Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Risk Behavior”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,153 records · Page 64Linked to original sources
PubMed1999

Ethnic differences in cancer risk behaviors through the transition out of high school.

Differences were assessed by ethnic group in the performance of cancer risk related lifestyle behaviors through the transition out of high school. Data were obtained from a nationally representative probability sample survey, the 1992 National Health Interview Survey-Youth Risk Behavior Survey. A cross-sectional sub-sample included adolescents with an age range from high school freshmen to young adults within four years after high school. Self reported indicators of diet, physical activity, cigarette smoking, smokeless tobacco use, alcohol use, and sexual practices were the primary dependent measures. Cancer risk increased at the transition out of high school through changes in cancer related behaviors. Hispanic-American males experienced somewhat higher risks after the transition for chewing tobacco and snuff. African Americans experienced somewhat higher risks after the transition for physical activity, chewing tobacco, and number of sexual partners. Further research needs to verify these findings with longitudinal designs, assessment of tracking of behaviors through the transition, and of the ecological, social and psychosocial correlates that may explain why these changes occurred.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1989

Risk behaviors for HIV-1 infection in Italian drug users: report from a multicenter study. First Drug User Multicenter Study Group.

In June 1987, a cross-sectional study was carried out on drug users attending public centers for drug dependency in Italy. Observed proportions of HIV seropositives among the 1,363 subjects from 34 public centers in 11 regions included in the study varied widely, with an overall seropositivity rate of 37%. Sharing syringes/needles, already used by other intravenous drug users, for preparing and injecting drugs represented independent risk factors for HIV-1 infection, while sexual lifestyle did not. Risk of infection increased with frequency of sharing equipment for preparing and for injecting drugs. Modification of risk behaviors in drug use was reported more frequently than in sexual lifestyle; both were significantly associated with knowledge of being seropositive for HIV-1 infection.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2003

Health related quality of life among adults reporting arthritis: analysis of data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, US, 1996-99.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize health related quality of life (HRQOL) among people with and without self-reported arthritis in the general population by selected demographic and behavior characteristics. METHODS: We analyzed data from a cross sectional random-digit telephone survey [the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS)] of civilian noninstitutionalized adults aged 18 years or older from 15 states and Puerto Rico, all of which used an optional arthritis survey module for one or more years from 1996 through 1999. We compared HRQOL among people with arthritis, defined as chronic joint symptoms (CJS) or doctor-diagnosed arthritis, those within one of 3 arthritis subgroups (i.e., only doctor-diagnosed arthritis, only CJS, and both doctor-diagnosed arthritis and CJS), and those without arthritis. RESULTS: On an age-adjusted basis, respondents with arthritis had significantly worse HRQOL than respondents without arthritis. Members of all 3 arthritis subgroups had significantly worse HRQOL than those without arthritis. Those with both CJS and doctor-diagnosed arthritis had consistently worse HRQOL than those with only CJS, who in turn had worse HRQOL than those with only doctor-diagnosed arthritis. In some of the demographic and behavioral subgroups, HRQOL differences between those with and without arthritis greatly exceeded the differences for the overall study. CONCLUSION: Because many adults report arthritis and because arthritis substantially worsens their HRQOL, HRQOL measures like those in the BRFSS may be useful in monitoring the burden of arthritis and in tracking the success of population interventions for arthritis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Measuring physical activity with the behavioral risk factor surveillance system.

PURPOSE AND METHODS: Because regular physical activity reduces the risk of premature death and disability, accurate methods of population-based measurement are important for public health surveillance efforts such as those based on the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). The present study: 1) briefly reviews and compares currently available methods to measure physical activity using BRFSS data, 2) describes physical activity patterns in the United States using these state-aggregated measures, and 3) provides suggestions on future directions for practitioners and researchers. Using a random-digit dialing, telephone survey, we collected data for noninstitutionalized adults aged 18 yr and older. We analyzed BRFSS data for 1996 from 50 states and the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico (N = 124,085). Based on recent literature and public health priorities, we developed eight different physical activity indices (one vigorous and seven moderate). These varied in their threshold for duration, kcal expenditure, and in frequency and intensity of activity. RESULTS: Using different algorithms, the population prevalence of moderate physical activity ranged from about 20% to 38%. Only 20% of adults met the Healthy People 2000 definition for regular, sustained activity (> or =30 min of moderate activity per day for at least 5 d x wk(-1)). CONCLUSIONS: Considerable progress is needed if the United States is to reach the current public health goal for regular physical activity. Standardized approaches to analyzing and collecting physical activity data are essential for public health surveillance, policy making, and communication to the public.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

Reduction in sexual risk behaviors among college students following a comprehensive health education intervention.

