Function Of Demographic Characteristics Research Articles

Three joint temperament-character configurations account for learning, personality and well-being: normative demographic findings in a representative national population.

A common practice in research and clinical practice is to use data considered representative of a target population to compare and understand the personality characteristics of specific groups or specific individuals. To this end, numerous studies have presented normative data for the temperament and character traits outlined in Cloninger's psychobiological model of personality. However, recent genomic evidence demonstrates that human personality is organized as a complex hierarchy that ascends beyond the individual traits to multi-trait profiles that regulate emotional reactivity (temperament profiles) or goals and values (character profiles), and then to three phenotypic networks, which integrate temperament profiles and character profiles, that regulate learning. Given this recent understanding, our aim was to provide a novel and more comprehensive description of personality features at a societal level (using a stratified sample representative of the Portuguese population) by considering personality at its higher levels of complexity. Toward this goal, a stratified sample of 2,443 Portuguese adults responded to the Revised Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI-R). We summarize the prevalence of (a) temperament profiles, (b) character profiles, and (c) integrated temperament-character networks within the whole sample, as well as for men vs. women and different age groups separately. Independent of age and education, women were more likely to be capable of resourceful productivity and helpful cooperation combined with being more intuitive, meditative and creative than men. Independent of age and gender, individuals with a degree were also more likely to present these biopsychosocial features. We also found that the organized character profile was most typical of adults in their 40s. Finally, the distribution of personality profiles across age differed as a function of gender: for men the oldest individuals had the most coherent personalities while high personality integration was most prevalent for women in their 30s. These results have strong implications for research and intervention. In particular, these results are relevant for understanding the epidemiology of interactions between personality, mental health and well-being, including their expressions in a national population as a function of demographic characteristics.

AAPM task group report 275.S: Survey strategy and results on plan review and chart check practices in US and Canada.

AAPM Task Group (TG) 275 was charged with developing practical, evidence-based recommendations for physics plan and chart review clinical processes for radiation therapy. As part of this charge, and to characterize practices and clinical processes, a survey of the medical physics community was developed and conducted. Detailed analyses and trends based on the survey that exceeded TG report length constraints are presented herein. The design, development, and detailed results of the TG- 275 survey as well as statistical analysis and trends are described in detail. This is complementary material to the TG 275 report. The survey consisted of 100 multiple-choice questions divided into four main sections: 1) Demographics, 2) Initial Plan Check, 3) On-Treatment, and 4) End-of-Treatment Chart Check. The survey was released to all AAPM members who self-reported working in the radiation oncology field, and it was kept open for 7weeks. Results were summarized using descriptive statistics. To study practice differences, tests of association were performed using data grouped by four demographic questions: 1) Institution Type, 2) Average number of patients treated daily, 3) Radiation Oncology Electronic Medical Record, and 4) Perceived Culture of Safety. The survey captured 1370 non-duplicate entries from the United States and Canada. Differences across practices were grouped and presented based on Process-Based and Check-Specific questions. A risk-based summary was created to show differences amongst the four demographic questions for checks associated with the highest risk failure modes identified by TG-275. The TG-275 survey captured a baseline of practices on initial plan, on-treatment, and end-of-treatment checks across a wide variety of clinics and institutions. The results of test of association showed practice heterogeneities as a function of demographic characteristics. Survey data were successfully used to inform TG-275 recommendations.

Threshold regression with nonparametric sample splitting

This paper develops a threshold regression model where an unknown relationship between two variables nonparametrically determines the threshold. We allow the observations to be cross-sectionally dependent so that the model can be applied to determine an unknown spatial border for sample splitting over a random field. We derive the uniform rate of convergence and the nonstandard limiting distribution of the nonparametric threshold estimator. We also obtain the root-n consistency and the asymptotic normality of the regression coefficient estimator. We illustrate empirical relevance of this new model by estimating the tipping point in social segregation problems as a function of demographic characteristics; and determining metropolitan area boundaries using nighttime light intensity collected from satellite imagery.

