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Yang X, Dekker L, Greaves-Lord K, Crehan ET. Psychometric Properties of Psychosexual Functioning Survey Among Autistic and Non-autistic Adults: Adapting the Self-Report Teen Transition Inventory to the U.S. Context. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-06170-9. [PMID: 37934395 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06170-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Psychosexual functioning is an important aspect of human development and relationships. A previous study investigated psychosexual functioning of autistic adolescents using the Teen Transition Inventory (TTI), but there is a lack of comprehensive measurement of psychosexual functioning among autistic and non-autistic (NA) adults. To address this gap, the current study adapted the self-report TTI to the Psychosexual Functioning Survey (PSFS) and presented it to 131 autistic (n = 59) and NA adults (n = 72) in the U.S. Comparisons of psychometric properties between the original TTI and the PSFS are shared; the developmental relevancy among some items was changed, and the alphas indicated a difference in the content of certain scales. Differences emerged between autistic and NA adults in both the intra- and interpersonal domains of psychosexual functioning, but not in sexual and intimate behaviors. The findings suggest the persistence of differences from adolescence to adulthood between autistic and NA people and highlight the importance of understanding the unique experiences of adults in psychosexual functioning relative to diagnostic status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xihan Yang
- Tufts University, 105 College Ave, Medford, MA, 02155, USA.
| | - Linda Dekker
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Rotterdam Autism Consortium (R.A.C.), Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kirstin Greaves-Lord
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology Unit, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of (Youth) Mental Health and Autism of Lentis Psychiatric Institute Groningen, Autism Team Northern-Netherlands, Jonx, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Stockman JK, Syvertsen JL, Hayashi HD, Ludwig-Barron N, Tsuyuki K, Morris MD, Palinkas LA. "Violence and love and drugs…it all goes hand in hand": A mixed methods analysis of the substance abuse, violence, and HIV/AIDS syndemic among women who use methamphetamine. Subst Abus 2021; 42:821-831. [PMID: 33492198 PMCID: PMC8442613 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2020.1865242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Background: The synergistic epidemics of substance use, violence, and HIV/AIDS, also known as the SAVA syndemic, disproportionately affects vulnerable women in the United States. Methamphetamine use is closely linked with physical and sexual violence, including intimate partner violence (IPV), which heightens women's vulnerability to HIV. This mixed methods study examined the prevalence and correlates of violence among women who use methamphetamine, (n = 209) enrolled in an HIV intervention study in San Diego, California. Methods: At baseline, 209 women completed an interviewer-administered computer-assisted survey. A sub set of women who reported lifetime IPV (n = 18) also participated in qualitative interviews to contextualize our understanding of patterns of violence over time. Results: In the overall cohort, reports of lifetime (66.0%) and past 2-month (19.6%) IPV were prevalent. Moreover, women reported lifetime physical only (27.3%), sexual only (6.2%), or both forms of violence (50.7%) by multiple perpetrators. Factors independently associated with lifetime IPV were having unprotected sex with a steady partner (odds ratio [OR]: 2.50, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04, 6.00) and being high on methamphetamine during unprotected sex with a steady partner (OR: 2.56, 95% CI: 1.30, 5.09) within the past 2 months. Our qualitative narratives illuminated how IPV in women's steady relationships often reflects a culmination of violent victimization throughout their lifetime which is further exacerbated by methamphetamine use and sexual risk through gendered power dynamics. Conclusions: HIV prevention interventions should address the SAVA syndemic in a holistic manner, including the role of methamphetamine use in the context of women's abusive steady relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamila K. Stockman
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Hitomi D. Hayashi
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Natasha Ludwig-Barron
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kiyomi Tsuyuki
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Meghan D. Morris
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Knopf AS, Gilbert AL, Zimet GD, Kapogiannis BG, Hosek SG, Fortenberry JD, Ott MA. Moral conflict and competing duties in the initiation of a biomedical HIV prevention trial with minor adolescents. AJOB Empir Bioeth 2017; 8:145-152. [PMID: 28949893 PMCID: PMC5618718 DOI: 10.1080/23294515.2016.1251506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biomedical HIV prevention research with minors is complicated by the requirement of parental consent, which may disclose sensitive information to parents. We examine the experience of principal investigators (PIs) and study personnel who faced this complex ethical issue in the first biomedical HIV prevention study that allowed minors to self-consent for enrollment. METHODS We conducted in-depth interviews with PIs and study personnel from 13 medical trial