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Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal 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.)

Copyright of Journal of South China University of Technology (Natural Science Edition) is the property of South China University of Technology 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.)

This study examines the inconsistent theories surrounding the roles of perceived threat and efficacy in risk communication theories, focusing on behavioral changes during a public health crisis. Utilizing a two‐wave panel survey, the research found a nuanced interaction between efficacy beliefs and risk perceptions in dictating individuals' engagement in protective or defensive behaviors. Notably, those with high risk perceptions but lower efficacy beliefs were more likely to engage in future protective behaviors, contradicting previous assumptions about the avoidance group's propensity for defensive reactions. These findings initiate a complex discussion on the dynamics of risk and efficacy perceptions influencing behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The editorial discusses the importance of psychological safety in healthcare settings to improve patient outcomes and quality of care. It highlights the impact of preventable adverse events on healthcare workers and emphasizes the need for workforce resilience to provide optimal care. The article calls for organizational support, training, and a culture of safety to address the second victim phenomenon and promote a fair and accountable environment in healthcare organizations. By implementing strategies to support professionals and prioritize patient safety, healthcare systems can create a more effective and compassionate environment for both patients and healthcare workers. [Extracted from the article]

Background: The main mode of transmission of Hepatitis C in North America is through injection drug use. Availability of accessible care for people who inject drugs is crucial for achieving hepatitis C elimination. Objective: The objective of this analysis is to compare the changes in injection drug use frequency and high-risk injection behaviors in participants who were randomized to accessible hepatitis c care versus usual hepatitis c care. Methods: Participants who were hepatitis C virus RNA positive and had injected drugs in the last 90 days were enrolled and randomized 1:1 to an on-site, low threshold accessible care arm or a standard, referral-based usual care arm. Participants attended follow-up appointments at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months during which they answered questions regarding injection drug use frequency, behaviors, and treatment for opioid use disorder. Primary outcomes: The primary outcomes of this secondary analysis are the changes in the frequency of injection drug use, high-risk injection behaviors, and receiving medication for opioid use disorder in the last 30 days. Results: A total of 165 participants were enrolled in the study, with 82 participants in the accessible care arm and 83 participants in the usual care arm. Participants in the accessible care arm were found to have a statistically significant higher likelihood of reporting a lower range of injection days (accessible care-by-time effect OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.62–0.98) and injection events (accessible care-by-time effect OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.56–0.88) in the last 30 days at a follow-up interview relative to those in the usual care arm. There were no statistically significant differences in the rates of decrease in receptive sharing of injection equipment or in the percentage of participants receiving treatment for opioid use disorders in the two arms. Conclusion: Hepatitis C treatment through an accessible care model resulted in statistically higher rates of decrease in injection drug use frequency in people who inject drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clustering lifestyle risk behaviors is important for predicting cardiovascular disease risk. However, it is unclear which behavior mediates other ones to influence cardiovascular disease risk. We aimed to assess the causal inference of each lifestyle risk behavior for the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk of the general population. Methods: We performed a Bayesian network mediation analysis using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2014 to 2019. The main exposure was a combination of lifestyle risk behaviors including unhealthy weight, heavy alcohol consumption, inadequate sleep, physical inactivity, excessive sodium intake, and current smoking among subjects 40 to 79 years of age. The high risk of ASCVD (≥7.5% for the 10-year risk) was assessed using logistic regression, Bayesian networks, and structural equational models to examine the causal relationships between these six lifestyle risk behaviors. Results: Among all participants, the most prevalent lifestyle risk behavior for those at high risk for ASCVD was excessive sodium intake (95.6%), followed by inadequate sleep (49.9%) and physical inactivity (43.8%). Older age (65–79 years) and male sex were directly associated with a high risk for ASCVD. Physical inactivity, current smoking, excessive sodium intake, and unhealthy weight indirectly mediated the effects of older age (8.2% of the older age) and male sex (39.9% of males) to high ASCVD risk. Physical inactivity, current smoking, excessive sodium intake, and unhealthy weight particularly mediated the high ASCVD risk sequentially. Heavy alcohol consumption and inadequate sleep were not directly associated with high ASCVD risk and did not indirectly mediate the effects of older age and males on the high ASCVD risk. Conclusion: Lifestyle risk behaviors mediated the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk in a different manner. Especially, physical inactivity preceded current smoking, excessive sodium intake, and unhealthy weight in relation to high ASCVD risk, and this causal relationship was different according to age and sex. Therefore, tailored strategies according to specific target populations may be needed to effectively reduce the high ASCVD risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous studies have identified racial-ethnic disparities in modifiable risk factors for cancers. However, the impact of US nativity on these risks is understudied. Hence, we assessed the association between US nativity and length of time in the US on modifiable cancer risk factors. Utilizing the 2010 and 2015 National Health Interview Survey datasets, we analyzed 8,861 US-born and non-US-born adults. Key variables included age, sex, race-ethnicity, education, income, diet, body mass index, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking. Statistical methods included descriptive statistics and regression. Most respondents were US-born (n = 7,370), followed by long-term (≥15 years, n = 928), and recent (<15 years, n = 563) immigrants. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was higher among US-born individuals (342.45 minutes/week), compared to recent (249.74 minutes/week) and long-term immigrants (255.19 minutes/week). Recent immigrants consumed more fruits (1.37 cups/day) and long-term immigrants more vegetables (1.78 cups/day) than US-born individuals. Multivariate analyses found recent immigrants had lower odds of consuming alcohol (AOR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.21–0.50) and smoking (AOR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.19–0.46), and higher odds of meeting fruit consumption guidelines (AOR: 2.80, 95% CI: 1.76–4.45) compared to US-born individuals. Long-term immigrants had lower odds of alcohol consumption (AOR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.37–0.84) and smoking (AOR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.30–0.59), and higher odds for meeting fruit (AOR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.22–2.86) and fiber (AOR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.02–4.05) consumption guidelines. Our findings illustrate the importance of considering the impact nativity and length of US residency has on health. Our findings underscore the need for culturally tailored public health strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractUsing results from the 2017 Nevada Youth Risk Behavior Survey, this research aims to understand factors associated with driving under the influence of alcohol (DUIA), marijuana (DUIM), and both alcohol and marijuana (DUIB) among students who reported they drove and used alcohol and/or marijuana recently. DUIM was the most prevalent behavior (16.4%), followed by DUIB (9.3%) and DUIA (4.9%). Weighted multinomial logistic regression analysis showed more risk and protective factors were associated with DUIB than DUIM and DUIA. To decrease motor vehicle crashes among adolescents, interventions should address modifiable factors for driving under the influence of both alcohol and marijuana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined how clustered health risk behaviors (HRBs) affect mind wandering (MW) and whether sleep quality and emotional symptoms