STD Risk Research Articles

Impersonal Sex and Pornography: Potential Confounding, Moderation, and Implications for Public Health

ABSTRACT Following the recent exhortations of health communication scholars to continue the study of pornography and its potential impact on health-related behaviors, the present study investigated associations between the frequency of pornography use and six indicators of impersonal sex among a national probability sample of US adults. Impersonal sex has been linked to a variety of important public health outcomes, including STD risk and sexual aggression perpetration. In this study, pornography use was positively correlated with the likelihood of engaging in group sex, having sex with a casual partner, having sex without emotional intimacy, experiencing heightened sexual pleasure during non-relational sex, relational infidelity, and perceiving the receipt of sexual pleasure from others as the best thing about sex. No evidence emerged that these associations were spuriously due to high sex drive individuals being both more likely to consume pornography and engage in impersonal sex. But several were conditional on age. Most importantly, countering the conventional wisdom that sexual media are most likely to affect the sexual behavior of young audiences, the strength of the positive association between pornography use and the likelihood of engaging in group sex and casual dyadic sex was larger among older adults and weaker among younger adults.

Magnitude and Associated Factors of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Adult Clients Attending Public Health Facilities in Jigjiga City, Eastern Ethiopia

Introduction: The term sexually transmitted infections (STIs) refers to a variety of clinical syndromes caused by pathogens that can be acquired and transmitted through sexual activity. STIs are caused by more than 30 different pathogens including bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungus, and ectoparasites. Sexual transmitted diseases can lead to serious health complications and affect individual’s future reproductive plans and responsible for 17% of the total burden of disease, There is limited study done about Sexual transmitted diseases on most of regions in Ethiopia specifically in Somali region and most studies that have been done in Ethiopia were community based studies. Therefore the aim of this study was to assess magnitude and associated factors of sexual transmitted diseases among adult clients attending at public health facilities in Jigjiga town eastern Ethiopia 2021. Methods and Materials: An institution based cross sectional study was conducted among adult clients attending Public health facilities in Jigjiga city Administrative from June 15 to july15, 2021. Data were collected from 398 respondents by using systematic sampling technique with proportional allocation of size employed to each health facilities. Structured interview questionnaires were used to collect the data. Data were entered into the computer using Epi-data 3.1 software and exported to Statistical package for social science version 20.0 for analysis. Binary logistic regression model was carried out for analysis to identify independent predictors at p-value 0.25. Results: The prevalence of reported ever had sexual transmitted diseases was found to be 34.5%(95%CI, 29.8-39.2) ,While assessing the independent predictors for acquiring STIs, clients who had sexual intercourse after having alcohol (AOR= 2.4; 95%CI: 1.0-6.0), clients who had multiple sexual partner in their life time (AOR=10.2; 95%CI: 3.6-28.3), as well as condom utilization was significantly associated with STD (AOR=0.064 95% CI; 0.023-0.17). Conclusion: This study shows high prevalence of STDs among respondents. Risky of sexual behaviors like having multiple sexual partners, sexual intercourse after having alcohol; multiple sexual partners and condom utilization during intercourse were significantly associated with STDs. As a result, every STDs consultation should include preventive education, such as reducing the number of sexual partners to reduce the risk of STD.

Predictors of STD Screening From the Indigenist Stress-Coping Model Among Native Adults With Binge Substance Use.

