Prevalence Of Risk Behaviors Research Articles

Health risk behaviors among Vietnamese students aged 13-18 in two districts in Ha Nam province and some associated factors

Objective: Risky health behaviors have an impact on physical and mental health. Data on health risk behaviors among students in Vietnam are limited. This study aims to describe and identify associated factors of health risk behaviors among Vietnamese students aged 13-18 in two districts in Ha Nam province. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 600 students aged 13-18 in two districts in Ha Nam in July - 2022. Results: There was 25.5% of participants had at least 1 health risk behavior. History of alcohol consumption was the most frequent of health risk behavior. There were 9 students had sexual intercourse. The final multi-variable logistics regression showed that students aged 14 years (aOR: 2.29, 95%CI: 1.28 – 4.20) or 16 years (aOR 7.02, 95%CI: 2.57 – 20.41) or 18 years (aOR5.58, 95%CI: 1.48 – 21.63) had a higher chance to have health risk behaviors than 13-years-old students. Female students (aOR: 0.51; 95%CI: 0.34 – 0.75) had lower rate of health risk behaviors than male students. We also found history of using tobacco (aOR: 15.7, 95%CI: 3.07 – 103.89) was associated with the history of having sex in participants. Conclusions: The prevalence of health risk behaviors among Vietnamese students aged 13-18 in Ha Nam was quite high. There should be more prevention, activities and consultation for students aged 13-18 in Viet Nam.

Updated Review of Major Cancer Risk Factors and Screening Test Use in the United States, with a Focus on Changes During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

We present national and state representative prevalence estimates of modifiable cancer risk factors, preventive behaviors and services, and screening, with a focus on changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between 2019 and 2021, current smoking, physical inactivity, and heavy alcohol consumption declined, and human papillomavirus vaccination and stool testing for colorectal cancer screening uptake increased. In contrast, obesity prevalence increased, while fruit consumption and cervical cancer screening declined during the same timeframe. Favorable and unfavorable trends were evident during the 2nd year of the COVID-19 pandemic that must be monitored as more years of consistent data are collected. Yet disparities by racial/ethnic and socioeconomic status persisted, highlighting the continued need for interventions to address suboptimal levels among these population subgroups.

Spatio-temporal estimates of HIV risk group proportions for adolescent girls and young women across 13 priority countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Global AIDS Strategy 2021-2026 identifies adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) as a priority population for HIV prevention, and recommends differentiating intervention portfolios geographically based on local HIV incidence and individual risk behaviours. We estimated prevalence of HIV risk behaviours and associated HIV incidence at health district level among AGYW living in 13 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. We analysed 46 geospatially-referenced national household surveys conducted between 1999-2018 across 13 high HIV burden countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Female survey respondents aged 15-29 years were classified into four risk groups (not sexually active, cohabiting, non-regular or multiple partner[s] and female sex workers [FSW]) based on reported sexual behaviour. We used a Bayesian spatio-temporal multinomial regression model to estimate the proportion of AGYW in each risk group stratified by district, year, and five-year age group. Using subnational estimates of HIV prevalence and incidence produced by countries with support from UNAIDS, we estimated new HIV infections in each risk group by district and age group. We then assessed the efficiency of prioritising interventions according to risk group. Data consisted of 274,970 female survey respondents aged 15-29. Among women aged 20-29, cohabiting (63.1%) was more common in eastern Africa than non-regular or multiple partner(s) (21.3%), while in southern countries non-regular or multiple partner(s) (58.9%) were more common than cohabiting (23.4%). Risk group proportions varied substantially across age groups (65.9% of total variation explained), countries (20.9%), and between districts within each country (11.3%), but changed little over time (0.9%). Prioritisation based on behavioural risk, in combination with location- and age-based prioritisation, reduced the proportion of population required to be reached in order to find half of all expected new infections from 19.4% to 10.6%. FSW were 1.3% of the population but 10.6% of all expected new infections. Our risk group estimates provide data for HIV programmes to set targets and implement differentiated prevention strategies outlined in the Global AIDS Strategy. Successfully implementing this approach would result in more efficiently reaching substantially more of those at risk for infections.

