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Identifying HIV risk factors is important for screening. High adverse childhood experience (ACE) scores (≥ 4) reflect childhood trauma and are associated with HIV risk behaviors. Studies examining ACE and HIV testing are limited, with mixed results. We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study examining ACE score, HIV risk behaviors, and previous HIV testing utilizing the S.C Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System over six years. We separately compared individuals <35/≥35 years old, with/without risk behaviors, and with/without previous testing. Using logistic regression, we determined factors associated with risk behaviors and previous testing. Of 55,087 surveyed, 15% reported high ACE. High ACE was associated with risk behaviors (aOR 2.652, 95% CI: 1.987–3.538) and previous testing (aOR 2.340, 95% CI: 2.031–2.696). Female respondents had lower odds of risk behaviors (aOR 0.442, 95% CI: 0.336–0.581) and previous testing (aOR 0.822, 95% CI: 0.736–0.919). Individuals <35 years old more often reported high ACE score (25% vs 14%, p < 0.001), risk behaviors (13% vs 2.5%, p < 0.001), and previous testing (46% vs 30%, p < 0.001). Women, who make up 20% of HIV diagnoses, were less likely to report risk behaviors and testing, suggesting traditional risk factors underestimate risk. ACE score could be evaluated prospectively to identify high-risk women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beyond serving as a marker for insufficient physical activity, sedentary behavior may directly affect future cardiovascular (CV) disease risk. This study sought to examine associations between accelerometer-measured sedentary behavior with risk of specific CV outcomes, including potential relations with moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Among participants of the UK Biobank prospective cohort study, we fit Cox models adjusted for demographic and lifestyle factors to assess associations between accelerometer-measured daily sedentary time with incident atrial fibrillation (AF), myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure (HF), and CV mortality. We assessed the potential effect of MVPA on associations between sedentary time and CV disease by including MVPA as an adjustment variable, as well as performing subgroup analyses stratified at the guideline-recommended MVPA threshold (ie, ≥150 min/wk). We then performed compositional analyses to estimate the effects of reallocating sedentary time to other activities. Among 89,530 individuals (age 62 ± 8 years, 56.4% women) undergoing 1 week of accelerometry, median sedentary time was 9.4 h/d (Q1-Q3: 8.2-10.6). In multivariable models, using the second quartile (8.2-9.4 h/d) as a referent, sedentary time in the top quartile (>10.6 h/d) was associated with greater risks of HF (HR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.28-1.65) and CV mortality (HR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.34-1.96), with an inflection of risk at 10.6 h/d. Higher sedentary time was also associated with greater risks of incident AF (HR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.01-1.21) and MI (HR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.00-1.32), with an approximately linear relation. Associations with HF and CV mortality persisted among individuals meeting guideline-recommended MVPA levels. Among individuals with >10.6 h/d of sedentary time, reallocating sedentary behavior to other activities substantially reduced the excess CV risk conferred by sedentary behavior (eg, 30-minute decrease in sedentary time for HF: HR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.90-0.96), even among individuals meeting guideline-recommended MVPA (HR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.87-0.99). Sedentary behavior is broadly associated with future adverse CV outcomes, with particularly prominent effects on HF and CV mortality, where risk inflected at approximately 10.6 h/d. Although guideline-adherent MVPA partially mitigates excess risk, optimizing sedentary behavior appears to be important even among physically active individuals. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescent gambling is a public health concern and has been linked to suicidality, various risk behaviors, and poor health outcomes. However, there is a limited understanding of specific risk and protective factors that may influence gambling behavior in Connecticut adolescents, especially in changing gambling environments. This study examines relationships between adolescents reporting gambling in the past-year and a range of health risk behaviors including vaping, traumatic experiences, academic performance, and receipt of social support. Data from the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey in Connecticut high school students stratified by gambling status were examined in bivariate and multivariate analyses. Among 1,807 adolescents, past-year gambling was reported by 453 individuals [25.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 22.7–28.1%]. Gambling prevalence was higher among older males and lower in adolescents of Asian origin. Gambling was further associated with suicidality and risk behaviors including substance use, smoking [traditional tobacco and electronic vapor use], risky use of digital technologies, unsafe sex, and aggressive behaviors. Gambling was also associated with traumatic experiences, depression/dysphoria, poor academic performance, and less familial social support. The results provide an up-to-date estimate of the current prevalence and correlates of gambling among Connecticut adolescents. The results provide recent estimates of the prevalence and correlates of gambling among Connecticut adolescents. The findings highlight the need for further investigation of specific factors like social support that help with designing and implementing tailored interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence-based research has shown that using eHealth interventions effectively reduces risk behaviors such as alcohol consumption, a public health problem worldwide. However, despite its benefits, there has been a poor intention to adopt such innovations, and limited resources exist to understand factors influencing the uptake decision to use school-based eHealth alcohol prevention programs. This study aims to identify the factors that influence the adoption of a computer-tailored eHealth alcohol prevention program among school personnel in Spain. Methods: A cross-sectional study employing an exploratory sequential mixed methods research design was carried out. First, interviews were conducted with ten Spanish school counselors to assess factors influencing the adoption of the school-based eHealth program by exploring participants' awareness and salient beliefs concerning attitudes, social influences, and self-efficacy. Second, an online quantitative questionnaire was developed based on the qualitative research findings. Third, the new questionnaire was administered to Spanish school personnel (N = 100), including the school management team, school counselors, and teachers. Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations theory and the Integrated Change Model frameworks were used as theoretical bases for understanding the adoption process. Results: School personnel with a strong intention to adopt the program (intenders) perceived significantly more advantages and positive innovation attributes, than those participants with a weaker intention to adopt (non-intenders). Intenders perceived a higher personal relevance and responsibility towards using the program, more self-efficacy (e.g., ability to understand, manage time and incorporate the program) and positive social influences from their colleagues, as well as greater willingness in preparing action plans, such as monitor students' alcohol consumption and discussing the program with coworkers, than the non-intenders group. Advantages and social support were found to explain a significant portion of the variance in the adoption intention. Conclusions: This study suggests that health intervention researchers should develop strategies to enhance educators' pro-innovation attitudes, personal relevance and responsibility, and perceived ease of use towards adopting an eHealth program. Furthermore, our results highlight that fostering school personnel's acceptance of the intervention and planning goal-oriented actions are crucial elements in optimizing adoption promotion of eHealth programs in school settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescents and young adults aged15 and 25 have the highest rates of STIs and HIV, yet they often do not seek testing or treatment. This study examined the factors influencing HIV and STI testing among sexually active high school students using data from the 2019 and 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (YRBS), which sampled students across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Key variables included HIV and STI testing, sex, race/ethnicity, sexual identity, age of first sexual intercourse, and substance use during sex. Chi-square tests and multinomial logistic regression were used to identify predictors of testing. Results showed that only 14.4% of students were tested for HIV and 16.3% for other STIs. Factors associated with testing included age, number of sexual partners, and substance use. This study highlights the need for alternative methods of STI and HIV testing to improve screening rates among this at-risk age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of sustainable supply chain finance (SSCF) promotes the improvement of the long-term production and operational performance of enterprises. It is significant to explore both environmentally friendly and cost-effective solutions, especially in the presence of uncertain information. The triangular neutrosophic number (TrNN) can enable decision-makers (DMs) to express their preferences in high uncertainty. This paper aims to provide a systematic multiple-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) framework to support DMs in prioritizing sustainable development plannings by combining the best-worst method (BWM), optimization model of maximizing deviation method, and uniformity entropy theory. Moreover, a TrNN-based extended TOPSIS method is developed to measure the differences in DMs' importance. We incorporate the cumulative prospect theory (CPT) method to account for DMs' psychological behaviors in risk scenarios. The CPT-VIKOR methodology is employed to rank alternatives, enhancing the precision of decision-making. Finally, the proposed approach is successfully applied to the LNG industry to illustrate its applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Adolescents without guardians and abused adolescents exhibit more emotional and behavioral disorders and a tendency to high-risk behaviors due to lack of sufficient social and emotional experience compared to children living in the family. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mindfulness therapy on emotional regulation, cognitive self-awareness, and the tendency to high-risk behaviors in orphaned and poorly supervised adolescents. Materials and Methods: The present study was a quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The statistical population included all abused and orphaned female adolescents residing in welfare care centers of Ardabil City in 2024, among whom 30 abused and orphaned female adolescents were selected by purposive sampling method and were randomly assigned into the experimental (15 people) and control (15 people) groups. The experimental group received 8 90-minute sessions of Taylor's mindfulness-based therapy and the control group received no training. To collect data, Gross and John's Emotional Regulation Questionnaire, Wells and Catwright's Cognitive Self-Awareness Scale, and ZadehMohammadi's Tendency to High-Risk Behaviors of Adolescents were used. Data was analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance. Results: The findings showed that after controlling for the effects of the pretest, there was a significant difference between the mean of the two groups in emotion regulation (F=2.757, p=0.038, η2=0.286), cognitive self-awareness (F=48.289, p<0.001, η2=0.622), and tendency to high-risk behaviors (F=2.655, p=0.042, η2=0.263). Conclusion: The results showed that mindfulness therapy is effective on emotional regulation, cognitive self-awareness, and tendency to high-risk behaviors in orphaned and poorly supervised adolescents. Therefore, mindfulness therapy can be used to reduce the problems of orphaned and poorly supervised adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the disparities in flavored electronic nicotine-delivery system (ENDS) use among youth in Rhode Island. Despite a decline in overall youth tobacco product use, flavored ENDS remain popular, with 87.6% of current youth ENDS users reporting using flavored products. The study aims to examine these disparities and highlight prevention strategies to reduce flavored tobacco use among youth, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions for different youth populations. The findings suggest that factors such as food insecurity, substance use, and poor mental health are associated with flavored ENDS use among high school students in Rhode Island. [Extracted from the article]

Adolescent girls and young women are disproportionately affected by HIV in many lower-resource settings. These individuals are often excluded from early clinical trials for new HIV prevention products, thus delaying potential access. We explored adolescent girls’ and young women’s (AGYW) perceptions of HIV risk, perspectives on trial participation, and understanding of research concepts. Individual or repeated in-depth interviews were conducted with a total of 43 AGYW. Interviews were conducted in participants’ language of choice, audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. Thematic analysis was applied. A total of 21 participants were enrolled from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and 22 from Pune, India. HIV risk perception varied by country, with Tanzanian participants often describing risk as behaviors tied to economic factors, and Indian participants describing risk as behaviors associated with limited HIV knowledge, inequitable gender norms, and pervasive sexual violence. Trial participation was largely viewed as acceptable; however, concerns were raised regarding standard recommendations for using condoms and contraception during trial participation, and the potential for side effects. Research concepts were notably challenging for participants to understand, particularly the concept of placebo. Although adult involvement was perceived as useful support in Tanzania, it was deemed essential for trial participation in India. Participants in our study described a need for and potential benefits of new HIV prevention products. Taking into consideration the local context, clinical trials with adolescent girls and young women should ensure understanding of research requirements and concepts, minimize preventive misconceptions, and consider involvement of a trusted adult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For college students facing psychological "weaning", the lack of a sense of meaning in life can lead to a series of psychological and behavioral problems, such as anxiety, depression, and even increased risk of aggressive behavior or suicide. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the influencing factors related to college students' sense of meaning in life, especially from the more macroscopic perspective of culture. In this study, 974 college students (Mean age = 19.96, SD = 1.80) from China were selected as respondents, and structural equation modeling and network analysis were used to explore the deep-rooted mechanisms between cultural identity and meaning in life, as well as the role that perceived social support and resilience play in this pathway. The results indicate that cultural identity has a significant positive effect on college students' meaning in life, while perceived social support and resilience play a chain mediating role in both. In addition, the network analysis was employed to further identify the core items of each variable in the model. This study aims to explore the mechanism between cultural identity and college students' meaning in life from a novel perspective, providing more insights for college students to seek and obtain a sense of meaning in life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In Uganda, adolescent girls', and young women's (AGYW-15-24 years) current HIV prevalence is fourfold compared with their male counterparts due to compounded social, economic, and environmental factors. Using the Protective Motivation Theory (PMT), we explored HIV-acquisition risk sources and perceived protective factors from AGYW and caregivers' perspective. Materials and methods: During 2018, we conducted a qualitative study guided by PMT to explore factors influencing HIV acquisition among AGYW. We purposively sampled two groups of key informants, AGYW at high-risk for HIV acquisition (uninfected) and AGYW living with HIV, varied by age and place of residence (urban/rural). We conducted 34 focus group discussions with AGYW, nine with AGYW parents, and 25 key informant interviews. Data were analyzed using the framework method based on the PMT and developed from participants' narratives. Results: AGYW were knowledgeable about HIV, HIV acquisition risk factors, and HIV prevention interventions. Nonetheless, few AGYW knew about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Imbalance in power relations between the genders explained inability of AGYW making safe healthy decisions, with social norms giving men power over women. Parents modelling positively influenced HIV risk behavior. Many AGYW viewed staying in school a protective factor both while at school and further for life. AGYW identified alcohol use, desire for material possessions, discounting HIV disease severity, social norms, and poverty as barriers to engaging in self-protective behaviors. Several AGYW believed that access to AGYW-focused programs would facilitate healthy sex-positive, protective behaviors. Discussion: While PMT focuses on individual factors confirmed by our findings, we found HIV risk behavior to be influenced by complex contextual factors including poverty, gender inequality and cultural norms. Distinct HIV risk factors among AGYW require policy and comprehensive targeted interventions addressing violence, alcohol consumption, increased economic opportunities, educational opportunities, safe-sex practices, and PrEP scale-up which may prevent HIV in AGYW and facilitate HIV epidemic control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the most immediate drivers of American burying beetle (Nicrophorus americanus Olivier) declines, nontarget toxicity to pesticides is poorly understood. Acute, episodic exposure to neonicotinoid insecticides at environmentally relevant concentrations is linked to negative impacts on beneficial terrestrial insect taxa. Beyond mortality, behavioral indicators of toxicity are often better suited to assess sublethal effects