ObjectiveThe American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) population in the U.S. is thriving in spite of settler colonialist efforts of erasure. AI/AN people, however, continue to experience persistent health disparities including a disproportionate burden of substance use and sexually transmitted diseases/infections (STDs/STIs), as well as a disproportionate lack of public health STD screening services and STD prevention interventions grounded in AI/AN social contexts, experiences, and epistemologies. The present study explored how stressors and protective factors based on the Indigenist Stress Coping framework predict STD screening outcomes among Native adults.MethodsWe analyzed baseline self-report data from 254 Native adults ages 18–55 years with recent binge substance use who were enrolled in an evaluation of “EMPWR,” a two-session STD risk reduction program in a rural, reservation-based community in the U.S. Southwest. Logistic regression models with robust variance were used to estimate odds ratios of lifetime STD testing for the theoretical stressors and cultural buffers.ResultsA little over half the sample were males (52.5%, n = 136), with a mean age of 33.6 years (SD = 8.8). The majority (76.7%, n = 195) reported having ever been screened for STD in their life. Discrimination score were significantly associated with lifetime STD testing: The higher discrimination was associated with lower odds of STD testing in the fully adjusted model (aOR = 0.40, 95%CI: 0.18, 0.92). The effects of AI/AN-specific cultural buffer such as participation in traditional practices on STD testing outcomes was in the expected positive direction, even though the association was not statistically significant. Household size was significantly associated with STD screening: The higher the number of people lived together in the house, the higher the odds of STD testing in the fully adjusted model (aOR = 1.19, 95%CI: 1.04, 1.38).ConclusionOur findings suggest that STD prevention programs should take into consideration AI/AN-specific historical traumatic stressors such as lifetime discrimination encounters and how these interact to drive or discourage sexual health services at local clinics. In addition, larger household size may be a protective factor functioning as a form of social support, and the extended family's role should be taken into consideration. Future research should consider improvement in measurements of AI/AN enculturation constructs.

RISK FACTORS FOR SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE AND HIV/AIDS TOWARDS MALES SEX MALES IN GORONTALO CITY

Sexually transmitted diseases (henceforth called STD) are infections that are passed through sexual contact, i.e., vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse. The purpose of this research is to analyze contributing factors of the transmission of HIV/AIDS in the behavior of males sex males.This observational analytic research employed the cross-sectional study approach. It involved 148 males who have sex with males; 30 of them were selected as the sample. The data were analyzed by using Kolmogorov Smirnov and Fisher Exact method.A number of studies focusing on males who have sex with males in areas with a low number of HIV case, i.e., in Gorontalo, are limited; most research examines the risk of STD or HIV/AIDS in a prostitution case. The result shows that maintaining reproductive organs by males sex males does not significantly influence the risk of being infected with STD and HIV/AIDS (P=0.586). This is different from the variable of sexual behavior and understanding of the risk of the transmission of the disease. Such factors significantly contribute to the risk of STD with the p-value p=0.005 and P=0.007 respectively.

An application of the ADAPT-ITT model to an evidence-based behavioral HIV prevention intervention for men who have sex with men in Ghana

Despite constituting only about 1% of Ghana’s population, men who have sex with men (MSM) carry a disproportionate burden of HIV infections, constituting 18% of the population of people living with HIV in the country. Scholars have associated the disproportionate infection rates of HIV among MSM with existing structural factors (such as criminalization and stigma against MSM), and individual-level factors (such as sex without a condom, and transactional sex). Nonetheless, limited scholars consider intervention as an approach to reducing HIV and STI risk among MSM in the country. As such, in collaboration with community partners, we engaged MSM through the use of the ADAPT-ITT model to adapt the Many Men Many Voices (3MV) to address the needs of MSM. We addressed HIV/STD risk factors and ways to reduce HIV/STD infections. In this paper, we describe the use of the ADAPT-ITT model in the adoption and adaptation of the 3MV with MSM in Ghana. Whereas the 3MV was a good fit for our target population, we made modifications to fit the Ghanaian cultural setting by examining HIV and STD risk in the context of bisexuality, emphasizing on secrecy in location choice, and incorporating historical colonial setting in contextualizing sexuality and stigma in the Ghanaian sociocultural context. Our implementation process shows the efficacy of collaboration with community partners to implement culturally relevant interventions in HIV and STD prevention efforts in highly stigmatized environments.

Investigating factors associated with mother-daughter communication intentions about STD risks and condom use behaviour of female college students

Investigating factors associated with mother-daughter communication intentions about STD risks and condom use behaviour of female college students