Sexually active college students are at risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection. As a result, health education initiatives to prevent these infections are commonplace, but few controlled research studies have evaluated behavioral changes as a result of on-campus sex education. In a nonrandomized control trial, sexual risk behaviors of 341 students who had received a comprehensive health education intervention in a first-year seminar were compared with 227 students who were not enrolled in the seminar. The seminar curriculum included an intervention addressing facts about sexually transmitted diseases, safer sex, values, decision making, and assertiveness skills. Sexual abstinence (no sexual intercourse), number of sexual partners, consistent condom use, and methods of contraception were assessed at baseline and after 3 months. Compared with students who had not received the intervention, men in the seminar reported increased sexual abstinence but no change in consistent condom use; the women in the intervention group reported no change in sexual abstinence but an increase in consistent condom use. Women who had not received the intervention reported never using a condom more frequently than women who had received the intervention. The health education intervention on a college campus was associated with short-term reduction in sexual risk behaviors, but the reduction varied according to the students' gender.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2006

Prevalence of hepatitis C, HIV, and risk behaviors for blood-borne infections: a population-based survey of the adult population of T'bilisi, Republic of Georgia.

Injection drug use and associated hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV infections are on the rise in Russia and the republics of the former Soviet Union. While small targeted studies have found widespread drug use and disease among at-risk populations, there have been few attempts to comprehensively evaluate the extent of these epidemics in general post-Soviet societies. We conducted a two-stage cluster randomized survey of the entire adult population of T'bilisi, Republic of Georgia and assessed the burden of HCV, HIV, and risk behaviors for blood-borne infections in 2,000 study participants. Of the 2,000 surveyed individuals, 162 (8.1%) had injected illicit drugs during their lifetimes. Of the individuals who had injected illicit drugs, 138 (85.2%) reported sharing needles with injection partners. HCV was found in 134 (6.7%) of the total surveyed population, but in 114 (70.4%) of those who had injected illicit drugs. We found HIV in only three (0.2%) individuals, all of whom had injected illicit drugs. Injection drug use and high-risk injection practices are very common in Georgia and may be harbingers of a large burden of HCV-associated liver diseases and a potentially serious HIV epidemic in the years to come.

Adult↗
PubMed1992

Behavioral risk factor survey of Chinese--California, 1989.

During the 1980s, Asians/Pacific Islanders were the fastest growing racial/ethnic group in both the United States and California. In Alameda County (which includes Oakland), California, persons of Chinese origin or ancestry are the largest subgroup (35.6%) among the more than 192,000 Asians. The prevalence of health risk factors for noninfectious health concerns (e.g., heart disease, cancer, and unintentional injuries) in Asian/Pacific Islander populations has not been well defined. To characterize risk factors for selected noninfectious diseases among persons of Chinese origin or ancestry in California, Asian Health Services (a private, nonprofit community health center) and the California Department of Health Services adapted CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for use in the Chinese community in Oakland. This report presents data from that survey conducted during June 1989-February 1990.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Sexual risk behaviors of STD clinic patients before and after Earvin "Magic" Johnson's HIV-infection announcement--Maryland, 1991-1992.

