Risky Behaviors Research Articles

Familial aggregation of traffic risky behaviours among pedestrians: a cross-sectional study in northwestern Iran

ObjectiveThis study aims to assess the familial aggregation of traffic risky behaviours among pedestrians and describe the sociodemographic profile of pedestrians in northwestern Iran.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 933...

The Inequality Cycle: How Psychology Helps Keep Economic Inequality in Place

Inequality is perpetuated, in part, by the psychological and behavioral tendencies that arise from the social context of inequality. Cognitive biases lead most people to see themselves as middle class, even when that perception does not align with economic reality. Those who perceive themselves as economically advantaged tend to view inequality as fair and legitimate, often dismissing proponents of redistributive solutions as ill-informed. And unequal contexts increase risky behaviors that can be profitable to some but are more likely to be costly for most. This research program suggests an inequality cycle, in which inequality experienced today tends to reproduce itself.

The effect of web based reproductive health education on sexual myths and risky behaviours in university students: a randomised controlled trial

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the effect of web-based reproductive health education provided to university students in Turkey on their belief in sexual myths and risky behaviours. A randomised controlled trial was conducted in a state university between March-October 2021 with 96 students. The web-based health education was developed using the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) model, and was delivered by means of a special platform. An intervention group of 48 students received 5 modules of education, while a control group of 48 students received none. Performance on two scales measuring information gained and risk behaviours, and sexual myths, respectively, was assessed at the beginning of the study and 5 weeks following the intervention. A statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups on both scales at the final evaluation. Additionally, a significant difference was observed in final sexual myths evaluation scores between the intervention and control groups for sexual orientation, age and sexuality, masturbation, sexual violence, sexual intercourse, and sexual satisfaction, as subdimensions of the sexual myths scale. Our findings suggest that web-based reproductive health education can be effective in reducing sexual myths and increasing knowledge about risky behaviours among university students relevant to sexual and reproductive health in young adults.

Risky sexual behavior among university students who attended/did not attend HIV/AIDS, sexual, and reproductive health and life skill course: a comparative cross-sectional study

Risky sexual behavior among university students who attended/did not attend HIV/AIDS, sexual, and reproductive health and life skill course: a comparative cross-sectional study

Influence of social media on risky sexual behaviours among undergraduate students: A Case of Egerton and Kabarak main campuses in Nakuru County, Kenya

This study’s purpose was to assess the influence of social media on risky sexual behaviours among undergraduate students of main campuses in Nakuru County. Social Learning Theory by Albert Bandura and Person-Centred Theory by Carl Rogers guided the study. The study was carried out among 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th year undergraduate students from main campuses in Nakuru County. The study adopted a correlational research design. The target population was 18570 undergraduate students. The accessible population was 8456 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th year undergraduate students whose sample was 367. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the respondents. The study included a sample of 10 peer counsellors and 2 student counsellors from the Egerton University and Kabarak University main campuses who were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected between November and December 2019 and obtained using questionnaire for undergraduate students, focus group discussions guide for peer counsellors and an interview schedule for student counsellors. Validation of research instruments was done through peer and expert review and also through pilot testing which was done in Mount Kenya University (MKU) - Nakuru Campus. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse quantitative data using SPSS Version 25 whereas the qualitative data was analysed thematically. The analysed data was presented in tables, graphs, and narratives. The researcher considered the ethics of confidentiality and informed consent. The findings indicated that the majority of students perceive that it is not ok to watch pornography, send or receive sex messages to or from friends on social media. There is also sufficient evidence to conclude that the majority of students perceive that it is not their hobby to enjoy cybersex and do not perceive that online dating is the best way to get sexual partner.

Obtaining Consent for Research on Risky Behaviours Among Adolescents in Canada: A Scoping Review.