A Web-Based HIV/STD Prevention Intervention for Divorced or Separated Older Women.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are increasing among older adults concomitant with a rise in divorce after the age of 50 years. The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a web-based human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/STD risk reduction intervention for divorced and separated women aged more than 50 years. Two hundred nineteen divorced or separated women, aged 50 years and older, participated in 60-day randomized pre-post control group study. Recruitment occurred via health agencies in Boston and Columbia, SC, and Craigslist advertisements placed in Boston, Columbia, Charleston, New York City, Washington DC, Baltimore, Chicago, Atlanta, Orlando, and Miami. Intervention group reported greater intention to practice safe sex compared to the control group (B = .55, p = .03). Intention to practice safe sex differed by perceived stress (B = .15, p = .005), with no difference between control and intervention groups for those with low levels of stress. For high levels of stress, intervention group reported greater intention to practice safe sex compared to controls. Sexual risk was reduced by 6.10 points (SD: 1.10), and self-efficacy for sexual discussion was increased by 2.65 points (SD: 0.56) in the intervention group. A web-based intervention represents a promising tool to reduce HIV/STD risk among older women. Offering HIV/STD education in the context of other topics of interest to at-risk older women, such as divorce, may solve the problem of at-risk older women not seeking out prevention information due to lack of awareness of their heightened risk.

PF596 EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF DARATUMUMAB, BORTEZOMIB, AND DEXAMETHASONE (D‐VD) IN RELAPSED OR REFRACTORY MULTIPLE MYELOMA (RRMM): UPDATED SUBGROUP ANALYSIS OF CASTOR BASED ON CYTOGENETIC RISK

Background:Patients (pts) with multiple myeloma associated with high cytogenetic risk abnormalities have poor outcomes. In CASTOR, D‐Vd prolonged progression‐free survival (PFS) vs bortezomib and dexamethasone (Vd) alone, and exhibited a manageable safety profile in pts with RRMM. We conducted a subgroup analysis of D‐Vd vs Vd in CASTOR, based on cytogenetic risk.Aims:The purpose of this analysis was to determine the efficacy and safety of D‐Vd in CASTOR based on cytogenetic risk status.Methods:Eligible pts received ≥1 prior line of therapy. Cytogenetic risk was based on a combined analysis of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)/karyotype testing. High‐risk pts had t(4;14), t(14;16), or del17p abnormalities. Standard (std)‐risk pts were confirmed negative for all 3 abnormalities. Minimal residual disease (MRD; 10–5) was assessed via NGS using clonoSEQ® assay V2.0.Results:In CASTOR (D‐Vd, n = 251; Vd, n = 247), high‐risk was confirmed in 26.7% and 25.9% of pts in the D‐Vd and Vd groups, respectively. At a median follow up of 40.0 months (mo), D‐Vd prolonged PFS vs Vd in pts with high‐ (median 13.4 vs 7.2 mo; HR, 0.40 [95% CI, 0.24–0.65]; P = 0.0002) or std‐risk (median 18.4 vs 6.8 mo; HR, 0.28 [95% CI, 0.20–0.37]; P <0.0001). Higher ORR was seen with D‐Vd vs Vd (high risk: 84.8% vs 60.0%; P = 0.0226; std risk: 85.4% vs 65.0%; P <0.0001), including deep responses of ≥CR (high risk: 33.3% vs 8.3%; std risk: 29.9% vs 10.2%) and ≥VGPR (high risk: 65.2% vs 35.0%; P = 0.0049; std risk: 64.3% vs 28.0%; P <0.0001). Higher rates of MRD negativity (high risk: 17.9% vs 0%; P = 0.0003; std risk: 13.3% vs 2.4%; P = 0.0003), and sustained MRD negativity for ≥6 mo (high risk: 16.4% vs 0%; P = 0.0006; std risk: 6.1% vs 1.8%; P = 0.0859) and ≥12 mo (high risk: 7.5% vs 0%; P = 0.0581; std risk: 1.8% vs 0%; P = 0.2477) were seen with D‐Vd vs Vd. D‐Vd significantly prolonged PFS vs Vd in pts with one prior line of therapy only (high risk: median 20.1 vs 8.4 mo; HR, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.14–0.64]; P = 0.0012; std risk: median 32.6 vs 7.9 mo; HR, 0.18 [95% CI, 0.11–0.29]; P <0.0001; Figure). Additionally, D‐Vd significantly prolonged PFS2 (high risk: median 27.9 vs 18.6 mo; HR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.37–0.94]; P = 0.0258; std risk: median 40.1 vs 21.6 mo; HR, 0.43 [95% CI, 0.32–0.59]; P <0.0001) regardless of cytogenetic risk status.Additional data including safety analyses will be presented.Summary/Conclusion:Adding daratumumab to Vd demonstrates significant efficacy in pts with high‐risk RRMM including PFS2. Among high‐risk RRMM pts, MRD negativity was only achieved with D‐Vd. These findings support use of D‐Vd for high‐risk RRMM. NCT02136134image

