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Results for “Risk Reduction Behavior”

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PubMedDate not supplied

Attitudes toward childbearing and changes in sexual and contraceptive practices among HIV-infected women.

BACKGROUND: Women now constitute 12% of persons with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and three quarters of them are well within their childbearing age. OBJECTIVE: To determine if women infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) change their attitudes toward childbearing and their sexual and contraceptive practices. METHODS: Questionnaire and interview. RESULTS: Forty-six women age 18 to 44 participated; 33 were white, 12 were Hispanic, and 1 was black. Intravenous drug abuse was reported by 65%. Nineteen had symptomatic HIV disease or AIDS. Only 70% said they had received counseling after testing. Of these, 59% said they were counseled on avoiding pregnancy, and 81% said they were counseled on use of condoms. Before testing, 59% had wanted to have children; after testing, only 17% did. Only 4% said they had always used condoms before testing, but 54% said they did after testing; 39% said they used some form of birth control before testing compared with 70% who said they did after testing. CONCLUSIONS: Counseling was not optimal. Sexual and contraceptive practices changed, but follow-up study will be needed to see if such changes are sustained.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A direct mailing to teenage males about condom use: its impact on knowledge, attitudes and sexual behavior.

In August 1987, a letter, informational pamphlet and order coupon for free mail-order condoms were sent to an experimental group of teenage males 16-17 years of age. An experimental design was used to measure the impact of the mailing on teenagers' knowledge, attitudes and behavior. Approximately five weeks after the mailing, 985 members of this group and 1,033 members of the control group (who received no mailing) were interviewed by telephone. About seven months after the mailing, members of the experimental group who claimed they had ordered the free condoms were reinterviewed by phone. The results of the initial interviews revealed that about three-fourths of the teenagers in the experimental group had received the materials, and about two-thirds had read them. Moreover, males in the experimental group, particularly those who reported having received and read the pamphlet, were slightly but statistically significantly more knowledgeable about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), pregnancy and contraceptives. On the other hand, there were no differences between males in the experimental and control groups in attitudes toward STDs or birth control, nor were there differences in actual sexual activity or in the use of birth control. However, the experimental group was significantly more likely to have ordered condoms by mail, presumably as a result of having received the free mail-order condom offer. Many of those who ordered condoms had previously had sex and had used condoms. However, a sizeable portion of those who ordered condoms did so prior to first intercourse, suggesting a possibly important early intervention.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

A study on existing knowledge about AIDS among undergraduates of a Nigerian University.

This study, carried out during August-October, 1991, involved 236 respondents to a questionnaire designed to determine awareness and attitudes to AIDS and the consequent effect of such awareness on their sexual behaviour. Almost all the medical students were aware of the existence of the disease, while a few (3.8 per cent) of the non-medicos believed that it had not yet reached Nigeria. Most students i.e. 98 per cent and 97 per cent of these respective groups were aware of carrier state of the disease. Only a small percentage of students, mostly medics knew about the exact signs and symptoms of clinical AIDS. The level of knowledge about the modes of transmission of AIDS was found to be adequate. With regard to the effect of this awareness on their behaviour, it was known that a good number of medics (30.37) per cent and non-medics (28.88) per cent had started using condoms. About 40 per cent medicos, and 45 per cent non-medicos revealed an aversion to sit near a person with AIDS thus emphasizing the stigma associated with the disease. Regarding control of AIDS, many felt there should be strict isolation of HIV positive individuals along with a ban on prostitution and homosexuality.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1980

Behavioral risk factors and coronary heart disease.

After a historical review, three clusters of social psychological variables are discussed: (1) socioeconomic factors and social disorganization; (2) sustained, intensely disturbing emotions, and (3) behavioral risk factors characterized by the hard-driving, type A coronary-prone behavior pattern. Empirical evidence from the bulk of research on various aspects of these risk factors suggests that the three clusters have a significant bearing on the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease. Reduction of behavioral risk factors should concentrate on three interventions: (1) reducing the type A pattern; (2) treating emotional drain and exhaustion, and (3) treating sustained episodes of interpersonal conflict.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Sexually transmitted diseases in college men: a preliminary clinical investigation.