sites in cities across the United States. Data were analyzed using a conventional content analysis. RESULTS Participants experienced moral conflict as they struggled to fulfill conflicting duties in this trial involving minor adolescents with multiple vulnerabilities. Our participants experienced conflict between the two types of duties-protective and scientific-previously identified by Merritt. Protective duties were owed to the child, the parents, and the institution, and participants expressed tension between the actions that would protect these subgroups and the actions necessary to fulfill their scientific duties. CONCLUSIONS Moral conflict was resolved in a variety of ways, including reflecting on the protocol's alignment with federal regulations, modifying consent language, considering each individual for enrollment carefully, and accepting institutional review board (IRB) decisions. Potential solutions for future studies are discussed, and include flexible protocol consent procedures and centralized IRB reviews.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gregory D Zimet
- b Department of Pediatrics , Indiana University School of Medicine
| | - Bill G Kapogiannis
- c Maternal and Pediatric Infectious Disease Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
| | - Sybil G Hosek
- d Department of Psychiatry, Stroger Hospital of Cook County
| | | | - Mary A Ott
- b Department of Pediatrics , Indiana University School of Medicine
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Schmid A, Leonard NR, Ritchie AS, Gwadz MV. Assertive Communication in Condom Negotiation: Insights From Late Adolescent Couples' Subjective Ratings of Self and Partner. J Adolesc Health 2015; 57:94-9. [PMID: 25937470 PMCID: PMC4478194 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2015.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2014] [Revised: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Assertive communication has been associated with higher levels of condom use among youth using self-report survey methodology. The purpose of this study was to examine the subjective ratings of assertiveness among young, romantically involved couples in the context of a condom negotiation task. METHODS Using an innovative video-recall procedure, 32 couples (64 youth) engaged in a videotaped condom negotiation task and then rated self and partners' level of assertiveness. Both individual ratings of assertiveness and couple-level assertiveness were assessed using dyadic hierarchical linear modeling. RESULTS Individuals' assertiveness was positively associated with condom use. Unexpectedly, the overall level of assertiveness in couples showed a curvilinear association with condom use. Very high and very low assertiveness was associated with lower condom use, whereas moderate levels of assertiveness were associated with higher condom use. CONCLUSIONS Moderate levels of assertiveness during condom negotiation may facilitate condom use in young couples. Increasing condom use among romantic partners may require developing interventions that strengthen youths' ability to engage in assertive communication strategies that balance emotional intimacy with self-advocacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Schmid
- Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Noelle R Leonard
- Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York; Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York.
| | - Amanda S Ritchie
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Marya V Gwadz
- Center for Drug Use and HIV Research, College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York
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Hock-Long L, Henry-Moss D, Carter M, Hatfield-Timajchy K, Erickson PI, Cassidy A, Macauda M, Singer M, Chittams J. Condom use with serious and casual heterosexual partners: findings from a community venue-based survey of young adults. AIDS Behav 2013; 17:900-13. [PMID: 22460225 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-012-0177-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Given the racial/ethnic disparities that characterize STI trends and recent increases in heterosexually transmitted HIV infection in the US, an understanding of factors underlying condom use among young adults in minority communities is vitally important. To this end, this paper presents findings from a community venue-based survey examining the influence of motivations, heuristics, and relationship factors on condom behaviors with serious and casual heterosexual partners in a sample of urban African American and Puerto Rican males and females ages 18-25 (n = 380). Condom use rates at time of last sex were considerably higher with casual partners (n = 87) than with serious (n = 313) partners, 77.9% vs. 38.7%. While dual pregnancy/STI prevention was the most frequently cited reason for use at last sex with casual partners, pregnancy prevention was the most frequently cited reason for use with serious partners. Bivariate conditional logistic regression analyses found two factors to be associated with condom use at last sex with casual partners: use at first sex with the partner and belief that neighborhood peers worried some/a lot about HIV. In contrast, such factors as condom heuristics (e.g., nonuse symbolizes trust), contraceptive status, and markers of emotional intimacy were associated with condom use with serious partners in both bivariate and multivariable analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Hock-Long
- Research Department, Family Planning Council, 1700 Market Street, 18th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA.