PF591 EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF DARATUMUMAB, LENALIDOMIDE, AND DEXAMETHASONE (D‐RD) IN RELAPSED OR REFRACTORY MULTIPLE MYELOMA (RRMM): UPDATED SUBGROUP ANALYSIS OF POLLUX BASED ON CYTOGENETIC RISK

Background:High‐risk cytogenetic abnormalities confer poor outcomes in patients (pts) with MM. In POLLUX, D‐Rd demonstrated significant clinical benefit, including prolonged progression‐free survival (PFS) vs lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Rd), and tolerability in RRMM pts. Here, we present a subgroup analysis of POLLUX, based on cytogenetic risk.Aims:The purpose of this analysis was to determine the efficacy and safety of D‐Rd vs Rd in POLLUX, based on cytogenetic risk status.Methods:Eligible pts received ≥1 prior line of therapy. Cytogenetic risk was based on a combined analysis of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)/karyotype testing and next‐generation sequencing (NGS). High‐risk pts had t(4;14), t(14;16), or del17p abnormalities; standard (std)‐risk pts did not meet the high‐risk criteria. Minimal residual disease (MRD; 10–5) was assessed via NGS using clonoSEQ® assay V2.0.Results:In POLLUX (D‐Rd, n = 286; Rd, n = 283), 17.1% of pts in the D‐Rd group and 20.1% of pts in the Rd group had high cytogenetic risk abnormalities. After 44.3 months (mo) of median follow up, D‐Rd prolonged PFS vs Rd in pts with high‐ (median 26.8 vs 8.8 mo; HR, 0.54 [95% CI, 0.32–0.91]; P = 0.0175) or std‐risk (median not reached [NR] vs 19.9 mo; HR, 0.41 [95% CI, 0.31–0.55]; P <0.0001) disease. Higher ORR was seen with D‐Rd vs Rd in patients with high risk (87.5% vs 69.1%; P = 0.0115) and std risk (93.6% vs 79.2%; P <0.0001) disease. Responses with D‐Rd were deep, including higher rates of ≥CR (high risk: 43.8% vs 9.1%; std risk: 59.3% vs 27.0%) and ≥VGPR (high risk: 70.8% vs 32.7%; P = 0.0003; std risk: 82.8% vs 55.1%; P <0.0001). Rates of MRD negativity (high risk: 28.6% vs 0%; P <0.0001; std risk: 32.9% vs 8.2%; P <0.0001) and sustained MRD negativity for ≥6 mo (high risk: 12.2% vs 0%; P = 0.0082; std risk: 17.9% vs 1.1%; P <0.0001) and ≥12 mo (high risk: 10.2% vs 0%; P = 0.0188; std risk: 14.0% vs 0.5%; P <0.0001) were higher with D‐Rd vs Rd. D‐Rd significantly prolonged PFS vs Rd in pts after first relapse (high risk: median 46.0 vs 7.3 mo; HR, 0.26 [95% CI, 0.11–0.59]; P = 0.0005; std risk: median NR vs 20.6 mo; HR, 0.43 [95% CI, 0.28–0.66]; P <0.0001; Figure). Additionally, D‐Rd significantly prolonged PFS2 vs Rd in high‐ (median 38.3 vs 22.1 mo; HR, 0.53 [95% CI, 0.30–0.93]; P = 0.0249) or std‐risk (median NR vs 33.8 mo; HR, 0.53 [95% CI, 0.39–0.72]; P <0.0001) pts.Additional data including safety analyses will be presented.Summary/Conclusion:D‐Rd demonstrates significant efficacy in both high‐risk and standard risk RRMM with a median PFS of 26.8 mo and median not reached, respectively. In addition, more patients achieved a sustained MRD response which translates into better patient outcomes regardless of cytogenetic risk. These data suggest D‐Rd is an effective regimen regardless of cytogenetic risk. NCT02076009image

Factors Predicting Retention In Care and Health Outcomes Among HIV Patients

Factors Predicting Retention In Care and Health Outcomes Among HIV Patients

Efficacy and safety of daratumumab, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (D-Rd) in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM): Updated subgroup analysis of POLLUX based on cytogenetic risk.