of residual concentrations in the environment. First, Nicrophorus spp. congeners were used to generate and identify a low-dose exposure rate (lethal dose 10%; LD10) from an acute, 24-hour exposure and the concentration-series was confirmed by LC–MS/MS. Next, we evaluated the effects of single and repeated low-dose (LD10 = 58.9 ng/beetle) imidacloprid exposure on N. americanus behavior (10 minutes post-dose) and mortality (10 days post-dose). Behavior parameters were analyzed using EthoVision-XT. Control N. americanus were significantly less mobile, demonstrating death-feigning, an anti-predator behavior. Single LD10 dosed N. americanus were hyperactive, traveling over 4 times farther (total distance; p = 0.03) and faster (mean velocity; p = 0.02) than controls. Single and repeated LD10 dosed N. americanus extended their wings without taking flight and flipped on their backs. All control N. americanus survived 10 days post-dose; single LD10 and repeated LD10 exhibited 30% and 50% mortality, respectively. A single LD10 exposure event was sufficient to significantly elicit greater movement and high predation risk behaviors, whereas repeated LD10 exposure did not worsen behavioral impairment but increased mortality over time. Collectively, generalized linear mixed effects models indicated that distance traveled, velocity, and extended wings were significant predictors of mortality. Recently reclassified, the federally threatened N. americanus may be at greater risk to insecticide exposure than previously thought and vulnerable to episodic, low-dose neonicotinoid exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In this study, we investigated the gender differences in the influencing factors of violent behavior in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: About 519 patients were evaluated using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). A regression analysis model was used to investigate the gender-related factors that influence violent behavior in patients with schizophrenia. We also investigated gender differences in cognitive function among schizophrenia patients exhibiting violent behavior. Results: We found that male patients are more likely to engage in violent behavior than female patients (57.28 vs. 46.80%). Previous risk behaviors, police-assisted admission, and education were independently associated with violent behavior among male patients, whereas previous risk behaviors, police-assisted admission, and employment status were independently associated with violent behavior among female patients. Moreover, significant differences were found in immediate memory, visuospatial/constructional, language, delayed memory, and total RBANS scores between the violent and non-violent groups among female patients. Prominent differences were found between the two groups in terms of immediate memory and total RBANS scores among males. Conclusion: These findings suggested that there are gender differences in the influencing factors and cognition of violent behavior in patients with schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (BMSM) experience the highest rates of HIV acquisition annually out of any population in the United States, and young BMSM (YBMSM) are heavily impacted by this inequity as they enter adulthood. Despite a high annual HIV incidence, extant literature has found BMSM to engage in fewer sexual risk behaviors than White and Hispanic/Latino men who have sex with men, resulting in a gap between risk behaviors and the inequity of HIV infection. Structural factors, such as racism and homophobia, are thus being examined in order to understand this disconnect between behavior and HIV incidence. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the discrimination experiences of YBMSM due to racism and homophobia in the United States and to evaluate the effect of these experiences on their sexual health. Four databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL Complete, APA PsycINFO, and Sociology Source Ultimate) were searched to examine the available qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method studies relevant to the research question. Out of 17 included studies, the majority were qualitative in design and were conducted in urban settings. Racism and homophobia affected YBMSM's sense of belonging, sexual identity, and sexual partnership choices. Often, masculinity would interact with these two constructs to impact how YBMSM engaged in sexual behavior, such as condomless sex, as well as their likelihood to seek sexual health care. Future research is needed to fully understand the relationships between discrimination and sexual health to develop effective structurally responsive interventions that will help decrease the inequities experienced by YBMSM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to predict patient-specific rupture risks and growth behaviors in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) patients using biomechanical evaluation with finite element analysis to establish an additional AAA repair threshold besides diameter and sex. Methods: A total of 1219 patients treated between 2005 and 2024 (conservative and repaired AAAs) were screened for a pseudo-prospective single-center study. A total of 15 ruptured (rAAA) vs. 15 non-ruptured AAAs (control group) were matched for pre-rupture imaging (first rAAA) and the initial post-rupture imaging (second rAAA) with two images in the asymptomatic control group (first and second control). The matching criteria were as follows: aneurysm diameter, sex, and time period between imagings. The biomechanical properties were analyzed with the finite element method (A4clinicsRE, Vascops GmbH, Graz, Austria). Results: Both groups had the same median aortic diameter of 5.5 cm in the first imaging but had significantly different aneurysm progressions with 6.9 cm (5.5–9.4 cm) in the second rAAA vs. 6.0 cm (5.1–7.3 cm) in the second control group (p = 0.006). The first rAAA, compared to the first control, showed significantly a higher peak wall stress (PWS) (211.8 kPa vs. 180.5 kPa, p = 0.029) and luminal diameter (43.5 mm vs. 35.3 mm; p = 0.016). The second rAAA, compared to the matched second control, showed a significantly higher PWS (281.9 kPa vs. 187.4 kPa, p = 0.002), luminal diameter (58.3 mm vs. 39.7 mm; p = 0.007), PWRR (0.78 vs. 0.49, p = 0.014) and RRED (79.8 vs. 56.5, p = 0.014). The rAAA group showed over-proportional averages, over the observation time, and an increase in PWS (nearly 10× faster in rAAA) and luminal diameter (nearly 4× faster in rAAA) per month. Conclusions: The finite element analysis of biomechanical properties could be used for the early prediction of an increased rupture risk in AAA patients. This was confirmed by matched imaging analyses before and after AAA rupture. Further multicenter data are needed to support these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectiveMethodsResultsConclusionsThe study examined the association of various socioeconomic, demographic, health risk behavior, and social capital factors with the cognitive health status of older adults in India.Data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI, 2017–18), wave-1 was used. Binary logistic regression was applied to explore the significant predictor variables of poor cognitive health status. Further, decomposition analysis was employed to explore the gender differences in cognitive health status.The results revealed that female older adults had a higher odds of poor cognitive health status than male older adults (aOR: 2.37; 99% CI: 1.97–2.85). Increasing years of age, not being in a marital union, lower levels of social capital, and the presence of health risk behavior increased the odds of poor cognitive health. Education had a protective effect against the decline in cognitive health. The decomposition analysis results indicated that the gender difference in educational attainment contributed largely to the gender inequality in poor cognitive health status.The results suggest that gender equality in educational attainment could reduce the gender difference in cognitive health among male and female older adults to a large extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: College students are at higher risk for problematic substance use and disordered eating. Few studies have examined the comorbid risks associated with OCD despite the increased prevalence of OCD among young adults. This study examined substance use and disordered eating risk associated with OCD conditions among college students and how this association may vary by sex/gender. Methods: Data were from 92,757 undergraduate students aged 18–24 enrolled in 216 colleges between Fall 2021 and Fall 2022, from the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment III. Regression models were used to estimate alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, and disordered eating risk among those with OCD related conditions compared to those without conditions, overall and by sex/gender, while adjusting for covariates and school clustering. Results: Students with OCD conditions displayed a higher prevalence of substance use and disordered eating risks. In adjusted models, OCD conditions were associated with increased odds of moderate/high tobacco (aOR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.05, 1.21), cannabis (aOR = 1.11, 95% CI 1.04, 1.18), alcohol (aOR = 1.14, 95% CI 1.05, 1.24) and disordered eating risk (aOR = 2.28, 95% CI 2.13, 2.43). Analyses stratified by gender revealed cis-female students with OCD conditions were at increased risk for moderate/high risk alcohol (aOR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.08, 