Low Risk Perception Research Articles

Face Mask Use and Social Distancing Attitude of Healthcare Students: A Multi-Disciplinary Study.

This multi-disciplinary, cross-sectional, and descriptive study investigated health care students' face mask use knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) and social distancing attitudes. The study was carried out from October to December 2021 and surveyed 543 health care students selected via convenience sampling from the three Shaqra University campuses in Saudi Arabia. Standard multiple linear regressions were conducted on face mask use KAP and social distancing attitude to identify their significant associated factors. The students in this study had poor knowledge and a neutral attitude towards and modest use practices of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being female, being a nursing student, and having greater self-reported COVID-19-prevention knowledge were related to higher levels of face mask use knowledge. Having higher face mask use knowledge was linked to better attitude and practice. Knowledge of COVID-19 and its prevention and decreased COVID-19 risk perception were associated with better face mask use practices. The students had more positive than negative attitudes toward social distancing. Having known someone who was infected by the virus, lower risk perception, and better face mask use practices were associated with more positive social distancing attitudes. The findings imply the need to ensure that future health care practitioners are knowledgeable, have a positive attitude and good practices concerning face mask use, and have positive attitudes toward social distancing. The study implications are relevant for health care education in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere.

Association between response to repeated negative HIV testing and risk sexual behaviors in men who have sex with men in Chengdu

Objective: To investigate the association between the response to repeated negative HIV testing and the risk sexual behaviors in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Chengdu. Methods: A total of 610 MSM were recruited by convenience sampling method through Chengdu Tongle Health Consultation Service Centre from March to May 2022. Data were collected from the MSM through questionnaire survey, including the demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors in the past 6 months, the response to rerpeated negative HIV testing. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were conducted to analyze the association between the response to repeated negative HIV testing and risk sexual behavior. Results: A total of 579 (94.9%) participants participated in the questionnaire survey and 354 (61.1%) subjects were included in the study.For the negative HIV testing, some MSM believed that they had taken effective protection measures (17.03±2.20), some believed that they were lucky (7.50±1.87) and some believed that they were at low risk (8.87±3.62). Multivariate logistic regression model showed that protected sexual behavior was negatively associated with group sex (aOR=0.80, 95%CI: 0.67-0.95), lucky was positively associated with casual sex (aOR=1.20, 95%CI: 1.06-1.35), inconsistent condom use (aOR=1.21, 95%CI: 1.06-1.37), group sex (aOR=1.26, 95%CI: 1.00-1.60), and multiple sexual partners (aOR=1.24, 95%CI: 1.09-1.42) and low risk perception was positively associated with multiple sexual partners only (aOR=1.08, 95%CI: 1.01-1.15). Conclusions: There were high levels of recognition of protected sexual behavior and lucky dimensions in response to repeated negative HIV testing and well risk perception in MSM in Chengdu. In HIV testing and counseling services, intervention and risk warning should be strengthened in MSM who believed that they are lucky to improve their awareness of safe sex and reduce the negative effects of fluke mind.

Beliefs of University Employees Leaving During a Fire Alarm: A Theory-based Belief Elicitation

BackgroundDespite workplaces having policies on fire evacuation, many employees still fail to evacuate when there is a fire alarm. The Reasoned Action Approach is designed to reveal the beliefs underlying people's behavioral decisions and thus suggests causal determinants to be addressed with interventions designed to facilitate behavior. This study is a uses a Reasoned Action Approach salient belief elicitation to identify university employees' perceived advantages/disadvantages, approvers/disapprovers, and facilitators/barriers toward them leaving the office building immediately the next time they hear a fire alarm at work. MethodsEmployees at a large public United States Midwestern university completed an online cross-sectional survey. A descriptive analysis of the demographic and background variables was completed, and a six-step inductive content analysis of the open-ended responses was conducted to identify beliefs about leaving during a fire alarm. ResultsRegarding consequence, participants perceived that immediately leaving during a fire alarm at work had more disadvantages than advantages, such as low risk perception. Regarding referents, supervisors and coworkers were significant approvers with intention to leave immediately. None of the perceived advantages were significant with intention. Participants listed access and risk perception as significant circumstances with the intention to evacuate immediately. ConclusionNorms and risk perceptions are key determinants that may influence employees to evacuate immediately during a fire alarm at work. Normative-based and attitude-based interventions may prove effective in increasing the fire safety practices of employees.