play a serial mediating role. 1041 college students were recruited through convenience sampling. The measurement scale included a Health Risk Behaviors Questionnaire, the Brief Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Patient Health Questionnaire-4, and the Mind-Wandering Questionnaire. We identified four clusters of HRBs including low-risk behaviors (Class 1), takeaway intake-nutritional imbalance (Class 2), substance use-irregular diet (Class 3), and sedentary (Class 4). There was the highest level of MW in Class 3, followed by Class 1, Class 2, and Class 4. Compared to Class 1, sleep quality and emotional symptoms positively mediated the relationship between Class 2, Class 3, Class 4 and MW. Additionally, the number of HRBs still affected MW via serial mediators of sleep quality and emotional symptoms. Clustered HRBs were significantly associated with MW among young adults via the mediating mechanism of sleep quality and emotional symptoms. This study expands the theoretical knowledge of the relationship between lifestyle, sleep, emotion, and cognition. Our research provides some suggestions for the sake of personality health in young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Unhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCBs) involve weight control strategies to reduce or maintain weight, such as fasting, taking diet pills, and vomiting or taking laxatives. UWCBs in teenagers can escalate into severe health issues such as eating disorders. Understanding the trends of UWCBs and their association with risk behaviors in teenagers is crucial, as early intervention and prevention strategies are pivotal. Methods: This study utilized eight waves of the youth risk behavior surveillance system (YRBSS) data from 1999 to 2013. Our primary outcome was UWCBs engagement. We used multinomial logistic models to analyze the association between UWCBs and risk behaviors among adolescents including driving after alcohol consumption, suicide attempts, smoking, alcohol use, and sexual intercourse. Results: Among 109,023 participants, UWCBs prevalence was 16.64%. Body Mass Index (BMI) was significantly associated with UWCBs risk. In addition, we found the intention of weight management confounded the relationship between BMI and UWCBs. The unadjusted logistic regression indicated a monotone-increasing association between BMI and the risk of UWCBs. In contrast, the adjusted logistic regression indicated a U-shaped curve with the lowest (BMI < 17 kg/m2) and highest (BMI > 30 kg/m2) BMI groups having significantly higher odds of engaging in UWCBs compared to the reference BMI group (18.5 ≤ BMI ≤ 24.9 kg/m2). Conclusions: The intention of weight management confounded the relationship between Body Mass Index (BMI) and the risk of UWCBs. These findings suggest that healthcare interventions for weight management behaviors should be tailored to adolescents with BMI ≥ 25 and BMI < 18.5. Plain English Summary: This study looked at unhealthy weight control behaviors (UWCBs) in American teenagers, such as fasting, taking diet pills, or vomiting to control weight. These behaviors can lead to serious health problems, including eating disorders. The research analyzed data from over 100,000 teenagers between 1999 and 2013 to understand the connection between UWCBs and other risky behaviors like drinking alcohol, smoking, and attempting suicide. While previous research suggested that teens with higher body weight were more likely to engage in UWCBs, our findings showed a shift in this relationship after considering the teens' intentions to manage weight. Specifically, teens with very low body weight (BMI < 17) and a strong desire to lose weight had an increased risk of UWCBs. This highlights the need for healthcare providers to focus on the mental health and weight management goals of these teens to prevent harmful behaviors. Additionally, reconsidering the removal of UWCB-related questions from national surveys like YRBSS is important to continue monitoring these behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescents' chronic experience of peer victimization may exacerbate a wide range of health risk behaviors and have negative outcomes for families, schools, and societies. The aim of this study was to explore peer victimization, fear of missing out, and family connectedness as potential predictive mechanisms for adolescent health risk behaviors. A moderated mediation analysis of cross-sectional data served as the basis for an examination of peer victimization levels as a predictive mechanism for adolescent health risk behaviors (N = 602, Mage = 12.86, SD = 0.71). The path analysis showed that peer victimization significantly and positively predicted fear of missing out and health risk behaviors with fear of missing out partially mediating the relationship between peer victimization and health risk behaviors. Moreover, family connectedness moderated the predictive effects of peer victimization on health risk behaviors. These findings suggest that fear of missing out may be essential to understanding how peer victimization impairs adolescents' health risk behaviors; furthermore, strengthening the sense of connectedness between adolescents and family members may be beneficial in mitigating the impact of peer victimization on health risk behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To understand the willingness to use pre - exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among MSM in Guiyang, explore related factors, so as to provide reference for promoting PrEP in Guiyang and Guizhou Province, Methods Two social organizations in Guiyang were recruited among MSM from gay bars, WeChat groups and other social venues and the Internet by convenient sampling method from April to June, 2022. Questionnaires were collected using the a Wen Juan Xing" platform, the contents of the survey included demographic information, behavioral characteristics, knowledge of PrEP, the willingness to use PrEP and so on. Univariate analysis of the willingness to use PrEP was used Chi - square test, logistics regression was carried out to analyze the multiple - factors related to the willingness to use PrEP. Taking the willingness to use PrEP as the dependent variable, univariate and multivariate logistics regression was carried out to analyze the factors related to the willingness to use PrEP. Results 608 valid questionnaires were collected. A total of 146 people (24.0%) knew about PrEP, 216 people (35. 5%) had used PrEP before, and 525 people (86. 3%) were willing to use PrEP if they had high - risk behaviors. The results of multivariate analysis showed that non - Guiyang resident (OR = 3. 09, 95% Cf: 1.42 - 6. 73), living in Guiyang for 7 - 12 months (OR = 5. 12, 95% CI2 25 - 11. 65) and more than 1 year (OR = 4. 19, 95% CI: 1, 85 - 9. 49), employed (OR = 17. 05, 95% CI: 4, 14 - 70. 26), unemployed (OR =6. 29, 95% C/: L 18 - 33. 59), tested for HIV in the last 1 year (OR = 3. 77, 95% Cl: 1. 70 - 8. 38), those who had previously used PrEP (OR = 15. 85, 95% CI: 5. 12 - 49. 11) and aware of PrEP (OR = 4. 82, 95% CI: 1.88 - 12.38) were more likely to use PrEP. Conclusion The MSM population surveyed in Guiyang has a low awareness rate of PrEP, higher willingness to use PrEP, and relative factors, develop targeted measures to promote knowledge about PrEP according to relative factors, so as to improve the knowledge of PrEP, confidence and willingness to use PrEP. Promote the use of PrEP in the context of comprehensive AIDS prevention and control, such as the use of condoms, to reduce the risk of HIV infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to analyze the impact of paid click advertising on online purchasing behavior, assess the significant influence of perceived risk on online purchasing behavior, and investigate the indirect effect of paid click advertising and perceived risk on online impulse purchases, with a subsequent examination of how online impulse purchases directly impact consumer emotional intelligence. The population in this study are all people who have recorded experience using QRIS payments in the city of Rantauprapat as a payment method and the sample size used is 150 respondents. The data tested model uses the SEM-PLS (Partial Least Square) structural equation technique using Smart-PLS 4.0 software, within the framework of quantitative descriptive research methodology.. Based on the results of research and discussion, the findings of this study are as follows: first, The majority of respondents reported experiencing impulsive buying, primarily influenced by online advertisements viewed through smartphone applications, with 58 individuals (38.7%) attributing their online shopping behavior to this factor. Second, the results of the study partially show that paid click advertising and perceived risk have a positive and significant effect on online purchasing behavior and impulsive buying online. Third, partially that online purchasing behavior has a positive and significant effect on impulsive buying online. Finally, partially impulsive buying online has a positive and significant effect on emotional intelligence [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Design Method Results Discussion Conclusion