Predictors of moderate to high risk of alcohol harm among site-based South African construction workers

Alcohol consumption is an accepted part of many social and cultural practices, but excessive alcohol consumption is a global public health concern. Aside of its detrimental effects on health, it is linked to HIV-related health behaviours such as unprotected sex, multiple/concurrent sexual partnerships, and lower levels of HIV testing. Little is known about the association between alcohol use and HIV-related heath behaviours in construction. Using data from 450 workers drawn from 18 construction sites in the Western Cape, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) was used to predict alcohol risk of harm as a function of demographic characteristics and sex-related behaviours among workers. Binary logistic regression determined factors associated with increased risk of alcohol harm. The most proximal factor predicting risk of alcohol harm was the frequency of alcohol or drug use before and/or during sex, followed by attitude towards condom use, education, and HIV testing behaviour. Future research efforts should develop a better appreciation of the role of sex-related alcohol expectancies in explaining harmful alcohol use, and intervention management practices should focus on this.

Using electronic medical record diagnostic codes to identify veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder.

Researchers studying posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often use diagnostic codes within electronic medical records (EMRs) to identify individuals with the disorder. This study evaluated the performance of algorithms for defining PTSD based on International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code use within EMR data. We used data from a registry of U.S. veterans for whom both structured interview data and Veterans Health Administration EMR data were available. Using interview-diagnosed PTSD as the reference criterion, we calculated diagnostic accuracy statistics for algorithms that required the presence of at least one and up to seven encounters in which a PTSD diagnosis was present in EMR data within any clinical source, mental health clinic, or specialty PTSD clinic. We evaluated algorithm accuracy in the total sample (N = 1,343; 64.1% with PTSD), within a subsample constrained to lower PTSD prevalence (n = 712; 32.3% with PTSD), and as a function of demographic characteristics. Algorithm accuracy was influenced by PTSD prevalence. Results indicated that higher thresholds for the operationalization of PTSD may be justified among samples in which PTSD prevalence is lower. Requiring three PTSD diagnoses from a mental health clinic or four diagnoses from any clinical source may be a suitable minimum standard for identifying individuals with PTSD in EMRs; however, accuracy may be optimized by requiring additional diagnoses. The performance of many algorithms differed as a function of educational attainment and age, suggesting that samples of individuals with PTSD developed based on EMR ICD codes may skew toward including older, less-educated veterans.

Non-coding RNAs transcribed from ultra-conserved regions (T-UCRs) are differentially expressed in dental follicle tissues of impacted mandibular third molars

IntroductionTranscribed ultra-conserved regions (T-UCRs) are a new class of long non-coding RNA molecules transcribed from ultra-conserved regions (UCRs) of the human genome. T-UCRs are extremely conserved in the human, rat, and mouse genomes. Deletions of genomic areas containing UCRs resulted in live mice that developed without distinguishable phenotypes, implying that T-UCRs are involved in developmental processes. In addition, there is increasing evidence that dental follicle tissues exhibit various cellular alterations involving deregulation of protein-coding genes and non-coding RNAs. Accordingly, the main objective of the present study was to determine the clinical significance and distinct expression signatures of non-coding RNA molecules transcribed from ultra-conserved regions in dental follicle tissues of impacted mandibular third molars. Materials and methodsFrom March 2021 to December 2021, a total of 42 patients who referred to clinic of oral and maxillofacial surgery department with the indications of impacted mandibular third molar extraction from 38th and 48th positions were enrolled for the study. For the analysis of T-UCR expression levels, real‐time quantitative reverse transcription PCR method was used. ResultsFindings of the present study indicated that T-UCRs are distinctly expressed in dental follicle tissues of impacted mandibular third molars. The expression of uc.38, uc.112, and uc.338 was found to be significantly increased in the dental follicles of impacted mandibular third molars, indicating a clinical significance of these molecules. In addition, no differences in T-UCR expression were found as a function of demographic characteristics. ConclusionsCollectively, transcribed ultra-conserved elements, such as uc.38, uc.112, and uc.338, are considerably deregulated in the dental follicle tissues of impacted mandibular third molars and might be responsible for the molecular changes acquired by dental follicle tissues of impacted mandibular third molars.

Exploring facets of the mindful personality: Dispositional mindfulness and the Big Five

Existing literature indicates inconsistencies regarding the pattern and strength of associations between mindfulness and the Big Five personality traits, potentially due to methodological differences across studies. To address this, we simultaneously assessed associations among mindfulness and all personality traits, controlled for demographic characteristics, and utilized multiple measures of mindfulness in an adult life-span sample (N = 594). Mindfulness was consistently negatively associated with neuroticism. There were small to medium positive associations between mindfulness and conscientiousness, agreeableness, openness, and extraversion. Results differed modestly depending on the type of analysis (regression vs. bivariate correlations) and were mostly similar across different mindfulness measures. Major differences did not emerge as a function of demographic characteristics. Our findings advance the literature by addressing methodological limitations to demonstrate the importance of simultaneously assessing personality traits and using multidimensional measures of mindfulness.