Effectiveness of a Mobile App to Increase Risk Perception of Tobacco, Alcohol, and Marijuana Use in Mexican High School Students: Quantitative Study

Young people have the highest rate of drug use worldwide. Recent data from Mexico in this population show that the prevalence of illicit drug use doubled between 2011 and 2016 (2.9%-6.2%), with marijuana being the one with the highest increase (2.4%-5.3%), but also point out that alcohol and tobacco use have remained steady or decreased. Mexican adolescents are at high risk for drug use owing to a low perception of risk and the availability of drugs. Adolescence is an ideal period to reduce or prevent risky behaviors using evidence-based strategies. In this study, we aimed to test the short-term effectiveness of a mobile intervention app ("What Happens if you Go Too Far?" ["¿Qué pasa si te pasas?"]) that seeks to increase risk perception of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use in a sample of Mexican high school students. A nonexperimental evaluation based on pretest-posttest design was used to measure the effectiveness of a preventive intervention using a mobile app, "What Happens If You Go Too Far?" The dimensions analyzed were knowledge of drugs and their effects, life skills, self-esteem, and risk perception. The intervention was conducted on a high school campus with 356 first-year students. The sample included 359 first-year high school students (mean 15, SD 0.588 years; women: 224/359, 62.4% men: 135/359, 37.6%). The intervention increased the overall risk perception of tobacco (χ24=21.6; P<.001) and alcohol use (χ24=15.3; P<.001). There was no significant difference in the perception that it is dangerous to smoke 5 cigarettes, and there was a marginal difference in the perception that it is very dangerous to smoke 1 cigarette or to use alcohol or marijuana. We used a generalized estimating equation method to determine the impact of the variables on risk perception. The results showed that knowledge about smoking increased the risk perception of smoking 1 cigarette (odds ratio [OR] 1.1065, 95% CI 1.013-1.120; P=.01), and that knowledge about marijuana use (OR 1.109, 95% CI 1.138-1.185; P=.002) and self-esteem (OR 1.102, 95% CI 1.007-1.206; P=.04) produced significant increases in the risk perception of consuming 5 cigarettes. Resistance to peer pressure and assertiveness also increased the perceived risk of using tobacco and alcohol. The intervention has the potential to increase the perception of risk toward drug use in high school students by providing knowledge about the effects and psychosocial risks of drug use and by strengthening life skills that are associated with increased risk perception. The use of mobile technologies in intervention processes may broaden the scope of preventive work for adolescents.

Nurses' Covid-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: A Qualitative Study

Objectives: This qualitative study aimed to conduct an in-depth analysis of the opinions of nurses who did not receive the COVID-19 vaccine during the pandemic regarding the issue. Methods: This research was designed as a qualitative research in the case study design and based on the guidelines proposed by the COREQ checklist. It was conducted in nurses working in various healthcare institutions and units providing preventive and therapeutic services. In the study, 10 nurses who did not receive the COVID-19 vaccine were interviewed. The data of the study were collected through an introductory “Information form” and “Semi-structured interview form” by conducting in-depth interviews. The data were analyzed by the content analysis method. Results: In the study, 3 main themes and 8 sub-themes were determined after the thematic analysis. Themes were determined as follows: (1) Extreme skepticism (a. mistrust, b. rumor, c. anxiety), (2) Perceived risk (a. low risk perception, b. experiences), and (3) Self-others (a. individual freedom, b. inconsistency, c. perception of social benefit). Conclusion: It was found that nurses refused to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, which is an important strategy in the fight against the pandemic, based on various reasons and inferences. Developing a standard recommendation for all nurses in the world on vaccine hesitancy can be difficult. But the strategic efforts to increase confidence in vaccines should focus on the invisible barriers to vaccine hesitancy.

