scholarly journals User-Agent Bond in Generalizable Environments: Long-Term Risk-Reduction via Nudged Virtual Choices

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liyuan Wang ◽  
John L. Christensen ◽  
Benjamin J. Smith ◽  
Traci K. Gillig ◽  
David C. Jeong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Risky Behaviors ◽  
Risky Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Behavior Changes ◽  
Social Expectation ◽  
The Social ◽  
Subsequent Behavior ◽  
The Media ◽  
Sex With Men

Avatars or agents are digitized self-representations of a player in mediated environments. While using agents to navigate through mediated environments, players form bonds with their self-agents or characters, a process referred to as identification. Identification can involve automatic, but temporary, self-concept “shifts in implicit self-perceptions” (Klimmt et al., 2010, p. 323) of the media user by adopting or emphasizing the action choices on behalf of the social expectation of the avatar in the mediated environment. In the current study, we test the possibility that users' identification with video game avatars–a bond built between avatars and players- would account for subsequent behavior changes. We did so by using 3-month longitudinal data involving a narratively-based serious game: Socially Optimized Learning in Virtual Environments (SOLVE), a 3D-interactive game designed to reduce risky sexual behaviors among young men who have sex with men (n = 444). Results show that video game identification predicts both the reduction of risky sexual behaviors over time, and reduction in the number of non-primary partners with whom risky sex occurs. And when players identify with the game character, they tend to make healthier choices, which significantly mediates the link between video game identification and reduction of risky behaviors.

scholarly journals Men Who Have Sex With Men in Peru: Acceptability of Medication-Assisted Therapy for Treating Alcohol Use Disorders

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1269-1278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shan-Estelle Brown ◽  
Panagiotis Vagenas ◽  
Kelika A. Konda ◽  
Jesse L. Clark ◽  
Javier R. Lama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Use ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Alcohol Use Disorders ◽  
Alcohol Problems ◽  
Risky Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Social Drinkers ◽  
Hiv Epidemic ◽  
The Social ◽  
Drinking Behaviors ◽  
Sex With Men

In Peru, the HIV epidemic is concentrated in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW). Multiple studies correlate alcohol use disorders (AUDs) with risky sexual behaviors among Peruvian MSM. Qualitative research was used to inform a clinical trial on the acceptability of medication-assisted therapies to assist management of AUDs and improve antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among MSM/TGW in Peru. Three focus groups involving HIV-infected or HIV-uninfected MSM/TGW ( n = 26) with AUDs (AUDIT ≥ 8) were transcribed, translated from Spanish into English, and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Despite having an AUD, participants considered themselves “social” drinkers, minimized their drinking behaviors, and differed about whether or not alcohol problems could be treated. Participants expressed skepticism about medication for treating AUDs. Three concepts emerged as necessary components of a treatment program for alcohol problems: cost, family support, and the potential to drink less alcohol without attaining total abstinence. This study reveals important areas of education to increase potential acceptability of a medication for treating AUDs among MSM/TGW. Given the social conditions and knowledge base of the participants, medication-assisted therapies using naltrexone may be a beneficial strategy for MSM with AUDs.

scholarly journals Does the Change in Smoking and Marijuana Use Policies Influence Adolescents’ Risky Sexual Behaviors and Other Associated Factors?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruaa Al Juboori ◽  
Orlando Davy ◽  
Thembekile Shato ◽  
. Divya S Subramaniam ◽  
Qiang Fu
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Marijuana Use ◽  
Risky Behaviors ◽  
Risky Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Policy Recommendations ◽  
Multiple Sexual Partners ◽  
The Public ◽  
Specific Practice ◽  
The Relationship

Introduction: Despite evidence from numerous studies that document the association between risky sexual behaviors (RSBs) and behaviors driving them, few had investigated the trends of the association over time, which was the objective of this study.Methods: A total of 61,072 students from four Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBS) survey years (1993, 2001, 2009, and 2017) were included. The relationship between five risky behaviors (suicide risk, smoking, binge drinking, marijuana use, and physical fight) and two indicators of RSBs (condom non-use and multiple sexual partners) was investigated. Interactions between survey years and risky behaviors were included in the models to test the strength of associations over time.Results: Compared to previous years, most associations between risky behaviors and RSBs were converging. However, there were no consistent decreasing changes in associations across time in marijuana, smoking, and RSBs relationships.Conclusion: Findings raise concerns about the potential impact of interventions directed toward adolescent’s substance use. However, longitudinal studies are needed to clarify directionality and make more specific practice and policy recommendations for adolescents’ smoking and marijuana use as proxies to reduce the growing burden of STIs among this population.Policy Implications: Despite the public push against adolescent’s substance use, our findings may suggest that the policies around tobacco and marijuana use have not been as effective on the adolescent population as intended.

