Age Moderates the Association Between Microfinance Membership and Physical Abuse, Relationship Power, and Transactional Sex in Haitian Women.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Luetke M
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8220410 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:Transactional sex is associated with socioeconomic disadvantage and HIV risk but few studies in the United States (US) have examined both individual and area-level predictors of transactional sex or distinguished transactional sex from sex work. We combined data from HIV Prevention Trials Network 064 study and the US Census to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) for the relationship between census-level and individual measures of economic deprivation and housing instability on transactional sex in 417 women in North Carolina. Increased transactional sex was associated with food insecurity (PR 1.86; 95%; CI 1.57, 2.19), housing instability (PR 1.33; 95% CI 1.11, 1.59), substance abuse (PR 1.90; 95% CI 1.64, 2.19) and partner incarceration (PR 1.32; 95% CI 1.09, 1.61). Census-level indicators were not associated with transactional sex, adjusted for individual-level covariates. Interventions should support housing stability and financial opportunities among southern African American women to reduce HIV risk, particularly among women with incarcerated partners.
| S-EPMC7374930 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background/Purpose: Prior studies show an independent association between greater physical activity and lower inflammatory markers among adults in the general population, but the impact of physical activity on systemic inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) hasn’t been thoroughly investigated. We therefore aimed to determine whether physical activity behavior associates with differential expression of inflammatory genes in RA. Methods: Data derive from baseline assessments for a prospective observational cohort of patients with RA. At each study visit, we obtained detailed clinical information, collected peripheral whole blood for subsequent RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), and provided participants with actigraphs (GT9X ActiGraph Link device) to objectively measure physical activity by wearing the device at home for 7 consecutive 24-hour periods. Participants were categorized into three physical activity groups based on the highest (“active”), middle (“intermediate”), and lowest (“inactive”) tertiles for percentage of time spent in moderate/vigorous physical activity (metabolic equivalent (MET) level ≥2.00) across the sample. Results: There were 35 patients with complete clinical, actigraphy, and transcriptomic data available for analysis. The participants had a mean age of 56 years, were 90% female, and self-reported the following racial/ethnic identities: 32% white, 11% African American, 8% Asian, 40% Hispanic. Participants spent 48%, 41%, and 12% of time awake in sedentary, light, and moderate physical activity, respectively. None of the participants achieved vigorous activity. The patients in the most active group were younger but did not otherwise significantly differ by clinical and demographic characteristics compared to the other physical activity groups. However, in the differential gene expression analysis comparing the highest versus lowest physical activity tertiles, there were 365 up- and 402 down-regulated genes at an adjusted P value < 0.1. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that the most physically active patients exhibited downregulation of diverse innate and adaptive immune signaling pathways. Assessment of upstream cytokine activation states demonstrated inhibition of type I, II and III interferons and activation of EPO in the highest physical activity tertile patients. Conclusion: Among a racially and ethnically diverse RA cohort, participants who spent more time in moderately intense physical activity had down-regulation of genes involved in both innate and adaptive immune signaling compared to those who were more sedentary. These findings provide mechanistic evidence to support a disease-modifying effect of physical activity in RA.
2021-09-01 | GSE179302 | GEO
Project description:Relationship power has been highlighted as a major factor influencing women's safer sex practices. Little research, however, has specifically examined relationship power in drug-involved women, a population with increased risk for HIV transmission. Using baseline data from a National Institute on Drug Abuse Clinical Trials Network multisite trial of a women's HIV prevention intervention in community-based drug treatment programs, this paper examined the association between sexual relationship power and unprotected vaginal or anal sex. The Sexual Relationship Power Scale, a measure of relationship control and decision-making dominance, was used to assess the association between power and unprotected sex in relationships with primary male partners. It was hypothesized that increased relationship power would be associated with decreased unprotected sexual occasions, after controlling for relevant empirical and theoretical covariates. Findings show a more complex picture of the association between power and sexual risk in this population, with a main effect in the hypothesized direction for decision-making dominance but not for relationship control. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed, and future research directions for examining power constructs and developing interventions targeting relationship power among drug-involved women are suggested.
| S-EPMC2791824 | biostudies-other
Project description:IntroductionThe relationship between physical activity (PA) intensity and executive functions in older adolescents remains poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the associations between PA intensity, volume, attentional control, and working memory and the moderating effects of sex in older adolescents.MethodWe analyzed baseline data from 418 participants (211 females, Mage = 16.5 ± 0.40 years) from the Burn 2 Learn trial. Adolescents wore GT9X Link accelerometers on a non-dominant wrist for 7 days, 24-h·d-1 . PA intensity was expressed as intensity gradient (IG) and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA, Hildebrand cut-points); PA volume was expressed as average acceleration (AvACC). Attentional control was measured with a standard deviation (SDRT) and a coefficient of variation (CVRT) of the reaction time on the incongruent trials of a flanker task. Working memory was expressed as a d prime (a signal discrimination index) on the 2-back task. The moderating effects of sex on the PA-executive functions associations, adjusting for age, BMI z-score, and cardiorespiratory fitness, were tested using multilevel random intercept models.ResultsAfter controlling for AvACC, sex moderated the relationships between IG and incongruent SDRT (B = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.12, 0.94) and CVRT (B = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.22, 1.05; ps ≤ 0.002). Only girls with higher IG showed smaller incongruent SDRT and CVRT (Bs ≤ -0.26, ps ≤ 0.01). IG was not related to working memory. AvACC and MVPA were not associated with attentional control or working memory.ConclusionOur findings reveal a novel association between higher-intensity PA and superior attentional control among adolescent girls.