COVID-19 Testing Practices, Preventive Behaviors, and Factors Associated With Test Positivity: Population-Based Statewide Survey Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged public health efforts globally. Timely population-based surveillance is crucial to support public health programs and policies to limit the spread of COVID-19. The South Carolina (SC) Sampling and Testing Representative Outreach for Novel Coronavirus Guidance (SC STRONG) statewide initiative was established to estimate population-level prevalence and immunity and characterize the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 using community testing and online surveys. This paper aimed to leverage the survey data collected as part of the initiative to understand risk perceptions, testing practices, and preventive behaviors and identify risk factors for COVID-19 test positivity in SC over time. Probability proportionate to size cluster random sampling was used to select SC residents to participate in testing for COVID-19 infection and antibodies and to complete an online survey. This paper focuses on data from the online surveys completed between November 2020 and June 2021. Descriptive statistics were used to describe risk perceptions, attitudes and behaviors, and associated changes over time. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with self-reported COVID-19 test positivity. Among the 7170 online survey respondents, 58.7% (4213/7170) self-reported ever testing for COVID-19. The most commonly cited barriers to testing were inconvenient dates, time, and location, as well as discomfort. Overall, 18.7% (790/7170) of respondents reported a history of COVID-19 test positivity. Multivariate logistic regression results indicated that individuals who were aged 50 years or older, self-identified as Black/African American, were obese, and were employed as frontline health care workers or nursing home staff were more likely to self-report COVID-19 test positivity. By contrast, there was a decreased likelihood of test positivity among respondents who were concerned about the burden of COVID-19 in their community and about being infected. Strategies to remove testing barriers should be implemented to improve access. Our findings provide insights on statewide testing patterns, adoption of prevention behaviors, and risk factors for infection and may inform public health strategies to curb transmission.

The Influence of Media Information Sources on Preventive Behaviors in China: After the Outbreak of COVID-19 Pandemic.

As announced by the World Health Organization (WHO), since March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has become a global pandemic. In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Chinese government carried out very strict prevention and control policy. The study aimed to explore the effect of news reports on COVID-19 vaccine from traditional media and social media on COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Adults aged between 18 and 58 years old completed an online survey reporting how they gathered media information sources regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as any details relating to risk perception, vaccine efficacy, and preventive behaviors in COVID-19 pandemic. Our results showed that traditional and social media information sources both significantly and positively influenced people's COVID-19 preventive behaviors, with the former showing a stronger effect. COVID-19 contact risk perception and vaccine efficacy awareness of media audiences partly mediate this relationship. Audiences who reported more exposing news reports on COVID-19 vaccine from the media show stronger risk perception and vaccine efficacy awareness. This increases their COVID-19 preventive behaviors. This study found that media information sources have an important impact on people's COVID-19 preventive behaviors. People believe more in the news information of the mainstream media about the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, much of the news information of social media is also from the important mainstream media. Media organizations should shoulder greater social responsibility, embed the health-related benefits of COVID-19 vaccination into the values and cultural order of the whole society, find and shape a common space of meaning, and produce forms of internal coupling and value identification.

Examining the Association between Recent Maternal Incarceration and Adolescents’ Sleep Patterns, Dietary Behaviors, and Physical Activity Involvement

Maternal incarceration has become an increasingly common life event among adolescents in the U.S., especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Evidence suggests that maternal incarceration is a risk factor for adolescents’ internalizing and externalizing problems. However, its collateral consequences on adolescents’ sleep patterns, dietary behaviors and physical activity involvement remain unclear. This study uses the Fragile Family and Child Wellbeing Study dataset (N = 3262) to examine the prevalence of risk behaviors related to sleep, diet, and physical exercise among adolescents with maternal incarceration histories and assess the relationship between maternal incarceration and these behavioral health risks. Findings suggested that a significantly lower proportion of adolescents with maternal incarceration experiences consumed breakfast for at least four days a week than those without maternal incarceration experiences (41.78% vs. 52.76%, p = 0.009), a higher proportion of them consumed fast food for at least two days a week (57.35% vs. 48.61%, p = 0.035), had at least two sweetened drinks per day (71.92% vs. 62.21%, p = 0.018), and reported more days having problems staying asleep per week (1.70 vs. 1.26, p = 0.008). Regression analyses suggested that adolescents with maternal incarceration experiences were more likely to have problems staying asleep (B = 0.44, p = 0.012) than those without maternal incarceration experiences.