This scoping review explores current practices for obtaining consent in research on risky behaviours among adolescents in Canada. The JBI methodology for scoping reviews was used. The database search was conducted in August 2021 and updated in November 2022. Papers published in 2010 or later were included. Extracted data included study characteristics, sample characteristics, and consent procedures. The review included 83 reports covering 57 studies. Nearly 60% of studies relied on adolescent self-consent for participation. Adolescent self-consent was more common than parental/guardian consent for studies using in-person research methods, older adolescent groups, and particularly vulnerable populations. Parental/guardian consent was more common for studies using younger age groups and general population samples. Adolescent self-consent was more common than parental/guardian consent for most risky behaviours covered by this review. These results provide insight into current consent practices in this area and offer guidance to researchers and institutional review boards in Canada.

Geographic and psychosocial correlates of homelessness or unstable housing among USveterans in the Midwest.

The purpose of this study was to explore (1) the prevalence of physical and mental health conditions among veterans stratified by homelessness and unstable housing (HUH) in several Midwestern states, and (2) the correlation between HUH and sociodemographic, military, financial, risky behavior, health, and geographical characteristics. The study cohort consisted of 7260 HUH veterans and stably housed veterans in 2018-2022 in Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 23. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed which revealed the strongest associations with HUH were any incarceration experience (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.21) and rural location (AOR = 0.33). Frontier and remote location scores (AOR = 1.23) were associated with increased risk of HUH among veterans. Our results suggest potential differences in risk for HUH among veterans living in rural versus frontier and remote locations, which may be important to consider to provide care to the many veterans in these areas.

A Scoping Review of Determinants of Drinking and Driving Behavior among Young Adult College Students in the US

College students are a primary population for risky alcohol use behaviors, with one of every eleven students grappling with severe alcohol-related issues. The objective of this scoping review was to synthesize the existing literature to identify factors influencing the prevalence of drinking and driving (DAD) behaviors among college students. A scoping review was conducted using Medline (PubMed), ERIC, The American Journal on Addictions, and the NCHA databases. Criteria for article selection included being published in English and focused on DAD behaviors among college students. Articles excluded from the review were systematic reviews and discussion pieces without empirical findings related to college DAD. Of the included studies (n = 23), most identified a range of factors as being influential in college students’ DAD behavior including a family history of alcohol misuse, the use of other substances such as marijuana, age of initial alcohol consumption, place of residence, propensity for sensation seeking, affiliation with sorority/fraternity groups, and the perception of associated risks. Effective strategies may include education on the risks of combined alcohol and substance use, screening and brief interventions tailored to at-risk students, and the implementation of campus policies that promote responsible alcohol consumption and deter DAD.

Understanding the impact of a residential housing program for people living with HIV/AIDS: results from a realist evaluation

BackgroundIn Canada, the Public Health Agency surveillance of new HIV cases has demonstrated annual increasing rates since 2020. The rates of new HIV cases are highest in the province of...

Elevated risk of sexually transmitted infections among adolescents and young adults with borderline personality disorder: a retrospective longitudinal nationwide population-based study.

In this study, we examined the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with borderline personality disorder (BPD). A total of 4649 AYAs with BPD and 46,490 age-, sex-, and socioeconomic-matched controls without BPD were enrolled from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan from 2001 to 2009 and were followed up until the end of 2011. Participants who contracted any STI during the follow-up period were identified. Cox regression analysis was conducted to examine the risk of contracting any STI among both patients and controls. A total of 4649 AYAs with BPD and 46,490 age-, sex-, and socioeconomic-matched controls without BPD were enrolled from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan from 2001 to 2009 and were followed up until the end of 2011. Participants who contracted any STI (ICD-9-CM code 042, 091-097, 087.11, 078.8, 078.88, 131, and 054.1) during the follow-up period were identified. Cox regression and sub-analyses stratified by sex, age, psychiatric comorbidity subgroups, and psychotropic medication usage were conducted to assess STI risk. AYAs with BPD were at a higher risk of contracting any STI (hazard ratio [HR] = 50.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 33.45-77.11) in comparison with controls, including HIV, syphilis, genital warts, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes. The association of BPD with an increased risk of any STI was prevalent in both sexes, adolescents, and young adult patients. BPD with or without psychiatric comorbid subgroup were all associated with an elevated risk of contracting any STI relative to the control group. AYAs with BPD are highly susceptible to contracting STIs. Future studies should examine the role of the core symptoms of BPD, sexual orientation, risky sex behaviors, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and substance use before sex in the risk of STIs among AYAs with BPD.