During the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic, media and public interest have been captured periodically by accounts of persons infected with HIV. However, the effect of these stories on HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) awareness and sexual behaviors is largely unknown. On November 7, 1991, Earvin "Magic" Johnson announced at a press conference he was infected with HIV and would be retiring from professional basketball. This report summarizes findings on the self-reported sexually transmitted disease (STD)/HIV sexual risk behaviors of patients of an STD clinic in a Maryland suburb of Washington, D.C., during the 14 weeks before and the 14 weeks after Johnson announced he was infected with HIV.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Behavioral risk of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in the university student community.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Theoretically, university students could be at especially high risk in a human immunodeficiency virus-type epidemic. Peak incidence of human immunodeficiency virus infection occurs in this age group. GOALS OF THIS STUDY: The purpose of this study was to examine and characterize the behavior, attitudes, experiences, and knowledge of university students regarding human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: A written survey was distributed to 405 students at a small, academically select university. Data were analyzed by the "Statistics With Finesse" program on a microcomputer. RESULTS: About 55% of the students considered themselves "sexually active," with 8.1% of these having had a sexually transmitted disease. Notwithstanding their concern and knowledge about human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, a significant percentage reported participating in highly risky behavior. Therefore, they were at a behavioral risk of acquiring a human immunodeficiency virus infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: All that is needed for the epidemic to rapidly spread into the tertiary-education student community is an increase in the exposure of that community to human immunodeficiency virus. Knowledge and concern about human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome did not appear to be sufficient to prevent risky behavior in this population. The results indicate a need to reconsider some of our human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome education and prevention efforts.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed2003

Physical activity and body mass index among US adolescents: youth risk behavior survey, 1999.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate associations of underweight and overweight with physical activity among high school students in the United States. METHODS: A nationally representative sample of 15 349 US high school students participated in the 1999 Youth Risk Behavior Survey; 13 295 were included in these analyses. Five measures of physical activity were examined as dichotomous variables: (1) vigorous-intensity physical activity (>/=3 vs <3 sessions lasting at least 20 minutes each per week); (2) moderate-intensity physical activity (>/=5 vs <5 sessions lasting at least 30 minutes each per week); (3) strength training (>/=3 vs <3 sessions per week); (4) enrollment in physical education (yes or no); and (5) sports participation (yes or no). Using body mass indexes, students were categorized by percentiles as underweight (</=5th percentile), at risk for underweight (>5th to </=15th percentiles), normal weight (>15th to <85th percentiles), at risk for overweight (>/=85th to <95th percentiles), or overweight (>/=95th percentile). Potential associations between physical activity and body mass index were examined using logistic regression. RESULTS: On several measures, adolescent boys who were underweight or overweight were less likely to be physically active than boys of normal weight (eg, odds ratio [OR], 0.23; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.12-0.45; and OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.61-0.93; for boys who were underweight and overweight, respectively, for strength training). Adolescent girls who were overweight or at risk for overweight were less likely (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.50-0.78; and OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.46-0.85; respectively) to be involved with sports than girls of normal weight; and girls who were underweight were less likely (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.22-0.91) to be enrolled in physical education. CONCLUSIONS: Weight status among high school students is correlated with selected physical activity behavior, especially among adolescent boys. Interventions to increase physical activity for high school students should target adolescents of all shapes and sizes, and may best be achieved by school policies requiring physical education or after-school sports.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Are we doing enough to screen for colorectal cancer? Findings from the 1999 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate current rates of use of fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) and sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy; to determine whether test use varies by demographic factors; and to compare 1999 rates of use with 1997 rates. STUDY DESIGN: The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System is an ongoing, state-based random-digit-dialed telephone survey of the US population that collects various health behavior information, including the use of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening tests. POPULATION: In 1999, 63,555 persons 50 years of age or older responded to questions regarding FOBT and sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. OUTCOMES MEASURED: The proportion of survey respondents reporting having had FOBT and sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy at any time; and the proportion reporting having had FOBT and sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy within recommended time intervals. Data were recorded for the years 1997 and 1999, and analyzed according to various demographic factors. RESULTS: In 1999, 40.3% of respondents reported having had an FOBT at some time, and 43.8% reported having had a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. Regarding recent test use, 20.6% of respondents reported having had an FOBT within the year, and 33.6% reported having had a sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy within the past 5 years. Some demographic variation was noted. In 1997, 19.6% reported having had an FOBT within the year, and 30.3% reported having had a sigmoidoscopy or proctoscopy within the past 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Use of CRC screening tests increased only slightly from 1997 to 1999. Usage remains low, despite consensus that screening for CRC reduces mortality from the disease. Efforts to promote awareness of, and screening for, CRC must intensify.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Effects of combined counseling and case management to reduce HIV risk behaviors among Hispanic drug injectors in Puerto Rico: a randomized controlled study.