Continuing efforts to educate college students about the dangers of unprotected sexual intercourse have resulted in little evidence of positive change in sexual behavior. This clinical study examined the sexual behavior, perceived risk of human immunodeficiency virus, and pathology of 66 university men attending a health center's men's clinic for treatment of sexually transmitted disease (STD). The study demonstrated the existence of a high-risk group of men who, despite sexually transmitted disease pathology, high numbers of sexual partners, inconsistent condom use, and delays in seeking treatment, perceive their risk of contracting HIV/AIDS as being extremely low. This preliminary investigation suggests the need for specific education interventions and future in-depth studies of this population.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Condom use and attitudes among heterosexual college students.

INTRODUCTION: This paper analyzes differences between heterosexual male and female college students' behaviour, attitudes and knowledge about condom use. METHOD: A convenience sample of 707 students were recruited at sexual health displays to complete an anonymous questionnaire. RESULTS: Based on reported sexual partners in the previous year, 486 students (51.2% male and 48.8% female) were classified as heterosexual. No significant differences were found between the sexes in reported risk behaviour. Females reported more appropriate condom use techniques than males, and more positive attitudes toward condoms. Males rated sexual enjoyment to be more important. A greater proportion of males than females gave reasons for not using condoms. CONCLUSION: Differences between male and female attitudes and behaviour are important to address in AIDS prevention. Along with an emphasis on the improvement of condom use techniques, it is critical to focus on gender issues of assertiveness, power and trust.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1995

Results of a model AIDS prevention program for high school students in the Philippines.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the sexual practices of high school students; to describe the process of development of a school-based AIDS prevention program; and to evaluate the effect of this program on students' AIDS-related knowledge, attitudes and AIDS-preventive behaviors. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A cluster-randomized, controlled trial with pretest/post-test evaluation was conducted in four demographically similar public high schools in a semi-urban district of Metro Manila, the Philippines. Of 845 high school students who participated in the baseline survey, 804 (95%) completed a postintervention questionnaire. INTERVENTION: An AIDS prevention program was developed by public high school teachers together with local AIDS experts, social scientists and health educators. The teacher-led AIDS program was designed to provide students with accurate information about AIDS, particularly in dispelling misconceptions about casual contagion, to foster positive attitudes towards people with AIDS and to develop skills aimed at clarifying values and assessing intended behavior. RESULTS: At baseline, 11% of students (20% of males and 4% of females) reported ever having had sexual intercourse (mean age 14 years). Among these, condom use was low (24%). After implementation of the AIDS prevention program, statistically significant effects favoring the intervention group were observed in knowledge and attitudes towards people with AIDS. While there was no statistically significant overall effect on intended preventive behavior, the program appeared to delay the students' intended onset of sexual activity. CONCLUSIONS: A sizable number of Filipino high school students are sexually active but condom use is low. School-based AIDS prevention programs can be developed and implemented in developing countries with the assistance of school personnel to address sexual issues. Our program was successful in increasing AIDS-related knowledge and improving attitudes towards people with AIDS. Supplementation with other preventive activities may be needed to achieve lasting changes in students' risk-taking behavior.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1993

Risk assessment for human immunodeficiency virus among pregnant Hispanic adolescents.

Inner-city adolescents are believed to be at increased risk for HIV infection because of their high-risk behaviors, and black and Hispanic teenagers may be at greatest risk as a consequence of these behaviors and inadequate AIDS education. In the present paper, the HIV risk status of pregnant Hispanic adolescents presenting for prenatal care to an inner-city municipal outpatient clinic located in New York City was assessed. The assessment consisted of a confidential structured interview. Based on known adult risk factors, adolescents were identified as being at increased risk or low risk. One-third of the 87 teenagers were identified as being at increased risk for HIV infection. Nobody reported symptoms suggestive of AIDS, had had a transfusion, or reported use of intravenous drugs or crack cocaine. Sexual risk-taking behavior was the most common factor that increased HIV risk. Sixteen adolescents were at increased risk solely because of a sexually transmitted disease and seven others reported an STD with at least one other risk factor. Although 86% of the pregnant teenagers reported the risk-taking behavior of substance use by self or partner, only four were at increased risk based on this factor alone. However, many adolescents were unaware of their partners' past substance use and sexual history and, therefore, may have underestimated their own risk. Birthplace (United States vs. foreign born) and nationality (Puerto Rican vs. non-Puerto Rican Hispanic) were significantly associated with the adolescents' HIV risk assessment via an interaction effect. None of the adolescents had previously considered themselves to be at increased risk for HIV infection. The overwhelming majority who were at increased risk declined referral for further counseling or testing. It is recommended that pregnant Hispanic adolescents be assessed for HIV risk and receive risk reduction counseling as part of their general health care.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1993