Αποκλίσεις στην ανάπτυξη του λεξιλογίου σε παιδιά βρεφικής και πρώιμης προσχολικής ηλικίας

The present research is a first investigation of the development of receptive and expressive vocabulary in Greek-speaking children, aged 0;6-3;6 years, who were characterized as late-talkers (LT) due to a significant deviation of their vocabulary scores from the mean score of their typically-developing peers (TD). The present work is part of a larger project concerning the greek adaptation of a parent questionnaire named Cypriot–Greek Lexical Acquisition Checklist (CYLEX) (Petinou, Hadzigeorgiou & Minaidou, 1999). Within-group comparisons between receptive and expressive vocabulary are drawn for both LT and TD children. In addition, the influence of demographic factors on vocabulary scores, such as gender and parental education level, was examined. The comparison across type of vocabulary revealed that receptive vocabulary develops prior to expressive in both groups, however, late-talkers have a disproportionately low expressive lexical development as compared to receptive. Moreover, the differences in vocabulary scores among LT and TD children are discussed as a function of demographic characteristics.

Participation of Workers of Asian Ancestry in High-Risk Occupations in the United States: 2009 to 2017.

Risk for workplace injury varies by occupation. Participation in high-risk occupations is non-randomly distributed as a function of demographic characteristics. Enhancing understanding of occupational health and safety disparities allows for the creation of actionable knowledge to advance health equity. The specific aim of our analysis was to examine between-group differences in participation in high-risk occupations among workers with an Asian Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese ancestry. Analysis included workers who reported one of the following ancestries: Asian Indian; Chinese; Filipino; Japanese; Korean; or Vietnamese. Observational study used American Community Survey (ACS) Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) single-year files from 2009 through 2017. Data on the analytic sample (unweighted = 480,170) was used to estimate per Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) by year and Asian ancestry. Analysis used the replicate weight method to estimate margins of error. Statistical analysis indicated workers with a Filipino ancestry engage in high-risk occupations at the highest proportion. Observed between-group differences merit further scientific inquiry. Advancing metrology is crucial to promoting the health equity of understudied populations.

Preoperative IDEAL (Iterative Decomposition of Echoes of Asymmetrical Length) magnetic resonance imaging rotator cuff muscle fat fractions are associated with rotator cuff repair outcomes

IDEAL (Iterative Decomposition of Echoes of Asymmetrical Length) imaging is amagnetic resonance imaging sequence that precisely measures rotator cuff muscle fatty infiltration. The influence of lower levels of fatty infiltration on outcomes after rotator cuff repair remains unclear. We hypothesized that increased preoperative fat fractions would be associated with inferior clinical outcomes after rotator cuff repair. We retrospectively identified patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with preoperative IDEAL imaging. Patients completed the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Upper Extremity computer adaptive survey at a minimum of 2 years after repair. Muscle segmentation was performed on 4 consecutive slices. Correlations between intramuscular fat fractions and PROMIS scores were determined. Patients were grouped by PROMIS scores of 50 or greater and scores lower than 50 for comparison of fat fractions. Multivariate linear regression was performed to model PROMIS scores as a function of demographic characteristics, tear size, and fat fractions. Significance was defined as P < .05. Eighty patients were included (mean follow-up, 42.5 ± 10.7 months). Postoperative PROMIS scores were significantly inversely correlated with the infraspinatus (ρ = -0.25, P = .02) and subscapularis (ρ = -0.29, P = .009) fat fractions. The infraspinatus (7.2% ± 4.9% vs. 5.2% ± 3.0%, P = .046) and subscapularis (10.4% ± 5.1% vs. 8.2% ± 5.0%, P = .001) fat fractions were significantly higher for patients with low PROMIS scores vs. those with PROMIS scores of 50 or greater. In multivariate modeling, the infraspinatus fat fraction (β = -0.68, P = .029) was the only significant independent predictor of postoperative PROMIS score. Intramuscular fat as determined by quantitative magnetic resonance imaging is an important factor in postoperative outcomes even in patients with lower levels of preoperative fatty infiltration.

P1‐448: GAMECHANGER: CAN DIGITAL BIOMARKERS TRANSFORM THE DETECTION OF PRECLINICAL ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE?