Abstract 4179: Anal cancer risk factors and utilization of cancer preventive strategies in people living with HIV in Puerto Rico

Abstract Introduction: Anal cancer (AC) risk is greatly elevated among persons living with HIV (PLWH), particularly men who have sex with men (MSM). The incidence of anal cancer among PLWH in Puerto Rico is 60.5 per 100,000 in MSM. Smoking and sexual behaviors may enhance anal cancer risk among PLWH. Therefore, we describe the prevalence of risk factors for AC, overall and by sexual risk group (MSM, women, and men who have sex with women [MSW]). We also evaluated receipt of cancer preventive strategies: HPV vaccination and AC screening, among a sample of PLWH in Puerto Rico. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted (Sept 2020 - Dec 2021) among PLWH ≥26 aged in Puerto Rico (n=212). Participants answered a phone interview that collected information on relevant characteristics. AC risk factors evaluated were current smoking, age of sexual initiation (≤15 years), lifetime anal sex, 10 or more lifetime sexual partners, history of AIDS, genital warts, and HPV infection. HPV vaccination and AC screening status were also evaluated. The overall and sexual risk group specific prevalence of AC risk factors and preventive behaviors were described. In addition, the prevalence ratio (PR) of the variables of interest, comparing the sexual risk groups, was estimated with 95% confidence intervals using Poisson regression. Results: Mean age of participants was 52.8 ± (SD=10.2); 44.1% were MSM, 23.2% were MSW, and 32.7% were women. Most PLWH had public health insurance (84.4%), an education level of high-school or less (45.7%), and 9.5% had a history of intravenous drug use. Regarding the prevalence of AC risk factors, 58.3% had 10 or more lifetime sex partners, 51% had their first sexual relationship at age ≤15 years, 29.3% were current smokers, and 75.8% of women had history of anal sex. In addition, 20.8% reported being diagnosed with AIDS, 16.5% had a history of genital warts, and 12.0% had HPV infection. Only 7.5% reported HPV vaccination and 52.2% reported ever having had an anal pap test. MSM had the highest prevalence of risky sexual behaviors, although no statistical difference was seen in the PRs. For preventive strategies, women (PR: 3.13, 95% CI 1.52-6.46) and MSM (PR: 3.42, 95% CI 1.70-6.90) had higher prevalence of anal pap uptake than MSW. Conclusion: Persons living with HIV in Puerto Rico had high prevalence of current smoking use and risky sexual behavior. Despite their increased risk of AC, and only over half had been screened for AC. Continued education and awareness about AC risk factors, smoking cessation, and importance of prevention strategies are important among PLWH. Citation Format: Sandra I. Garcia-Camacho, Jeslie M. Ramos-Cartagena, Marievelisse Soto-Salgado, Vivian Colon-Lopez, Karen J. Ortiz-Ortiz, Ashish A. Deshmukh, Ana P. Ortiz. Anal cancer risk factors and utilization of cancer preventive strategies in people living with HIV in Puerto Rico. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 4179.

Dynamics of Pre-Exposure (PrEP) Eligibility Because of Waxing and Waning of HIV Risk in Rakai, Uganda.