Prevalence and Correlates of Health Risk Behaviors among University Students from a State in the Southern Region of Brazil

Prevalence and Correlates of Health Risk Behaviors among University Students from a State in the Southern Region of Brazil

Do caring teachers protect African American youth with adverse adolescent experiences from risky behaviors?

The current study aims to fill the existing research gaps by investigating the role of teacher care in protecting African American adolescents in under-resourced neighborhoods from negative outcomes of adverse life events. The study included 638 adolescents from four under-resourced neighborhoods in Chicago's Southside who were assessed to determine the moderating role of caring teachers on the relationship between adverse adolescent experiences and risky sexual behaviors, substance use, bullying perpetration, and violent behaviors. Caring teachers had a significant moderating effect on the association between adverse experiences and both bullying perpetration and violent behaviors. Adolescents who perceived their teachers as caring showed lower tendencies towards bullying and violence, even if they had adverse experiences. These results highlight the crucial role of teacher care in supporting African American adolescents from under-resourced neighborhoods who have experienced adverse life events. It emphasizes educators' role in shaping our youth's future, especially those facing adversity and at a crossroads in their lives.

Additive and Moderating Effect of Parents and Friends on Health and Behavior Outcomes During Emerging Adulthood

Relationships with parents and friends may work together to increase the risk of adjustment problems in emerging adulthood. However, it is still undetermined if social relationships act in an additive (i.e., serve as unique predictors) or moderating (i.e., interact with other predictors) fashion. In a cross-sectional sample of 859 female college students ( M age = 19.53, SD = 1.49; 73.9% White) from a large university in the south-central United States, we assessed how parents and best friends impact emerging adult internalizing symptoms, risky behavior, and health problems. We found that low levels of best friend risky behavior attenuated the links between father-emerging adult relationship quality and risky behavior and internalizing symptoms, and high levels of father-emerging adult relationship quality magnified the association between mother-emerging adult relations and internalizing symptoms. Ultimately, these results indicate that relationships with parents and friends served as additive or unique predictors of emerging adult health and behavior.

Exploring risky health behaviors and vulnerability to sexually transmitted diseases among transnational undocumented labor migrants from Bangladesh: a qualitative study

BackgroundIn Bangladesh, remittances constitute a substantial portion of the country’s foreign exchange earnings and serve as a primary source of income. However, a considerable number of Bangladeshi citizens reside overseas without proper documentation, exposing them to significant challenges such as limited access to healthcare and socioeconomic opportunities. Moreover, their irregular migration status often results in engaging in risky health behaviors that further exacerbate their vulnerability. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the risky health behavior and HIV/STI susceptibility of Bangladeshi irregular international migrants residing across the globe with undocumented status.MethodsUsing a qualitative Interpretative Phenomenological Approach (IPA), 25 illegal migrants were interviewed who are currently living illegally or returned to their home country. The author used a thematic approach to code and analyze the data, combining an integrated data-driven inductive approach with a deductive approach. Concurrent processing and coding were facilitated by employing the Granheim model in data analysis.ResultsThe study identified four risky health behaviors among irregular Bangladeshi migrants: hazardous living conditions, risky jobs, suicidal ideation, and tobacco consumption. Additionally, the authors found some HIV/STI risk behavior among them including engaging in unprotected sex, consuming alcohol and drugs during sexual activity, and having limited access to medical facilities.ConclusionsThe findings of this study can be used by health professional, governments, policymakers, NGOs, and concerned agencies to develop welfare strategies and initiatives for vulnerable undocumented migrant workers.