Mental health, risk perception, and coping strategies among healthcare workers in Egypt during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Coronavirus disease-19 emerged in December 2019. Healthcare workers were exposed to this highly infectious virus during the pandemic and suffered several social and psychological consequences, such as anxiety, psychological distress, and burnout. To assess the psychological distress, anxiety, depression, coping strategies, risk perception, and attitude toward interprofessional teamwork among Egyptian healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey which consisted of five sections. The primary outcomes were anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), risk perception towards COVID-19, interprofessional teamwork attitude, and coping strategies during the Coronavirus disease-19 pandemic. The web-based questionnaire was distributed to Egyptian healthcare workers from the 20th of April 2020 to the 20th of May 2020. A snowball sampling method was used. Regression analysis was conducted to test the relationship between the socioeconomic characteristics and the previously mentioned outcomes. A total of 403 participants responded to the online questionnaire. The majority were females (70.5%) and within the age group of 26-40 years (77.7%), with 2-5 years of work experience (43.2%). Most participants were pharmacists (33%) and physicians (22.1%). Eighty-two participants (21%) reported moderate to severe anxiety, and 79 participants reported (19.4%) moderate to severe depressive symptoms. In the univariate model, the marital status was associated with depression (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.28-0.78), anxiety (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.32-0.85), and an attitude toward interprofessional teamwork (β = -1.96 95% CI -2.72 to -1.2). Providing direct care to the patients was associated with lower anxiety symptoms (AOR 0.256, 95% CI 0.094-0.697). More severe anxiety and depressive symptoms were associated with difficulties in everyday life and the professional work environment (AOR 4.246 and 3.3, P = 0.003 and 0.01, respectively). Availability of mental health facilities at the workplace was associated with a lower risk perception towards COVID-19 (β = -0.79, 95% CI -1.24 to -0.34) and a more positive attitude towards teamwork (β = 2.77 95% CI 1.38-4.15). According to our results, the COVID-19 pandemic was associated with mild anxiety and depression among healthcare workers in Egypt, especially pharmacists and physicians. We recommend more research targeting the mental health of healthcare workers in Egypt. If proven cost-effective and needed, wide-scale mental health screening and public health campaigns can facilitate effective prevention and treatment strategies. In addition, the availability of mental health facilities at the workplace could alleviate some of the risk perception associated with health emergencies and improve interprofessional teamwork.

HIV Risk Perception, Willingness to Use PrEP, and PrEP Uptake Among Young Men who have Sex with Men in Washington, DC.

Low HIV risk perception is a barrier to PrEP uptake, but few studies have examined risk perception and PrEP uptake among young men who have sex with men (YMSM). We performed a secondary analysis of data collected in 2016 from YMSM ages 16-25 in the Washington, DC metropolitan area who participated in a cross-sectional online survey that aimed to identify strategies for engaging YMSM in PrEP services. Of 188 participants, 115 (61%) were considered eligible for PrEP. Among PrEP-eligible participants who had never used PrEP, 53%, 71%, and 100% with low, moderate, and high risk perception, respectively, were willing to use PrEP (Fisher's exact test p = 0.01). Odds of PrEP willingness were greater among those with moderate/high versus low risk perception (adjusted odds ratio [OR] =5.62, 95% CI =1.73-18.34). HIV risk perception was not significantly associated with self-reported PrEP use. These findings suggest the importance of risk perception as a correlate of willingness to use PrEP, which is a key step in existing frameworks of PrEP uptake.

Concern over tobacco and marijuana perceptions and use among adolescents and young adults with cystic fibrosis

BackgroundThis study assesses use and perceptions of short- and long-term harms associated with cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and smoked marijuana among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cystic fibrosis (CF). MethodsA total of 205 AYAs with CF completed an online survey querying about use, safety perceptions, and education related to traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), and smoked marijuana. In addition, parents of AYAs with CF and CF healthcare providers were asked questions about experiences in avoidance education. ResultsAYA participants with CF reported using tobacco and marijuana at rates lower than that of the general AYA population, with heavy use considerably lower in this population. AYAs with CF perceived lower risk of negative outcomes associated with using e-cigarettes and smoked marijuana compared to combustible cigarettes. Ever-use was correlated with a lower perception of risk across all products. CF providers estimated lower rates of product use in their own patients compared to both the general AYA CF population and the general AYA population, and estimated lower use among the general CF AYA population compared to the general AYA population. Receipt of avoidance education varied greatly when comparing AYAs with CF, parents of individuals with CF, and CF healthcare providers. Reasons for undereducation include but are not limited to lack of familiarity with products, assumption of avoidance, assumption of education, and time constraints. ConclusionsFindings concerning safety perceptions and use of combustible tobacco, e-cigarettes, and marijuana in individuals with cystic fibrosis underscore the importance of providing avoidance education to vulnerable patient populations. Insight derived from this study may also inform pediatric to adult clinic transition education, when chronic disease populations are at greatest risk for engaging in risky behaviors. Implications and contributionWe report data on use, risk perception, and education of cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and cannabis in individuals with cystic fibrosis, with a focus on adolescents and young adults. Such Findings will inform prevention education, especially during the critical transition period from pediatric to adult care when these behaviors are prevalent.