scholarly journals A GAME WITH MUSIC OR MUSIC WITH A GAME? ABOUT THE VIDEO GAME KARMAFLOW

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 85-108
Author(s):  
LUISA JEDWILLAT ◽  
◽  
NATALIA NOWACK ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Video Games ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Metal Music ◽  
The Social ◽  
Heavy Metal Music ◽  
The Media ◽  
Specific Concept ◽  
Game Developers ◽  
Rock Opera

Over 70 years ago, Theodor W. Adorno and Hanns Eisler philosophized about functional music in their programmatic script Composing for the Films. In spite of all the social criticism that the authors practiced with relish, it was already about the essential—the determination of a meaningful coexistence of synergetically connected art events. With the spread of video games, the question arises again and again: how to combine action and sound without falling prey to Mickey Mousing effect? As one of the youngest branches of music studies, ludomusicology describes a number of musical application scenarios, systematized according to effects and techniques. Their principles are comprehensible—under normal circumstances. With the Karmaflow—The Rock Opera Videogame, however, a project was started that leads to a new configuration between the media: in this game you play, in a manner of speaking, with or against the music itself. Because of its design, Karmaflow deserves to be considered on its own. Additionally, outside the subgroup of “music-based games”, heavy metal music is an exception among video games. The present essay illustrates the specific concept of the game which indeed can be placed in a range between video games and rock operas. The insights gained through (self-) observation are compared with the results of an exploratory survey. The survey was aimed at revealing the influence of sound on the gaming experience. The majority of respondents confirmed the connection between music and gameplay and the effect of musical characterization on some specific decisions. Test subjects, who, due to their preferences, belonged to the target group of game developers, judged differently than the other experiment participants.

Youth Risky Sexual Behavior: Prevalence and Socio-Demographic Factors in North-West Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

2020 ◽  
pp. 0272684X2097651
Author(s):  
Alehegn Bishaw Geremew ◽  
Abebaw Addis Gelagay ◽  
Hedija Yenus Yeshita ◽  
Telake Azale Bisetegn ◽  
Yohannes Ayanaw Habitu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Risky Sexual Behavior ◽  
Common Mental Disorder ◽  
Risky Behaviors ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Risky Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional

Introduction Despite, risky sexual behavior behaviors adversely affect the health of youth people, youth has been start sexual lives during teenager is increasing, thus youth has been engaged in risky sexual behaviors. However, almost all the previous studies are institutional based and did not considered out school youth. Therefore, this community based study among youth was implemented to identify sociodemographic determinants of risky sexual behaviors among youth. Methods The community based cross-sectional study design was conducted from March 15 to April 15, 2019, among youths. Data were extracted from data collected for project on assessments of common health problem and risky behaviors in central, north and west Gondar zone, Northwest Ethiopia. A bivariable and multivariable logistic regression model was fitted. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval were used to determine the presence of an association between independent variables and risky sexual behavior. Results The overall prevalence of risky sexual behavior was 27.5%, 95%CI: (25–29). Age 20–24 years (AOR = 1.8,95% CI:1.3–2.5), female (AOR = 1.6,95%CI: 1.2–2.1), had no formal education (AOR = 1.9,95% CI:1.1–3.4), not schooling during data collection year (AOR = 1.8,95%CI:1.3–2.6), family wealth index status; lowest (AOR = 2.3,95%CI:1.3–3.9), low (AOR = 2.1,95%CI:1.2–3.5), medium (AOR = 1.9,95%CI:1.2–3.0) and high (AOR = 1.8, 95%CI:1.1–3.0), having common mental disorder (AOR = 2.0,95% CI: 1.4–2.7), and watching pornography materials (AOR = 1.6, 95%CI: 1.2–2.1) were factors associated with risky sexual behaviors. Conclusions Findings of this study revealed that one every four youths aged 15–24 years old had risky sexual behaviors. Hence, working on economic development of the family and prevention of violence can contribute to reducing risky sexual behavior among youths.

scholarly journals Alcohol misuse, risky sexual behaviors, and HIV or syphilis infections among Chinese men who have sex with men

