years and race/ethnicity. We summed and then calculated the percentage of people who changed each of the 10 behaviors and evaluated whether or not there were differences in behavior change across racial/ethnic groups.Principal findings: More than 32% of participants reported a perceived negative health-care experience in the past 5 years. Participants who had a bachelor’s degree or above (OR: 2.95, 95%CI: 1.01–8.63), avoided needed care due to cost (OR: 1.84, 95%CI: 1.11–3.06), or who reported fair/poor health (OR: 3.58, 95%CI: 1.66–7.80) had significantly increased odds of reporting a negative health-care experience. Of these people, 88% reported ‘sometimes/always’ changing at least one health-seeking behavior. There were no racial/ethnic differences in reporting negative experiences or in patterns of behavior change.Conclusions: Race/ethnicity was not related to reporting a perceived negative health-care experience or reported patterns of behavior change in response to that experience. However, those who avoided care due to cost were more highly educated, or who indicated poorer health status reported having a negative experience more often. Our findings suggest that the perception of a previous negative experience may influence subsequent health-care-seeking behaviors.

Buffering Syndemic Effects in a Sexual Risk-Reduction Intervention for Male Clients of Female Sex Workers: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial.

We sought to test the efficacy of a sexual risk intervention for male clients of female sex workers (FSWs) and examine whether efficacy was moderated by syndemic risk. From 2010 to 2014, we conducted a 2-arm randomized controlled trial (60-minute, theory-based, safer sex intervention versus a didactic time-equivalent attention control) that included 400 male clients of FSWs on the US-Mexico border with follow-up at 4, 8, and 12 months. We measured 5 syndemic risk factors, including substance use and depression. Primary outcomes were sexually transmitted infections incidence and total unprotected sex with FSWs. Although participants in both groups became safer, there was no significant difference in behavior change between groups. However, baseline syndemic risk moderated intervention efficacy. At baseline, there was a positive association between syndemic risk and unprotected sex. Then at 12 months, longitudinal analyses showed the association depended on intervention participation (B = -0.71; 95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.22, -0.20; P = .007). Among control participants there still existed this modest association (B = 0.36; 95% CI = -0.49, 1.22; P = .09); among intervention participants there was a significant negative association (B = -0.35; 95% CI = -0.63, -0.06; P = .02). A brief intervention might attenuate syndemic risks among clients of FSWs. Other populations experiencing syndemic problems may also benefit from such programs.

Longitudinal Changes in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior From Adolescence to Adulthood: Comparing U.S.–Born and Foreign-Born Populations

This study compared moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behavior in U.S.-born and foreign-born adolescents and young adults, and differences in behavior change from adolescence to young adulthood by nativity. Data on 2039 U.S.-born and 225 foreign-born participants from Project EAT-III (Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults) were used to examine MVPA, television/ DVD/video viewing, and computer use. Participants completed surveys at baseline in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN secondary school classrooms in 1998-1999 (14.9 ± 1.6 y) and follow-up measures online or by mail in 2008-2009 (25.3 ± 1.6 y). At both time points, foreign-born participants reported significantly lower levels of MVPA than their U.S.-born counterparts (P < .05). Foreign-born females at baseline and follow-up and foreign-born males at follow-up reported less television/DVD/video viewing compared with U.S.-born participants (P < .01). All participants experienced a significant decline in MVPA from baseline to follow-up (P < .001). Between-group analyses revealed a significantly greater decline in television/DVDs/video viewing for the foreign-born males compared with U.S.-born males from baseline to follow-up (mean change: foreign-born: -4.8 ± 1.32 hrs/wk, U.S.-born: -0.6 ± 0.6 hrs/wk; P < .01). Differences in activity patterns between foreign-born and U.S.-born youth into young adulthood may contribute to disparities in chronic disease risk. Nativity, along with the social, environmental, and cultural context, should be considered when designing programs to promote MVPA and prevent obesity.

Gender differences in behavioral changes elicited by prenatal methamphetamine exposure and application of the same drug in adulthood

The aim of the present study was to compare the response to sub-chronic application of methamphetamine (MA) in adulthood in male and female rats prenatally exposed to the same drug. The spontaneous locomotor activity and exploratory behavior of adult male and female rats prenatally exposed to 5 mg/kg MA or saline (SAL) were tested in a Laboras apparatus (Metris B.V., Netherlands) for five consecutive days, 1 hr daily. MA 1 mg/kg or SAL were used as a challenge prior to testing. Our results showed that rats prenatally exposed to MA were more sensitive to sub-chronic administration of MA in adulthood than prenatally SAL-exposed rats. However, this sensitizing effect of prenatal MA exposure was manifested differently in males and females. In contrast, prenatal MA exposure decreased baseline locomotion in females. This study indicates that gender plays an important role in the sensitivity to MA during prenatal development and in adulthood.

Did National HIV Prevention Programs Contribute to HIV Decline in Eastern Zimbabwe? Evidence From a Prospective Community Survey

To add to the evidence on the impact of national HIV prevention programs in reducing HIV risk in sub-Saharan African countries. Statistical analysis of prospective data on exposure to HIV prevention programs, relatives with AIDS and unemployment, and sexual behavior change and HIV incidence, in a population cohort of 4047 adults, collected over a period (1998-2003) when HIV prevalence and risk-behavior declined in eastern Zimbabwe. Exposure to HIV prevention programs and relatives with AIDS-but not unemployment-increased from 1998 to 2003. Men and women exposed to media campaigns and HIV/AIDS meetings had greater knowledge and self-efficacy, attributes that were concomitantly protective against HIV infection. Women attending community HIV/AIDS meetings before recruitment were more likely than other women to adopt lower-risk behavior (96.4% vs. 90.8%; adjusted odds ratio, 3.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27-7.49) and had lower HIV incidence (0.9% vs. 1.8%; adjusted incidence rate ratio, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.32-1.24) during the intersurvey period. Prior exposure to relatives with AIDS was not associated with differences in behavior change. More newly unemployed men as compared with employed men adopted lower-risk behavior (84.2% vs. 76.0%; adjusted odds ratio, 2.13; 95% CI, 0.98-4.59). Community-based HIV/AIDS meetings reduced risk-behavior amongst women who attended them, contributing to HIV decline in eastern Zimbabwe.