8038 Background: High-risk cytogenetic abnormalities confer poor outcomes in MM patients (pts). In POLLUX, D-Rd demonstrated significant clinical benefit, including prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) vs lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Rd), and tolerability in RRMM pts. We present a subgroup analysis of POLLUX, based on cytogenetic risk. Methods: Pts had ≥1 prior line of therapy. Cytogenetic risk was based on a combined analysis of fluorescence in situ hybridization/karyotype testing and next-generation sequencing (NGS). High-risk pts had t(4;14), t(14;16), or del17p abnormalities; standard (std)-risk pts did not meet high-risk criteria. Minimal residual disease (MRD; 10–5) was assessed via NGS using clonoSEQ® assay V2.0. Results: In POLLUX (D-Rd, n = 286; Rd, n = 283), 17.1% of pts in the D-Rd group and 20.1% of pts in the Rd group had high-risk abnormalities. After 44.3 months (mo) of median follow up, D-Rd prolonged PFS vs Rd in pts with high- (median 26.8 vs 8.8 mo; HR, 0.54 [95% CI, 0.32-0.91]; P = 0.0175) or std-risk (median not reached [NR] vs 19.9 mo; HR, 0.41 [95% CI, 0.31-0.55]; P <0.0001). Responses with D-Rd were deep, including higher rates of MRD negativity and sustained MRD negativity vs Rd (Table). D-Rd prolonged PFS in first relapse pts (high risk: median 46.0 vs 7.3 mo; HR, 0.26 [95% CI, 0.11-0.59]; P = 0.0005; std risk: median NR vs 20.6 mo; HR, 0.43 [95% CI, 0.28-0.66]; P <0.0001) and prolonged PFS2 vs Rd in high- (median 38.3 vs 22.1 mo; HR, 0.53 [95% CI, 0.30-0.93]; P = 0.0249) or std-risk (median NR vs 33.8 mo; HR, 0.53 [95% CI, 0.39-0.72]; P <0.0001) pts. Additional data will be presented. Conclusions: D-Rd demonstrates significant efficacy in high-risk RRMM. Among high-risk pts, MRD negativity was only achieved with D-Rd. Clinical trial information: NCT02076009. [Table: see text]

Efficacy and safety of daratumumab, bortezomib, and dexamethasone (D-Vd) in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM) based on cytogenetic risk: Updated subgroup analysis of CASTOR.

8040 Background: MM patients (pts) with high cytogenetic risk have poor outcomes. In CASTOR, D-Vd prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) vs bortezomib and dexamethasone (Vd) alone, and exhibited tolerability in RRMM pts. We conducted a subgroup analysis of D-Vd vs Vd in CASTOR, based on cytogenetic risk. Methods: Pts received ≥1 prior line of therapy. Cytogenetic risk was based on a combined analysis of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and fluorescence in situ hybridization/karyotype testing. High-risk pts had t(4;14), t(14;16), or del17p abnormalities. Standard (std)-risk pts were confirmed negative for all 3 abnormalities. Minimal residual disease (MRD; 10–5) was assessed via NGS using clonoSEQ assay V2.0. Results: In CASTOR (D-Vd, n = 251; Vd, n = 247), high-risk was confirmed in 26.7% and 25.9% of pts in the D-Vd and Vd groups, respectively. At a median follow up of 40.0 months (mo), D-Vd prolonged PFS vs Vd in pts with high- (median 13.4 vs 7.2 mo; HR, 0.40 [95% CI, 0.24-0.65]; P = 0.0002) or std-risk (median 18.4 vs 6.8 mo; HR, 0.28 [95% CI, 0.20-0.37]; P < 0.0001). Higher rates of ORR, MRD negativity, and sustained MRD negativity were seen with D-Vd vs Vd (Table). D-Vd prolonged PFS in first relapse pts (high risk: median 20.1 vs 8.4 mo; HR, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.14-0.64]; P = 0.0012; std risk: median 32.6 vs 7.9 mo; HR, 0.18 [95% CI, 0.11-0.29]; P < 0.0001) and PFS2 vs Vd (high risk: median 27.9 vs 18.6 mo; HR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.37-0.94]; P = 0.0258; std risk: median 40.1 vs 21.6 mo; HR, 0.43 [95% CI, 0.32-0.59]; P < 0.0001) regardless of risk. Additional data will be presented. Conclusions: Adding daratumumab to Vd demonstrates significant efficacy in high-risk RRMM. Among high-risk pts, MRD negativity was only achieved with D-Vd. These findings support use of D-Vd for high-risk RRMM. Clinical trial information: NCT02136134. [Table: see text]

