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PubMed2005

Longitudinal patterns of methamphetamine, popper (amyl nitrite), and cocaine use and high-risk sexual behavior among a cohort of san francisco men who have sex with men.

Most prior studies examining drug use among men who have sex with men (MSM) have been cross-sectional or retrospective and have not determined whether periods of increased drug use are associated with high-risk sexual behavior at the individual level. In this article, we describe patterns of use of methamphetamines, poppers, and sniffed cocaine and sexual risk behavior among 736 San Francisco MSM enrolled in the EXPLORE study and followed for up to 48 months. In longitudinal analysis, use of methamphetamines, poppers, and sniffed cocaine declined during follow-up. However, compared with older participants, younger participants were more likely to increase their drug use over time. Results of conditional logistic regression demonstrated that high-risk sexual behavior was more common during reporting periods characterized by increased methamphetamine, poppers, or sniffed cocaine use. This within-person analysis found that compared with periods of no drug use, periods of both light drug use (less than weekly use of drugs) and heavier drug use (at least weekly use of at least one drug) were significantly associated with increased risk of engaging in unprotected anal sex with an HIV-positive or unknown-status partner. These results suggest that even intermittent, recreational use of these drugs may lead to high-risk sexual behavior, and that, to reduce and prevent risks of HIV, no level of use of these drugs should be considered "safe." HIV prevention interventions should target MSM who report either light or heavy use of methamphetamines, poppers, and sniffed cocaine.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2005

Youth alcohol use and risky sexual behavior: evidence from underage drunk driving laws.

Recent research calls into question previous methods for estimating the relationship between alcohol use and risky sexual behavior among youths [Rashad, I., Kaestner, R., 2004. Teenage sex, drugs and alcohol use: problems identifying the cause of risky behaviors. Journal of Health Economics 23, 493-503]. This paper provides new evidence on this question by using reductions in heavy alcohol use among underage males induced by state adoption of very strict age-targeted "Zero Tolerance" drunk driving laws. I estimate reduced form models of the effects of Zero Tolerance laws on state gonorrhea rates by age group and race over the period 1981-2000, controlling for state and year fixed effects and state-specific time trends. I find that adoption of a Zero Tolerance law was associated with a significant reduction in gonorrhea rates among 15-19-year-old white males, with no effect for slightly older males age 20-24 whose drinking behavior was unaffected by the tougher policies. I find mixed effects for white females and no significant effects for blacks. While not conclusive, these results suggest an important role for alcohol use in risky sexual behavior among young men.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1978

Male rat brain androgen metabolism and sexual behavior.

Four groups of male rats, previously treated for sexual behavior and differing in age and length of time following castration, were examined for the localization of (3H)-testosterone (T) and (3H)-5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the brain following the injection of (3H)-T. Significant differences existed in the concentration of the 2 androgens among brain regions in all groups. Only in the subcellular particulate fraction from the hypothalami of 1 group castrated for 48 h was there a significant correlation (r=-0.97) between DHT and T levels and pretest mating performance. Though the amount of DHT found in the pituitary was strongly affected by the length of time between castration and sacrifice, no similar effect was found in the brain.

Age Factors↗

PubMed2002

Changing sexual behavior among gay male repeat testers for HIV: a randomized, controlled trial of a single-session intervention.

CONTEXT: High-risk sexual behavior is increasingly prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM) and among men with a history of repeat testing for HIV. OBJECTIVES: The study assessed whether one counseling intervention session focusing on self-justifications (thoughts, attitudes, or beliefs that allow the participant to engage in high-risk sexual behaviors) at most recent unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) is effective in reducing future high-risk behaviors among HIV-negative men. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A randomized, controlled, counseling intervention trial was conducted at an anonymous testing site in San Francisco, California, between May 1997 and January 2000. Participants were 248 MSM with a history of at least one previous negative HIV test result and self-reported UAI (receptive or insertive) in the previous 12 months with partners of unknown or discordant HIV status. Two intervention groups received standard HIV test counseling plus a cognitive-behavioral intervention, and two control groups received only standard HIV test counseling. Follow-up evaluation was at 6 and 12 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Number of episodes of UAI with nonprimary partners (of unknown or discordant HIV status) in the 90 days preceding the interview was measured via self-report during face-to-face interview. RESULTS: A novel counseling intervention focusing on self-justifications significantly decreased the proportion of participants reporting UAI with nonprimary partners of unknown or discordant HIV status at 6 and 12 months (from 66% to 21% at 6 months and to 26% at 12 months, p =.002; p <.001) as compared with a control group when added to standard client-centered HIV counseling and testing. CONCLUSIONS: A specific, single-session counseling intervention focusing on a reevaluation of a person's self-justifications operant during a recent occasion of high-risk behavior may prove useful in decreasing individual risk behavior and thus limiting community-level HIV transmission.