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Morrison-Beedy D, Jones SH, Xia Y, Tu X, Crean HF, Carey MP. Reducing sexual risk behavior in adolescent girls: results from a randomized controlled trial. J Adolesc Health 2013; 52:314-21. [PMID: 23299011 PMCID: PMC3580004 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2012.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2012] [Revised: 07/03/2012] [Accepted: 07/06/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Teenage girls in low-income urban settings are at an elevated risk for HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and unintended pregnancies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a sexual risk-reduction (SRR) intervention, supplemented with postintervention booster sessions, targeting low-income, urban, sexually active teenage girls. METHOD Randomized controlled trial in which sexually active urban adolescent girls (n = 738) recruited in a midsize northeastern U.S. city were randomized to a theory-based SRR intervention or to a structurally equivalent health promotion control group. Assessments and behavioral data were collected using audio computer-assisted self-interview at baseline, then at 3, 6, and 12 months postintervention. Both interventions included four small-group sessions and two booster sessions. RESULTS Relative to girls in the control group, girls receiving the SRR intervention were more likely to be sexually abstinent; if sexually active, they showed decreases in (a) total episodes of vaginal sex at all follow-ups, (b) number of unprotected vaginal sex acts at 3 and 12 months, and (c) total number of sex partners at 6 months. Medical record audits for girls recruited from a clinical setting (n = 322) documented a 50% reduction in positive pregnancy tests at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS Theory-based behavioral interventions tailored to adolescent girls can help to reduce sexual risk and may also reduce unintended pregnancies. Although sexually active at enrollment, many of the girls receiving the intervention were more likely to practice secondary abstinence. Continued refinement of SRR interventions for girls is needed to ensure they are feasible, appealing, and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianne Morrison-Beedy
- USF Health Dean, College of Nursing, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
| | | | - Yinglin Xia
- Research Assistant Professor, Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester Medical Center
| | - Xin Tu
- Professor and Associate Chair, Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Director, Statistical Consulting Service: Director, Division of Psychiatric Statistics, University of Rochester
| | - Hugh F. Crean
- Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing, Center for Research & Evidence-Based Practice School of Nursing, University of Rochester
| | - Michael P. Carey
- Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Professor of Behavioral and Social Sciences, and Director, Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
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Paterno MT, Jordan ET. A review of factors associated with unprotected sex among adult women in the United States. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2012; 41:258-274. [PMID: 22376055 DOI: 10.1111/j.1552-6909.2011.01334.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide an updated review of research since 2005 on factors associated with unprotected sex among women in the United States. DATA SOURCES PubMed, CINAHL, and PsychINFO were searched from January 2006 through April 2011 using the terms unsafe sex, sexual risk taking, contraception, contraception behavior, birth control, condoms, and condom utilization. STUDY SELECTION Inclusion criteria included studies written in English on adult women in the United States age ≥ 18. Forty-five publications met inclusion criteria. DATA EXTRACTION All factors associated with engagement in unprotected sex are presented. DATA SYNTHESIS Unprotected sex has been associated with increasing age, being married, establishment of trust, recent experience of intimate partner violence, contraceptive side effects, infrequent sexual intercourse, and decreased arousal and pleasure due to contraceptive use. Religion, depression, history of abortion, number of children, having children, and number of pregnancies have not been associated with unprotected sex in recent studies. Several other variables have been studied with mixed results, possibly due to differences in research methods and sample characteristics. CONCLUSIONS More research is needed to elucidate the impact of cultural factors, relationship factors, attitude to pregnancy and motherhood, and reproductive coercion on prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Nurses can lead research on these topics and implement evidence-based practice based on study findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary T Paterno
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD..