We conducted a retrospective population-based study to describe longitudinal patterns of prevalence, incidence, discontinuation, resumption, and durability of substantial HIV risk behaviors (SHR) for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) eligibility. The study was conducted among HIV-negative study participants aged 15-49 years who participated in survey rounds of the Rakai Community Cohort Study between August 2011 and June 2018. Substantial HIV risk was defined based on the Uganda national PrEP eligibility as reporting sexual intercourse with >1 partner of unknown HIV status, nonmarital sex without a condom, having genital ulcers, or having transactional sex. Resumption of SHR meant resuming of SHR after stopping SHR, whereas persistence of SHR meant SHR on >1 consecutive visit. We used generalized estimation equations with log-binomial regression models and robust variance to estimate survey-specific prevalence ratios; Generalized estimation equations with modified Poisson regression models and robust variance to estimate incidence ratios for incidence, discontinuation, and resumption of PrEP eligibility. Incidence of PrEP eligibility increased from 11.4/100 person-years (pys) in the first intersurvey period to 13.9/100 pys (adjusted incidence rate ratios = 1.28; 95%CI = 1.10-1.30) and declined to 12.6/100 pys (adjusted incidence rate ratios = 1.06; 95%CI = 0.98-1.15) in the second and third intersurvey periods, respectively. Discontinuation rates of SHR for PrEP eligibility were stable (ranging 34.9/100 pys-37.3/100 pys; P = 0.207), whereas resumption reduced from 25.0/100 pys to 14.5/100 pys ( P < 0.001). PrEP eligibility episodes lasted a median time of 20 months (IQR = 10-51). Pre-exposure prophylaxis use should be tailored to the dynamic nature of PrEP eligibility. Preventive-effective adherence should be adopted for assessment of attrition in PrEP programs.

Prevalence of physical health conditions and health risk behaviours in people with severe mental illness in South Asia: multi-country cross-sectional survey.

People with severe mental illness (SMI) die earlier than the general population, primarily because of physical disorders. We estimated the prevalence of physical health conditions, health risk behaviours, access to healthcare and health risk modification advice in people with SMI in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, and compared results with the general population. We conducted a cross-sectional survey in adults with SMI attending mental hospitals in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan. Data were collected on non-communicable diseases, their risk factors, health risk behaviours, treatments, health risk modification advice, common mental disorders, health-related quality of life and infectious diseases. We performed a descriptive analysis and compared our findings with the general population in the World Health Organization (WHO) 'STEPwise Approach to Surveillance of NCDs' reports. We recruited 3989 participants with SMI, of which 11% had diabetes, 23.3% had hypertension or high blood pressure and 46.3% had overweight or obesity. We found that 70.8% of participants with diabetes, high blood pressure and hypercholesterolemia were previously undiagnosed; of those diagnosed, only around half were receiving treatment. A total of 47% of men and 14% of women used tobacco; 45.6% and 89.1% of participants did not meet WHO recommendations for physical activity and fruit and vegetable intake, respectively. Compared with the general population, people with SMI were more likely to have diabetes, hypercholesterolemia and overweight or obesity, and less likely to receive tobacco cessation and weight management advice. We found significant gaps in detection, prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases and their risk factors in people with SMI.

Profile identification and characterization of risk perceptions and preventive behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic: A latent profile analysis.

In a public health crisis, communication plays a vital role in making sure policies and recommendations from the government level get disseminated accurately to its people and is only considered as effective when the public accepts, supports, complies to, and engages in policies or behaves as per governments' recommendations. Adopting the multivariate audience segmentation strategy for health communication, this study uses a data-driven analytical method to (1) identify audience segments of public health crisis communication in Singapore based on knowledge, risk perception, emotional responses, and preventive behaviors; and (2) characterize each audience segment according to demographic factors, personality traits, information processing styles, and health information preferences. Results (N = 2033) from a web-based questionnaire executed in August 2021 have identified three audience segments: the less-concerned (n = 650), the risk-anxious (n = 142), and the risk-majority (n = 1,241). This study offers insights to how audiences of public health crisis communication perceive, process, and respond to information directed to them during the pandemic, thereby informing policy makers to tailor more targeted public health communication interventions in promoting positive attitude and behavior change.

Risk, time preferences, trustworthiness and COVID-19 preventive behavior: evidence from France.

