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Biological, psychological, and social factors can all influence one's vulnerability to illness. Although AIDS is known to be caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and transmitted primarily through intravenous drug use and particular sexual behaviors, other factors may increase the risk of contracting the infection. The influence of selected health, behavioral, and psychosocial factors on risk of HIV infection was evaluated in a study of 644 homosexual men. Seroconversion (becoming seropositive or HIV-positive in blood tests) occurred in 181 men, 87 percent of whom reported high-risk sexual behavior (anal-receptive practices), compared to 56 percent of seronegative men. After taking into account other factors, heavy alcohol consumption, moderate to heavy drug use, and younger age were also linked to seroconversion. These elements were in turn linked with more sexual partners, anonymous sex, and lack of condom use. Alcohol use was the most influential factor, and this may be related to its effects on the immune system or on behavior. The study suggests that programs which seek to reduce HIV transmission should particularly target substance abusers, as well as those engaging in risky sexual practices. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

This study represents the first attempt to cross validate and report on the Neuropsychology Behavior and Affect Profile (NBAP) using closed head injury (CHI) participants. The NBAP is designed to measure emotional functioning before and following a brain event. Two CHI samples, differing primarily by method of ascertainment, were compared to a group of normal controls. Results provided support for concurrent and predictive validity of the NBAP across both CHI samples. Significantly higher levels of postinjury emotional functioning in clinic-referred CHI patients compared to CHI individuals not seeking treatment (strictly research participants) was demonstrated. A surprising finding was that pre-injury emotional levels of clinic-referred subjects were rated as less severe than that of controls. Based on this finding, the possibility of a gradient effect was discussed in which raters appeared to place selectively greater weight on current condition, while simultaneously making premorbid levels less severe than they really were. Results were discussed in the context of study limitations and directions for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Color Trails for Children was developed in response to the need for instruments which minimize cultural bias in neuropsychological testing. The test, similar in format to Trail Making, was designed to provide an evaluation of speeded visuomotor tracking while minimizing the influence of language. The present research involves two exploratory studies which examine the relationship between Color Trails for Children and Trail Making, factors that may affect performance times, and discriminant validity. Results indicate that the tests appear to measure the same neuropsychological domains, and administration of Trail Making did not significantly alter performance times on Color Trails. Increasing age and IQ were related to quicker completion time for both tests. Females were found to complete Color Trails 2 and Trail Making Part B more quickly than males in this sample. Comparison between children diagnosed with learning disabilities, attention deficits, or mild neurological conditions and a preliminary standardization sample supported the discriminant validity of Color Traits to distinguish between normal controls and children with altered neuropsychological functioning. Comparison between clinical conditions indicated that Color Trails 2 was particularly sensitive in discriminating among the groups. Although further research is needed, results suggest that Color Trails has the potential to be an effective research and clinical tool in child neuropsychological assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The present investigation examines the alternate-form and longitudinal reliability of two versions of the Auditory-Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) on a large, multiregional, healthy male sample. Subjects included 2,059 bisexual and homosexual HIV-seronegative males recruited from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study from centers in Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Pittsburgh. The findings revealed no significant differences between forms upon initial or 1-year longitudinal administration, supporting the equivalence of the two versions. However, significant practice effects were noted longitudinally, arguing for the need of appropriate retest normative data. Furthermore, as age, ethnicity, and education were found to significantly affect test performance, it is recommended that normative data be interpreted according to these variables. In addition to providing normative and longitudinal data, this investigation presents information concerning the use and limitations of the alternate forms of the AVLT. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]