Clinical relevance The increase in risky sexual behaviors among adolescent students has sparked alarm and has become an area of research interest. As adolescents prioritize confidentiality and accessibility, digital interventions are becoming increasingly relevant in sex education. We therefore posed the following research question: Are digital application interventions effective to prevent risky sexual behaviors in school adolescents?A systematic peer review was conducted between January and December 2023 in five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, and PsycINFO) without restricting for language or year of publication.We included randomized control trials or quasi‐experimental studies that measured the effectiveness of interventions targeting young people aged 10–19 years or their parents and developed in a school setting. Interventions aimed at young people with intellectual disabilities, learning difficulties, or any disease requiring a specific intervention were excluded.The search ultimately yielded 27 studies covering a total of 18 digital interventions that demonstrated positive effects, not maintained over time, on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors, although the latter to a lesser extent.We have found very interesting digital interventions with effects, among others, on knowledge, attitudes, and contraceptive use in adolescents. In general, digital interventions have positive effects on knowledge and attitudes, but it is more difficult to modify behaviors with strictly digital interventions or combined with complementary face‐to‐face sessions or group class activities.We thus believe that digital interventions are adequate to reduce adolescent sexual risk behaviors, and our systematic review facilitates the implementation of these interventions by sharing existing digital interventions that have had positive effects, as well as the main characteristics a digital intervention should possess to reduce sexually risky behaviors in adolescents.Digital interventions with adolescents improve sexual behaviors and can be a valuable resource in education on this topic due to their accessibility and confidentiality, two key points for young people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many young people are inclined toward risk taking and also toward helping other people. Prosocial risk taking is a term that can describe different ways that youth provide significant instrumental and emotional support to family members, friends, and strangers, even when it involves a personal risk. In this article, we review research about different types of prosocial risk taking and highlight examples, emphasizing a developmental perspective by examining change across childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. Research to date suggests that young people are more likely to engage in prosocial risk taking when they are more tolerant of uncertainty, have greater sensation‐seeking, perspective‐taking, and empathy, and when they are motivated by reputational concerns. Individual differences in prosocial risk‐taking behavior depend on youth's access to opportunities to explore, practice, and experience positive social feedback. Providing opportunities for youth to direct their risk‐taking tendencies toward prosocial outlets may help minimize risks to their psychosocial health and promote individual and community well‐being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjectiveMethodsResultsConclusionHealth-promoting behaviors carry substantial significance for miners’ overall health and well-being. This study aimed to examine the association between cumulative risk (CR) and miners’ health-promoting behaviors and test the mediating role of health beliefs in this relationship.Data were collected from a sequential survey conducted among 712 frontline miners (Mage=41.7 ± 10.1 years) in China. The survey entailed online questionnaire measurements at three distinct time points, each spaced two weeks apart. This study utilized the conceptual model of health-promoting behaviors, the CR model, and structural equation modeling in the analysis of relationships.CR was negatively related to health-promoting behaviors, with a negative acceleration effect. CR was positively associated with perceived threat in a gradient effect, while negatively associated with perceived benefits in a gradient effect. Furthermore, CR was negatively related to self-efficacy, following a negative acceleration effect. Perceived threat, perceived benefits, and self-efficacy emerged as significant mediators in the relationship between CR and health-promoting behaviors.This study highlights the critical role of considering both CR and health beliefs in shaping miners’ health-promoting behaviors. Understanding these dynamics is pivotal for developing interventions to enhance miners’ health and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Youth involved in the child welfare system need creative ways to meet their needs. One type of active group intervention, adventure therapy, is currently gaining momentum as an additional support for youth with trauma histories. The Ohio Adventure Therapy Coalition (OATC) developed an implementation model to support youth workers in facilitating adventure therapy groups across the state with a focus on trauma-informed care and involving providers in a parallel process, so they can personally understand the process of adventure therapy. A pilot study collected data from youth, parents and providers looking at overall mental health functioning and trauma symptoms. Overall, youth reported significant improvements in overall mental health functioning, while parents reported significant overall improvements as well as improvements on five subscales as measured by the Youth Outcomes Questionnaire. Providers reported significant decreases in youth trauma symptoms, behavioral and emotional needs and risk behaviors as captured by the CANS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sexual behavior in adolescents is related to sexually transmissible diseases and not planned pregnancies. Sexual intercourse prevalence is unknown among student adolescents from Santa Marta, Colombia. Objective: To determine the prevalence and related factors with sexual relationships in adolescent students between 13 to 17 year-old of three private high schools at Santa Marta. Method: A transversal study was done with the application of a self-administrated survey that inquired into sexual behavior and health risk behaviors. In order to establish associations and controlling for other variables a logistic regression model was carried out. Results: 767 students participated with an average age was 14.5 (SD 1.2), 50.1% male, and a mean scholastic was 9.6 years (SD 1.1). Lifetime prevalence of sexual relationship was 25.0% (95%CI 21.9-28.1). Reporting having sexual relationship was associated with being a girl (OR 0.68, 95%CI 0.04-0.11), being younger (OR 0.45, 95%CI 0.33-0.62), not lifetime cigarette smoking (OR 0.24, 95%CI 0.12-0.48) nor alcohol consumption (OR 0.51, 95%CI 0.33-0.79). Conclusions: A quarter of the adolescents students, aged from 13 to 17 years, reports sexual intercourse, this is related to risky behaviors for health such as cigarette and alcohol consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sexual desire increases significantly during adolescence, in consequence, many male and female adolescents start sexual intercourse before getting 18 years old. A search in Pubmed and Scholar Google was done. Key words used were adolescents, students, sexual behavior and Colombia. Papers which reported the prevalence of sexual intercourse among Colombian adolescents during the last decade (1999-2008) were reviewed. The prevalence of sexual intercourse ranged between 7.7% and 58.0%, mean of 27.2%. Being older, male, higher academic grade, and legal or illegal substance use was related to a history of sexual intercourse. Adolescents reported health risk behavior such as inconsistent condom use, sexual intercourse after substance use and sexual intercourse with a recently known partner, there were some gender differences. The findings have relevance for sexual and reproductive public health. Comprehensive programmes should be designed to promote a healthy sexual development among Colombian adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjectiveDesignSettingInterventionSubjectsMain outcome measuresResultsConclusionClinicalTrials.gov\nKEY POINTSTo examine cardiovascular risk factors in 40-year-old participants in the health screening program targeted health dialogues (THDs).Cross-sectional study.99 Swedish healthcare centers.Metabolic risk factors and health behaviors were assessed. THDs were provided.1831 (62.3%) THD participants that consented to take part in the research project.