Social Norms, Gender Ratio Imbalance, Perceptions of Risk, and the Sexual Behaviors of African American Women at Historically Black Colleges and Universities

This literature review provides a summary of the sexual risk literature focused on black college students and identifies some of the risk factors associated with African American women attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The review included analysis of scholarly work and web-based data with an emphasis on studies exploring the sexual behaviors of students attending HBCUs published between 2000 and 2016. The results indicated that social norms, religiosity, gender ratio imbalances on campus, and perceived STD risk remain important factors associated with the sexual behaviors of African American women at HBCUs. Black college students in general and African American women specifically remain underrepresented and understudied in the research focused on sexual risk behaviors. The review suggests that additional empirical studies are needed to examine the sexual behaviors of African American college women as well as the programs in place at HBCUs to increase student knowledge about STIs.

Lactobacilli Dominance and Vaginal pH: Why Is the Human Vaginal Microbiome Unique?

The human vaginal microbiome is dominated by bacteria from the genus Lactobacillus, which create an acidic environment thought to protect women against sexually transmitted pathogens and opportunistic infections. Strikingly, lactobacilli dominance appears to be unique to humans; while the relative abundance of lactobacilli in the human vagina is typically >70%, in other mammals lactobacilli rarely comprise more than 1% of vaginal microbiota. Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain humans' unique vaginal microbiota, including humans' distinct reproductive physiology, high risk of STDs, and high risk of microbial complications linked to pregnancy and birth. Here, we test these hypotheses using comparative data on vaginal pH and the relative abundance of lactobacilli in 26 mammalian species and 50 studies (N = 21 mammals for pH and 14 mammals for lactobacilli relative abundance). We found that non-human mammals, like humans, exhibit the lowest vaginal pH during the period of highest estrogen. However, the vaginal pH of non-human mammals is never as low as is typical for humans (median vaginal pH in humans = 4.5; range of pH across all 21 non-human mammals = 5.4–7.8). Contrary to disease and obstetric risk hypotheses, we found no significant relationship between vaginal pH or lactobacilli relative abundance and multiple metrics of STD or birth injury risk (P-values ranged from 0.13 to 0.99). Given the lack of evidence for these hypotheses, we discuss two alternative explanations: the common function hypothesis and a novel hypothesis related to the diet of agricultural humans. Specifically, with regard to diet we propose that high levels of starch in human diets have led to increased levels of glycogen in the vaginal tract, which, in turn, promotes the proliferation of lactobacilli. If true, human diet may have paved the way for a novel, protective microbiome in human vaginal tracts. Overall, our results highlight the need for continuing research on non-human vaginal microbial communities and the importance of investigating both the physiological mechanisms and the broad evolutionary processes underlying human lactobacilli dominance.

Management of Patients with Tubo-Ovarian Abscesses: Do the Presence of STD Risk Factors Predict Outcomes?

Management of Patients with Tubo-Ovarian Abscesses: Do the Presence of STD Risk Factors Predict Outcomes?

The Interplay Between Risky Sexual Behaviors and Alcohol Dependence: Genome-Wide Association and Neuroimaging Support for LHPP as a Risk Gene.