1.29), tobacco (aOR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.03, 1.22), cannabis (aOR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.06, 1.23) and disordered eating (aOR = 2.30, 9%% CI 2.14, 2.47). Among TGNC students, OCD conditions were associated with increased risk for moderate/high tobacco risk (aOR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.05, 1.48) and disordered eating (aOR = 2.14, 95% CI 1.85, 2.47). OCD conditions was only associated with disordered eating among male students (aOR = 2.34, 95% CI 1.93, 2.83). Discussion: Young adult college students with OCD conditions exhibit a higher prevalence of medium/high risk alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis use and disordered eating compared to their counterparts without such conditions, even after adjusting for stress, depression, and anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Anatolian mole rat (Nannospalax xanthodon) is a mammal known for its specialized adaptations to a subterranean existence. Here, we present a field observation of an N. xanthodon individual exhibiting an unusual escape behavior in response to the risk of predation from a domesticated mammal. Faced with this imminent danger, the mole rat displayed a capacity for aquatic locomotion, successfully swimming across a river to escape the predator. This observation challenges our current understanding of the antipredator repertoire in N. xanthodon and underscores the potential for stress-induced behavioral plasticity in subterranean mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Racial discrimination and the COVID-19 pandemic are important risk factors for negative mental health outcomes in children and adolescents, but few studies have examined the relation between these exposures and posttraumatic stress (PTS) in middle school students. The current study evaluated the association between pandemic exposure and perceived discrimination with PTS symptoms in a sample of 173 middle school students at-risk for aggression in the Southeastern United States. Results indicated that while stressful pandemic experiences and perceived discrimination were both related to increased PTS symptoms in Students of Color, these associations were not present in White students. Study findings are discussed in the context of mental health disparity surveillance, service delivery models, and structural interventions to address discrimination, pandemic exposure, and compounding risk factors. Impact Statement This study found that stressful pandemic-related experiences and racial discrimination were associated with posttraumatic stress symptoms in Students of Color, but not in White students. Efforts to support racially/ethnically minoritized students in schools should address disparate impacts of racism and the COVID-19 pandemic on youth mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Religious decline, often observed among North American Christian youth, may not apply universally. We examined this and whether religiosity is associated with well‐being, risk behavior, cultural values, and acculturation among 4080 Muslim and Christian adolescents aged 15–22 in Germany. Utilizing seven waves from the CILS4EU project and a person‐oriented analytical approach, we identified different religious trajectories for Muslim (58% high, 31% low, 11% increasing), immigrant‐origin Christian (68% low, 32% medium), and non‐immigrant Christian (74% low, 17% decreasing, 9% medium) youth. High and medium trajectories were associated with greater well‐being, lower risk behavior, more conservative attitudes, and less sociocultural integration. To fully understand religious development, we must consider diverse national contexts and groups, employing long‐term perspectives and person‐centered analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resource deprivation is linked to systemic factors that disproportionately impact historically marginalized communities, and theoretical work suggests that resource deprivation may increase risk for bullying behaviors. Bullying perpetration is an intransigent social problem and an early risk factor that perpetuates the school-to-prison pipeline. This study explored how resource deprivation (family- and neighborhood-level metrics) was associated with early childhood bullying behaviors and clinician-rated symptoms of psychopathology, while accounting for other known risk factors (early life stressors, traumatic events, parental arrest, domestic violence). Participants (306 children, mean age = 4.45 years) were enrolled in a longitudinal study (Preschool Depression Study) where demographics, clinician-rated assessments of psychopathology, and parent reports of social functioning were collected. Measures of bullying behaviors (bullying perpetration, generalized aggression, and victimization) were constructed. A cross-sectional approach was employed, and analyses examined the interrelations between race, bullying-related behaviors, resource deprivation, and psychopathology, while accounting for confounding variables, at the baseline assessment time point. The bullying measure showed acceptable model fit (comparative fit index = 0.956, Tucker-Lewis index = 0.945, root mean square error of approximation = 0.061, standardized root mean residual = 0.052, normed χ2 ratio = 2). Neighborhood resource deprivation was more strongly associated with bullying perpetration (r = 0.324, p <.001) than generalized aggression (r = 0.236, Williams t 303 = 2.11, p =.036) and remained significant when controlling for other known risk factors (parental arrests, domestic violence, stressors, traumas) and demographic factors. Bullying perpetration was linked with racial category, but the relation was fully mediated by neighborhood resource deprivation. Linear regression including bullying behaviors and symptoms of clinical psychopathology suggested that resource deprivation specifically led to increases in bullying perpetration (t = 2.831, p =.005) and clinician-rated symptoms of conduct disorder (t = 2.827, p =.005), which were attributable to increased rates of resource-driven conduct symptoms (bullies, lies to obtain goods, stolen without confrontation). Resource deprivation is strongly and specifically associated with increases in bullying perpetration. Children growing up in impoverished neighborhoods show significant increases in resource-driven conduct behaviors, yet interventions often target individual-level factors. These results highlight the need to target social inequity to reduce bullying perpetration and suggest that interventions targeting neighborhoods should be tested to reduce bullying in early childhood. Resource deprivation disproportionately impacts historically marginalized communities and may increase risk for bullying behavior. This study explored the relationships between neighborhood resource deprivation and social health behaviors and psychopathology in preschool-aged children (N = 306) in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Neighborhood resource deprivation was significantly linked to increased bullying perpetration (r =.324, p <.001) and accounted for other conduct symptoms. Results highlight the need to view neighborhood resources as a treatment target for reducing bullying perpetration in young children. We worked to ensure sex and gender balance in the recruitment of human participants. We worked to ensure race, ethnic, and/or other types of diversity in the recruitment of human participants. We worked to ensure that the study questionnaires were prepared in an inclusive way. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as a member of one or more historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science. While citing references scientifically relevant for this work, we also actively worked to promote sex and gender balance in our reference list. We actively worked to promote inclusion of historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science in our author group. One or more of the authors of this paper received support from a program designed to increase minority representation in science. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as a member of one or more historically underrepresented sexual and/or gender groups in science. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as living with a disability. We actively worked to promote sex and gender balance in our author group. While citing references scientifically relevant for this work, we also actively worked to promote inclusion of historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science in our reference list. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online aggression is not only prevalent among adolescents, but also among adults of all ages. Most of the previous studies among adults have focused on limited age cohorts, for instance, university populations. The present study's aim is to investigate how age is related to online aggression, as well as to potential risk factors of this behavior among adults. To this aim, a cross-sectional survey was administered among 2,000 Belgian adults aged 19–79. Results showed a negative linear association between age and online aggression perpetration. Age was also negatively linearly related to victimization and acceptance of online aggression, whereas quadratic (U-parabola) relationships were found between age and online moral disengagement strategies (OMD). Different potential risk factors of online aggression perpetration were found for different age groups. Significant associations between (some) OMD strategies and perpetration were only found in the age groups 46–55 and 56–65. Acceptance of online aggression was associated with perpetration among 18–25- and 66±year-olds. For all age groups, online victimization was associated with perpetration. This association was the strongest among 26–36- and the lowest among 66±year-olds. The results imply that for developing effective intervention and/or prevention campaigns aiming adults, a one-size-fits-all strategy should be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a genetic component to divorce risk, but little is known about which and how genetically influenced traits are involved. This study makes three major contributions to address these gaps. First, we link genetic data from the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) to population register data and estimate the total influence of common genetic variants on partnership dissolution (N = 121, 408). Then, we identify heritable traits associated with partnership dissolution using event-history analysis and a broad set of polygenic indices. Finally, we assess whether associations are robust to controls for confounding in within-sibling models. Significant heritability estimates were found for both females (h2SNP = 0.09; SE = 0.01; p < 0.0001) and males (h2SNP = 0.03; SE = 0.01; p < 0.0001). Genetic dispositions for educational attainment and other sociodemographic factors decrease the probability of partnership dissolution, whereas dispositions for internalizing symptoms and risk behavior increase the likelihood of partnership dissolution. Integrating genetics and sociodemographic approaches can shed new light on the causes of partnership dynamics by helping us understand what drives the selection processes throughout the life course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the impact of mobile phone use (specifically, conversation), considering various use modes, on driving behavior at night. Mobile phone use is a source of driver distraction and has been associated with increased accident risk. Driving at night also entails higher accident risk and severity compared to daytime driving. Several studies have investigated the impact of mobile phone use on driving behavior; however, only a few have explored the differences between the different use modes. Most present studies involved daytime driving, although mobile phone use at night is equally if not more prevalent. Method: A driving simulator experiment was designed in which 55 participants drove under nighttime simulator conditions, in different road environments (urban and rural) and under different types of distraction: no distraction, handheld, wired earphone, and speaker mode. The drives were performed during late afternoon and evening hours to resemble nighttime conditions both in the simulator and in the actual environment. Participants also completed a questionnaire for collection of different types of data. Results: Results highlight the effect of mobile phone use on driving behavior, through specific indicators. Mobile phone use resulted in reduced 85th percentile driving speed and 85th percentile acceleration and increased reaction time and lateral deviation. However, safer stopping distance was observed in rural roads. Parameters relative to mobile phone use familiarity and exposure were found to mitigate mobile phone use effects. Conclusions: Mobile phones affect driving behavior at night in a similar manner to that noted in several different studies considering daytime driving. The hands-free regulation should be revisited, because driver distraction also occurred under this particular use mode. Further research is required considering mobile phone use familiarity and exposure and effects of mobile phone use, because the latter is reduced with an increase in the former. Stopping distance, an understudied but more immediate surrogate measure of road safety, was increased with mobile phone use, mainly as a result of the risk compensation behavior that drivers adopt, indicating that more research is required in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Anuario Electrónico de Estudios en Comunicación Social 'Disertaciones' is the property of Colegio Mayor de Nuestra Senora del Rosario and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In order to explore the relationship between the psychological resilience level and risk decision-making behavior of volleyball players, the author proposes a study on the effect of deep reinforcement learning in the cultivation of athlete decisionmaking behavior and psychological resilience. A survey and analysis were conducted on the psychological resilience level and risk decision-making behavior of 64 volleyball club athletes (29 males and 35 females) using the Psychological Resilience Inventory (PPI-A) and Sports Scenario Risk Decision Questionnaire. Construct a random forest regression model based on questionnaire data. The results indicate that there is a significant difference in risk decision-making behavior between athletes with high and low levels of psychological resilience in terms of benefits and losses =4.700, P=0.017,=22.065,P=0.000; There is a significant difference in risk decision-making behavior between athletes with high and low levels of psychological resilience when risk preference loss occurs =4.351,P=0.024, and in the context of positive and negative framing effects, the level of psychological resilience has no significant impact on decision-making behavior. The risk decision-making behavior of volleyball players is influenced by the framing effect, with negative framing and preference loss resulting in more risky behavior and a preference reversal; The level of psychological resilience affects the risk decision-making behavior of athletes in stressful situations, and athletes with high levels of psychological resilience have more adventurous behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the determinants of farmers' risk management decisions in Khyber‐Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, using a recursive multivariate probit (RMVP) model. Employing data from 382 farmers collected through a multistage sampling process, the study compares the RMVP with the traditional multivariate probit (MVP) model, demonstrating the superior performance of the RMVP in capturing complex decision‐making patterns. Our rigorous statistical analysis demonstrates the significant impact of endogenous covariates on farmers' risk management choices, revealing complementarity or substitutability among strategies. The study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of the RMVP model for understanding smallholder farmers' risk management behavior and offering insights for policymakers to support resilient agricultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Pedagogía Social is the property of Pedagogia Social and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Under the signaling mechanism, we aim to explore information sharing in a maritime supply chain consisting of one port with private forecast information and one risk averse carrier employing sustainability investment. To this end, we study two scenarios: non-information sharing and information sharing. Based on the different scenarios, we analyse the impacts of port forecast accuracy on decision-making and utility, and conclude that improving the forecast information accuracy is not always beneficial for the port and the carrier either. Meanwhile, we find that information sharing by the port is always beneficial for itself, but may be detrimental for the carrier, depending on the effectiveness of the sustainability investment. In addition, we propose two strategies to incentivize the port and the carrier to establish information sharing agreements. Finally, we validate above findings with some numerical analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent data show rising suicidality among high school girls. We posit this increase may be related to an overlooked factor: more girls identifying as LGBQ. Using four cohorts of national Youth Risk Behavior Survey data (N = 22,562 females, N = 22,130 males), we found that LGBQ identification among females rose from 15% in 2015 to 34% in 2021. LGBQ females consistently reported higher suicidality, although rates remained stable within both LGBQ and heterosexual groups. The rise in females' suicidality may stem from social pressures faced by LGBQ youth. Male suicidality and LGBQ identification showed smaller changes. More support for LGBQ students is essential to address this trend. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The burden of HIV among female sex workers (FSWs) remains higher in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with an estimated prevalence of 36.9%. In Kenya, HIV prevalence among FSWs is 29.3% compared to 6.6% among adult women in the general population. Economic disempowerment is a significant driver of HIV among FSWs, specifically manifested in engagement in higher-paying, high risk sex. Saving interventions to improve financial security have the potential to reduce HIV risk among FSWs. Methods: We conducted 24 focus group discussions (FGD) with each session involving 6–10 respondents. The FGD guide explored saving history and income sources, spending and loan-taking practices as factors associated with saving. Thematic analysis identified themes related to financial burden, loaning, saving and spending, sources of income, HIV risk behaviors in the context of sex work, and acceptability of the proposed saving intervention to reduce HIV risk. Results: We conducted 24 FGDs with 221 respondents, of whom 19.9% were married and 85.4% reported being heads of households. We identified the following key themes, that FSWs were: open to participating in a saving intervention being proposed to reduce their HIV risk; financially insecure, thus engaging in sexual practices that increase their HIV risk; living beyond their means leading to further financial insecurity; and desiring an intervention that equips them with knowledge and skills on how to balance earning and spending in order to save and how to take and repay loans without increasing their HIV risk. Conclusion: FSWs in western Kenya were receptive to the proposed savings intervention, believing that it would increase their financial stability and reduce the need to engage in risky sex when faced with emergency situations that require immediate cash. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Suicidal behavior is prevalent among individuals with mental disorders and constitutes a major global, clinical, and public health concern. It is generally accepted that the majority of persons who die by suicide are suffering from psychiatric disorders in most cases and that affective disorders make up the single commonest group. Suicide risk is highest during the years immediately following the onset of affective disorders; therefore, identifying risk factors and successful treatment of initially non-suicidal individuals with affective disorders can prevent developing suicidal behavior, help detecting, and predict it. Clarifying risk factors for individual types of major affective disorders could enhance earlier identification of suicidal risk, support preventive interventions and improve the treatment and prognosis of individuals at risk. We have developed a study protocol with the aim to address the complex interaction of endocrine parameters, lithium trace concentrations and cognitive functions with affective disorders and risk of suicidal behavior. Method: A cross-sectional study will be done among individuals hospitalized after a suicidal attempt for treatment of affective disorders (group 1), hospitalized for the treatment of affective disorders without life time history of suicidal behavior (group 2), and control group individuals without life time history of mental disorders or suicidal behavior (group 3). Based on this study design we calculated the appropriate study sample size (N = 210). Venous blood samples of study participants will be collected for the evaluation of endocrine parameters, serum lithium concentrations, liver and kidney function. Data on sociodemographic factors, cognitive functions, history of mental disorders, and suicidality risk will be evaluated using validated questionnaires and instruments. Associations of endocrine parameters, serum lithium concentrations, cognitive functions, and suicidality risk will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including linear and logistic regression. Based on this study design we calculated the appropriate study sample size (N = 210). Power analysis has shown that this sample size is appropriate for detection of significant differences between the groups. Conclusion: The findings of the potential influence of the associations between serum lithium trace concentrations, endocrine parameters, and cognitive functions on suicidality risk in individuals with affective disorders may help clinicians effectively plan suicide prevention and timely implement actions for treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates dynamic interconnectedness, spillover transmissions and risk contagion through the lens of intraday and overnight returns to ascertain whether intraday and overnight trading information (returns) have idiosyncratic effects on risk behavior of financial markets. The study employs the generalized VAR-based spillover measure, graph theory and Bayesian causality network (BN) models. Our results reveal that spillover propagation from the US market is mainly through the intraday return series to Asian markets, whereas the overnight series is mainly a recipient of spillovers. Furthermore, in terms of risk contagion, the result identifies the most systemically central financial markets (SCFMs) as Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea and Taiwan. In particular, the findings demonstrate that while Singapore maintains the role as the most systemically central markets in large part, other markets occasionally took the leading role as most central markets. Overall, the findings provide important practical implications for market regulators and investors to monitor the channels of trading information and the performance of SCFMs for better risk management and strategic investment decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the threat of public health challenges such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic, individual citizens' active and cooperative participation in precautionary measures is crucial. Although non-compliance is recognized as a recurring problem, it remains unknown why some individuals tend to comply less than others and whether violations of preventive behaviors are observed consistently across different public health issues. To test our hypothesis that individuals would show consistent public health behavior transcending domains, we collected self-reports from two independent samples of participants (total N = 2983) on health risk beliefs and behavioral choices. Participants' responses were collected in regard to two separate yet closely related public health issues: smoking and the COVID-19 pandemic. Our data reveal that on average, individuals' beliefs and behaviors are consistent across different public health domains. In particular, smokers showed diminished compliance behaviors during the pandemic, which was mediated by their lower motives to protect public health. These results provide a psychological mechanism of how individuals' health risk behaviors are generalized across different public health domains that may explain why some individuals (here, current-smokers) are more prone to violate public health behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suicide disproportionately affects the military and veteran population, yet the task of identifying those at an increased risk of suicidal behavior remains challenging. In the face of this complex issue, novel machine learning methods have been applied to study the relationship between suicide and potential risk factors, but are often not generalizable to new and unseen samples. Herein, we examine the problem of prediction on unknown environments, commonly known as environment-wise domain adaptation, as it relates to the prediction of suicidal beliefs, measured with items from the Suicide Cognitions Scale (SCS). We adapt several recently invariance-based models trained using a sample consisting of people without any prior suicidal ideation (SI) to the prediction of suicidal beliefs of those with prior SI. In addition, we examine the possible causal relations regarding the SCS. Using a prospective sample of 2744 primary care patients with 17 risk and protective factors, we show that, to some extent, these methods are able to generalize to a new environment, namely, a sample with prior SI. Additionally, our results indicate suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior are likely to be causal children of SCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aggressive behavior among adolescents, such as brawls, has become increasingly prevalent, particularly in school environments. This study investigates the relationship between social support and the risk of aggressive behavior among adolescents at SMK Muhammadiyah Cirebon City. Utilizing a descriptive correlation design with a cross-sectional approach, the study involved 152 students, with 60 respondents selected through proportional random sampling. Data collection utilized a reliable social support questionnaire and a risk of aggressive behavior questionnaire. The analysis revealed that 65.0% of respondents received moderate social support, while 61.7% were at risk of aggressive behavior. Notably, a significant and very strong negative correlation was found between social support and the risk of aggressive behavior (p = 0.000, α = 0.05, r = - 0.886). This indicates that higher levels of social support are associated with a substantially lower risk of aggressive behavior. The study recommends implementing counseling programs to enhance social support for students at risk of aggression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The diagnosis of a mood‐related psychiatric disorder (MRPD) among patients with cancer has been associated with decreased quality of life and lower cancer survival. This study aimed to understand the risk of a new MRPD after cancer diagnosis by individual risk behaviors, with a specific focus on tobacco use and the presence of a human papillomavirus (HPV)‐associated cancer. Methods: Single‐center retrospective cohort study of 11,712 patients diagnosed with cancer between 2009 and 2020. We identified predictors of a new MRPD after cancer diagnosis using a time‐to‐event analysis and Cox proportional hazards model including demographics, disease characteristics, and tobacco use and HPV‐associated tumors. Results: Univariate analyses revealed lower hazard ratios (HRs) of a new MRPD among individuals that identified as Asian/Pacific Islanders and among the older age groups (> 51 years). Univariate analyses additionally demonstrated higher HRs of MRPD among females; sexual minorities; former and current smokers; individuals with HPV‐associated cancers; and individuals diagnosed at later stages. These relationships were observed in the multivariate model when adjusting for covariates. Shorter time‐to‐MRPD was