Acceptance and Risk Perception of COVID-19 Vaccination among Pregnant and Non Pregnant Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Cross-Sectional Matched-Sample Study.

This study aims to evaluate the acceptance and risk perception of pregnant and non pregnant women towards COVID-19 vaccines using a cross-sectional matched-sample study approach. A web-based questionnaire with closed- and open-ended questions was administered to adults older than 18 years in the sub-Saharan African (SSA) region. Respondents (n = 131) were grouped based on their pregnancy status (54 pregnant and 77 non pregnant women) and matched for comparison by age. The matched groups were compared using the chi-square test and the t-test where appropriate. Compared to non pregnant women, pregnant women reported significantly lower risk perception scores of COVID-19 infection (3.74 vs. 5.78, p < 0.001) and were less likely to take the COVID-19 vaccine (odds ratio = 0.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06-0.27, p < 0.001). A similar proportion of pregnant and non pregnant women believed in false information about the COVID-19 vaccine, and 40% of unvaccinated pregnant women (n = 40) were concerned about the safety of the vaccine. After adjustment, women's education, marital status, belief in misconceptions and risk perception were associated with non-vaccination among pregnant women. The content analysis revealed that pregnant women refused the vaccine due to mistrust of their countries' health systems, concerns about the country where the vaccines were manufactured and a lack of confidence in the production process of the vaccines. This study shows the poor acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines among pregnant women in SSA, who perceived a lower risk of COVID-19 infection. Understanding the reasons for non-acceptance and the motivation to accept the COVID-19 vaccine could guide the development of health education and promotion programmes, and aid governments and policymakers in implementing targeted policy changes.

Effects of negative emotions and information perceived value on residents' risk perception during the COVID-19 pandemic: An empirical survey from China.

The COVID-19 pandemic has spread rapidly and heavily hit the globe, and the mutation and transmission speed of the coronavirus have accelerated so that the world is still in danger. Thus, this study aims to investigate the participants' risk perception and explore the associations of risk perception of COVID-19 with negative emotions, information value perception and other related dimensions. A cross-sectional, population-based online survey was conducted from April 4 to 15, 2020, in China. A total of 3,552 participants were included in this study. A descriptive measure of demographic information was used in this study. Multiple regression models and moderating effect analysis were used to estimate the effect of potential associations of risk perceptions. Those who showed negative emotions (depressed, helplessness, loneliness) and perceived video information in social media to be useful were positively correlated with risk perception, whereas individuals who perceived experts' advice to be useful, shared risk information with friends and thought that their community made adequate emergency preparation reported lower risk perception. The moderating effect of information perceived value (β = 0.020, p < 0.001) on the relationship between negative emotion and perception of risk was significant. Individual differences in risk cognition during the COVID-19 pandemic were observed in subgroups of age level. Furthermore, the role of negative emotional states, the perceived usefulness of risk information and the sense of security also contributed to improving the public's risk perception. It is crucial for authorities to focus on residents' negative emotions and to clarify misinformation in accessible and effective ways in a timely manner.

COVID-19 related risk perception and altruistic response amongst undergraduates on reopening of educational institutes.

To determine the coronavirus disease-2019-related risk perception and altruistic response among undergraduate medical students post-lockdown. The analytical cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021, at the Baqai Medical University, Karachi, and comprised undergraduates aged 16 and above, studying in medical, dental, physiotherapy, pharmacy and Information technology departments. Data was collected using a structured and standardised online questionnaire. Positive responses led to a perceived risk score ranging 0-9, with a higher score indicating a greater perception of risk. The score was corelated with demographic variables. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. Of the 743 subjects, 472(63.5%) were females. The overall mean age of the sample was 21.34±1.8 years. The mean risk perception score was 3.8±2.5, and it was significantly associated with disease exposure (p<0.001). Altruism had a strong association with the perceived risk score (p<0.001), indicating lower risk perception. The risk perception among the students was low, pointing towards a need of psychological assistance programme for the students.