2016 ◽  
Vol 168 ◽  
pp. 239-246 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Liu ◽  
Yuhua Ruan ◽  
Shiela M. Strauss ◽  
Lu Yin ◽  
Hongjie Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Alcohol Misuse ◽  
Risky Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Chinese Men ◽  
Sex With Men

scholarly journals Moderating effect of self-efficacy on the association of intimate partner violence with risky sexual behaviors among men who have sex with men in China

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Zhu ◽  
Fengsu Hou ◽  
Chun Chen ◽  
Dannuo Wei ◽  
Liping Peng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Risky Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Inconsistent Condom ◽  
Ipv Perpetration ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Inconsistent Condom Use

Abstract Background In China, men who have sex with men (MSM) face a high risk of HIV infection. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is common in this population and leads to various adverse consequences, including risky sexual behaviors, substance abuse, and poor mental health, which pose huge challenges to HIV prevention and control. Methods An anonymous cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the lifetime prevalence of IPV and prevalence of risky sexual behaviors during the previous 6 months in a convenience sample of 578 MSM from 15 cities covering seven geographical divisions in mainland China. The associations between IPV and risky sexual behaviors and the moderating effect of self-efficacy on these associations were explored through univariate and multivariate regression analyses. Results The prevalence rates of IPV perpetration and victimization were 32.5% and 32.7%, respectively. The proportions of participants who reported inconsistent condom use with regular or casual partners and multiple regular or casual sexual partners were 25.8%, 8.3%, 22.2%, and 37.4%, respectively. Multiple IPV experiences were positively associated with risky sexual behaviors; for example, any IPV victimization was positively associated with multiple regular partners, adjusted odds ratio (ORa) = 1.54, 95% CI [1.02,2.32], and multiple casual partners, ORa = 1.93, 95% CI [1.33, 2.80]. Any IPV perpetration was positively associated with inconsistent condom use with regular partners, ORa = 1.58, 95% CI [1.04, 2.40], and multiple casual partners, ORa = 2.11, 95% CI [1.45, 3.06]. Self-efficacy was identified as a significant moderator of the association between multiple casual sexual partnership and emotional IPV. Conclusions In conclusion, given the high prevalence of both IPV and risky sexual behaviors among Chinese MSM in this study, the inclusion of self-efficacy in interventions targeting IPV and risky sexual behaviors should be considered.

#3: A Historical Perspective to US Syphilis Reporting and the Recent Rise of Risky Behaviors Among Women with Syphilis

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S13-S13
Author(s):  
G Quintana
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Historical Perspective ◽  
Risky Behavior ◽  
Congenital Syphilis ◽  
Risky Behaviors ◽  
Risky Sexual Behaviors ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Reproductive Age Women ◽  
Sex Partner

Abstract Background Congenital syphilis is a vertically transmitted infectious disease with devastating consequences during the perinatal period, including stillbirth. On October 8, 2019, the CDC published a press release stating the urgent action needed to break the cycle of STD increases, including syphilis. The purpose of this study was to provide a brief historical perspective of syphilis coding, reporting, and monitoring system changes since 1992, discuss US syphilis incidence and trends, and assess risky behaviors among women with primary or secondary syphilis. Methods Quantitative data were obtained from CDC AtlasPlus, STD Surveillance 2018 report, and CDC Syphilis Surveillance Supplement 2013–2017. Results The possible association between risky sexual behaviors among reproductive-age women, such as the use of phone applications like Tinder, and increased rates of congenital syphilis have come into question. In 2017, risky behaviors reported by American women with syphilis were having sex while intoxicated (36.7%), having sex with an anonymous partner (21.8%), use of methamphetamine (16.6%), and having met a sex partner through the internet (11.6%). Women aged 35–39 were most likely to report of having sex while intoxicated (45.3%) followed by ages 25–34 (41.3%). Women aged 15–19 were most likely to meet a sex partner on the internet (16.7%). 22.6% of women reported the use of “other drug,” not categorized under “crack”, “poppers”, “cocaine,” “heroin,” “methamphetamine,” “injection drugs.” Furthermore, younger individuals were more likely to report the use of an “other drug” with increasing annual trends since 2013. Conclusion The highest reported risky behavior among women with syphilis was having sex while intoxicated. Unexpectedly, having met a sex partner on the internet was not among the highest reported risky behavior. Clarification of “other drugs” may be beneficial in understanding the risky behaviors among young women with syphilis. The correlation between risky sexual behaviors and drug use among reproductive-age women and increasing congenital syphilis rates warrants further investigation. A causal relationship between these two variables cannot be excluded until linked data are available, including further stratification of “other drug” categories.

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