(1) Prevalence of metabolic risk factors (blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, fasting plasma glucose, BMI, waist-hip ratio) and unhealthy behaviors (tobacco, alcohol, diet, physical activity) by sex, education, and place of birth. (2) Associations between different health behaviors and between the number of unhealthy behaviors and prevalence of metabolic risk factors. (3) THD participation by sociodemographics compared to age-matched controls.Men had a higher prevalence of all metabolic risk factors, excessive alcohol use and tobacco use than women. Lower educated individuals had a higher prevalence of metabolic risk factors (except for LDL cholesterol) and tobacco use than highly educated. Participants born outside Sweden had a higher prevalence of obesity, high waist-hip ratio, and tobacco use. Participants with 3–4 unhealthy behaviors had significantly higher prevalence of each of the metabolic risk factors except BMI. Women, highly educated and Swedish-born participants were slightly over-represented in the THDs.Considering the associations between unhealthy behaviors and metabolic risk factors, the THD method, covering lifestyle as well as objective health measures, may be an appropriate method for early identification of individuals at risk for future non-communicable diseases in the whole population with a specific focus on certain groups.NCT04912739The study presents health determinants in 40-year-old targeted health dialogue (THD) participants in a Swedish metropolitan, multi-ethnic region.Only half of the men had normal blood pressure and less than 40% had a BMI < 25 kg/m2.Having 3–4 unhealthy behaviors was associated with significantly higher prevalence of all metabolic risk factors (except BMI) compared to zero unhealthy behaviors.The predominance of female, highly educated and Swedish-born participants in THDs calls for a targeted outreach to certain population groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advances in science and technology have led to vast amounts of complex and heterogeneous data from multiple sources of random sample length. This paper aims to investigate the extreme behavior of competing risks with random sample sizes. Two accelerated mixed types of stable distributions are obtained as the extreme limit laws of random sampling competing risks under linear and power normalizations, respectively. The theoretical findings are well illustrated by typical examples and numerical studies. The developed methodology and models provide new insights into modeling complex data across numerous fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Suicide is a major public health concern, and anxiety is a prevalent developmental challenge in adolescents closely linked to suicidal behavior. This study aimed to assess the association between anxiety in adolescents and subsequent risk of suicidal behavior through a meta-analysis, offering crucial insights for suicide prevention. Six bibliographic databases were comprehensively searched to clarify the association between adolescents anxiety and subsequent risk of suicidal behavior. We used a fixed-effects model to determine the total pooled effect size estimate and reported odds ratios and the corresponding 95 % confidence intervals. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis and publication bias analysis were conducted with Stata version 15.1. The findings revealed a significant association between anxiety in adolescents and subsequent suicidal behavior (OR = 2.33, 95 % CI [2.00, 2.71]). Subgroup analyses indicated differences in mean effect size estimates based on clinical diagnoses and self-reported measures used to assess anxiety. The correlation strength between adolescent anxiety and subsequent suicidal behavior increased with a longer follow-up period. Furthermore, adolescents anxiety was associated with increased risk of subsequent suicidal ideation (OR = 1.97, 95 % CI [1.72, 2.25]) and attempts (OR = 3.56, 95 % CI [2.49, 5.07]). Finally, boys (OR = 2.41, 95 % CI [1.67, 3.47]) with anxiety had a greater risk of subsequent suicidal behavior than girls (OR = 2.02, 95 % CI [1.47, 2.78]). This study revealed that adolescents anxiety increases the risk of suicidal behavior, including suicidal ideation and attempts. Consequently, there is a critical need for timely interventions tailored to adolescents with anxiety to prevent future instances of suicide. • Anxiety in adolescents can increase the risk of subsequent suicide behavior. • Anxiety teens face an elevated risk of subsequent suicide with longer follow-up. • The study provides important insights into reducing suicide rates in the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polysubstance use (PSU), injection drug use (IDU), and equipment sharing are associated with bloodborne infection (BBI) transmission risk, particularly Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), yet data on PSU in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is limited. We report on baseline PSU, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) engagement, and motivation to reduce IDU among 95 people who inject drugs (PWID) who accessed needle and syringe programs (NSP) in Nairobi and Coastal Kenya prior to HCV treatment. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to examine the associations between PSU and behaviors that confer HCV transmission and acquisition risks. Most participants (70.5%) reported PSU in the last 30 days, and one-third (35.8%) reported PSU exclusive to just heroin and cannabis use. Common combinations were heroin and cannabis (49.3%), and heroin, cannabis, and bugizi (flunitrazepam) (29.9%). Participants at baseline were receiving MAT (69.5%), already stopped or reduced IDU (30.5%), and were HIV-positive (40%). PSU was significantly associated with IDU (p = 0.008) and the number of times (p = 0.016) and days (p = 0.007) injected in the last 30 days. Participants reported high PSU and equipment sharing, despite high MAT engagement. While co-locating BBI treatment within existing harm reduction services is necessary to promote uptake and curb re-infection, tailored services may be needed to address PSU, particularly in LMICs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emotional dysregulation involving anger can have severe consequences on the individual's psychosocial and emotional functioning. This study aimed to investigate the role that the companion animal bond and the personality dimension of trait anger play in explaining affective dysregulation. A cross-sectional online survey was administered to 365 participants. Using the PROCESS macro for SPSS, a moderated model was tested to analyze the hypothesis that affective dysregulation depends on trait anger and that the companion animal bond moderates the relationship between trait anger and affective dysregulation. The results showed that the effect of trait anger on affective dysregulation increases especially when the degree of bonding to an animal companion is low, suggesting that a strong bond to a companion animal may protect individuals with trait anger from the likelihood of experiencing affective regulation problems. The psychological, health-related, and educational implications of the current anthrozoological study include the potential of the human–animal bond in acting as a facilitator of adaptive affective regulation processes, which can reduce the levels of uncontrolled anger-related emotions and the subsequent risk of out-of-control behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to study the effects of media communication regarding COVID-19 on the adoption of healthy behaviors. Specifically, we investigated the role of fear in the relationship between media exposure and adoption of healthy protective measures while also identifying individual effects for traditional media (TV and newspapers) versus social media. The study was based on a large sample of university students (n = 7554) during April 2020 in Brazil. Results showed that controlling for self-efficacy, age, and gender, total media exposure had greater indirect effect than direct effect on the adoption of healthy behaviors. The indirect effect was through the perception of fear of becoming ill (with COVID-19). We discuss the theoretical implications of the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the effects of direct kindness instruction on second-grade students' social and emotional well-being. Amidst the growing integration of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) into educational curricula, this research specifically focuses on the aspect of kindness, a vital yet often under-explored component of SEL. Conducted in a diverse second-grade classroom in a small Midwestern U.S. town, thisstudy employs an action research methodology, using the Second Step curriculum and weekly kindness missions as interventions. The research is guided by two primary questions: the influence of direct kindness instruction on students' social behavior and its impact on their emotional well-being. The effectiveness of the interventions is evaluated using the Social Academic and Emotional Behavior Risk Screener (SABERS). Findings indicate significant improvements in students' academic, social, and emotional behaviors, underscoring the effectiveness of kindness instruction in enhancing the overall educational environment. The study highlights the need for incorporating structured SEL components, particularly kindness and empathy, in early education, and suggests future research directions for exploring long-term impacts of SEL interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Ciência & Saúde Coletiva is the property of Associacao Brasileira de Pos-Graduacao em Saude Coletiva 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 recent years, the United States has seen an increase in gun-related violence and school shootings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the incidence of gun carrying among high-school students has declined. Nevertheless, an examination of the underlying factors that increase the risk of violence-related behaviors is necessary to develop interventions to decrease gun use among high-school students. General Strain Theory (GST) predicts that victims of violence are (a) significantly more likely to engage in violent behaviors and (b) the increased risk of violent behavior by persons who experience violence is significantly greater among male victims. This research aims to test these predictions of the strain theory with data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). To that end, it investigates whether the relationship between forced sexual intercourse victimization (FSIV) and gun or weapon carrying or physical fighting is significantly greater among male students. Using R and pooled data from the nationally representative YRBS (2017 and 2019), additive interactions were estimated according to Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines to determine the association between FSIV and weapon carry, gun carry, or physical fighting. Multiplicative interactions and odds ratios were also estimated for comparison. Results show a high risk of gun and weapon carrying and physical fighting among both male and female students who experience FSIV and a significant relationship between FSIV and increased risk of these violence-related behaviors. Additive interactions show that the relationship between FSIV and these violent behaviors is significantly greater among male students than female students. Results confirm the predictions of GST and show that FSIV significantly increases the risk of gun carrying and other violence-related behaviors among male and female U.S. high-school students; the increased risk is significantly greater among male students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptocurrency trading continues to increase in popularity as a broad financial activity in the American populace and across the globe. Despite well-documented risks associated with the behavior and parallels between cryptocurrency trading and gambling, the mental health implications and associations of this behavior are only beginning to be understood. The objective of the current work was to provide preliminary data, using a census-matched, weighted, U.S. sample, of the sociodemographic predictors of cryptocurrency trading and the broad cluster of addictive behaviors that are associated with such behavior. Participants were recruited by YouGov Opinion polling and taken from two samples: a weighted, census-matched sample adults in the United States (N = 2,806) and an oversample of sports-wagering individuals in the United States (N = 1,557). Cryptocurrency trading habits were measured via self-report questions, as were gambling problems, and substance use and dependence. Younger, more educated, higher-income men were more likely to regularly trade cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency trading was associated with greater frequency of addictive behaviors and greater self-reported feelings of addiction. Collectively, these results suggest that cryptocurrency is often linked a wide variety of impulsive or at-risk behaviors and may be seen as an indicator of more broad concerns with risky behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are numerous risk factors across various dimensions that lead to unsafe behaviors among construction workers, and the interactions between these factors are complex and intertwined. Therefore, it is crucial to comprehensively explore the mechanisms of these risk factors across all dimensions to reduce the accident rate. This paper combines cascading failure and entropy flow models to construct a cascading trigger model for identifying key nodes and paths in a risk network. First, this paper identifies the risk factors in the individual, organizational, managerial, and environmental dimensions, dividing them into deep and surface factors. Based on this, a risk network is constructed, and cascading failure is introduced to simulate the dynamic evolution of risks. Then, the entropy flow model is introduced to quantify the risk flow in risk propagation. Finally, to address the uncertainty of risk occurrence, Visual Studio Code is used for coding, and a simulation platform is built using JavaScript. After conducting simulation experiments, the results are statistically analyzed. The results show that the key nodes of deep factors are mainly concentrated in the individual dimension (herd mentality, negative emotions, physical fatigue, fluke mindset), organizational dimension (poor cohesion, poor internal communication), and managerial dimension (abusive leadership style and insufficient/low-quality safety education and training); the surface factors are mainly the poor safety climate in the organizational dimension. The findings provide theoretical support for reducing the accident rate caused by unsafe worker behaviors, aiming to reduce accident risk losses by cutting off risk propagation paths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid development of urban rail transportation, people's demand for subways has gradually manifested itself. The inherent complex attributes of subway project construction determine that subway project construction has a relatively high risk, resulting in huge losses. This paper takes the opportunistic behavior of the subway project as the research object, proposes the opportunistic behavior identification process, and constructs the opportunistic behavior identification model based on the BP neural network. Firstly, through the collection and analysis of subway accident cases, the main forms of opportunistic behavior are summarized, and the primary characteristic indicators for opportunistic behavior recognition are extracted using cluster analysis. Secondly, a recognition model based on a BP neural network is designed. The number of neurons in the input layer, hidden layer, and output layer of the model is determined, and the recognition model is subsequently trained and tested to validate its feasibility. Finally, the constructed opportunistic behavior recognition model is applied to an actual subway construction project, revealing that the construction enterprise of the project in question exhibits a high level of opportunistic behavior risk. Overall, the research results of this paper have important theoretical significance and practical value for the management level of subway project construction enterprises under the new situation and the identification and governance of opportunistic behavior of subway project construction enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of hand hygiene (HH) and oral hygiene (OH) behavior in adolescents in Central America. Methods: In total, 15807 school-aged adolescents (mean age=14.4 years, SD=1.4) were analyzed using secondary data from the cross-sectional Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) conducted in six Central American countries (El Salvador, Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama) between 2009 and 2018. HH and OH were assessed by questionnaire. Adjusted logistic regression was used to determine the associations with suboptimal ('not always') HH (SHH) and suboptimal (<2 times/day) OH (SOH). Results: The proportion of SHH before meals was 44.5% (the highest in Panama 69.0%), SHH after toilet use was 21.5% (the highest in Panama 33.3%), SHH with soap was 51.0% (the highest in Honduras 83.1%), and SOH (<2 times tooth brushing/day) was 11.3% (the highest in Panama 13.0%). Male sex (AOR=1.10; 95% CI: 1.03–1.35, SHH after toilet use), health risk behavior, including history of alcohol intoxication (AOR=1.54; 95% CI: 1.32–1.81 for SHH before meals, AOR=1.49; 95% CI: 1.23–1.99 for SHH after toilet use, and AOR=1.35; 95% CI: 1.17–1.57 for SHH with soap), inadequate fruit intake (AOR=1.53; 95% CI: 1.33–1.76 for SHH before meals and AOR=1.57; 95% CI: 1.34–1.84 for SHH after toilet use), inadequate vegetable intake (AOR=1.24; 95% CI: 1.05–1.47 for SHH before meals), and sedentary behavior (AOR=1.45; 95% CI: 1.28–1.64 for SHH before meals and AOR=1.23; 95% CI: 1.11–1.37 for SHH with soap), and poor mental health, including having no close friends (AOR=1.53; 95% CI: 1.20–1.96 for SHH before meals, and AOR=1.51; 95% CI: 1.22–1.99 for SHH after toilet use), and suicidal ideation (AOR= 1.22; 95% CI: 1.01–1.47 for SHH after toilet use, and AOR=1.27; 95% CI: 1.11–1.45 for SHH with soap) were associated with SHH. Male sex (AOR=1.80; 95% CI: 1.55–2.10), having no close friends (AOR=1.98; 95% CI: 1.50– 2.60), and suicidal ideation (AOR=1.32; 95% CI: 1.05–1.68) increased the odds and soft drink intake (AOR=0.75; 95% CI: 0.64–0.88) decreased the odds of SOH. Conclusions: This study presents SHH and SOH behavior practices. Several factors, including sociodemographics, health risk behaviors, and poor mental