Stakeholder perspectives on a door-to-door intervention to increase community engagement for malaria elimination in Zanzibar

BackgroundMalaria remains a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. The 2021 World Health Organization (WHO) World Malaria Report indicates a slowing in the decline of malaria incidence since 2015. Malaria prevalence in Zanzibar has been maintained at less than 1% since 2010, however from 2018 to 2021, the annual number of reported malaria cases has gradually increased from 4106 to 9290. Community engagement has been emphasized by the WHO for reducing malaria transmission. To better understand the potential for a door-to-door approach for malaria, a three-month pilot programme was carried out. This qualitative study aimed at understanding stakeholder experiences with the pilot programme and considerations for its implementation.MethodsThrough multistage sampling, four shehias (wards—the lowest administrative structure) with comparatively high (> 1.9 per 1000) and four with low (< 1 per 1000) incidence of local malaria cases were selected and involved in a door-to-door pilot intervention. The qualitative study was conducted after the pilot intervention and employed focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. All field notes were written on paper and audiotaped using digital audio-recorders. Summaries were developed by integrating field notes with reviews of recordings; themes were developed based on the topics identified a priori. Responses for each theme were summarized using an iterative process.ResultsMost community members reported high levels of acceptance of door-to-door interventions. Some factors that might affect implementation of door-to-door include, low risk perception of the disease, local beliefs and practice, lack of initiative from the programme level to involve communities, and political instability during the election period. All Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) recommended this approach for community engagement, however, ensuring adequate resources was identified as a key factor for ensuring its sustainability.ConclusionThe door-to-door intervention was perceived as helpful for promoting community engagement. There are several factors to consider including ensuring that CHVs are provided with adequate education, regular supervision, and have access to essential resources. Community leaders should be fully involved in choosing CHVs that are acceptable to the community. To ensure sustainability, the government should allocate sufficient resources and improve coordination systems.

The influence of trust on the public’s environmental risk perception: evidence from China

ABSTRACT As the leading country in terms of environmental pollution production, China is experiencing increasing environmental risks. This study explored the types and severity perception of the public’s environmental risk perception in China and examined the influence of different types of trust on environmental risk perception. The data used in the study were obtained from the Chinese General Social Survey 2013, which provides the best representative nationwide data in China. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to distinguish the types of environmental risk perception. Then, the influence of different trust on two types of environmental risk perception was examined by regression analysis respectively. The current study determined that living and natural environmental risk perceptions are two major types of environmental risk perceptions. Regression results revealed that trust in all the central and local government, in most people in society and in the media help to attenuate living environmental risk perceptions. For natural environmental risk perception, trust in the local government and in the media help reduce the public’s risk perception. Compared with living environmental risk perception, the public held a relatively low perception of natural environmental risk. Promoting government trust (especially local government trust) and media trust could be a vital risk communication tool for effective environmental risk management.

The Interaction Between Optimism and Pessimism Predicted the Perceived Risk of Infection During the Covid-19 Pandemic: An Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study.

