Protective Behaviors Research Articles

Air quality protection behaviour and stock returns of public companies: Sectoral aspects

In the new economic reality, air quality protection behaviour of companies remains a burning issue shifting the em phasis towards saving human life and health. The article explores the relationship between the air quality protection behav iour of public companies and stock returns in different economic sectors. The research methodology is based on environmental management theory, financial management theory, and stakeholder theory. The analytical procedures performed on the data involved cross-sectoral economic analysis and econometric analysis. Empirical data are retrieved from the Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) and the Moscow Exchange and cover statistics on 45 public joint-stock companies (PAOs) from five sectors of the economy for the period of 2014–2022. Cross-sectoral economic analysis has shown that investors lack interest in PAOs’ air quality protection behaviour and invariably favour companies from the sectoral indices paying higher dividends compared to the Moscow Exchange, such as Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Metals and Mining, Oil and Gas. By integrating air quality protection factors into the Fama-French-Carhart model through econometric modelling, we estimated the dependence of returns of indus try portfolios on these factors and classical risk premiums. The study demonstrates a positive impact of market premium and size premium on returns of industry portfolios. No statistically significant impact of air quality protection factors on stock returns was found. Our empirical findings confirm that businesses are poorly motivated to take air environment protection measures and air pollution-reducing behaviour should be encouraged at the state level.

Exploring behavioral determinants of residents’ ecological conservation in rural tourism development

This study explores the residents’ behavioral determinants of ecological conservation in rural tourism development, focusing on resident participation to promote sustainable development in the tourism industry. By integrating the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and the Norm Activation Model (NAM), it examines the roles of subjective norm, responsibility attribution, ecological environmental risk perception, and human capital in shaping ecological conservation behavior. Based on data from 331 valid responses collected through a questionnaire survey, structural equation model (SEM) was performed using SPSS and AMOS to analyze ecological conservation behavior. The findings reveal that subjective norm and responsibility attribution significantly enhance ecological protection intention, which subsequently boosts ecological protection behavior. The relationship between subjective norm and behavior is mediated by intention, while ecological environmental risk perception positively moderates the subjective norm-behavior relationship. Additionally, human capital positively and significantly moderates the intention-behavior relationship. Significant differences in ecological conservation behavior were found based on gender and age, with men and women, as well as different age groups, responding uniquely to the ecological intention and the ecological environmental risk perception. To promote sustainable tourism development, targeted policy recommendations were put forward.

Association of self-monitoring performance of cognitive performance with personal diurnal preference when sleep-deprived

ABSTRACT In modern society, many workers struggle with sleep deprivation due to their work schedules and excessive workloads. Accurate self-awareness and self-monitoring abilities are crucial for workers to adopt risk-coping strategies and protective behaviors when fatigued. The current study examined the relationship between chronotypes and self-monitoring performance during 24 h of sleep deprivation. The study involved 26 male adults in a two-night experiment, and participants’ diurnal preferences were evaluated using the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). Self-monitoring performance was calculated by comparing actual task performance with self-rated predicted or post-estimated performance in the psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) and Digit Symbol Substitution Task (DSST). The study found that task and self-monitoring performances in the PVT and DSST were maintained until around 4:00 h, after which they began to deteriorate. Individuals with a higher MEQ score, indicating a stronger tendency towards a morning type, showed inaccurate self-monitoring, particularly in the final quarter of the sleep deprivation experiment, due to overly optimistic predictions. However, only prediction accuracy and not post-estimation showed this correlation. This study highlights the importance of considering an individual’s chronotype in workplace management, particularly in workplaces with irregular work timings, rotating shifts, and long working hours, to ensure better occupational safety.

Citizen Worry and Adherence in Response to Government Restrictions in Switzerland During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Repeated Cross-Sectional Online Surveys.