health, were identified that were associated with SHH and SOH behaviors, which can help in designing school OH and HH health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In November 2022, the global human population reached 8 billion and is projected to reach 10 billion by 2060. Theories, models, and evidence indicate that global population growth (GPG) increases the likelihood of many adverse outcomes, such as biodiversity loss, climate change, mass migrations, wars, and resource shortages. A small body of research indicates that many individuals are concerned about the effects of GPG, and these concerns are strongly related to the willingness to engage in mitigative and preventative actions. However, scientific understanding of the factors that influence GPG risk perceptions remains limited. To help address this research gap, we conducted a study of the perceived risk of GPG among UK and US residents (N = 1029) shortly after the "8 billion milestone." Our results confirmed that GPG is perceived as a moderate‐to‐high risk and these perceptions have a strong positive relationship with the willingness to engage in and support risk management actions. Our participants believed that the worst effects of GPG were yet to come but would largely be geographically and socially remote. Despite their willingness to engage in risk management actions, our participants reported low self‐efficacy and that governments (cf. individuals and communities) have the greatest capacity to influence GPG. Risk perceptions were strongly predicted by worldviews and were higher among our UK (cf. US) participants. We also found that the perceived benefits of GPG were low and found no evidence to suggest that risk perceptions were affected by exposure to media coverage of the 8 billion milestone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: India has the second largest HIV epidemic in the world. Despite successes in epidemic control at the population level, a concentrated epidemic persists among gay and other men who have sex with men (MSM). However, India lags in implementation of biomedical prevention technologies, such as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). In order to inform scale-up of new HIV prevention technologies, including those in the development pipeline, we assessed willingness to use oral PrEP, rectal microbicides, and HIV vaccines, and choices among product characteristics, among MSM in two major Indian cities. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a discrete choice experiment (DCE), an established methodology for quantitively estimating end-user preferences in healthcare. Survey participants were randomly assigned to one of three questionnaire versions, each of which included a DCE for one prevention technology. Participants were recruited using chain-referral sampling by peer outreach workers, beginning with seeds in community-based organizations and public sex environments, in Chennai and Mumbai. DCE data were analyzed using random-parameters (mixed) logit (RPL) models. Results: Among participants (n = 600), median age was 25 years, with median monthly income of INR 9,000 (~US$125). Nearly one-third (32%) had completed a college degree and 82% were single/never married. A majority of participants (63%) reported condomless anal sex in the past month. The acceptability of all three products was universally high (≥90%). Across all three products, four attributes were significant predictors of acceptability—with efficacy consistently the most important attribute, and in decreasing order of preference, side-effects, dosing schedule, and venue. MSM varied in their preferences for product attributes in relation to their levels of education and income, and engagement in sex work and HIV risk behavior. Conclusion: This study provides empirical evidence to facilitate the integration of end users' preferences throughout design, testing, and dissemination phases of HIV prevention technologies. The findings also suggest action points and targets for interventions for diverse subgroups to support the effectiveness of combination HIV prevention among MSM in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humans update their social behavior in response to past experiences and changing environments. Behavioral decisions are further complicated by uncertainty in the outcome of social interactions. Faced with uncertainty, some individuals exhibit risk aversion while others seek risk. Attitudes toward risk may depend on socioeconomic status; and individuals may update their risk preferences over time, which will feedback on their social behavior. Here, we study how uncertainty and risk preferences shape the evolution of social behaviors. We extend the game-theoretic framework for behavioral evolution to incorporate uncertainty about payoffs and variation in how individuals respond to this uncertainty. We find that different attitudes toward risk can substantially alter behavior and long-term outcomes, as individuals seek to optimize their rewards from social interactions. In a standard setting without risk, for example, defection always overtakes a well-mixed population engaged in the classic Prisoner's Dilemma, whereas risk aversion can reverse the direction of evolution, promoting cooperation over defection. When individuals update their risk preferences along with their strategic behaviors, a population can oscillate between periods dominated by risk-averse cooperators and periods of risk-seeking defectors. Our analysis provides a systematic account of how risk preferences modulate, and even coevolve with, behavior in an uncertain social world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to explore the association between types of stress and suicidal behaviors--ideation and attempts--among Korean adolescents in two distinct years: 2015 and 2020. Methods: Data were acquired from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey conducted in 2015 and 2020. Participants' desire for suicide was evaluated by asking questions about suicidal ideation and attempts, during the past year. Types of stress were divided into five categories: none, home, school, academic achievement, and appearance. Multiple logistic regression was used to investigate the association between variables of interest and dependent variables. Results: Among the 77,363 adolescents included in this study, 8.8% male and 13.2% female participants had seriously thought about committing suicide, and the rate of male and female participants who tried committing suicide was 1.6% and 2.5%, respectively. While every type of stress was highly associated with suicidal ideation, family and home types of stress had the highest odds ratio (OR), that was statistically significant for both sexes (Male: OR 3.81, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 2.81 to 5.15; Female: OR 3.64, 95% CI 2.42 to 5.50). Moreover, the OR increased in order of: appearance; academic achievement; school and friends; and family and home, compared to the group that perceived no stress. Suicidal attempts were statistically significant and higher in likelihood, only amongst the female group that experienced stress from family and home (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.08 to 5.67). In comparison to year 2015, suicidal ideation and attempts decreased in year 2020, but participants experiencing stress from family and home had a higher tendency of attempting suicide, though not statistically significant, regardless of their sex (Male: OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.44; Female: OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.4). Conclusion: Adolescents who experience stress from family and home, or school and friends, are more likely to think about suicide, or carry it out, as compared to those having different causes of stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the factors shaping perceived risk and purchase intentions in the market for luxurious used cars in Hangzhou, China. As consumer behavior in emerging markets becomes increasingly sophisticated, understanding the underlying motivations behind luxury consumption is crucial for both marketers and academics. The research focuses on several key variables, including Perceived Luxurious Used-Car Consumption Value, Brand Consciousness, Brand Love, Experiential Value, and Self-Identity. These elements are assessed in relation to their impact on perceived risk and how they influence purchase decisions. Data was collected through a structured survey from 350 consumers who had shown interest in or engagement with luxurious used cars in Hangzhou. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to analyze the relationships between these factors. The findings reveal that while perceived risk plays a significant role in shaping purchase intentions, other elements such as brand love and self-identity act as mitigating forces that reduce the impact of risk perception. This underscores the importance of creating strong emotional connections and value propositions in marketing strategies for luxury brands. The study also provides insights into how these factors vary among different demographic groups, suggesting that marketers should adopt a more segmented approach when targeting luxury consumers in China. Finally, the research highlights the potential for future studies to examine cross-market comparisons and evolving consumer behavior in other emerging economies. This study contributes to the literature on luxury consumption by offering a nuanced understanding of the psychological and social dynamics influencing the luxury usedcar market in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meta-analyses have concluded that positive emotions do not reduce appetitive risk behaviors (risky behaviors that fulfill appetitive or craving states, such as smoking and excessive alcohol use). We propose that this conclusion is premature. Drawing on the Appraisal Tendency Framework and related theories of emotion and decision-making, we hypothesized that gratitude (a positive emotion) can decrease cigarette smoking, a leading cause of premature death globally. A series of multimethod studies provided evidence supporting our hypothesis (collective N = 34,222). Using nationally representative US samples and an international sample drawn from 87 countries, Studies 1 and 2 revealed that gratitude was inversely associated with likelihood of smoking, even after accounting for numerous covariates. Other positive emotions (e.g., compassion) lacked such consistent associations, as expected. Study 3, and its replication, provided further support for emotion specificity: Experimental induction of gratitude, unlike compassion or sadness, reduced cigarette craving compared to a neutral state. Study 4, and its replication, showed that inducing gratitude causally increased smoking cessation behavior, as evidenced by enrollment in a web-based cessation intervention. Self-reported gratitude mediated the effects in both experimental studies. Finally, Study 5 found that current antismoking messaging campaigns by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention primarily evoked sadness and compassion, but seldom gratitude. Together, our studies advance understanding of positive emotion effects on appetitive risk behaviors; they also offer practical implications for the design of public health campaigns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a context where pessimistic survival perceptions have been widespread as a result of the HIV/AIDS epidemic (Fig. 1A), we study vaccine uptake and other health behaviors during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Leveraging a longitudinal cohort study in rural Malawi that has been followed for up to 25 y, we document that a 2017 mortality risk information intervention designed to reduce pessimistic mortality perceptions (Fig. 1B) resulted in improved health behavior, including COVID-19 vaccine uptake (Fig. 1C). We also report indirect effects for siblings and household members. This was likely the result of a reinforcing process where the intervention triggered engagement with the healthcare system and stronger beliefs in the efficacy of modern biomedical treatments, which led to the adoption of health risk reduction behavior, including vaccine uptake. Our findings suggest that health information interventions focused on survival perceptions can be useful in promoting health behavior and participation in the formal healthcare system, even during health crises--such as the COVID-19 pandemic--that are unanticipated at the time of the intervention. We also note the importance of the intervention design, where establishing rapport, tailoring the content to the local context, and spending time with respondents to convey the information contributed to the salience of the message. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acquired syphilis continues to affect millions of people around the world. It is crucial to study it in the context of HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to achieve the goals set out in the 2030 Agenda since the literature suggests increased risk behaviors for sexually transmitted infections. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and factors associated with acquired syphilis among PrEP users. Materials and methods: This retrospective cohort included data on PrEP users from all over Brazil from 2018 to 2020, retrieved from the national antiretroviral logistics system. We calculated the proportion of syphilis before PrEP, the incidence during the user's follow-up, reinfections, and their possible associated factors. We conducted descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analysis, estimating the crude Relative Risk, adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR), and their respective confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: Most of the 34,000 individuals who started PrEP were male (89.0%), white (53.7%), self-identified as male (85.2%), homosexual, gay, or lesbian (72.2%), and had 12 schooling years or more (67.8%). Of these, 8.3% had syphilis in the six months before starting PrEP, and 4% had it in the first 30 days of using the prophylaxis. We identified a loss-to-follow-up rate of 41.7%, although the loss and the cohort shared similar characteristics. The proportion of missed syphilis tests was high: 33.4% in the 30 days and 38.8% in the follow-up period. In the 19,820 individuals effectively monitored, the incidence of acquired syphilis was 19.1 cases per 100 person-years, and 1.9% of users had reinfection. The rate of missed syphilis tests at the 30-day follow-up was 33.4%, and the total follow-up test period was 38.8%. The multivariate analysis identified female gender (aOR 0.3; 95%CI 0.2–0.5), being white or Black (aOR 0.9; 95%CI 0.7–0.9 and aOR 0.7; 95%CI 0.7–0.99, respectively) as protective factors for syphilis. Being homosexual, gay, lesbian (aOR 2.7; 95%CI 2.0–3.7), or having a history of syphilis in the six months before PrEP (aOR 2.2; 95%CI 1.9–2.5) were risk factors for syphilis during PrEP use. Behaviors related to the risk of syphilis included accepting something in exchange for sex (aOR 1.6; 95%CI 1.3–1.9), irregular condom use (use in less than half of sexual intercourse sessions; aOR 1.7; 95%CI 1.53–2.1) and recreational drug use (poppers; aOR 1.5; 95%CI 1.53–2.1). Conclusion: Syphilis in the context of PrEP has high rates and is associated with sociodemographic and behavioral factors. We recommend additional studies targeting prevention in this population to curb these figures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To win in competition, athletes are inevitably in a position to display certain risky behaviors. The current research examines risk-taking behavior (instrumental risk and stimulating risk) in combat sport athletes, according to gender and sports performances. Also, it aims to verify the role that competitive experience has on athletes' risk-taking behavior. In combat sports, athletes that take calculated and deliberate risks in order to accomplish a certain objective, like winning a competition or obtaining an advantage over rival, are engaging in instrumental risk-taking behaviors, while stimulating risk-taking behavior is impulsive, uncontrollable and short-term oriented. Seventy-one athletes were enrolled in the study, aged between 19 and 35 (Mage = 24.4). The Romanian adaptation of the Makarowski's Stimulating and Instrumental Risk Questionnaire for martial artists was used. Analysis of Variance showed that experts/elite athletes registered significantly higher scores for instrumental risk, compared to novices. No gender-related differences in terms of risk-taking behavior were emphasized. Moreover, using linear regression analysis, competitive experience was found to predict combat sport athletes' level of instrumental risk, but not stimulating risk. Furthermore, athletes having more competitive experience take more calculated risks, rational processes and the ability to analyze situations dominating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article "Evolution of representations and management modalities of critical situations" addresses the analysis of professional activities in relation to the diagnosis and management of critical situations, based on action theories and Piaget's theory of equilibration. The research aims to understand the evolution of representations and action modalities of operators in critical situations, highlighting the importance of interaction between competencies and cognitive processes. The methodology of comparative observation is used to analyze the practices of operators, highlighting patterns of behavior and risk management. The conclusion emphasizes the relevance of psychological and ergonomic analysis for the development of adapted work situations and contextualized professional training programs. [Extracted from the article]