observed when stratifying by individual behavioral risk factors, with active smokers and individuals with an HPV‐associated cancer being at the highest risk. Conclusions: Individual behavioral risk factors increase risk of new MRPD after being diagnosed with cancer. These findings build on past studies by linking tobacco use and HPV‐associated cancers with MRPD risk in oncology and can be used to identify patients at risk of developing new MRPDs post‐cancer diagnosis and engaging them in treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the lower airways that affects more than 260 million people worldwide and has been related to more than 460,000 deaths a year. It is estimated that in 60% of asthma cases, the symptoms are not adequately controlled. The objective of this study was to determine the association between some comorbidities, habits, and health risk behaviors with uncontrolled asthma in a sample of young people with asthma. Methods: Through a cross-sectional study, data from 1,078 young people aged 17 to 19 years were analyzed. Information was collected through physical examination, direct questioning, and the application of a self-administered questionnaire. Results: In the group of young people with asthma, the prevalence of uncontrolled asthma was 20.6%, of which 53.8% were women, 76.9% suffered from rhinitis, 46.2% were overweight and 23.1% were obese. In the group of young with uncontrolled asthma, gingivitis was detected in 53.8% and alcohol consumption in 84.6%. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between allergic rhinitis, gingivitis, carbohydrate intake, alcohol consumption, overweight, and obesity with uncontrolled asthma. Conclusions: Parents and members of the health team need to identify on time the risk factors associated with uncontrolled asthma in young people with asthma to limit its development and the negative effects it generates. The results of this study should be used to strengthen programs that promote the comprehensive health of adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

University women are vulnerable to engaging in risky sexual behaviors (RSBs), which are related to academic stress, alcohol, and tobacco consumption. The aim of this study was to identify profiles of university women who associate RSBs with alcohol consumption, tobacco consumption level, and frequency of academic stress. A total of 534 female university students from Mexican universities answered an online questionnaire with five instruments related to their sexual behavior, alcohol consumption, tobacco consumption, and academic stress. They were studying to become professionals in health sciences, administration and social sciences, engineering, and "others" with grade point averages ranging from 5.7 to 10/10. They had to sign an informed consent and acknowledge having had at least one sexual relationship with anal or vaginal penetration before participating. A multiple correspondence analysis yielded a parsimonious solution with the following three dimensions that explained 38.60% of the variance: 1 "pregnancy"; 2 "number of sexual partners"; 3 "substance use". Using a point cloud clustering strategy based on the Euclidean distance between categories in a two-dimensional space, five profiles were identified: Conservative and Prudent, Active Promiscuous, Vulnerable Reproductive Health, STI Risk, and Moderate Risk Behaviors. The estimation of ellipses with 95% confidence from the calculation of centroids allowed for the integration of two profiles: Lower probability of RSB and Higher probability of RSB. The contribution of academic stress was null with respect to the model solution, so this variable was discarded. The results identified particular risk profiles in female university students. These findings are useful for the development of differentiated intervention strategies to reduce RSB in this vulnerable group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Marijuana is a widely used substance in the United States (US) and worldwide. We explored trends in self-reported marijuana use among US adolescents overall as well as by gender, race/ethnicity, and school grade. Methods: Biennial data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey from 2011 to 2021 included 88,183 adolescents in grades 9th through 12th. We used percentage change as a measure of effect and the chi-square test for significance. All analyses were conducted at the national level. Results: The percentage of adolescents who reported current marijuana use dropped significantly from 23.1% in 2011 to 15.8% in 2021 (p < 0.05). The self-report of trying marijuana for the first time before age 13 also decreased significantly from 8.1% in 2011 to 4.9% in 2021 (p < 0.05). For current use, there were similar significant decreases by race/ethnicity, with Asian, Hispanic, and White adolescents experiencing the steepest declines. In 2021, the percentage of Black adolescents self-reporting marijuana use was significantly higher (20.5%) compared to White (14.8%), Hispanic (16.7%), and Asian (5.1%) adolescents. Although current marijuana use declined significantly for both girls and boys over time, in 2021 girls were more likely (17.8%) to currently use marijuana than boys (13.6%). In 2011, the opposite was true, with boys (25.9%) being more likely to use marijuana than girls (20.1%). Conclusions: In US adolescents in 2021, there were decreases in self-reports of marijuana use compared to 2011. Behavioral interventions within school and family environments may be critical in mitigating the risk of marijuana use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing studies have verified the effect of information access on health behaviors, while less is known about the different impacts of distinct information access in a pandemic context. This study identified four information types (including disease knowledge, dynamic news, government measures, and social news) and then investigated how different information access affected preventive behaviors via perceived risk and media credibility during the COVID-19 outbreak in China. A nationally representative sampling survey on Chinese netizens was conducted (N = 8 0 2). It found that access to dynamic news, disease knowledge, and government measures positively predicted perceived severity, while only social news positively predicted perceived susceptibility. Access to disease knowledge, government measures, and social news were positively correlated with media credibility. The mediating roles of perceived risk and media credibility were proved. Besides, the statement of "cues-to-action" was also proved, which indicated that information access impacted behavioral changes more directly rather than through the mediators during COVID-19 pandemic. These findings contribute to a better understanding of how information access impacts public health behaviors in a pandemic context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an increased stigma in Romania regarding schizophrenia patients, who are thought to be violent and dangerous. However, there is little research on this topic that analyzes the exact risk of aggressive behavior, especially considering the high prevalence of alcohol and substance abuse, conditions also associated with a potential risk of violent behavior. The objectives of this study were to compare aggressivity levels between patients with schizophrenia admitted to an emergency hospital and healthy individuals and to find possible risk factors. This case-control study, matched for age and gender included 50 patients hospitalized for schizophrenia and 50 healthy participants from an emergency psychiatric facility in Romania. We collected demographic data and screened for major mental disorders using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Aggressivity levels were measured with the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). The CAGE questionnaire and the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST-10) were used to screen for alcohol and substance use disorder. The results highlighted a 3.93 times increase in aggressivity in the schizophrenia group, with the involvement of specific violent domains. Younger men with alcohol abuse had a higher risk of violent acts. Schizophrenia patients appear to present an increased risk of violence, but this must be carefully assessed and confounders considered. Public health programs are needed to increase treatment compliance and decrease alcohol and other psychoactive substances consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prior research has identified traumatic experiences and substance use as risk factors for adolescent engagement in sexual risk‐taking; however, these studies have relied upon subthreshold or non–dually diagnosed samples. The present study examined differences in sexual risk behaviors between adolescents with a substance use disorder (SUD) and co‐occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) versus those with an SUD and another co‐occurring psychiatric disorder. Participants were 269 adolescents who met the clinical screening criteria for an SUD and at least one psychiatric disorder. Bivariate comparisons and generalized linear models were used to compare sexual risk behaviors in participants with co‐occurring PTSD (30.0%) and those with a different psychiatric disorder (70.0%). Participants with co‐occurring PTSD were twice as likely to have multiple sex partners during the same period compared to those without PTSD, odds ratio (OR) = 2.35, p =.012. They also reported, on average, over twice the incidence rate of unprotected sexual encounters, incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 