Good communication between health authorities and citizens is crucial for adherence to preventive measures during a pandemic. Crisis communication often appeals to worries about negative consequences for oneself or others. While worry can motivate protective behavior, it can also be overwhelming and lead to irrational choices or become a mental health problem. Also, the levels and consequences of worry can differ between different groups of citizens. Little is known about the evolution of worries during the pandemic and adherence to measures in distinct groups. This study aimed to evaluate worries in the Swiss population as well as associations between worry levels and citizens' adherence to government restrictions during different phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. We carried out an observational study with 4 cross-sectional online surveys of adults in the Canton of Vaud, Switzerland. Questionnaires were distributed through social media and websites during 4 periods: survey 1: April 17 to May 14, 2020; survey 2: May 15 to June 22, 2020; survey 3: October 30 to December 12, 2020; and survey 4: June 18 to December 30, 2021. On visual analog scales from 0 to 100, participants reported worry, self-adherence to pandemic restrictions, and their perceived adherence to others. We used multivariable linear regression, adjusting for age, gender, health literacy, and education to assess associations between self-reported worry, adherence, and study periods. We collected 7106 responses. After excluding 2377 questionnaires (incomplete, age <18 years, residence outside Vaud), 4729 (66.55%) were analyzed (mean age 47, SD 15.6 years, 63.96% women). Mean worry across the 4 periods was 42/100, significantly higher in women (44.25/100, vs 37.98/100; P<.001) and young people (43.77/100 in those aged 18-39 years, vs 41.69/100; P=.005; in those aged 40-64 years and 39.16/100; P=.002; in those aged >64 years). Worries were higher during survey 1 and survey 3 (52.41/100 and 56.32/100 vs 38.93/100, P<.001; and 35.71/100, P<.001) than during survey 2 and survey 4, respectively. This corresponds to pandemic peaks during which federal restrictions were better followed with self-reported adherence of 84.80/100 and 89.59/100 in survey 1 and survey 3 versus 78.69/100 (P<.001) and 78.64/100 (P<.001) in survey 2 and survey 4. A 2.9-point increase in worry score, adjusted for the pandemic period, gender, age, education, and health literacy, was associated with a 10-point increase in personal adherence score (95% CI 2.5-3.2; P<.001). Worries were higher in women, young people, and during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Higher worry levels were associated with increased self-reported adherence to federal restrictions. Authorities should consider population worry levels and population subgroups in the planning and design of pandemic communication.

Silicene-Based Quantum Dots Nanocomposite Coated Functional UV Protected Textiles With Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties: A Versatile Solution for Healthcare and Everyday Protection.

The predominant adverse health effects in care delivery result from hospital-acquired (nosocomial) infections, which impose a substantial financial burden on global healthcare systems. Integrating contact-killing antibacterial action, gas permeability, and antioxidant properties into textile coatings offers a transformative solution, significantly enhancing both medical and everyday protective applications. This study presents an innovative, pollution-free physical compounding method for creating a fluorescent biopolymer composite embedded with silicene-based heteroatom-doped carbon quantum dots for the production of functional textiles. The resulting coated fabric shows superior ultraviolet (UV) protection behavior (UVA and UVB), thermal stability, breathability, mechanical strength, and antioxidant capabilities as demonstrated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) experiment (>78%) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) ABTS assay (>90%). Rigorous testing against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria confirms that the coated fabric has excellent antibacterial activity. Results from time-dependent antibacterial assays indicate that the nanocomposite can markedly inhibit bacterial proliferation within a few hours. Molecular dynamics modeling, in conjunction with experimental investigations, is employed to elucidate the intermolecular interactions influencing the components of the treated cotton fabrics. The ongoing research can result in the creation of cost-effective smart textile substrates aimed at inhibiting microbial contamination in healthcare and medical applications, possibly rendering them commercially viable.

"What are they gonna do with my data?": Privacy Expectations, Concerns, and Behaviors in Virtual Reality

The immersive nature of Virtual Reality (VR) and its reliance on sensory devices like head-mounted displays introduce privacy risks to users. While earlier research has explored users' privacy concerns within VR environments, less is known about users' comprehension of VR data practices and protective behaviors; the expanding VR market and technological progress also necessitate a fresh evaluation. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 VR users, showing their diverse perceptions regarding the types of data collected and their intended purposes. We observed privacy concerns in three dimensions: institutional, social, and device-specific. Our participants sought to protect their privacy through considerations when selecting the device, scrutinizing VR apps, and selective engagement in different VR interactions. We contrast our findings with observations from other technologies and ecosystems, shedding light on how VR has altered the privacy landscape for end-users. We further offer recommendations to alleviate users' privacy concerns, rectify misunderstandings, and encourage the adoption of privacy-conscious behaviors.

Protective Effect of Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 Inhibition on Renal Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in Rats.

The transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channels, characterized as nonselective cation channels with permeability to calcium ions (Ca2 +), are part of the extensive family of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels. Research has demonstrated that TRPA1 channels function as sensors for oxidative stress in the renal tubules. Additionally, TRPA1 expression has increased in renal tissue following ischemia-reperfusion (IR). There is also a significant correlation between IR-induced renal injury and TRPA1 expression. This study investigated the effects of selective TRPA1 agonist ASP7663 and selective TRPA1 antagonist HC-030031 on renal IR injury. A total of 40 rats were divided into four groups: control, IR, IR+ASP7663, and IR + HC-030031. The rat kidneys were exposed to 45 min of ischemia, followed by 24 h of reperfusion. TRPA1 agonist ASP7663 and selective TRPA1 antagonist HC-030031 were administered intraperitoneally to the treatment groups with renal IR. HC-030031 administration reduced the elevated kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cre) caused by renal IR. HC-030031 administration reduced the increased histopathological damage in renal tissue due to IR. It also reduced renal tissue interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), phosphorylated-NF-κB, phosphorylated-IκB-α, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and caspase-3 levels. In this study, TRPA1 antagonist HC-030031 showed a protective behavior on renal IR injury by averting inflammation and apoptosis. After further studies, TRPA1 inhibition may be a new treatment strategy to prevent renal IR injury.

Effectiveness of cross-sector collaboration in strategy implementation and impact: Evaluation of the NSW Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy 2016-2022.

Australia continues to have one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. In NSW, melanoma is the third most common cancer diagnosed. At least 95% of skin cancers are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun, making it a highly preventable cancer. The NSW Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy (the Strategy) aims to reduce overexposure to UVR through collaborative efforts across government and non-government partners and the private sector. An evaluation was required to inform the Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy 2023-2030 development and implementation. The Strategy was evaluated using a mixed-methods approach, which included both process and outcome evaluation measures. Measures included population and campaign tracking surveys, administrative datasets, a document review of progress reports and meeting minutes, and semi-structured interviews and workshops with stakeholders. The evaluation outlined activities and achievements under each of the Strategy goals. Findings demonstrated improved understanding and awareness of sun protection policies and guidelines, improved access to adequate shade, increased measurability of shade availability and adequacy, and increased adoption of sun protection behaviours. Cross-agency collaboration and commitment were a key strength of the Strategy. The continued prioritisation of settings (e.g. schools, workplaces, etc.) and populations outlined in the Strategy were supported by the evaluation's findings. Additional focus areas for the new Strategy were highlighted, including secondary prevention or early detection. Continued skin cancer prevention activities, including social marketing campaigns and public education programs, are essential to ensure the adoption of sun protection behaviours by priority populations.

Smog and Health in Punjab: Analyzing Awareness, Protective Behaviors, and Public Support for Air Quality Policies

Smog and Health in Punjab: Analyzing Awareness, Protective Behaviors, and Public Support for Air Quality Policies

Factors and paths influencing students’ low-carbon behavior

The study of low-carbon behavior is significant for coping with climate change, resource conservation, environmental protection, sustainable development, and social behavior. Many factors affect low-carbon behaviors. Through investigation and analysis, the five factors of educational measures, low-carbon knowledge, economic measures, low-carbon awareness, and herd mentality were found to significantly influence low-carbon behavior. College students were selected as the research subjects using structural equation modelling methods. This work aims to study the impact of these five factors on low-carbon behavior. The results show that (1) low-carbon awareness has the most direct and significant effect on low-carbon behavior; (2) economic measures and low-carbon knowledge have a direct positive impact on low-carbon behavior; and (3) educational measures and herd mentality show only indirect effects. The theoretical model framework proposed in this study provides a reference for research on the low-carbon behaviors of other groups. In addition, some suggestions are proposed to promote the low-carbon behavior of college students: (1) establish a good low-carbon campus culture; (2) formulate reasonable low-carbon economic incentive measures; and (3) strengthen the publicity and popularization of low-carbon education and knowledge.

The impact of environmental literacy on the health level of rural residents: evidence from the mountainous areas of Sichuan, China.