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Eyre SL, Flythe M, Hoffman V, Fraser AE. Concepts of Infidelity Among African American Emerging Adults. JOURNAL OF ADOLESCENT RESEARCH 2011. [DOI: 10.1177/0743558411417865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we used an exploratory methodology to determine what cultural models African American emerging adults use to understand infidelity/cheating. Cultural models are defined as “cognitive schema[s] that [are] intersubjectively shared by a social group” (D’Andrade, 1987, p. 112). We interviewed 144 participants ages 19-22 from three geographically distal sites. Qualitative analysis was conducted using NUDIST and In Vivo Analysis, a form of Grounded Theory. Among those in a main (dyadic) relationship, 37% of females and 57% of males stated they had been unfaithful to their main partner during the past month. We identify five cultural models defining 1) the nature of infidelity, 2) reasons for infidelity, 3) techniques for managing side (extra-dyadic) partners, 4) means of investigating suspected infidelity, and 5) condom use in main and side relationships. Our findings suggest that stressing condom use in side partner relationships may be a particularly effective means of HIV/STI prevention in this high-risk population.
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Friedman AL, Bloodgood B. "something we'd rather not talk about": findings from CDC exploratory research on sexually transmitted disease communication with girls and women. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2010; 19:1823-31. [PMID: 20929416 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2010.1961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chlamydia is a leading cause of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to ectopic pregnancy, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility. Annual Chlamydia screening is recommended for all sexually active women aged ≤ 25 years, yet only about 40% of eligible women are screened each year in the United States. To promote Chlamydia screening for the prevention of infertility, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is developing direct-to-consumer efforts for sexually active young women and key influencers. To inform this effort, CDC sought to explore girls'/women's understandings of sexually transmitted disease (STD) and Chlamydia testing and STD communications and information sources. METHODS Two waves of one-on-one interviews (n = 125) were conducted in 10 metropolitan areas with African American, Caucasian, and Latina females, aged 15-25 years. RESULTS Most participants were not knowledgeable about Chlamydia or its screening; their discussions about it suggested low levels of perceived susceptibility or relevance to Chlamydia and screening. STDs are rarely discussed in home or social settings or with partners or close friends; yet young women may turn to interpersonal sources if concerned about an STD. Providers are the primary and preferred source of STD information for girls and women, although missed opportunities for engaging young women in STD/sexual health discussions were identified in clinical and other settings. CONCLUSIONS Providers, family members, friends, and partners may serve as important intermediaries for reaching young women and encouraging STD/Chlamydia screening. Resources are identified that could be leveraged and/or developed to facilitate such interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison L Friedman
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of STD Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, USA.
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Ross LL, Bowen AM. Sexual decision making for the "better than average" college student. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2010; 59:211-216. [PMID: 21186452 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2010.502198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES to examine the impact of downward social comparison and the "known partner is a safe partner" heuristic on college students' sexual decisions. PARTICIPANTS One hundred-eighty heterosexual or bisexual undergraduate college students. METHODS participants read dating vignettes that varied on perspective and familiarity and then rated the likelihood the couple would engage in sexual intercourse and use a condom. RESULTS there were no differences in rated likelihood based on familiarity, suggesting that the students did not view the 2 partner types as significantly different. Students rated the likelihood of sexual intercourse lower and condom use higher when the vignette was presented from the second person perspective. CONCLUSIONS the students' use of downward social comparison is consistent with the "better than average effect," suggesting that the students perceive their own behavior as safe. The implication is that safer sex messages might be most effective if they focus on what students will gain by practicing safer sex behaviors, not just avoidance of a risk behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey L Ross
- Department of Psychology, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming 82071, USA.
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