Factors associated with use of safer sex practices among college freshmen.

The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine the relationship of knowledge of AIDS, misconceptions about AIDS, knowledge of safer sex practices, perceived susceptibility, and future time perspective to the practice of safer sex behaviors in 352 single, sexually active, college freshmen. Data were analyzed using stepwise multiple regression analysis and discriminant analysis. There were too few black females for analysis. Future time perspective explained the most variance in safer sex practices for black males. Knowledge of AIDS, perceived susceptibility, misconceptions about AIDS, knowledge of safer sex practices, and future time perspective did not explain a significant amount of variance in use of safer sex practices for either white males or females. However, perceived susceptibility and future time perspective differentiated sexually active from nonsexually active white males and females.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1993

Students' knowledge and behavior concerning safer sex: a UK study.

Most students in institutions of further and higher education in the northeast of England who responded to a 1989 survey dealing with sexual behavior and safer sex were heterosexual and had been sexually active or intended to have sexual intercourse. Many students, however, believed that safer sex implied having no sex at all or were unaware of the role of nonpenetrative sex in preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. They did not use condoms, in spite of having positive attitudes about condom use, and they engaged in one or more sexual activities that increased the risk of acquiring HIV infection. In view of the increasing incidence of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), the authors assert, these findings are cause for concern and require concerted action by health educators and society to encourage safer sex practices and to prevent the spread of HIV infection.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1995

Safe sex?

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Condoms↗

PubMed1995

Psychosexual characteristics of male university students in Brazil.

Male freshmen (N = 268) at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in the state of Sao Paulo in Brazil responded to a questionnaire concerning aspects of their sexuality from the onset of adolescence. Topics such as physical changes, first ejaculation, masturbation, homosexual manifestations, and sexual practices were investigated, as well as present attitudes toward virginity, intercourse, birth control, abortion, and prevention of AIDS. The quality of the relationship established with parents and the possibilities for dialogue about sex in the family circle were also surveyed. The majority of the subjects revealed satisfactory development in most areas of their sexuality, as well as a good relationship with their parents. Nevertheless, great difficulty was found in dialogue about sex within the family circle. Of these young men, 32% were still virgins at the end of their freshman year, but a considerable number of those already sexually active reported behavior which was inappropriate for the prevention of pregnancy and AIDS. The results are analyzed using psychoanalytic theories of psychosexual development.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

College students' attitudes and knowledge of AIDS.

To determine attitudes and knowledge of AIDS, a survey was conducted among students at the Gondar College of Medical Sciences, Gondar, Ethiopia. One hundred sixty four new incoming students (115 males, 49 females) in all departments in 1990-91 academic year provided information. The results reveal that 40% of the students have experienced sexual intercourse. Their knowledge of AIDS was adequate and comparable with other college and high school students, but the majority of those who practice sex do not use condoms and a fifth have had a sexual contact with a high risk individual.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1993

Gender differences in AIDS-relevant condom attitudes and condom use.