Smartphone-based digital biomarkers provide a low-burden opportunity for remote, high frequency cognitive assessment. As such, these tools may enable earlier detection of cognitive decline than achievable via traditional memory clinic routes. The GameChanger study, supported by Alzheimer's Society, tests the feasibility of conducting longitudinal, smartphone-based cognitive assessment in a general population. Individual differences in ‘heathy’ cognitive ageing will be assessed as a function of demographic characteristics and risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). GameChanger is open to ‘healthy’ UK-based adults as part of a citizen science initiative. Participants download the Mezurio smartphone ‘App’, through which they are prompted to complete 5 minutes of novel, AD-targeted cognitive tasks every day for a month. In addition, frequent reports of subjective sleep, mood and cognitive errors in everyday life are collected. Although data collection for the baseline wave of GameChanger is ongoing, by the end of the first month the study has more than 10,000 participants (age range 18–93 years). Qualitative feedback from 1708 participants confirms the acceptability of this ‘little and often’ approach to measuring cognition remotely, with an average score of 4.02 out of 5 for participant enjoyment. Ongoing analyses will explore individual differences in longitudinal cognitive performance according to demographic characteristics (e.g. age, education) and dementia risk (family history, subjective cognitive change). The response to GameChanger to date demonstrates the enormous potential for digital biomarkers to explore ‘healthy’ ageing and preclinical AD at scale in a general population. Qualitative feedback was positive in the majority; however, several key steps were highlighted to maintain long-term engagement in the e-cohort. In addition to longitudinal follow-up at 12- and 24-months, organized collaborations with existing UK-based cohorts will enable medical records, genetics and standardised neuropsychological test scores to be analysed alongside GameChanger performance.

The influences on marital adjustment and family function of demographic characteristics and self-differentiation of Korean husbands in multi-cultural families; Mediating effect of cultural adjustment attitude

The influences on marital adjustment and family function of demographic characteristics and self-differentiation of Korean husbands in multi-cultural families; Mediating effect of cultural adjustment attitude

Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Patient Comprehension

Category: Other Introduction/Purpose: Individuals with inadequate health literacy and limited comprehension may lack the skills needed to make informed decisions about their health. They are also at risk for inferior treatment outcomes and are more likely to express dissatisfaction with their care. Unfortunately, the Institute of Medicine has declared low health literacy a “silent epidemic”, as approximately 50% of Americans are afflicted. Because foot and ankle disorders are common, often disabling, and at times utilize a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic modalities unfamiliar to patients, it is critical that we gain insight into patients’ foot and ankle comprehension. As such, we developed a novel questionnaire, the Foot and Ankle Literacy Survey (FALS), to evaluate this and the relationship between demographic factors and foot and ankle specific comprehension. Methods: The 14 question FALS (Figure 1A) was developed by our study group and was distributed to a consecutive series of 206 English-speaking adults presenting for first visits, immediate pre-operative evaluations, or one of a number of post-operative or follow-up visits in the foot and ankle practices of our senior authors and the ambulatory care clinic of an academic, urban medical center. The questionnaire’s content was based on the following four categories: 1) terminology, 2) anatomy, 3) conditions and treatment, and 4) perioperative considerations. These categories were chosen following our group’s review of the most commonly emphasized themes within the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society’s internet-based patient education website, FootCareMD.org. Participants completed the FALS and a demographic survey. Both overall and categorical performance were evaluated as a function of demographic characteristics via Wilcox Rank Sum, Kruskal-Wallis and McNemar’s testing. The level of significance for all tests was set at P &lt; 0.05. Results: Participants’ demographic characteristics are presented in Figure 1B. The mean FALS score was 9.88 ± 2.67 out of a possible 14 points. Participants performed significantly worse on the conditions and treatment subsection as compared to the others (P &lt; 0.05). Significantly better FALS performance correlated with race (Caucasian, P &lt; 0.001), higher levels of education (College degree or higher, P &lt; 0.001), visit type (Pre-operative evaluation, P &lt; 0.002), and a current or previous healthcare occupation (P=0.008) (Figure 1B). Additionally, of those patients who had previously seen a provider (orthopaedic surgeon, podiatrist, orthopaedic surgeon and podiatrist, other provider) for a foot and ankle complaint, a significantly higher score was observed in patients who saw an orthopaedic surgeon versus other types of providers. Age, gender and anatomic region did not correlate with FALS scores. Conclusion: Patient comprehension of foot and ankle related terminology, anatomy, conditions, treatment, and perioperative issues is critical for successful encounters between orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons and patients. This study has identified race, education, occupation, prior evaluation by an orthopaedic surgeon, and visit type as factors that significantly correlate with comprehension. With such knowledge, patient education can be focused on those most in need, an approach that we hope will improve health literacy and optimize outcomes. Admittedly, future research is pivotal and must identify the most effective means of educating patients and objectively evaluate the relationship between outcomes and patient comprehension.