LGBTQ+ Stigma and Health Effects: A Systematic Review of the Global Literature

This systematic review examines the global literature on LGBTQ+ stigma and health. Indeed, the LGBTQ+ community has experienced a poignant history of stigma, resulting in adverse health consequences. The current review synthesizes 46 articles conducted in multiple cultural settings. The focuses of the selected articles varied from mental health, physical health, suicide, drug and alcohol use, HIV stigma, and healthcare among LGBTQ+ communities. The selected studies similarly found that stigma and discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals have fueled adverse mental health and health behaviors. These risky behaviors included eating disorders, self-harm, suicide, substance use, unprotected sex, avoidance of healthcare appointments, perceived stigma, as well as healthcare provider (HCP) stigma. Racism in the LGBTQ+ community, racial/ethnic identities of LGBTQ+ individuals, and cultural rejection of homosexuality were also discussed. Future research should pay more attention to intersectional stigma and the social networks of LGBTQ+ communities.

Gendered risks: access to and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services among young migrants in Southwestern Uganda: the role of the 'lending a hand' intervention.

Young migrants may engage in risky behaviours due to social, economic, and psychological challenges as they try to "get by" in their new host communities. This can result in unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections including HIV, and poor mental health outcomes.During a study to test the feasibility and acceptability of an early intervention to reduce the harm of patterns of risk associated with migration, we assessed access to and utilization of sexual and reproductive health services (SRH) among recent migrants (14-24 years) in south-western Uganda. The intervention conducted in 2022/23 involved training peer supporters to provide referral advice and support to young people. Between March-November 2022, 20 young migrants (11 males and 9 females) were purposively selected to participate in two in-depth interviews each to explore their experiences during the intervention. Data were analysed thematically. Women engaged in transactional sex to supplement their low pay while men got involved in risky behaviour once they had earned some money. Many suffered from sexually transmitted infections-related symptoms, were at risk for HIV infection and some women had fears of unwanted pregnancy. While some tried to seek for SRH services from public facilities, poor health service delivery such as long queues and shortages of drugs, discouraged them from going there. Young people tried to access treatment from private facilities but could not afford the costs. The intervention increased knowledge about SRH and supported young people to access services from the public health facilities at no cost thus increasing utilization. Sexual health risks were experienced differently by women and men. The women were likely to experience symptoms related to sexually transmitted infections (including HIV) much earlier than men and this could increase their likelihood to engage with SRH services. The intervention served to increase men's readiness to access SRH services by providing them at a time and place that is convenient. Recognizing the different risk profiles of young people is important in tailoring appropriate interventions to promote equitable access and utilization of SRH services for both genders in this vulnerable population.

Mental health-related service and medicine use among a cohort of urban Aboriginal children and young people: Data linkage study.

The objective was to describe mental health service and psychotropic medicine use among a cohort of Aboriginal young people and quantify their relation to sociodemographic, family and health factors. In a prospective cohort study with data linkage, 892 Aboriginal children aged 0-17 years living in urban and regional areas of New South Wales, Australia, were included. We assessed mental health-related service use, paediatric service use and psychotropic medicine dispensing claims covered by the Australian Government Medicare Benefits Schedule and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from July 2012 to June 2017. Most children (71%) did not have a record of mental health service or psychotropic medication use. 18.7% had ⩾1 mental health-related service claim; 26.7% had ⩾1 paediatric service claim; and 20.3% had ⩾1 psychotropic medicine dispensing claim. General practitioner services were the most accessed mental health-related service (17.4%) and 12.7% had been dispensed attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder medicines. Child characteristics associated with treatment included emotional and behavioural problems (prevalence ratio: 1.97, 95% confidence interval = [1.46, 2.64] for mental health services; prevalence ratio: 2.87, 95% confidence interval = [2.07, 3.96] for medicines) and risky behaviour (prevalence ratio: 1.56, 95% confidence interval = [1.12, 2.16] for mental health services; prevalence ratio: 2.28, 95% confidence interval = [1.54, 3.37] for medicines). Parent-related factors included chronic illness (prevalence ratio: 1.42, 95% confidence interval = [1.03, 1.95] for mental health services; prevalence ratio: 2.00, 95% confidence interval = [1.49, 2.69] for medicines) and functional limitations (prevalence ratio: 1.61, 95% confidence interval = [1.16, 2.24] for mental health services; prevalence ratio: 1.86, 95% confidence interval = [1.34, 2.59] for medicines). Most Aboriginal children and young people did not have claims for mental health services or medicines. Aboriginal children with emotional and behavioural problems, or parents with health problems were more likely to have mental health service or medicine claims.