Adult↗

PubMed1985

Neuropeptide Y stimulates feeding but inhibits sexual behavior in rats.

The effects of neuropeptide Y (NPY), a tyrosine-rich peptide found in the rat brain, on feeding and sexual behavior were studied in male and female rats. Intraventricular (ivt) injections of NPY during the final hours of the light period induced feeding in a dose-related manner. While the lowest dose tested (0.02 nM) was without effect, higher doses (0.12, 0.47, 2.3 nM) uniformly elicited feeding with a latency of about 15 min in male rats. With the most effective dose, 0.47 nM, the increased food intake was due to an increased local eating rate. In contrast, the pattern of feeding behavior after a related peptide, rat pancreatic polypeptide (rPP), was quite different and less impressive. During the first hour, only one ivt dose of rPP (0.45 nM) evoked an increase in food intake, due to an increased time spent eating. Further, the effects of NPY on food intake were greater during the nocturnal period. Interestingly, increased food intake in nocturnal tests (4 h) was due solely to augmented intake during the first 60 min after ivt administration. In mating tests, initiated 2 h after the onset of darkness and 10 min after ivt administration of peptide, all but the lowest dose of NPY (0.01 nM) drastically suppressed ejaculatory behavior. Most rats treated with higher doses of NPY (0.02, 0.12, or 0.47 nM) mounted and intromitted only a few times before the cessation of sexual activity, and elongated latencies to the initial mount and intromission were observed. In contrast to the dramatic NPY-induced suppression of ejaculatory behavior, rPP (0.11 and 0.45 nM) was without effect on copulatory behavior. To substantiate further that the impairment of sexual behavior seen in NPY-treated rats was not due to an attenuated sexual ability, an additional experiment was performed. Penile reflexes, including erection, were monitored 10 min after ivt injection of NPY (0.12 nM), rPP (0.11 nM), or saline. No effect of NPY or rPP was observed on the proportion of rats showing erection or latency to initial erection, or in the number of erections per test. In fact, a slight facilitation of penile dorsiflexion responses was seen after NPY. These findings suggest that NPY selectively depresses sexual motivation in the male rat. In ovariectomized female rats responding to estrogen plus progesterone with a good level of sexual receptivity (lordosis quotient greater than 70), ivt saline and 0.01 nM NPY were without effect on sexual behavior.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed1979

Morphine and naloxone's effects on sexual behavior of the female golden hamster.

The effects of morphine and naloxone were observed after administration to female golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). Large doses of morphine, 80 mg/kg, consistently produced sedation and behavioral depression of responses to nociceptive stimuli. Smaller doses of morphine (e.g., 10 mg/kg), that produced few other behavioral changes, suppressed a measure of female sexual responding. The suppressive effects on sexual behavior were reversed by 4 mg/kg of naloxone. Morphine administered intracerebroventricularly had little effect on sexual responding, even at doses which produced other side effects. Doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg of naloxone in opioid-naive subjects did not reliably alter sexual responding up to 2 hr after administration. These observations lead to the suggestion that morphine produces effects which are incompatible with full sexual functioning in female hamsters.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

African-American women who always use condoms: attitudes, knowledge about AIDS, and sexual behavior.