We analyze how far-sightedness and risk aversion as well as the perceived trustworthiness of others correlate with COVID-19-related protective behaviors in France. We leverage individual-level data from the corona survey of the Survey of Health Aging and Retirement in Europe linked with a paper questionnaire survey about preferences conducted in France just before the coronavirus outbreak. Our results suggest that far-sightedness and risk aversion are strong predictors of individuals' protective behavior. More far-sighted individuals are more likely to not visit their family members anymore, wear a mask, and keep their distance from others when outside, wash their hands more regularly and cover their cough. Risk aversion increases the likelihood of not meeting more than 5 other people and not meeting with family members anymore. Concerning the perceived trustworthiness, we find that a higher level of trust in others reduces compliance with the recommendations about meeting with 5 or more people and family gatherings. We interpret this result as a sign that individuals with trust in others perceive a lower risk of being infected by friends and family members. Hence, they are more willing to take risks when they engage in social interactions when they perceive their relatives as trustworthy. The government should therefore consider individuals' heterogeneity in preferences and beliefs when implementing a strategy to encourage people to comply with its COVID-19 protective recommendations.

SENSITISATION AND AWARENESS FOR AYURVEDA AMONG SCHOOL STUDENT: A REVIEW

Ayurveda is not simply a medical science but a life science, which has majorly described various fundamental principles that help Ayurveda education and research in India that can be further reinforced with innovative and creative motivations. Strategies and futuristic plans are considered essential to be implemented with active initiation by concerned Government bodies for creating awareness among the faculties, students and upcoming scholars of Ayurveda. Children are more susceptible to many diseases due to their transitional immune system. Good health is associated with reduced dropout and massive education performance and productivity. Children are sensitive to the diseases like malnutrition, infectious diseases, intestinal parasites, skin diseases, eye and ear, and dental caries. Ayurveda describes Dinacharya, Rutucharya, Matravat Ahara, Kala Bhojana, Sadvritta etc. and a copious number of the preparation for the prevention and management of these diseases, which helps in better development of children for tomorrow. Incorporating the principles of Ayurveda in school health, one can reduce the prevalence of health risk behaviours and promote healthy behaviours among children, ultimately leading to a positive effect on health and helping build a vibrant future for the nation with healthy and skilled citizens.

Sleep clusters and modifiable risk behaviors for noncommunicable diseases in young adults: Data from a birth cohort in Brazil

ObjectivesTo determine sleep clusters among young adults and describe the prevalence of modifiable risk behaviors for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) according to these clusters. MethodsA cross-sectional analysis was carried out with the 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort participants at the 22-year follow-up. Sleep onset, sleep offset, total sleep time (TST), TST variability, and sleep efficiency were evaluated by a triaxial accelerometer. We asked participants to wear the devices for 7 days on a nondominant wrist. Excessive daytime sleepiness was assessed by the Epworth sleep scale and sleep quality by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Sleep clusters of 2738 individuals were determined using k-means cluster analysis. Crude and adjusted prevalence of modifiable risk behaviors for NCDs (smoking, harmful alcohol intake, leisure physical inactivity, overweight, screen time, and ultra-processed food consumption) were presented according to the sleep clusters. Adjustments included wealth index, skin color, years of schooling, current occupation, shift work, and having children under 2 years. All analyses were stratified according to sex. ResultsWe identified 3 sleep clusters for men (Healthy sleepers, Late and variant sleepers, and Shorter and poorer sleepers) and 3 for women (Healthy sleepers, Late and poor-quality sleepers, and Shorter, variant, and inefficient sleepers). Both males and females classified as Healthy sleepers presented a lower prevalence of modifiable risk behaviors for NCDs compared to individuals from other sleep clusters. ConclusionsPoor sleep health is associated with higher prevalence of modifiable risk behaviors for NCDs. Prevention strategies for NCDs should also focus on sleep health.