Differences in risky sexual behaviors and HIV prevalence between men who have sex with men and transgender women in the Midwest Brazil.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) are disproportionally affected by HIV infection. This cross-sectional study evaluated the HIV-1/2 prevalence, risk factors and HIV molecular features of MSM and TW from Midwest Brazil. Four hundred and thirty participants (278 MSM and 152 TW) from Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, were interviewed and tested for HIV-1/2 infection between November 2011 and September 2013. Participants who were assigned male at birth, older than 18 years old and self-declared as MSM or TW were recruited from LGBT+ associations, as well as public (parks, square, streets, etc) and private [nightclubs, saunas, brothels, etc] places. The prevalence of HIV-1 was 14.4% (9.0% among MSM and 24% among TW; p<0.001). The factor independently associated with HIV-1 infection among MSM was being 30 years-old or older. Among TW, having suffered sexual coercion, lifetime syphilis infection and hepatitis C virus exposure were associated with HIV-1 infection. Phylogenetic analyses classified 65% sequences as subtype B and 35% as possible recombinants. All but one recombinant sample were from TW individuals. High HIV-1 prevalences were observed in both groups, highlighting the urgent need to devise specific HIV interventions targeting these key populations. Notably, TWs are more vulnerable to HIV infection, which was associated with sexual violence and co-infection with other STIs. With regard to MSM, being 30 years old or older was significanty associated to HIV, reinforcing the idea that MSM are less exposed [or exposed later] to STIs than TWs, although MSM are clearly more vulnerable than the general population.

Assessment of Risky Riding Behaviors Using the Motorcycle Rider Behavior Questionnaire (MRBQ) among University Students

Assessment of Risky Riding Behaviors Using the Motorcycle Rider Behavior Questionnaire (MRBQ) among University Students

Child Sexual Abuse in Boys: A Retrospective Investigation

Background: Although recent studies have increased public awareness of child sexual abuse, certain aspects of the issue remain unclear. While research on sexual abuse in girls is abundant, there is limited focus on boys in our country. This study aims to explore the characteristics of cases involving sexual abuse of boys in the province of Türkiye. Methods: The study is descriptive and retrospective in nature. A total of 245 boys who underwent forensic interviews for alleged sexual abuse between September 2017 and March 2023 at the Child Advocacy Center in the province of Türkiye were retrospectively examined. Results: The study included 245 boys aged 3-18 with a mean age of 11.04±3.39. The most common type of sexual abuse was non-penetrative contact (57.6%). Delayed disclosure was primarily attributed to factors such as threat, fear, and shame. Sexual abuse predominantly occurred in public places (56.5%). There were significant among age groups concerning the identity of the reporters, initial disclosure persons, the existence of abuse, and reporting time. However, no significant differences were found in the presence of multiple suspects, recurrent abuse, and the incident location. Post-abuse behavioral changes in children included fear of the perpetrator (15.5%), emotional changes (15.5%), physiological changes (9.4%), and the displaying of risky behaviors (4.1%). Conclusion: The study emphasized the importance of not overlooking sexual abuse among male children. The findings underscore the need for enhanced awareness and intervention strategies to address sexual abuse in boys within the country.