In this study, we examined the relationship between optimism and pessimism associated with the Covid-19 pandemic, mental health, and perceived risk of infection. In particular, we tested the hypothesis that, when optimism and pessimism were high during the pandemic period, a worse mental health and a higher perception of risk would be reported. To this end, a convenience sample of 374 Italian adults was enrolled. Measures included perceived stress, optimism, and pessimism associated with the development of the pandemic situation, as well as the perceived risk of Covid-19 infection. The results showed that optimism and pessimism were associated with perceived stress and Covid-19 risk perception while controlling for demographic variables. Optimism and stress were negatively related, while pessimism was positively related to both stress and risk perception. Furthermore, the interaction between optimism and optimism was significant, with a higher perception of risk in the presence of both high optimism and pessimism, and a lower perception of risk with high optimism and low pessimism. These results support the hypothesis that optimism and pessimism interacted in predicting Covid-19 risk perception and show that they should be measured as partially correlated but independent constructs in future investigations.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards HPV vaccination among reproductive age women in a HIV hotspot in the US.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the US, responsible for cervical cancer and increased risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) acquisition. Despite an effective HPV vaccine, women's HPV vaccination coverage and rates remain far below desired levels. This study aimed to evaluate HPV knowledge, attitudes, and vaccination practices as well as factors associated with HPV vaccination among women of reproductive age living in Miami, Florida, a Southern US city with a high incidence of STIs and low HPV vaccination coverage. From April to June 2022, 100 HIV-negative, cisgender, sexually active women aged 18-45 years were recruited from the Miami community. Participants completed validated questionnaires using REDCap© electronic surveys, assessing socio-demographics and sexual behaviors; HPV knowledge, screening, vaccination practices; barriers and motivators to HPV vaccination. A cumulative HPV knowledge score (HPV score) was generated. Factors associated with HPV vaccination were analyzed by Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, studentized t-test, and multivariate logistic regression (MLR). A total of 100 participants were enrolled, and 84 who knew their vaccination status were included in the analysis. Of these, 43 reported receiving at least 1 HPV vaccine dose (vaccinated group) and 41 reported never being vaccinated (unvaccinated group). Mean age was 24.7 (SD 4.03) years for the vaccinated group and 31.4 (SD 8.33) for the unvaccinated group. Mean HPV score was 18.9/29 (SD 6.05) for the vaccinated group and 9.1/29 (SD 8.82) for the unvaccinated group. Amongst vaccinated participants, 76.74% reported a history of HPV/Pap smear screening vs 87.80% in the unvaccinated group. Barriers to HPV vaccination included: 14.6% low-risk perception, 29.3% healthcare barriers, and 46.3% vaccine hesitancy and personal beliefs. Motivators t HPV vaccination included: risk perception and vaccine beliefs (71.42%), healthcare-related (60.71%) and social motivators (55.95%). In the first MLR, one-point increases in HPV score were significantly associated with higher odds of HPV vaccination until an HPV score of 16, and a one-year increase in age was associated with a 16% lower odds of HPV vaccination (aOR = 0.84, 95% CI [0.72, 0.99]; p = 0.035). Contraception use was also associated with HPV vaccination (aOR 8.36 (95% CI [1.41, 49.62]; p = 0.020). Race, ethnicity, college education status, and number of sexual partners were not significant predictors of HPV vaccination. In the second MLR evaluating vaccination motivators as predictors of HPV vaccination, we found that individuals who were motivated by healthcare had 3.03 (95% CI [1.02, 9.00]; p = 0.046) times the odds of HPV vaccination compared to individuals without healthcare-related motivators. Findings suggest suboptimal HPV knowledge and low vaccination rates among women of reproductive age. Public health efforts should focus on increasing basic HPV knowledge among women with little-to-no HPV knowledge to increase vaccine uptake.

Understanding Perceived Risks and Sexual Behavior Among Adolescents and Young Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

PurposeWe sought to describe the relationship between COVID-19 risk perception and sexual behaviors among urban adolescents and young adults (AYA). MethodsData were collected from 159 urban AYAs on COVID-19 risk perception, COVID-19 infections and deaths, romantic relationships, and sexual behavior during the stay-at-home order using a telephone survey. ResultsSeventy-nine percent of the study participants engaged in sexual intercourse during the stay-at-home order. Only 38% of these used condoms during their last sexual encounter. Experiencing COVID-19 positivity within their social circle was not related to COVID-19 testing. Concern for COVID-19 infection or experiencing a COVID-19 diagnosis or death in one's social circles was not associated with sexual intercourse or condom use. DiscussionUrban AYA remained at risk for sexually transmitted infections, and COVID-19, given high baseline community rates of sexually transmitted infections and COVID-19, low condom use, and low COVID-19 risk perception at the time of the survey.

A Cross-Sectional Assessment of Self-Medication Among University Students of Lahore, Pakistan

<i>Background</i>: Symptoms or ailments that a person is aware of and chooses to treat on their own are referred to as self-medication. The idea of self-medication has been influenced by awareness of individual responsibility for own health and unnecessary professional care for mild illnesses. Self-medication is common practice around the globe. Gradually, it is becoming a form of self-care. Lot of research has been done in the area and the result revealed that the self-medication is more common among the literate people as compared to the illiterate. Trend is rather prominent among the young population who tend to have more knowledge of drugs and their use, have lower risk perception, therefore are more influenced by self-medication. <i>Objective</i>: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge about self-medication among engineering, arts & humanities students in Lahore during a period of 7 months (December 2018-June 2019).<i> Methodology</i>: A self-administered questionnaire was designed after the extensive review of previous research and was reviewed by an expert panel of professors & lecturers of clinical pharmacy of Punjab University College of pharmacy. Human ethics committee of Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab approved the study protocol. A total sample of 1000 students were calculated by sample size calculator. All statistical analysis was done by SPSS version 23. <i>Results:</i> A total of 1000 questionnaire were received with overall response rate of 63%. In this study, younger age, male, and unmarried students residing in hostels and those who have access to nearby pharmacy tended to self-medicate more than their peers with significant difference. About 43.4% of respondents followed their doctor's advice, while about 37.2% took their own advice or that of friends, family members, or the media. <i>Conclusion</i>: Self-medication misuse or abuse can be dangerous and endanger lives; if practiced impulsively, it may also be a health issue that requires education and attention from Pakistan's health care authorities. Future research is also required to determine how self-medication affects Lahore and Pakistan's non-medical students' health.