Given the alarming increase in the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including AIDS, among African-American women, it is apparent that many people are engaging in sexual intercourse without using condoms. The current study examined the interrelationships among attitudes about condom use, knowledge about AIDS, sexual behavior, and drug use among 121 adult African-American women who varied in their intentions to use condoms: 21 (17%) were classified as Steady Users, 75 (62%) did not use condoms but they had High Intentions to, while 25 (21%) did not use condoms and had Low Intentions to use them. Results indicate that the three groups did not differ in their overall knowledge about AIDS or their attitudes toward using condoms as contraceptives. Significant group differences were noted for other scales that assessed attitudes about condoms. Attitudes about the use of condoms were very similar for the Steady Users and the women in the High Intentions group. However, these two groups were significantly (p < .01) different in their belief that condoms are uncomfortable and interrupt sex. Women with Low Intentions to use condoms had significantly (p < .05) more intense angry reactions regarding the negotiation of condom use and significantly more negative attitudes about the use of condoms than women in the other groups. The three groups were not differentiated by drug use, previous treatment for STDs, or their perceived risk for being exposed to AIDS. The present study is cross-sectional in nature and future research using better methodology is needed to establish causal relationships.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed1997

Genetic dissection of sexual behavior in Drosophila melanogaster.

Mating of Drosophila melanogaster is a sterotypically patterned behavior consisting of a fixed sequence of actions that are primarily under genetic control. Mutations that disrupt specific aspects of mating activities offer a starting point for exploring the molecular machineries underlying sexual behavior. Several genes, identified as causing aberrant sexual behavior when mutated, have been isolated and cloned, providing molecular probes for expression and mosaic analyses that can be used in specifying the cells responsible for the behavior. This review presents current understandings of mating behavior obtained by such molecular and cellular approaches and provides an overview of future directions of research in behavioral genetics.

Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena↗

PubMed1985

Specificity and neural sites of action of anisomycin in the reduction or facilitation of female sexual behavior in rats.

These experiments were designed to investigate the role of neuronal protein synthesis in the hormonal activation of female sexual behavior using intracranial implants of the protein synthesis inhibitor, anisomycin. In the first experiment, female rats receiving bilateral cannulae implants in the medial preoptic area (POA), septal region (SEPT), ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH), or midbrain central gray (CG) were injected with 2.5 micrograms estradiol benzoate (EB), followed 48 hr later by 500 micrograms progesterone (P). Females receiving anisomycin in the VMH at the time of EB injection had lower levels of lordosis and darting compared to tests without anisomycin. Sexual behavior was unaffected in females receiving anisomycin implants in the POA, SEPT, or CG. In a second experiment, we replicated the finding that anisomycin could attenuate lordotic responsivity when placed in the VMH of female rats injected with 2.5 micrograms EB and 500 micrograms P. In addition, we found that POA implants of anisomycin could facilitate lordosis in females given a low dose of EB (1.25 microgram) plus 500 micrograms P. In a third experiment, we assessed the effects of anisomycin application to the VMH or POA of female rats receiving estradiol (E; diluted 1:250 with cholesterol) implants in the VMH and systemic P. Treatment of the VMH with anisomycin prior to E in the VMH suppressed lordotic responding, whereas anisomycin application to the POA prior to E in the VMH had no effect on lordosis. The results of these experiments suggest that reducing protein synthesis in the region of the VMH disrupts the action of estrogen on the VMH, and that the facilitative action of anisomycin in the POA of female rats requires more estrogen treatment than threshold stimulation of the VMH alone.

Animals↗

PubMed1983

Intrahypothalamic 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine facilitates feminine sexual behavior and decreases [3H]imipramine binding and 5-HT uptake.

5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine (5,7-DHT) injected into the hypothalamus facilitated feminine sexual behavior in ovariectomized, estrogen-treated female rats beginning 9 days post-lesion. 5,7-DHT treatment was associated with decreased [3H]5-HT but not [3H]NE uptake in the whole hypothalamus and with decreased [3H]-imipramine binding in some hypothalamic nuclei. These data provide the first demonstration using chemical lesions that 5-HT neurons may exert tonic inhibition on hormone-mediated feminine sexual behavior.

5,7-Dihydroxytryptamine↗

PubMed1982

Effect of early pre- and postnatal acquired malnutrition on development and sexual behavior in the rat.