To identify genetic mechanisms involved in the interplay of risky sexual behaviors (RSBs) and alcohol dependence (AD), we conducted genome-wide gene-by-AD (GW-GxAD) analyses of RSB in 3924 alcohol-exposed and sexually experienced subjects. RSBs were defined as a score based on lifetime experiences of unprotected sex and multiple sexual partners. Diagnosis of lifetime AD was defined by DSM-IV criteria. To follow-up the genetic findings, functional magnetic resonance imaging analyses were conducted in an independent sample. A trans-population genome-wide significant signal was identified in LHPP (rs34997829; z=-5.573, p=2.51 × 10-8) in the GxAD analysis that also showed associations in the AD-stratified association analysis (AD z=-2.032 and non-AD z=4.903). The clinical relevance of the result was confirmed by the significant interaction between LHPP rs34997829 and AD with respect to self-reported sexually transmitted disease (STD; z=-2.809, p=4.97 × 10-3). The neuroimaging follow-up analysis of LHPP rs34997829 showed reduced power of the left superior frontal gyrus (t=-3.386, p=9.56 × 10-4) and increased power at the right amygdala (t=3.287, p=1.33 × 10-3) in the resting amplitude of low frequency fluctuations analysis; and reduced activation of the anterior cingulate region (t=-2.961, p=3.69 × 10-3) in the monetary incentive delay task. In conclusion, LHPP locus is associated to AD-RSB interaction; and with brain circuitries previously implicated in the inhibition of risky behavior and impulsiveness, emotional regulation, and impulse control/error monitoring. Thus, LHPP is a strong candidate to influence RSB and STD risk in the context of AD.

Negative Attitudes Toward Homosexuality Are Associated with STD Risk Behaviors Among Men

Negative Attitudes Toward Homosexuality Are Associated with STD Risk Behaviors Among Men

Adolescents' sexual and reproductive health: an ecological perspective.

Adolescence is the key time in the formation of sexual confidence and fertility in people and many risky sexual behaviors in this sensitive era are the roots of many adulthood diseases. STD and early pregnancy are among the most important issues of adolescence. This study deals with reviewing ecological factors related to the sexual and reproductive health of adolescents. As this study was a narrative review the researchers conducted their computer search in public bases such as Google Scholar and then in more specialized ones such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Direct, Up-to-date, SPRINGER, SID, Magi ran, Iranmedex and Irandoc with the key words adolescents, sexual health, reproductive health and ecological from 1991 to 2015. Initially 152 articles were elicited and after a review study of the title and abstract, 80 articles entered the study. After reading the full text, 39 articles were chosen for writing the current review article. Reviewing the articles led to organizing the contents in three main classes according to Bronfenbrenner's suggestion namely ecological factors at microsystem, mesosystem and macrosystem levels which include individual predisposing factors, environmental enabling factors and social reinforcing factors. Adolescents are at a high risk of STD and early pregnancy. Many factors are considered as effective at this critical era, based on which comprehensive intervention based on ecological factors is needed to step forward toward preventing adolescence risks.

Sexuality Education and Intellectual Disability: Time to Address the Challenge

The purpose of this article was to examine the current status and effectiveness of sexual education curricula for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID). To obtain a complete picture of extant literature focused on sexuality education for individuals with ID, a comprehensive review of the literature published in social science databases from 1995 to 2015 was performed. Articles that were deemed appropriate, based on the thorough review of the effects of ineffective sexual education and a review of current options, were analyzed. The final sample included 92 articles. The results demonstrated that, as a result of inadequate sexual education, individuals with ID are at a greater risk of sexual abuse, STD, and misinformation. Thorough examination of the available literature resulted in the conclusion that formal, individualized, and specific sexual education for individuals with intellectual disabilities is lacking. Considering the paucity of published data and the absence of appropriate, population-specific, and empirically validated sexual education content for individuals with intellectual disabilities, changes to the current approach are strongly indicated.

Modeling the community-level effects of male incarceration on the sexual partnerships of men and women

Men who have been incarcerated experience substantial changes in their sexual behavior after release from jail and prison, and high rates of incarceration may change sexual relationship patterns at a community level. Few studies, however, address how rates of incarceration affect community patterns of sexual behavior, and the implications of those patterns for HIV and STD risk. We describe a “proof of principle” computational model that tests whether rates of male incarceration could, in part, explain observed population-level differences in patterns of sexual behavior between communities with high rates of incarceration and those without. This validated agent-based model of sexual partnership among 20–25 year old heterosexual urban residents in the United States uses an algorithm that incarcerates male agents and then releases them back into the agent community. The results from these model experiments suggest that at rates of incarceration similar to those observed for urban African American men, incarceration can cause an increase in the number of partners at the community level. The results suggest that reducing incarceration and creating a more open criminal justice system that supports the maintenance of inmates' relationships to reduce instability of partnerships for men who are incarcerated may have important sexual health and public health implications. Incarceration is one of many social forces that affect sexual decision-making, and incarceration rates may have substantial effects on community-level HIV and STD risks.