This study examined the effectiveness of a combined counseling and case management behavioral intervention, using motivational interviewing strategies, in engaging Hispanic injection drug users in treatment and reducing drug use and injection-related HIV risk behaviors. Follow up data are presented on 440 (79.0%) of 557 randomized participants, 6 months after the initial interview. Subjects in the experimental arm were significantly less likely to continue drug injection independent of entering drug treatment, and were also more likely to enter drug treatment. Subjects in both arms who entered drug treatment were less likely to continue drug injection. Among subjects who continued drug injection, those in the experimental arm were significantly less likely to share needles. Confirming the outcomes of this study in other Hispanic sites and populations could be a critical step towards reducing factors that contribute to the self-sustaining HIV/AIDS epidemic in Puerto Rico and communities in the U.S. mainland.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Weight-loss practices and asthma: findings from the behavioral risk factor surveillance system.

OBJECTIVE: To describe weight-control practices and receipt of weight-loss advice among obese people with asthma. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: We analyzed data from the 2000 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. RESULTS: Among 13953 participants with current asthma, 27.3% had a body mass index of >or=30 kg/m2. Overall, 48.1% of participants with asthma reported trying to lose weight (64.1% among overweight or obese participants and 72.9% among obese participants). Among participants with asthma who were trying to lose or maintain weight, 74.7% reported trying to reduce their energy and/or fat intake, and 57.8% reported using physical activity. Approximately 29.7% were using the recommended combination of energy and/or fat intake reduction and physical activity of >or=150 min/wk. During the 12 months before the interview, 16.2% of overweight and 44.9% of obese participants with asthma reported receiving advice to lose weight. Among obese participants receiving weight-loss advice, 82.9% reported trying to lose weight compared to 63.8% of participants who did not receive such advice. DISCUSSION: Health professionals can play an important role in educating their patients with asthma about the importance of weight control and assisting their overweight and obese patients in setting appropriate weight goals and helping them achieve those goals.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Substance use and sexual risk behavior among South African eighth grade students.

We examined the covariation of substance use and various sexual behaviors in 2204 students from one area of South Africa. There was an association between lifetime substance use and both sexual activity and certain sexual risk behaviors. At the most recent sexual encounter, there was an association between substance use and being unfamiliar with one's sexual partner, but no association between substance use and condom use.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

HIV risk perception, risk behavior, and seroprevalence among female commercial sex workers in Georgetown, Guyana.

A study of 108 female sex workers engaged in prostitution in Georgetown, Guyana, was made in April 1993. Based on interviews and procurement of blood samples, the study investigated relationships between HIV seroprevalences and AIDS knowledge, risk behaviors, client characteristics, and condom use. Street-walkers-as distinct from sex workers in bars, hotels, and Port Georgetown-tended to charge less, be worse off socioeconomically, and have clients who were similarly disadvantaged; they were therefore classified as belonging to a "lower" socio-economic stratum, while the other workers were classified as belonging to a "higher" stratum. The overall HIV seroprevalence found among the sex workers was 25% (95% CI: 17%-33%). But the 50 subjects in the lower stratum had a relatively high seroprevalence (42%, as compared to 10% among those in the higher stratum), accounting for 21 of the 27 HIV-seropositive subjects. Reported patterns of client origins (Guyanese or foreign), worker willingness to have sex without a condom, and condom use by clients differed by stratum. Participants in the higher stratum were more disposed to having sex without a condom. The workers' knowledge of what causes AIDS and how HIV is transmitted was low in both strata; substantial numbers of workers said they had contracted a sexually transmitted disease within the past two years or were users of illicit drugs. Condom use is reportedly less common among Guyanese than foreign clients, suggesting a greater risk of contracting HIV from Guyanese clients or infecting Guyanese clients with it. The HIV seroprevalence among workers who said they had only Guyanese clients was statistically greater than the rate among those who said they had only foreign clients. The HIV seroprevalence among those reporting more than five clients per week was statistically greater than among those reporting fewer. HIV seropositivity was relatively high among the 12 workers who said they used cocaine. Overall, the findings supported the view that interventions targeted at female sex workers and their clients should be strengthened-more specifically, that concerted efforts should be made to intensity condom promotion, distribution, and social marketing; to improve STD services that provide treatment and counseling for female sex workers; and to increase educational activities among the workers' Guyanese clients.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