Attitudes and motivations regarding willingness to participate in dental clinical trials.

BackgroundThis study examined attitudes about research, knowledge of the research process, reasons for and satisfaction with participation in a dental clinical trial as a function of demographic characteristics.Materials and methods180 adults were invited to complete a 47-item survey at the completion of a 10-week dental product study at a Midwestern academic dental center. Seven demographic items included gender, race/ethnicity, age, education, household income, location of usual dental care, and dental insurance. Forty items assessed: attitudes about research; knowledge of the research process; perception of the study team; perceived risks/benefits; health perceptions; and general satisfaction with the study.Results176 participants completed the questionnaire for a 98% response rate. African Americans were more likely to attribute Fate/God as more important to their health and their willingness to participate in research than whites, and more likely to report non-supportive social norms when compared to whites and other groups. Individuals in the 45–59 age group were less likely to attribute financial reimbursement as a motivator for their participation in research compared to all other age groups. Individuals with less education rated Fate/God attitudes as important to their research participation, reported lower autonomy for participation, and reported less supportive social norms compared to those with some college education. Participants in the four income categories showed significant differences in reasons for participation and desire for free care.ConclusionMotivations for participation of a Midwestern population of research subjects are dependent on age, ethnicity, belief in Fate/God, education, social norms and income.

A longitudinal study of demographic factors associated with stressors and symptoms in African refugees.

The objectives of this study were to assess differences in premigration, transit, and resettlement stressor exposure and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms as a function of demographic characteristics (i.e., gender, ethnicity, age, time in United States) and to examine the concurrent and longitudinal relations between stressor exposure and PTSD symptoms. The sample consisted of adult (18-78years) Somali and Oromo refugee men and women (N=437). Qualitative data regarding participants' self-nominated worst stressors collected at Time 2 (T2) informed the development of quantitative scales assessing premigration, transit, and resettlement stress created using items collected at Time 1 (T1). PTSD symptoms were measured at both T1 and T2. Quantitative analyses showed that levels of stressor exposure and PTSD symptoms differed as a function of refugee demographic characteristics. For example, Oromo, more recent, women, and older refugees reported more premigration and resettlement stressors. Oromo refugees and refugee men reported more PTSD symptoms in regression analyses with other factors controlled. Premigration, transit, and resettlement stressor exposure generally was associated with higher PTSD symptom levels. Results underscore the importance of assessing stress exposure comprehensively throughout the refugee experience and caution against overgeneralizing between and within refugee groups.

Prevalence and Risk of Homelessness Among US Veterans

Understanding the prevalence of and risk for homelessness among veterans is prerequisite to preventing and ending homelessness among this population. Homeless veterans are at higher risk for chronic disease; understanding the dynamics of homelessness among veterans can contribute to our understanding of their health needs. We obtained data on demographic characteristics and veteran status for 130,554 homeless people from 7 jurisdictions that provide homelessness services, and for the population living in poverty and the general population from the American Community Survey for those same jurisdictions. We calculated prevalence of veterans in the homeless, poverty, and general populations, and risk ratios (RR) for veteran status in these populations. Risk for homelessness, as a function of demographic characteristics and veteran status, was estimated by using multivariate regression models. Veterans were overrepresented in the homeless population, compared with both the general and poverty populations, among both men (RR, 1.3 and 2.1, respectively) and women (RR, 2.1 and 3.0, respectively). Veteran status and black race significantly increased the risk for homelessness for both men and women. Men in the 45- to 54-year-old age group and women in the 18- to 29-year-old age group were at higher risk compared with other ages. Our findings confirm previous research associating veteran status with higher risk for homelessness and imply that there will be specific health needs among the aging homeless population. This study is a basis for understanding variation in rates of, and risks for, homelessness in general population groups, and inclusion of health data from US Department of Veterans Affairs records can extend these results to identifying links between homelessness and health risks.