Risk Perception and Preventive Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic : Testing the Effects of Government Trust and Information Behaviors

ABSTRACT Given the absence of COVID-19 treatments, the best way to control the spread of the virus is to break the chain of infection by increasing public participation in preventive behaviors recommended by health authorities. This study proposes a moderated mediation model of information behaviors (e.g. information seeking and information verification) and trust in government that explores the relationship between risk perception and preventive behaviors regarding COVID-19. Using a survey study in South Korea, we conducted the moderated mediation analysis with latent moderated structural equation modeling (LMS). We found serial mediation effects for risk perception, information behaviors, and preventive behaviors, as people both seek out information and verify that information before adopting preventive behaviors. Additionally, trust in government moderated information behaviors in the relationship between risk perception and preventive behaviors, suggesting that trust in government encourages people to adopt more preventive actions via information seeking and information verification. Further implications are discussed to promote public understanding of the health crisis and public participation in preventive measures.

Analisis Risiko dan Perilaku Pencegahan Penyakit DM Tipe 2 pada Usia Produktif di Wilayah Kerja UPTD Puskesmas Depok Jaya Tahun 2022

Introduction: Diabetes is a non-communicable disease that must be treated, Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by high blood sugar levels. Indonesia is one of the countries with the highest number of diabetes cases in the world and occupies the fifth position with the number of people with diabetes in 2019 from 10.7 million people to 19.5 million people in 2021. For the West Java region in 2019, the prevalence of diabetes was 16 0.03%, and in 2020 there was an increase in cases to 24.39%. Objectives: To find out the risk factors and preventive behavior of type 2 DM at productive age in the working area of ​​the UPTD Puskesmas Depok Jaya in 2022 Method: The population of this study was the people in the area. The work of UPTD Puskesmas Depok Jaya suffering from diabetes mellitus with a sample of 90 respondents who filled out an online questionnaire using a google form. This research was conducted in April-August 2022, with this type of research being descriptive qualitative research using primary data from observations using an online questionnaire (google form) and secondary data taken from the health profile of the Depok Jaya Health Center 2022. Result: Based on the results of risk factors with genetic aspects of diabetes mellitus, it is ranked 3rd with a total of 22 (24%) respondents from 10 hereditary diseases. Based on risk factors with diabetes mellitus prevention behavior: physical activity from 90 respondents obtained 75 (83.3%) with indicators of doing physical activity every day. While the aspect with the lowest coverage value is that there are still family members who smoke (especially in the house), namely 49 (54.4%), eat fruit and vegetables every day, namely 56 (62.2%) respondents. Based on the characteristics of the aspect of health services, almost all Depok Jaya people use puskesmas facilities as much as 94.4%. Conducting periodic health checks as many as 74 (82.2) respondents Conclusions: Of the 10 highest diseases, diabetes mellitus is ranked 3rd with a total of 8 (10%). Based on this analysis, the incidence of diabetes mellitus is quite high with the presence of risk factors, unhealthy lifestyles and the lack of respondents to go to health services.

Mental health problems, health risk behaviors, and prevention: A qualitative interview study on perceptions and attitudes among elite male soccer players.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perception of mental health problems and health risk behaviors among Swedish male elite soccer players and their attitudes toward possible prevention strategies. Twenty elite soccer players, aged 15-30 years, were recruited through purposive sampling and interviewed via a digital video calling platform. A semi-structured interview guide, encompassing questions about mental health problems, health risk behaviors among soccer teams, peer-relations, relations to coaches, and attitudes toward health risk behaviors, along with proposals for effective interventions, was employed. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed with qualitative content analysis. The informants reported positive feelings in relation to playing soccer, good health, and few health risk behaviors. Risk factors included a large income, excessive free time, and the need for excitement. Stress and mental health problems were linked to performance pressure, social media, and injuries. Hesitation to talk openly about personal problems due to concerns about negative consequences and the "macho culture" was highlighted as barriers to admit and seek help for personal problems. Some statements indicated openness and the club's efforts to destigmatize personal problems. Positive attitudes toward prevention and suggestions for various measures were prominent. Future research and implementation of interventions should focus on the prevention of health risk behaviors and alleviation of stress and performance pressure, as well as continue the efforts to destigmatize mental health problems and raise awareness among coaches of the importance of their communication and behavior for players' mental health and performance. This could be achieved by developing strategic and systematic policy work, information, and dialogue among players and coaches, in addition to individual digital or face-to-face support, provided by professionals outside the soccer context.