The effect of sucrose on infants during a painful procedure.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of treating the pain among newborn infants associated with a medical procedure with sucrose with regard to overall physiological and behavioral stability.Methods103 newborn infants were enrolled in this study. The control group (n=63) did not receive any treatment. The experimental group (n=40) received 2 mL of 24% sucrose solution two minutes before a routine heel stick. The pain was assessed by measurements of physiological changes [e.g. pulse rate, oxygen saturation, salivary cortisol (hydrocortisone)] and behavioral changes [e.g. crying time, and the neonatal infant pain scale (NIPS) for neonates].ResultsThere were no differences among the groups with respect to physiological changes associated with the pain from the procedure. However, there were significant group differences in behavioral changes to the pain. In the control group, the median crying time was 13 seconds, while in the experimental group, the median crying time was 3.5 seconds (P=.000). In the control group the median NIPS score was 4, while in the experimental group the median NIPS score was 2 (P=.000).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that sucrose can be an effective method for the management of stress responses in infants with regard to behavior. However, this treatment had no significant physiological effects.

Gender differences in intake characteristics and behavior change among children in families receiving parent management training

Participants were 323 families with children (aged 4–12 years), among whom 87 (26.9%) were girls. Gender differences before treatment with Parent Management Training—the Oregon model (PMTO) and pre–post gender differences in behavioral change (regression analyses) were examined. At pre treatment, girls demonstrated less externalizing problem behavior according to parents and teachers, but more internalizing problems according to parents. Teachers reported girls to be more socially competent than boys and they reported more comorbidity among boys than girls. At post treatment, girls had more likely changed in a positive direction according to teacher ratings of externalizing behavior and social competence, but not according to any of the parent-reported variables. In sum, girls were not more at risk than boys at intake to treatment and PMTO appeared to be an equally effective intervention for girls and boys. The few gender differences in outcomes indicated that girls benefited more from PMTO than boys. The limitations and practical implications of the findings are discussed.

Differences in Baseline Characteristics and Outcomes at 1- and 2-Year Follow-up of Cancer Survivors Accrued via Self-Referral versus Cancer Registry in the FRESH START Diet and Exercise Trial

Participant accrual to research studies is a challenge; oftentimes, advertisements are used to supplement cases ascertained through clinic caseloads and cancer registries. It is unknown, however, if cases ascertained through these two sources differ. In this study, we compared self-referred (n = 209) and registry-ascertained (n = 334) participants enrolled in FRESH START, a randomized controlled trial promoting a healthy diet and increased exercise among breast and prostate cancer survivors. The two groups were compared on baseline characteristics, adherence, attrition, and outcomes by study arm. Compared with participants enrolled from registries, self-referrals were significantly younger (54.1 +/- 10.4 versus 58.7 +/- 10.7 years), more likely to have later-stage disease and to have received chemotherapy (40% versus 19%), and more likely to report "fighting spirit" coping styles (50% versus 30%), lower quality-of-life (88.2 +/- 15.1 versus 92.0 +/- 12.9), fewer comorbid conditions (1.87 +/- 1.60 versus 2.24 +/- 1.78), and lower consumption of five or more daily servings of fruits and vegetables (35% versus 45%; P values <0.05). Although no differences in behavior change were observed between self-referred and registry-ascertained cases assigned to the tailored intervention arm, this was not the case within the attention control arm. Among those who received the attention control intervention of standardized materials in the public domain, self-referred versus registry-ascertained participants showed significantly greater increases in exercise at 1-year follow-up and significantly greater increases in fruit and vegetable consumption at both 1- and 2-year follow-up (P values <0.05). Several differences exist between self-referred and registry-ascertained participants, including motivation to respond to standardized educational materials, which appears significantly greater in self-referred populations.

The impact of a cancer diagnosis on the health behaviors of cancer survivors and their family and friends

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of a cancer diagnosis on the health behaviors of cancer survivors and their family and friends, and to determine whether a cancer diagnosis could be a teachable moment for intervention. This was a cross-sectional study of the health behaviors of individuals taking part in a cancer fundraising event. The questionnaire was completed by 657 participants. Participants were 81.4% women, had a mean age of 46 years, and comprised of 17.2% cancer survivors. For cancer survivors, 31.3% reported an increase in physical activity, 50% of smokers quit, and 59 to 72% reported dietary improvements within 1 month of diagnosis. Significant differences in behavior change were found by age, but not by gender or education. For individuals without cancer, 24.3% reported improved physical activity and the majority reported some dietary changes. A greater proportion of family and friends who perceived they were at greater risk of developing cancer increased physical activity and sun-smart behavior but did not improve dietary habits. The results indicate that the cancer survivors made significantly more positive health behavior changes compared to the non-cancer group. For this sample, a personal diagnosis of cancer, or a diagnosis in a family member or friend, may have acted as a 'cue to action' to improve lifestyle health behaviors. This field of research is still at an early stage, and further studies are needed to confirm if this situation could be useful as a 'teachable moment' for intervention purposes.