Demographic differences between health care workers who did or did not respond to a safety and organizational culture survey

BackgroundAreas for institutional improvement to enhance patient safety are commonly identified by surveying health care workers' (HCWs) attitudes, values, beliefs, perceptions and assumptions regarding institutional practices. An ideal response rate of 100% is rarely achieved in such surveys, and non-response bias can occur when non-respondents differ from respondents on a dimension likely to influence survey conclusions. The conditions for non-response bias to occur can be detected by comparing demographic characteristics of respondents and non-respondents and relating any differences to findings in the literature of differences in the construct of interest as a function of these demographic characteristics. The current study takes this approach.FindingsAll 5,609 HCWs at a university medical center were invited to participate in a survey measuring safety and organizational culture (response rate = 53.40%). Respondents indicated their professional group, gender, age group, years of working in the hospital and executive function. Because all HCWs were invited, the demographic composition of the group who did not respond was known. Differences in the demographic composition of respondents and non-respondents were compared using separate Pearson's chi-square tests for each demographic characteristic.Nurses and clinical workers were generally more likely to respond than were physicians, laboratory workers and non-medical workers. Male HCWs were less likely to respond than were females, HCWs aged younger than 45 years old had a lower response rate than did HCWs aged 45 to 54 years old, HCWs who had worked in the hospital for less than 5 years were less likely to respond than were those who had worked in the hospital for 5 years or more and HCWs without an executive function were less likely to respond than were executives.ConclusionsDemographic characteristics can be linked to response rates and need to be considered in conducting surveys among HCWs. The possibility of non-response bias can be reduced by conducting analyses separately as a function of relevant demographic characteristics, sampling a higher percentage of groups that are known to be less likely to respond, or weighting responses with the reciprocal of the response rate for the respective demographic group.

Stability of Initial Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnoses in Community Settings

The study's objectives were to assess diagnostic stability of initial autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnoses in community settings and identify factors associated with diagnostic instability using data from a national Web-based autism registry. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the relative risk of change in initial ASD diagnosis as a function of demographic characteristics, diagnostic subtype, environmental factors and natural history. Autistic disorder was the most stable initial diagnosis; pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified was the least stable. Additional factors such as diagnosing clinician, region, when in time a child was initially diagnosed, and history of autistic regression also were significantly associated with diagnostic stability in community settings. Findings suggest that the present classification system and other secular factors may be contributing to increasing instability of community-assigned labels of ASD.

Older Adults and Internet Health Information Seeking

The Internet is increasingly being used by consumers as a source of health information. This study examined factors that influence trust of Internet health information and how trust varies as a function of demographic characteristics, Internet experience, and computer attitudes. Data is also reported on the perceptions of the value and use of Internet-based health information. One hundred and twelve adults (50–85 years) were asked to perform Internet-based health information-seeking tasks and rate factors that influence their trust in Internet health information, the value of this information, and general trust of Internet information vs. trust of information from a doctor. The results indicated that trust is influenced by website identifiers (e.g., government agencies) and design features (e.g., ease of use). Most participants indicated that they would use the Internet health information and that access to this information would have some influence on their health behaviors. These findings underscore the importance of considering design and content issues when designing health websites.

Longitudinal Predictors of Change in Number of Sexual Partners across Adolescence and Early Adulthood

Although sexual risk behavior has negative consequences in adolescence and early adulthood, little is known about pathways of sexual risk across development and their correlates. Study goals were to examine trajectories of number of sexual partners across adolescence and into early adulthood, and to investigate hypothesized individual and family-level predictors. A subset of 8,707 white, black, and Mexican American participants in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health reported on their motivations to have sex, family warmth, and perceptions of maternal attitudes about sex at Wave 1 and on their sexual relationships at each year of age across the three waves of the study. Multilevel growth curves of number of sexual partners between ages 11 and 27 showed increases in sexual risk across adolescence and deceleration in early adulthood, but differed somewhat as a function of demographic characteristics. As expected, adolescent motivations to have sex and perceptions of permissive maternal attitudes about sex predicted more sexual partners in adolescence, whereas family warmth predicted fewer sexual partners across gender and racial/ethnic groups. Predictors did not differentiate youth as strongly in early adulthood. Interactions between predictors supported a cumulative risk framework, such that perceived permissive maternal attitudes or low family warmth combined with high adolescent motivations to have sex predicted the highest number of sexual partners in adolescence. This study advances our understanding of change in sexual behavior across development and the individual and contextual correlates of such change. Findings document the cumulative implications of individual cognitions, family experiences, and social contexts for adolescent and young adult sexual experiences.