In this paper we attempt to elucidate the effects on the rat offspring of undernourishment during pregnancy and lactation on the following parameters were examined: weight at birth and its evolution over a three-month period, sexual behavior of adult males, vaginal opening and sexual cycle of females, blood sugar, blood proteins, hematocrit, natremia, potassemia, body weight and weight of testicles, seminal vesicles and adrenal glands in males 5 months of age. Our results indicate highly significant decreases in body weight in experimental animals over a period of three months. Vaginal opening in experimental females is significantly delayed and their estrous cycle is shortened. Male sexual behavior shows decreases in neuromotor activity and prolongation of the refractory period in experimental male animals. Of the parameters monitored at 5 months of age, only blood sugar levels were significant decreased in experimental male rats. In view of these results, it can be concluded that in utero and lactation period malnutrition affects fundamental parameters of both development and reproductive function in the offspring.

Adrenal Glands↗

PubMed2006

Self-esteem and adolescent sexual behaviors, attitudes, and intentions: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: This review systematically examined the relationship between self-esteem and adolescents' sexual behaviors, attitudes, and intentions, as empirically investigated by researchers over the last 20 years. METHODS: Based on the Matrix Method for systematic reviews, five electronic databases and reference lists of published studies were searched. Thirty-eight (n = 38) publications met specific inclusion and exclusion criteria and comprised the final sample. Each study was assigned a methodological quality score (MQS; maximum = 20 points). Each study's empirical test of the relationship between self-esteem and sexual behaviors/attitudes/intentions was counted as a single finding and was classified as exhibiting an inverse linear relationship, no statistically significant linear relationship, or a positive linear relationship. RESULTS: A total of 189 findings (average = 4.97/publication, range 1-28) were analyzed. Most findings (n = 138, 73%) consisted of tests of self-esteem and sexual behaviors. Regarding the nature of the relationship between self-esteem and the various behavior/attitude/intention variables, 62% of behavior findings and 72% of the attitudinal findings exhibited no statistically significant association. All of the intention-related findings exhibited some type of relationship (either positive or inverse). Studies' average MQS was 11.71 (SD = 1.60). Higher quality studies yielded findings of positive or absence of relationship (Cramer's V = .329, p = .001). CONCLUSIONS: If most findings exhibit no association between self-esteem and adolescent sexual behaviors/attitudes/intentions, questions are inevitably raised whether the emphasis placed on self-esteem by public health professionals is innocuous. Recommendations for methodological improvement of this body of research are also presented.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

Sexual behaviors relevant to HIV transmission in a rural African population. How much can a KAP survey tell us?

KAP surveys have been proposed as a means to gather quantitative information on AIDS-related sexual behaviors, but the validity of survey results has not been tested. The validity of data gathered during a KAP survey in a rural district in Northern Uganda (N = 1486) was examined analyzing expected behavioral patterns, agreement of partner reports, and concordance of number of sexual contacts across gender. Patterns of sexual behavior and age trends are as expected. More men (50%) than women (18.5%) reported premarital sex. The likelihood of sexual intercourse before marriage increases with age at first marriage and with education. Women marry 5 years earlier than men, and the number of marriages increases with age. Peak incidence of casual sex occurs before age 25. The male/female ratio of casual sex is 4, as compared to about 3 in other African surveys. Single men are 2.5 times more likely to engage in casual sex than married males. Agreement of partner reports was examined for 392 couples selected by chance. 86% of the couples agreed on being polygamous or monogamous. On average men reported 1.3 (SD = 0.7) wives as compared to women reporting 1.5 (SD = 0.89) wives (P < 0.001). 16.8% of women declared more, and 2.8% less cowives than their husband (r = 0.65). Self-reports on frequency of sexual intercourse in the past month were examined for 256 monogamous couples. Mean frequencies differ (5.24 +/- 5.1 for men, 4.43 +/- 4.7 for women, P < 0.001). 42.8% of couples are in agreement within +/- 1 unit (r = 0.44). The total number of extra-marital and marital sex acts, as well as the total number of partners reported by each gender are similar. There is, however, a striking gender difference in reporting of casual partners in the past year. Data were found to be accurate at the aggregate level. However, accuracy of reporting at the individual level was found to be low. The gender difference in reporting of casual partners may be due to female underreporting, to not having captured prostitutes or to a different perception of the meaning of casual partnership. All KAP surveys should include a validity analysis, so as to provide a sense of the accuracy of the surveys and allow for comparison of the quality of different KAP surveys. There is an urgent need for a standardized approach to validating the findings from AIDS-related KAP surveys. Some of the indirect methods described here could be relevant for further use.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Assessing and addressing inappropriate sexual behavior in brain-injured clients.