Purpose: The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) monitors behaviors, experiences, and conditions affecting the health of high school students nationwide. This study examined the test-retest reliability of the 2021 national YRBS questionnaire. Design: Respondents completed a Time 1 and Time 2 paper-and-pencil questionnaire approximately 2 weeks apart during February to May 2022. Data were linked in such a way as to preserve anonymity. Setting: Convenience sample of high schools. Subjects: High school students (N = 588). Measures: Health risk behaviors and experiences assessed on the 2021 national YRBS questionnaire. Analysis: Time 1 and Time 2 responses were compared for each questionnaire item using the McNemar's test. Then, Cohen's kappa coefficients tested the agreement between Time 1 and Time 2 responses overall, and by sex, grade, and Black, White, and Hispanic race and ethnicity. Results: Among the 74 items analyzed, 96% had at least moderate reliability, and 73% had substantial or almost perfect reliability. The mean Cohen's kappa was.68. McNemar's test findings showed Time 1 and Time 2 data significantly differed (P <.01) for 9 items (12%). Conclusion: Reliable health behavior measures are important in the development of youth-focused public health programs and policies. Findings suggest the national YRBS questionnaire is a reliable instrument. Such findings lend support to relying on adolescent self-reported data when monitoring health behaviors using the YRBS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The problems of constructing confidence intervals (CIs) for the mean of a gamma distribution containing zero values are considered. Three different methods for constructing such CIs based on Parametric Bootstrap (PB) method, fiducial inference and the method of variance of estimates recovery (MOVER) are developed. The performances of the proposed CIs are evaluated by Monte Carlo simulation and compared with a published method, asymptotic normal (AN) method. The simulation studies indicate that the proposed methods perform better than the existing method (AN) according to coverage probabilities (CPs), tail error rates, robustness and time comparison. All the methods are illustrated using a dataset for HIV risk behavior in adolescent girls and a dataset for the immunologic response to combination therapy for HIV children. Recommendations are made at the end of the articles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large scale retrospective studies have shown an association between schizophrenia and risk of violence. Overall, this increase in risk is small and does not justify or support stigmatizing public perceptions or media depictions of people with schizophrenia. Nonetheless, in some situations, some symptoms of schizophrenia can increase the risk of violent behavior. Prediction of this behavior would allow high impact preventive interventions. However, to date the neurobiological correlates of violent behavior in schizophrenia are not well understood, precluding the development of prognostic biomarkers. We used electroencephalography to measure alpha activity and microstates from 31 patients with schizophrenia and 18 age matched controls. Participants also completed multiple assessments of current aggressive tendencies and their lifetime history of aggressive acts. We found that individual alpha peak frequency was negatively correlated with aggression scores in both patients and controls (largest Spearman's r = −0.45). Furthermore, this result could be replicated in data taken from a single frontal channel suggesting that this may be possible to obtain in routine clinical settings (largest Spearman's r = −0.40). We also found that transitions between microstates corresponding to auditory and visual networks were inversely correlated with aggression scores. Finally, we found that, within patients, aggression was correlated with the degree of randomness between microstate transitions. This suggests that aggression is related to inappropriate switching between large scale brain networks and subsequent failure to appropriately integrate complicated environmental and internal stimuli. By elucidating some of the electrophysiological correlates of aggression, these data facilitate the development of prognostic biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This analysis identifies factors associated with overdose risk behaviors and non-fatal overdose among a sample of 577 adult-age people who use illicit opioids and live in NYC. Survey data--which included outcome measures assessing (1) past 30-day non-fatal overdose and past 30-day overdose-related risk behaviors and (2) predictors representing potential risk and protective factors—were analyzed using bivariate and Poisson regression techniques. Results indicate being 41–56 years in age, being widowed, using cannabis, injecting, and having greater pain severity and mental health challenges were associated with greater risks. Current employment, homelessness, and prescription of medications for opioid use disorder were associated with fewer risks. Being 57+ was negatively associated with past-month overdose; higher pain severity and opioid related withdrawal were positively related, as were employment, cannabis use, and injection. Findings suggest the importance of expanding access to MOUD and tailoring OD prevention interventions for mental health and pain management services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The two Canadian blood suppliers, Canadian Blood Services and Héma‐Québec, removed the time‐based deferral for men who have sex with men and adopted criteria assessing sexual risk behaviors. We report the impact of these changes on the safety and adequacy of the Canadian blood supply. Study Design and Methods: Since 2022, all donors are asked if (1) they have had a new partner and (2) more than one sexual partner in the last 3 months. Donors answering yes to either question are asked if they had anal sex in the last 3 months; if yes, they are deferred for 3 months. We followed HIV rates for the 18 months before and 14 (Héma‐Québec) or 18 months (Canadian Blood Services) post‐implementation and interviewed HIV‐positive whole blood donors. We assessed the number and characteristics of whole blood donors answering yes to the two first questions with or without deferral. Results: There were four HIV‐positive donations out of 1,492,355 donations pre‐implementation and four out of 1,447,772 post‐implementation (0.27/100,000 vs. 0.28/100,000, p = 1.00). Post‐implementation, one HIV‐positive donor was non‐compliant with multiple criteria, no risk factors were identified in the others. 3.2% of donors answered yes to questions (1) and/or (2); 0.17% were deferred for a new partner and/or more than one partner and anal sex. Deferral rates were highest in first time, younger donors, and similar in males and females. Conclusion: Implementation of sexual risk behavior donor screening resulted in unchanged HIV rates to date and a manageable deferral rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Adolescents, particularly those aged 14 to 15 y, often begin exploring their sexuality, during which time they are more vulnerable to traditional influences and ideologies imposed by society. This study aimed to identify the association between more traditional attitudes toward women and sexual risk attitudes and behaviors in Peruvian adolescents. Materials and methods Cross-sectional study with data from the fifth round of the Young Lives study with 1860 adolescents aged 14 and 15 y. Population characteristics were described by relative frequencies and using chi-squared test with p-value. The 12 items of the Attitudes toward Women Scale for Adolescents instrument were analyzed by relative frequencies and mean with standard deviation. For further analysis, the values of the global scores of all participants were divided into two categories, using the median as the cutoff point, where the group with higher scores indicated that these adolescents had more traditional attitudes (or more gender stereotypes). More traditional attitudes were associated with sexual risk attitudes and behaviors, with crude prevalence ratio (PR) and then adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) with 95% CI. The Universidad Privada de Tacna's ethics committee approved the research protocol. Results Adolescents with more traditional attitudes were more likely to have sexual risk attitudes compared to those with less traditional attitudes. In addition, adolescents with more traditional attitudes were 2.6 times more likely to have at least one sexual intercourse while drunk as compared to the reference group (95% CI: 1.43–4.74; p=0.002). Conclusions The expression of more traditional attitudes toward women was associated with sexual risk attitudes. However, there was no association with most of the sexual risk behaviors studied, except for the higher probability of having at least one sexual intercourse while drunk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the stability and occurrence of Hopf bifurcation in a credit risk contagion model, which includes distributed delay, using the chain trick method. The model is a generalized version of those previously examined. The model is an expanded version of those previously studied. Comparative analysis showed that unlike earlier models, which only used the nonlinear resistance coefficient to determine the rate of credit risk infection, the credit risk contagion rate is also affected by the weight given to past behaviors of credit risk participants. Therefore, it is recommended to model the transmission of credit risk contagion using dispersed delays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]