Two studies, conducted approximately one year apart, examined gender differences in AIDS-relevant condom attitudes, condom use behaviors, and relationships among attitudes and condom use behaviors. Subjects (N = 248, N = 528) were undergraduates, primarily heterosexual. Females reported more favorable attitudes, with the exception of greater inhibition about buying and possessing condoms. Men engaged in preliminary condom use behaviors (carrying and keeping condoms at home) substantially more often than did women. Preliminary condom use behaviors predicted past and intended condom use more consistently for men than for women. Relationships between condom attitudes and condom use behaviors were generally similar for both sexes, with poorer self-control explaining the most variance in past and intended condom use. These results, interpreted from the perspective of Eagly's (1987) gender role theory, suggest that although females may indirectly influence condom use decisions, providing condoms is the expected role of males, infusing them with greater control over the interpersonal process.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1991

Organizing as a new approach to AIDS risk reduction for intravenous drug users.

This paper looks at an innovative approach to AIDS risk reduction among intravenous drug users who are not in treatment. The new method utilizes an organizing model that involves the mobilization of drug users to promote risk reduction. This strategy targets the group as well as the individual for change. Standard outreach techniques have had some success in achieving HIV risk reduction, particularly for behavior that reduces risk through altering drug use behavior, but still leaves many users at risk. Intravenous drug users in the Netherlands and gays in the United States have organized around HIV-related issues with some success. Preliminary evidence from New York City suggests that organizing drug users may be an effective approach for achieving significant HIV risk reduction for individual users as well as those they associate with.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1994

Psychoeducational group approach: HIV risk reduction in drug users.

In two trials of a small-group AIDS prevention approach, 50 methadone maintenance patients and 98 heroin abusers in outpatient detoxification were randomly assigned to experimental or comparison conditions. Experimental condition subjects received a 6-hour, small-group intervention that aimed to improve their knowledge and attitudes about AIDS, skills in syringe sterilization and condom use, and changing high-risk needle use and sexual behaviors. Comparison subjects received a set of written materials about AIDS. At posttest and 3-month follow-ups, experimental condition subjects in both maintenance and detoxification demonstrated greater knowledge of AIDS and risk reduction practices and improved skill in demonstrating condom use. Although outpatient detoxification subjects displayed considerably more risk behaviors at study outset, the intervention's effect appeared to be more robust in methadone maintenance patients. The relative lack of impact on subjects' behaviors points out that more potent, sustained interventions need to be developed to slow the spread of HIV among injecting drug users.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Psychosocial factors associated with condom use among African-American drug abusers in treatment.

Although strategies for decreasing injection drug use have met with moderate success, efforts to decrease high-risk sexual behaviors have been less successful. Because condom use reduces HIV transmission, it is critically important to identify the attitudinal, emotional, and behavioral factors associated with using condoms. This study evaluated the relationship between condom use and various psychological and behavioral variables among heterosexual, African-American, cocaine-dependent men within the context of the AIDS Risk Reduction Model (ARRM). Subjects who used condoms (n = 52) reported significantly higher levels of self-efficacy, condom use skills, and sexual communication with partners than non-users (n = 84). However, the groups did not differ in perceived susceptibility, anxiety concerning HIV transmission, response efficacy, or knowledge regarding HIV. These findings suggest that future interventions focus on enhancing self-efficacy and condom use skills, as well as eroticizing condom use.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

Sexual behavior of American adolescents: results from a U.S. national survey.

PURPOSE: This paper reports on data from a 1990 U.S. national survey of the sexual behavior of male and female adolescents aged 12-17. METHODS: A household survey using a multi-stage area probability sample of the United States was undertaken in 1990. Adolescents were interviewed about sexual history, contraceptive use, and motivations, attitudes, and expectations with regard to sexual behavior and risk. RESULTS: The majority of 17-year-olds and about half of 16-year-olds, both male and female, had initiated sexual activity, with males initiating at younger ages than females. Sexual activity was episodic; only half of sexually experienced adolescents reported having sex in the month prior to the interview. Many sexually active respondents expressed less desire to have sex than confidence that they would have sex. Over half of respondents reported using a condom at most recent intercourse, with boys being more likely than girls to report condom use. Condom use at last intercourse was unrelated to perceptions of risk and concern about AIDS. CONCLUSIONS: Given the importance of some of the undesirable consequences of sexual activity in adolescents, such as AIDS and unwanted pregnancy, accurate and up-to-date information on sexual behavior of this age group is crucially important. The results of this study underscore the need for in-depth, population-based research on adolescent sexual behavior.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