The antecedents, regulation and maintenance of anger on the road: A qualitative investigation on the factors influencing driver anger and aggression

Aggressive driving behaviour (ADB) is an ongoing road safety issue that has proven difficult to deter. The purpose of this study was to: qualitatively investigate the antecedents of ADBs, document the self-regulatory processes and metacognitive beliefs associated with ADBs, and explore how metacognitive facets might influence the progression and expression of anger. An online sample of Queensland (Australia) motorists who had recently engaged in ADBs (N = 34) were interviewed and inductive thematic analysis was applied to the response data. The results showed that firstly, ADBs were primarily triggered by discrepancies in drivers’ mentality. Several perceptual, situational, internal and experiential factors were found to influence the likelihood and severity of the response to the triggering behaviour. Trait aggressive drivers tended to have lower perceptions of risk, and resistance to deterring events (e.g., fines; near misses). The self-regulation of ADBs appeared to be contingent on participants’ metacognitive awareness to recognise when their behaviour was being influenced by anger, and the ability to utilise appropriate cognitive-behavioural regulatory strategies when required. Following ADBs, participants reported different forms of evaluation, including anger, depressive, fearful, and reflective rumination styles, and these processes were perceived to influence future driving behaviours in different ways. However, trait aggressive drivers in particular tended to demonstrate a lack of evaluation following ADBs. The findings of this study may provide a framework for future research applying the concept of self-regulation to the topic of ADB and may also help inform road authorities of alternative and effective approaches for reducing driver aggression.

PrEP Scale-Up and PEP in Central and Eastern Europe: Changes in Time and the Challenges We Face with No Expected HIV Vaccine in the near Future.

With no expected vaccine for HIV in the near future, we aimed to define the current situation and challenges for pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP and PEP) in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The Euroguidelines CEE Network Group members were invited to respond to a 27-item survey including questions on PrEP (response rate 91.6%). PrEP was licensed in 68.2%; 95 centers offered PrEP and the estimated number on PrEP was around 9000. It was available in daily (40.1%), on-demand (13.3%), or both forms (33.3%). The access rate was &lt;1-80%. Three major barriers for access were lack of knowledge/awareness among people who are in need (59.1%), not being reimbursed (50.0%), and low perception of HIV risk (45.5%). Non-occupational PEP was available in 86.4% and was recommended in the guidelines in 54.5%. It was fully reimbursed in 36.4%, only for accidental exposures in 40.9%, and was not reimbursed in 22.72%. Occupational PEP was available in 95.5% and was reimbursed fully. Although PrEP scale-up in the region has gained momentum, a huge gap exists between those who are in need of and those who can access PrEP. Prompt action is required to address the urgent need for PrEP scale-up in the CEE region.

Women Victims of Intimate Partner Violence and Intimate Partner Homicide: A Typology Based on Victimization Variables.

Intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) and intimate partner homicide against women (IPHAW) are multidimensional phenomena. The aim of this study was to identify typologies of Spanish IPHAW and IPVAW victims, based on the differences between their characteristics and the determinants of aggression. The sample consisted of 381 cases from the Spanish Integral Monitoring System in Cases of Gender Violence. The instrument used was a semi-structured interview. Results showed differences between IPHAW and IPVAW victims, and latent class analysis suggested a three-profile solution: 1-fatal victims, with low neuroticism, low isolation, and feelings of loneliness, less reconciliation with the aggressor, lower perception of risk and low suicidal ideation; 2-non-fatal victims, with the loss of a loved one and the role of caregiver as stressors, low psychoticism and alcohol abuse, high feelings of loneliness, risk perception, and suicidal ideation; 3-mixed profile, with high neuroticism and psychoticism, alcohol abuse, isolation, and greater reconciliations with the aggressor, and absence of bereavement and caregiver role as stressors. Knowing the differences between IPHAW and IPVAW victims allows the design of more specific instruments for risk assessment and the design of more individualized prevention and treatment programs. This also facilitates police work in identifying victims and deploying more intense protection measures.