Environmental pollution and health issues are hot topics of discussion in modern society. However, there is a lack of research from the perspective of subjective factors such as environmental protection to study the impact of environmental literacy on health, especially in rural areas. First, through field research in the mountainous rural areas of Sichuan Province, 396 data points were collected. Based on the KAP model, we constructed an interactive impact mechanism model for the health of rural residents. We used chi-square tests and t-tests to examine the relationship between the background characteristics of rural residents and environmental protection. All environmental literacy variables were classified into strong and weak observational variables, and a multiple linear regression model was employed to explore the impact mechanism of environmental literacy (divided into environmental protection awareness, attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions of environmental pollution) on the health of rural residents. (1) Young village officials with higher education levels are more likely to have stronger environmental literacy. (2) The health status of rural residents is positively affected by their positive attitude towards environmental protection and negatively affected by their environmental protection behaviors. (3) Age, gender, marital status, and party membership have a significant impact on the health of rural residents. The results of this study can enhance the attention to the living environment and health in rural areas, and provide a scientific basis for improving the environmental literacy and health level of rural residents.

Self-assessed improved sun protection after diagnosis of melanoma is associated with improved survival.

Although ultraviolet radiation is the most important risk factor for skin cancer in general, its role in disease control after the diagnosis of melanoma remains to be elucidated. To analyse the association between survival and self-assessed sun protection behaviour after a melanoma diagnosis. This was a questionnaire-based pilot study. We used patient data from the Molecular Markers of Melanoma Study programme to select patients with a histologically verified, invasive cutaneous melanoma, diagnosed at stage I or II according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer's AJCC Cancer Staging Manual 8th edition, between 1981 and 2014. In total, 843 patients with melanoma were asked whether their diagnosis had influenced their sun protection behaviour and, if 'Yes', they were asked to describe, in their own words, how the diagnosis affected their behaviour. We excluded 33 patients who were unable to answer and included 810 patient responses for analysis. Reports on sun protection behaviour before and after melanoma diagnosis were recorded. We found a significant association of increased melanoma-specific survival (P = 0.001) with improved self-assessed sun protection behaviour. After adjusting for age, sex, AJCC stage, localization of the primary tumour and prior ultraviolet light exposure (outdoor occupation, solarium use and sun cream use), improved sun protecting behaviour after melanoma diagnosis resulted in a decreased hazard ratio (HR) for melanoma-specific survival (adjusted HR 0.491, 95% confidence interval 0.270-0.896; P = 0.020). Stratification showed that those who benefited from improved sun protection were, in particular, male patients, patients diagnosed with melanoma after 50 years of age, patients with stage II melanomas and those carrying an MC1R gene variant. Self-assessed improved sun protection after diagnosis was significantly associated with reduced mortality due to melanoma. These results highlight the importance of improved sun awareness for patients after melanoma diagnosis, not only for preventing further melanomas but also reducing mortality risk.

Evaluation of Photoaging and Sun Protection Behavior in Children With Xeroderma Pigmentosum, Group C: A Prospective Analysis.

Thirteen children with xeroderma pigmentosum variant C were evaluated using the Dermoscopic Photoaging Assessment Scale (DPAS), the Glogau scale, and the Sun Protection Behavior Scale (SPBS). Most patients exhibited signs of epidermal photoaging, with pigmentary and vascular changes and poor sun protection behavior (mean SPBS score: 18.92 ± 5.69). The mean DPAS score of 13.15 correlated with the Glogau scale and ocular severity score. Sun protection behavior improved significantly at 6 months after repeated reinforcement of sun protection measures (35 ± 5.68).

The Influence of Information Exposure on Teenagers’ Privacy Protection Behaviour under the Intelligent Recommendation System

This study focuses on the influence of information exposure under an intelligent recommendation system on teenagers’ privacy protection behaviour. By employing the Communication Privacy Management (CPM) theory, we examine how information exposure through intelligent recommendation systems influences teenagers’ attitudes and actions towards privacy. The results of this study emphasize the need for the CPM advocated by Petronio [1] and the role of various factors in influencing privacy protection behaviour. The study also explores teenagers’ privacy protection behaviours on social media. Through quantitative research, this study provides a perspective on the interaction among adolescents’ digital literacy, privacy issues and behavioural responses in the context of intelligent recommendation systems.