The relationship of counselor and peer alliance to drug use and HIV risk behaviors in a six-month methadone detoxification program.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of treatment outcomes in opioid detoxification to levels of counselor and peer alliance. Forty-one subjects were recruited from a larger, 180-day study of psychosocial treatment. Beginning at day 90, subjects completed monthly measures of alliance. Outcome measures included treatment retention, drug use and self-reported HIV risk. Measures of alliance were found to be internally consistent and moderately stable over time. During the final 30 days of the methadone taper, higher levels of both types of alliance were associated with less use of illicit opioids. Alliance with counselor was associated with less frequent needle sharing. For subjects who could be located for 30-day follow-up, greater alliance with peers was associated with more frequent HIV (sexual) risk behaviors. Results suggest that treatment outcome may be improved through approaches that address a patient's alliance with both counselor and peers.

HIV Seropositivity↗
PubMed2003

Predictors of HIV sexual risk behaviors in a community sample of injection drug-using men and women.

Injection risk practices and unprotected sex between injection drug users (IDUs) and their sexual partners are responsible for a high proportion of AIDS cases and new HIV infections in the United States. The purpose of this study was to investigate the links between drug use behaviors and psychosocial factors with high-risk sexual behaviors among male and female IDUs. Understanding the determinants of sexual risk practices among drug users can lead to the development of more effective programs to prevent sexual HIV and STD transmission. This study enrolled a community sample of 101 IDUs (males = 65, females = 36), primarily African American and unemployed, who injected drugs and had unprotected sex in the past 3 months. The sample was categorized into highest sexual risk (multiple partners and intercourse without condoms) and lower sexual risk subgroups. Univariate analyses showed that IDUs at highest sexual risk had lower sexual risk reduction self-efficacy (p =.01) and were more likely to be African American (p =.02). Drug users at highest sexual risk also used noninjected cocaine and crack more frequently (p =.05), were less likely to inject heroin (p =.04), and tended to more often inject cocaine (p =.05). IDUs at highest sexual risk also tended to more often use crack and methamphetamines. Logistic regression analyses showed that injecting cocaine or crack, sexual risk reduction self-efficacy, and race were independent predictors of sexual risk behavior levels. Sexual risk reduction programs for this population are needed, with HIV prevention programs tailored to specific IDU risk reduction needs.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Beyond needle sharing: meta-analyses of social context risk behaviors of injection drug users attending needle exchange programs.

This study gathered data from U.S. and international needle exchange programs (NEPs). Of particular interest were outcome measures of dependent variables related to behaviors within social contexts of injection drug users (IDUs), an area not well understood. Thirty-one studies, with a total of 86 separate measures of 36 dependent variables were included. Because combining all results into a single meta-analysis would be inappropriate, dependent variables were placed into five categories for five separate meta-analyses: risky contexts, injection frequency, sharing drug paraphernalia, drug preparation, and syringe use. NEP attendance was inversely related to declines in all categorical behaviors except for "risky context." NEP attenders are slightly more likely to be in a risky circumstance when injecting drugs than non-attenders. While injection frequency declined only slightly among NEP attenders, that result may be interpreted as a positive outcome, given the often-stated criticism that providing clean needles encourages increased drug use. NEP use was weakly associated with a decrease in the sharing of drug paraphernalia. Clean needles alone do not appear to be sufficient motivation to motivate major changes in contextual risk behaviors analyzed herein. Research is needed to assess the impact of interpersonal IDU relationships with other stakeholders (clinic employees, van drivers, medical personnel, nutritionists, sexual partners, etc.) on IDU drug-using behaviors at many levels.

Female↗