2.06, p =.034, and a 51.0% higher incidence of sexual risk behaviors, IRR = 1.51, p =.008, than participants without co‐occurring PTSD. The results suggest dually diagnosed adolescents with co‐occurring PTSD are more likely to engage in sexual risk behaviors than those with a different co‐occurring disorder, placing them at higher risk for adverse health effects, such as sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies. As such, this population is likely to benefit from targeted trauma‐informed sexual health education programs focused on sexual risk reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the established association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and impulsivity, the literature is limited regarding impulsivity as a multifaceted construct. That is, the field's understanding of how PTSD symptoms may increase particular impulsive tendencies and behaviors is constrained by examining impulsivity solely as an umbrella term. The aim of the present study was to determine if there are differential associations between PTSD symptom severity and various components of impulsivity across multiple self‐report measures. A sample of 215 undergraduate women (M age = 19.77 years, SD = 1.91, Range: 18–39 years) completed the PTSD Checklist for DSM‐5 (PCL‐5), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS‐11), short version of the UPPS‐P Impulsive Behavior Scale (SUPPS‐P), and Delaying Gratification Inventory (DGI). Structural equation modeling was used to examine associations between PTSD symptoms and each measure's subscales. The findings included significant predictions from PTSD symptoms to the BIS‐11 Attentional Impulsiveness subscale, β =.23, SE =.07, 95% CI [.09,.37]; DGI Physical Pleasures, β = ‐.24, SE =.07, 95% CI [‐.38, ‐.11], and Achievement subscales, β = ‐.19, SE =.08, 95% CI [‐.34, ‐.04]; and the SUPPS‐P Positive Urgency, β =.22, SE =.08, 95% CI [.07,.37], and Negative Urgency subscales, β =.32, SE =.07, 95% CI [.19,.46]. These results have implications for precision medicine approaches that emphasize targeting these specific facets of impulsivity, with likely downstream effects on health risk behaviors for emerging adult women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Anxiety and suicidal ideation have been shown to be positively related in adolescents. However, less is known about the strength of this association across different types of anxiety or the mechanisms through which this relation exists. Joiner's interpersonal theory of suicide suggests that thwarted belongingness (TB) and perceived burdensomeness (PB) lead to suicidal ideation; these constructs may explain a pathway through which anxiety and suicidal ideation are related. It was hypothesized that TB would mediate the relation between social anxiety disorder (SAD) symptoms and suicidal ideation, and PB would mediate the relation between generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms and suicidal ideation. Methods: These longitudinal mediation models were assessed using data collected from 147 depressed adolescents, who were recently hospitalized for suicidal ideation or behavior, enrolled in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Results: Consistent with study hypotheses, PB mediated the relation between GAD symptoms and suicidal ideation severity. However, TB did not mediate the relation between SAD symptoms and suicidal ideation severity. Conclusion: These results suggest that screening for and addressing PB among youth with GAD may help reduce risk for suicidal behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habits are highly automated behaviors that have received renewed attention in addiction research. The Self-Report Habit Index (SRHI) is a widely used measure of habits. Two cross-sectional online studies aimed at validating a German version of the SRHI to assess two everyday health-risk behaviors: caffeine consumption and smartphone/tablet use. In both studies (N = 1310), the SRHI scales (one adapted for caffeine consumption, one for smartphone/tablet use), as well as corresponding addiction scales and health outcomes (study 1), or established validity measures (study 2), were assessed. Both SRHI scales showed satisfying item characteristics, high internal consistencies (αs >.90), adequate construct validity, and a three-factorial solution with a satisfying model fit (CFI/TLIs >.95, SRMRs ≤ 0.05). Highest correlations emerged between SRHI and addiction scales. The studies show that the German SRHI can be used to validly assess health-risk behaviors. The observed strong correlations of the SRHI scales with addiction scales suggest that (self-reported) habit is indeed an important aspect to consider in addiction research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research has used virtual environments (VEs), as presented via virtual reality (VR) headsets, to study human behavior in hypothetical fire scenarios. One goal of using VEs in fire scenarios is to elicit patterns of behavior which more closely align to how individuals would react to real fire emergency situations. The present study investigated whether elicited behaviors and perceived risk varied during fire scenarios presented as VEs via two viewing conditions. These included a VR condition, where the VE was rendered as 360-degree videos presented in a VR headset, and a screen condition, where VEs were rendered as fixed-view videos via a computer monitor screen. We predicted that the selection of actions during the scenario would vary between conditions, that participants would rate fires as more dangerous if they developed more quickly and when smoke was rendered as thicker, and that participants would report greater levels of immersion in the VR condition. A total of 159 participants completed a decision-making task where they viewed videos of an incipient fire in a residential building and judged what action to take. Initial action responses to the fire scenarios varied between both viewing and smoke conditions, with those assigned to the thicker smoke and screen conditions being more likely to take protective action. Risk ratings also varied by smoke condition, with evidence of higher perceived risk for thicker smoke. Several factors of self-reported immersion (namely 'interest', 'emotional attachment', 'focus of attention', and 'flow') were associated with risk ratings, with perceived presence associated with initial actions. The present study provides evidence that enhancing immersion and perceived risk in a VE contributes to a different pattern of behaviors during simulated fire decision-making tasks. While our investigation only addressed the ideas of presence in an environment, future research should investigate the relative contribution of interactivity and consequences within the environment to further identify how behaviors during simulated fire scenarios are affected by each of these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unhealthy diet-related behaviors and poor diet quality during childhood and adolescence are the main factors contributing to noncommunicable diseases such as obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiometabolic syndrome. Unhealthy diet-related behaviors can become lifelong habits associated with mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and substance abuse issues such as smoking, drinking, and other chemical compounds. Children and adolescents are in the developmental stages of brain structure, function, and neurotransmission systems, which can make them more susceptible to substance abuse (tobacco, alcohol, and drugs). Thus, mental health problems and substance use in children and adolescents may originate from unhealthy diet-related behaviors and poor diet quality. Here we reviewed the impact of diet-related behaviors and diet quality on children's and adolescents' physical and mental health and substance use by scrutinizing the 2021 Korean Youth Risk Behavior Survey (54,848 participants) and other relevant studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Physical inactivity and sedentary behaviors are key contributors to the rising rates of childhood obesity. Though many adolescents are aware of the benefits of exercise, youth in America are not sufficiently active. This study examined changes in physical activity (PA), physical education (PE), and sedentary behaviors among Black adolescents. Methods: Pooled data from Black high school students (n = 2,233) who completed the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) from 2009–2019 in Broward County, Florida, were analyzed. Logistic and linear regression models examined trends in selected physical activity indicators. Results: There were no significant changes in recommended physical activity levels (p =.829), daily physical activity (p =.44), PE class attendance (p =.054), or the average number of days of PA engagement (p =.304) for this time period. However, there was a significant decline in daily PE class attendance, the average number of days of PE attendance, and excessive television watching (p <.001). There were also increases in excessive video gaming and computer usage (p =.002). Conclusion: Adolescents' physical activity behaviors have not declined substantially over the past decade. However, sedentary behaviors, such as computer use and video gaming, have markedly increased. Results presented here should assist in broadening the understanding of Black adolescents' views on weight and physical activity and developing local programs and interventions to promote regular physical activity aimed at this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]