Electrodeposition of Corrosion Protective Zinc Films from Reverse Micellar Solutions

Abstract Electrodeposition of metallic zinc (Zn) from reverse micellar solutions of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) of different compositions was successfully performed using constant potential electrolysis on copper (Cu) substrate. Electrochemical behavior of ZnSO4 was investigated in reverse micellar solutions of CTAB on a glassy carbon (GC) electrode by cyclic voltammetric technique and the electroreduction of Zn(II) to Zn(0) was suggested to be an electrochemically irreversible diffusion controlled process. Morphology and microstructure of the electrodeposited Zn films onto a Cu substrate were examined by scanning electron microscopy, while elemental characterizations were carried out by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic method and X-ray diffraction technique. Electrodeposition of Zn from reverse micellar solutions occurred with definite homogeneous shapes whereas, inhomogeneous/random gross Zn deposition was obtained from aqueous system. Moreover, morphology of the electrodeposited Zn films obtained from reverse micellar solutions was found to be varied with the variation of composition of reverse micellar solutions of CTAB. The corrosion protective behavior of the electrodeposited Zn films evaluated through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization techniques with 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution as corrosion media showed that Zn deposits obtained from reverse micellar solutions exhibited better corrosion protection behavior compared to that obtained from aqueous solution.

Determining the Knowledge Levels of University Students About HPV and HPV Vaccine

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the knowledge levels of university students about human papillomavirus (HPV) and the HPV vaccine. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with 802 university students staying in the student dormitory of a foundation university on the Anatolian Side of Istanbul. The data of the study were collected using the "Student Information Form" and the "Human Papilloma Virus Knowledge Scale". Results: 16.5% of the participants had previous sexual experience, 5.1% had genital wart problems before, 15.8% had the HPV vaccine, the total score average of the "HPV Knowledge Scale" was 10.142±7.364 (Min:0-Max:33). When the sub-dimension mean scores are examined, the "general HPV knowledge" sub-dimension mean score is 6.657±4.276, the "HPV screening test knowledge" sub-dimension mean score is 1.029±1.316, the "general HPV vaccine knowledge" sub-dimension mean score is 1.591±1.737, the "current HPV knowledge" sub-dimension mean score is 1.591±1.737. The mean score of the "information about vaccination program" subscale was found to be 0.865±1.240. Conclusion: In this study, the level of knowledge about HPV and HPV vaccine among university students is quite low, and it is seen that this situation may affect general health awareness and protective behaviors.

Brief Report: Antiretroviral Treatment Use Over Time Among Adolescents and Young Adults in the Rakai Community Cohort Study, 2011-2020.

In sub-Saharan Africa, pediatric and adult treatment programs have not met the needs of youth living with HIV (15-24 years), whose enrollment in antiretroviral treatment (ART) programs is much lower than that of adults. To inform targeted interventions, we analyzed factors associated with ART use among youth in Uganda. Data were from 42 communities between 2011 and 2020 (5 survey rounds) from the Rakai Community Cohort Study, an open, population-based cohort. Among youth, we assessed trends in ART use over time and demographic characteristics and sexual behaviors associated with ART use. Youth (N = 1518) contributed 2101 person-visits. ART coverage increased over time with 8% of men and 11% of women on ART in 2011-2013 and 45% and 68%, respectively, on ART in 2018-2020 (AORwomen vs. men=2.57; 95% CI: 1.72 to 3.84). Youth with 2 or more sexual partners compared with youth with 0-1 sexual partner were less likely to be on ART (men AOR = 0.40; 0.19-0.82; women AOR = 0.54; 0.41-0.72). Youth who reported consistent condom use were more likely to be on ART (men AOR = 2.94; 95% CI: 1.14 to 7.57; women AOR = 1.70; 95% CI: 1.00 to 2.88). In this longitudinal study, ART use among youth increased over time, yet at 63% remained well below UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals, thus depriving many of lifesaving treatment. Those engaging in fewer protective sexual behaviors had lower ART use, thus further increasing risk of future HIV transmission. Targeted efforts are needed to ensure rapid initiation of ART and continued engagement among this vulnerable population.

Protective Behaviors Following Digital COVID-19 Exposure Notifications, Washington State, September 1, 2021, to March 1, 2022.

