Young gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (YGBMSM) and young transgender women are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. The success of biomedical prevention strategies is predicated on regular HIV testing; however, there has been limited uptake of testing among YGBMSM and young transgender women. Anticipated HIV stigma-expecting rejection as a result of seroconversion- may serve as a significant barrier to testing. A cross-sectional sample of YGBMSM (n = 719, 95.5%) and young transgender women (n = 33, 4.4%) ages 15-24 were recruited to participate in a one-time survey. Approximately one-third of youth had not tested within the last 6 months. In a multivariable model, anticipated HIV stigma and reporting a non-gay identity were associated with an increased odds of delaying regular HIV testing. Future research and interventions are warranted to address HIV stigma, in order to increase regular HIV testing among YGBMSM and transgender women.

This study evaluated the impact of a four-session interactive nutrition education program-Eat Smart, Live Strong (ESLS)-on the consumption of fruit and vegetables by low-income older adults. A pre-post quasi-experimental design study was conducted with a longitudinal sample of 614 low-income Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants and those eligible for SNAP, aged 60 to 80 years, in 17 intervention and 16 comparison senior centers in Michigan. The study compared participants' self-reports of their consumption of fruit and vegetables using a modified version of the University of California Cooperative Extension Food Behavior Checklist. ESLS increased participants' average daily consumption of fruit by 0.2 cups (P < 0.05) and vegetables by 0.31 cups (P < 0.01). ESLS, a four-session, cognitive-behavioral nutrition education program is an effective curriculum for helping low-income older adults eat more fruit and vegetables.

Days since last alcoholic drink and drinks per day both influenced PEth detectability, but only days since last drink predicted PEth level among a large sample of women with alcohol use disorder in the criminal justice system.

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Some 30 to 50 US residents die of heroin overdoses each day. 1 By comparison, an estimated 300 to 520 individuals start heroin use each day. 2 For first-time users, these odds of overdose death might seem remote. For this reason, clinicians and public health practitioners deserve more compelling evidence to share with people who contemplate trying heroin. Seeking reproducible results via 15 US epidemiological samples, we estimate how often newly incident heroin users become dependent on heroin. Estimation focuses on the first 1 to 12 months after first heroin use. Methods | Each year from 2002 to 2016, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) research staff drew a new US probability sample of noninstitutionalized civilians age 12 years and older. In each year, staff assessed heroin use and dependence using DSM-IV criteria via institutional review board-approved protocols for recruitment and standardized computer-assisted self-interviews.

Background Despite the large body of extant literature on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in adolescents and young adults (AYAs), more research on social and environmental contextual factors is needed. Also, further examination of STI indicators by gender remains a critical area of research focus. Methods Anonymous survey data were collected using ACASIs in community venues in urban, low-income, STI prevalent, U.S. neighborhoods to reach AYAs, aged 12–24 years. Conventional descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multiple logistical regression models were used to assess indicators of a self-reported lifetime prevalence of STIs. Results Participants (N=1,540) were on average 20.6 years; 57.2% were women, the majority were racial and ethnic minorities (92%), and almost half (49.2%) identified as sexual minorities. Nearly one-third (32.%) had ≥1 STIs. As expected, gender differences were identified. For AYA men, being African American/Black, moving residences > four times since kindergarten, and having a history of HIV testing were each positively associated with STIs. Also, those who strongly disagreed that many young people in their community exchanged sex for money had a significantly lower likelihood of having an STI. For AYA women, exchanging sex for drugs or money, lacking money, which prevented activities, and using marijuana were each associated with STIs. Conclusions This research extends our understanding of social and environmental contextual influences on AYAs’ risk for STIs. It highlights differences in risk exposures that are distinctly different for AYA women and men, suggesting the need for tailored interventions to address their unique economic needs and social challenges.

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Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality rates are increasing in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), including North and Central Asian countries (NCAC). Screening and risk factor reduction can aid in the prevention of colorectal cancer, but communities lack awareness of these screening programs. The review assessed community awareness about CRC screening and prevention in NCAC to facilitate cancer control policies. Study type and methods: For this scoping review, we searched PubMed/Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for articles on community awareness about CRC screening and prevention in NCAC according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Eight of 677 articles from five of the 15 NCAC countries met the criteria. Most of the studies utilized a survey design. The results indicated low awareness of the availability of CRC screening and poor knowledge of CRC symptoms. Knowledge of CRC screening modalities was also inadequate. Some countries also lack CRC screening programs. Conclusion: Community unawareness is a significant barrier to screening program utilization and sustenance. Community health awareness programs (CHAP) are needed to improve the uptake of CRC screening in NCAC. The NCAC should include CHAP as an integral component of the CRC control plan. Long-term cancer control in LMIC could be adapted using the step-ladder pyramidal approach.