| S-EPMC10946572 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Though the transmission of HIV is preventable, there were still 37,968 new documented cases in the United States in 2018. HIV incidence is disproportionate in sexual minority men of color. The purpose of this study was to examine sexual relationship power risk profiles to identify distinct subgroups within the profiles who carry the highest HIV risk. Latent class profile analysis was used to identify subgroups of sexual minority men of color at the highest risk for contracting HIV based on their sexual power profiles. Among 322 sexual minority men, we identified four latent profiles. Profile 1: Low transactional sex and high power (n = 133; 14.3%); Profile 2: Transactional sex, high decision-making in sexual relationships, and low control in sexual relationship (n = 99; 30.7%); Profile 3: Low transactional sex, low decision-making, and moderate control (n = 43; 13.4%); Profile 4: High transactional sex and low power (n = 47; 14.6%). LPA was useful to identify distinct subgroups based on measures of sexual risk and relationship sexual power. Findings carry significant implications for developing tailored strategies to increase HIV knowledge and related HIV prevention and risk reduction services for sexual minority men of color who engage in transactional sex.
| S-EPMC8125585 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionSexual violence among higher education students is a public health concern, threatening the general safety of students, often with significant physical and mental health implications for victims. Establishing the prevalence estimates of sexual violence at higher education institutions (HEIs) is essential for designing and resourcing responses to sexual violence, including monitoring the effectiveness of prevention initiatives and institutional programmes. Yet, to date, there have been no rigorous studies assessing prevalence of sexual violence at HEIs in the UK.Methods and analysisInformed by guidance from Universities UK, the University of Oxford administration and the related student advocacy groups working within the University, Oxford Understanding Relationships, Sex, Power, Abuse and Consent Experiences is a cross-sectional survey of all undergraduate and graduate students over the age of 18 enrolled at the University of Oxford, UK. The survey design uses a complete sampling approach and measures adapted from previous campus climate surveys in the USA as well as the Sexual Experiences Survey (USA). The analysis will estimate the prevalence of sexual harassment and sexual violence perpetration and victimisation, and will examine whether ethnicity, gender identity, and sexual orientation are associated with these primary outcomes.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval was obtained by the Social Sciences and Humanities Interdivisional Research Ethics Committee at the University of Oxford which is a subcommittee of the Central University Research Ethics Committee (ref no.: R73805/RE001). The research team will disseminate findings through peer-reviewed journal articles and conference presentations. A report cowritten by authors and stakeholders will be shared with Oxford University students.
| S-EPMC8565531 | biostudies-literature
Project description:IntroductionWe assessed the correlation between childhood maltreatment (CM) and severity of depression in an elderly unipolar Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) sample.MethodsPatients were enrolled from a longitudinal cohort (FACE-DR) of the French Network of Expert TRD Centres.ResultsOur sample included 96 patients (33% of the overall cohort) aged 60 years or above, with a mean age of 67.2 (SD = 5.7). The majority of the patients were female (62.5%). The Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and Quick Inventory Depression Scale-Self Report (QIDS-SR) mean scores were high, 28.2 (SD = 7.49) [MADRS score range: 0-60; moderate severity≥20, high severity≥35] and 16.5 (SD = 4.94) [IDS-SR score range: 0-27; moderate severity≥11, high severity≥16], respectively. Mean self-esteem scores were 22.47 (SD = 6.26) [range 0-30]. In an age- and sex-adjusted model, we found a positive correlation between childhood trauma (CTQ scores) and depressive symptom severity [MADRS (β = 0.274; p = 0.07) and QIDS-SR (β = 0.302; p = 0.005) scores]. We detected a statistically significant correlation between physical abuse and depressive symptom severity [MADRS (β = 0.304; p = 0.03) and QIDS-SR (β = 0.362; p = 0.005) scores]. We did not observe any significant correlation between other types of trauma and depressive symptom severity. We showed that self-esteem (Rosenberg scale) mediated the effect of physical abuse (PA) on the intensity of depressive symptoms [MADRS: b = 0.318, 95% BCa C.I. [0.07, 0.62]; QIDS-SR: b = 0.177, 95% BCa C.I. [0.04, 0.37]]. Preacher & Kelly's Kappa Squared values of 19.1% (k2 = 0.191) and 16% (k2 = 0.16), respectively for the two scales, indicate a moderate effect.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first study conducted in a geriatric TRD population documenting an association between childhood trauma (mainly relating to PA) and the intensity of depressive symptoms.