Digital exposure notification (EN) systems were widely used to supplement public health case investigations and contact tracing during the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. In Washington State, the state Department of Health (DOH) implemented one such system, WA Notify, which generated ENs based on smartphone Bluetooth proximity detection. However, the privacy preserving measures of this technology prevented collection of information on how users responded after seeing an EN on their device. To understand the influence of ENs on intended and implemented protective behaviors among WA Notify users. Two self-report surveys were administered by the WA DOH: a baseline survey regarding planned protective behaviors, available immediately after seeing an EN, and a follow-up survey distributed 2weeks later regarding actual protective behaviors implemented. Self-reported planned and implemented protective behaviors were compared across 3 time periods relevant to the COVID-19 pandemic. Poisson regression was used to compare the probability of engaging in various protective behaviors across demographic characteristics and other contextual factors. Washington State. A total of 4280 individuals who chose to respond to both surveys and who completed the initial survey between September 1, 2021, and March 1, 2022. Self-reported plans for and engagement in protective behaviors (quarantining, testing, and symptom watching). The proportion of individuals who reported implementing quarantining and symptom watching after seeing an EN was higher than the proportion that reported planning to engage in each respective behavior. Respondents who reported experiencing symptoms when seeing an EN were more likely to quarantine and test for COVID-19 compared to those with no symptoms. Plans to engage in protective behaviors after initially seeing an EN can change and may be influenced by evolving personal and contextual factors. Future digital EN systems can be improved through messaging tailored to encourage protective behaviors relevant to disease prevention.

Characterization of People Living with HIV Who Inject Drugs in Mexico City: Importance for Transmission and Detection.

People who inject drugs (PWID) face a heightened risk of acquiring/transmitting HIV, enhanced by stigma and limited health care access. In Mexico, studies on PWID have focused on the north of the country. This study aimed to delineate characteristics of PWID living with HIV in Mexico City, identify profiles based on the substance injected, and evaluate variables associated with forming transmission clusters. A cross-sectional study was conducted with data from 2019 to 2023. Participants completed a questionnaire on sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral variables. Bivariate and multi-variate logistic regression analyses were made. Among PWID, 96.3% were male (n = 437), of which 90.1% were men who have sex with men, 1.5% were cisgender females (n = 7), and 2.2% were transgender females (n = 10). PWID were more likely to use drugs during sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7-6.4, p < 0.001), have more sexually transmitted diseases (aOR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1-2.9, p = 0.035), and have less condom use (aOR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3-0.8, p = 0.002). The most frequently injected substance was crystal meth, and those who injected it were more likely to have syphilis (aOR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.2-7.1, p = 0.021), use Grindr (aOR = 3.6, 95% CI: 1.5-8.9, p < 0.001), and engage in high-risk practices (aOR = 6.9, 95% CI: 2.1-22.7, p < 0.001) in the last 3 months. Those under 25 years (p = 0.002), recently infected (p < 0.001), and who practiced insertive anal sex (p < 0.001) were more likely to be part of a cluster. These findings, and the increasing use of crystal meth, underscore the critical need to implement targeted risk-reduction strategies for PWID living with HIV and to design interventions responsive to specific profiles associated with different substances, taking into account not only their risk practices but also protective behaviors such as HIV testing.

Communicable Disease Risk Awareness and Prevention: A Study on University Students in the Context of Social Support and Disaster Risk.

Factors such as the risk of the spread of infectious diseases, global health crises, and disasters are among the major health and security challenges facing societies. Informed protective measures and effective risk awareness are necessary to cope with these challenges. As young adults, university students represent a significant segment of society, making studies conducted on this group critical for implementing effective measures against infectious disease risks. This study aimed to investigate university students' awareness and prevention behaviors regarding communicable diseases, their perception of disaster risk, and the role of social support networks. The descriptive study was conducted with a total of 372 undergraduate students studying at a university in Türkiye. Data were collected using a sociodemographic characteristics form, the Communicable Disease Risk Awareness and Prevention Scale, the Disaster Risk Perception Scale for University Students, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 27.0, employing independent sample t-tests, one-way ANOVA tests, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis. The mean age of the university students participating in the study was 21.19±2.08years (min. 18.00-max. 32.00), with 64.5% (n=240) being female. Participants generally exhibited high levels of awareness and preventive behaviors regarding communicable diseases. Significant contributors to awareness included gender (β=9.51, p<0.05), increased disaster risk perception (β=8.80, p<0.01), obtaining information from health organization websites (β=7.90, p<0.01), preparing an emergency kit (β=5.56, p<0.05), and obtaining information from news websites (β=4.81, p<0.05). It was found that an increase in perceived social support positively impacted students' awareness and prevention levels (β=0.48, p<0.01). Additionally, an increase in disaster risk perception was positively correlated with communicable disease risk awareness (β=0.01, p<0.05). The study concludes that robust social support networks enhance students' health awareness and protective health behaviors. Universities should organize educational programs and drills to increase student disaster awareness and preparedness. Such training will help students better prepare for and effectively cope with disaster situations.