Prevalence of adolescent risk behaviors at 11 and 15 years of age: data from the 2004 Pelotas birth cohort.

The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of the following risk behaviors: experimentation with cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, alcohol, substances, delinquent behavior, and sex at age 15, stratified by sex and socioeconomic position. We also investigated the prevalence of cigarette and alcohol experimentation at age 11 and the persistence and cumulative incidence of these behaviors between 11 and 15 years of age. In this cohort study, we included 3,491 11-year-olds and 1,949 15-year-olds from the 2004 Pelotas Birth Cohort. All outcomes were identified via confidential questionnaires and were analyzed as binary variables. At age 11, there was a higher prevalence of cigarette experimentation among boys. At age 15, there was a higher prevalence of experimentation with alcohol, cigarettes, and substances among girls; experimentation with cigarettes and sex were more prevalent among those in a low socioeconomic position. We found a high cumulative incidence of alcohol experimentation, as well as persistent alcohol experimentation, in both boys and girls. Further research should clarify causal paths of the high prevalence of risk behaviors during adolescence and its increase among girls.

Optimizing Respondent-Driven Sampling Survey to Identify Factors Associated With HIV Risk Behaviors Among Student MSM Aged 15 to 19.

Male homosexual behavior dominates the mode of HIV infection among students in China. This study aims to identify factors associated with HIV risk behaviors among male students who have sex with men (student MSM) aged 15 to 19 in China. The online sampling used the standard respondent-driven sampling (RDS) method, with recruitment support from community-based organizations (CBOs) in Tianjin and Guangzhou. Multivariate logistic regression models were performed to identify factors associated with multiple HIV risk behaviors. A total of 449 subjects were recruited in this study, including 206 in Tianjin and 243 in Guangzhou. The presence of multiple HIV risk behaviors among student MSM, in many cases, was found to positively correlate with parental or friends' awareness of their same-sex sexual behavior or sexual orientation, with some geographical differences. The prevalence of HIV risk behaviors among student MSM aged 15 to 19 was high and associated with the disclosure of their sexual orientation or their sex with males to parents and friends. These findings highlight the importance of addressing social support in HIV prevention among student MSM when delivering HIV-related education or services.

Adolescent sexual risk behaviors and participation in structured leisure activities (SLA): Role of socio-demographic characteristics and school-related behaviors

Adolescence is the transitional period between childhood and adulthood during which many physical, cognitive, social and emotional changes take place, characterized by an increasing interest in romantic and sexual relationships. During adolescence, young people enter into their first sexual partnerships. This may involve behaviors referred to as sexual risk behaviors. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the prevalence of sexual risk behaviors and to determine whether socio-demographic characteristics and school-related behaviors contribute to sexual risk behaviors among adolescents, independent of participation in SLA. The study was conducted from April to June 2021 in Croatia. The sample consisted only of students who reported having had sexual intercourse (N=702; 28.6%). Participants were between 14 and 21 years (46.3% female). Logistic analyses were conducted. The results of this study showed that socio-demographic characteristics make only a limited contribution to the sexual risk behaviors studied. However, it is evident that school-related behaviors are associated with sexual risk behaviors among adolescents, with slight differences depending on their participation in SLA. That is, better grades are a protective factor for sexual risk behavior for both those who do not participate in SLA and those who do, while intentionally skipping school is a risk factor for sexual risk behavior only for those who do participate in SLA. Even though the results show that some school-related behaviors are predictors of sexual risk behavior, it is not enough to implement preventive interventions only in school or leisure settings. It is important to intervene in all areas that influence adolescent development, because a comprehensive preventive approach that addresses all areas can have a greater impact on adolescent development. Therefore, it is necessary to plan comprehensive, evidence-based interventions targeting individuals and their environments, including SLA, to prevent sexual risk behaviors among adolescents.

Episodic future thinking for the prevention and treatment of health risk behaviors

Episodic future thinking for the prevention and treatment of health risk behaviors