| S-EPMC8057608 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundBlack men who have sex with men (BMSM) are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections (STI), including chlamydia and gonorrhea. Transactional sex is an hypothesized risk factor for STI acquisition in BMSM.MethodsWe estimated the association of transactional sex with incident chlamydia/gonococcal infection among BMSM using longitudinal data from a randomized trial in Atlanta (2012-2015). BMSM were eligible for inclusion if they tested human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-antibody-negative and reported both ≥2 male sex partners and any condomless anal sex in the last year. We defined chlamydia/gonorrhea incidence as the first occurrence of either rectal or urogenital chlamydia or gonococcal infections after a negative result at enrollment. We used Poisson regression to estimate the incidence rate (IR) for chlamydia/gonorrhea over 12 months. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) compared estimates by reported experience of transactional sex. Subgroup analyses assessed potential heterogeneity by age and sexual identity.ResultsThis analysis included 416 BMSM, of whom 191 (46%) were gay-identified, 146 (42%) reported a history of transactional sex, and 57 (14%) had prevalent chlamydia/gonococcal infection at baseline. Over a median of 1 year of follow-up, an additional 55 men tested laboratory-positive for chlamydia/gonorrhea (IR, 17.3 per 100 person-years). Transactional sex was not associated with chlamydia/gonorrhea incidence overall. However, among gay-identified BMSM, transactional sex was associated with incident chlamydia/gonorrhea (IRR, 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-6.8).ConclusionsEconomic and social vulnerabilities may motivate engagement in high-risk sexual behaviors through commodified sex, potentially increasing the burden of STIs among BMSM. In this investigation, the relationship between transactional sex and chlamydia/gonorrhea was not homogenous across BMSM with diverse sexual identities in Atlanta, suggesting that within select sexual networks, transactional sex may drive STI risks. Delivering accessible and targeted STI screening for marginalized BMSM should be prioritized for STI and HIV prevention.
| S-EPMC7230005 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Objectives:To examine the relationship between sexual violence and transactional sex and assess the impact of social support on this relationship among female transnational migrants in Cape Town, South Africa. Methods:In 2012 we administered a behavioral risk factor survey using respondent-driven sampling to transnational migrant women aged between 16 and 39 years, born outside South Africa, living in Cape Town, and speaking English, Shona, Swahili, Lingala, Kirundi, Kinyarwanda, French, or Somali. Results:Controlling for study covariates, travel-phase sexual violence was positively associated with engagement in transactional sex (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR] = 1.38; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.07, 1.77), and social support was shown to be a protective factor (APR = 0.84; 95% CI = 0.75, 0.95). The interaction of experienced sexual violence during migration and social support score was APR = 0.85 (95% CI = 0.66, 1.10). In the stratified analysis, we found an increased risk of transactional sex among the low social support group (APR = 1.56; 95% CI = 1.22, 2.00). This relationship was not statistically significant among the moderate or high social support group (APR = 1.04; 95% CI = 0.58, 1.87). Conclusions:Programs designed to strengthen social support may reduce transactional sex among migrant women after they have settled in their receiving communities.
| S-EPMC5798469 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundThe reasons for the persistence of risky sexual behaviours among adolescents and young adults in sub-Saharan Africa despite the increasing knowledge about the associated risks continue to attract scholarly debates. Drawing from a cross-sectional study conducted among male and female Nigerian university students, we examined the relationship between family structure, family support and transactional sex.MethodsA pre-validated questionnaire was administered to 800 male and female students selected using stratified sampling; however, we performed the analysis on 630 participants who had ever engaged in sex. Transactional sex was operationalised as self-reporting of giving or receiving money, gifts or favour in exchange for sex. We fitted a list-wise logistic regression model to examine the relationship between family structure, family support and transactional sex while controlling for essential covariates.ResultsOf the 630 participants included in the analysis, 17.9% had given and 23.8% had received money, gift or favour in exchange for sex. Our bivariate analysis shows that individuals from polygamous families had higher odds of reporting that they have ever given (AOR: 1.89; CI: 1.05-3.39) or received (AOR: 1.85; CI: 1.85-3.19) money, gift or favour in exchange for sex; however, the relationship was not statistically significant after controlling for relevant covariates. After controlling for essential covariates, the odds of giving or receiving money, gift or favour in exchange for sex was 56% lower in individuals who received adequate family support compared to those who received no or insufficient family support.ConclusionIn conclusion, this paper lends support to the assertion that family structure and family support are protective factors against transactional sex among adolescents and young adults. Future surveys need to include a larger sample in order to explore the effect of single-parent and polygamous family on transactional sex in Nigeria where family formation is changing rapidly.
| S-EPMC6322791 | biostudies-literature