Inappropriate sexual comments and behaviors from clients with brain injuries can be frustrating, awkward, and time consuming for the nurses who are caring for them. Understanding the meaning of these comments and behaviors, as well as receiving direction concerning ways to handle the situation can help nurses overcome their frustration and improve the quality of nursing care. This article examines potential underlying causes of inappropriate sexual behavior, explains the behaviors from client, family, staff, and organizational perspectives, and begins to look at ways to respectfully and sensitively address the behaviors using a model and framework developed by the Sexual Health Service (SHS) at Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre (VHHSC), in British Columbia, Canada.

Behavior Therapy↗

PubMed1994

Promoting responsible sexual behavior through a college freshman seminar.

A sexual health curriculum has been incorporated into our university's freshman seminar. The effectiveness of this program in changing sexuality-related knowledge, attitude, and behavior in college freshmen was studied. Seven hundred eighty-six freshmen students enrolled in 37 randomly selected English classes were surveyed at baseline and at 3 months. Survey outcome measurements included: knowledge regarding sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), attitudes about sexual behavior, and behaviors including the frequency of barrier contraceptive use, abstinence, and the number of sexual partners. At postintervention, mean knowledge, attitude, and behavior scores were significantly higher for those simultaneously enrolled in the freshman seminar than for those not enrolled. Abstinence among males in the seminar increased. White males in the seminar were more likely to be abstinent or to use a condom than nonwhites. Females not participating in the intervention reported increased frequency of "never" using condoms and decreased frequency of condom use at last intercourse. Students participating in a sexual health curriculum in a college freshman seminar report less frequent high-risk sexual behaviors than students not participating in the seminar.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

Male and female sexual behavior potential of male rats prenatally exposed to the influence of alcohol, stress, or both factors.

Adult sexual behaviors were characterized in male rats prenatally exposed to ethanol, stress, or ethanol combined with stress; 60% to 75% of each group exhibited female-typical lordosis. A substantial proportion of males subjected to alcohol (44%) or to alcohol with stress (54%) failed to ejaculate. The adult genitalia and testicular size appeared normal in all groups. Either alcohol or stress can suppress fetal plasma testosterone. Thus, exposing pregnant dams to alcohol, particularly in association with stress, may alter the hormonal milieu of their male fetuses sufficiently to block full masculinization and defeminization of sexually dimorphic copulatory behavior potentials, but not anatomy. It appears that certain pharmacological and stressful factors can interact during fetal ontogeny to influence the process of sexual behavior differentiation.

Animals↗

PubMed1996

Relation between perceived vulnerability to HIV and precautionary sexual behavior.

Although virtually all major theories of health-protective behavior assume that precautionary behavior is related to perceived vulnerability, the applicability of this assumption to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) preventive behavior has recently been called into question. This article uses qualitative and quantitative methods to review and integrate the literature relevant to the relation between perceived vulnerability to HIV and precautionary sexual behavior. Specifically, the purpose of the article is to determine whether the extent research supports 2 hypotheses regarding this relation; (a) Perceptions of personal vulnerability to HIV are reflections of current and recent risk and precautionary behavior, and (b) these perceptions motivate precautionary sexual behavior. In addition, it examines the conceptual and methodological strengths and weaknesses of the empirical literature on these questions and provides recommendations for future research.

HIV↗

PubMed1996

College students' high-risk sexual behavior following alcohol consumption.

This study is a follow-up to a previous study assessing the relationship of alcohol consumption as a disinhibitor to high-risk sexual behavior. Results are based on survey data from 1,902 students attending 12 colleges. Sexual behaviors occurring after people had "let themselves drink more than normal in order to make it easier for them to have sex with someone" were assessed. At least once in the past year, 33.2% of the men and 17.4% of the women had met this criterion. In those instances, 76.3% of the men and 77.1% of the women initiated condom use for vaginal intercourse. Results are discussed in relation to partners' compliance following condom initiation and preventing the spread of HIV disease.

Alcohol Drinking↗