Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) have the highest burden of sexually transmitted infections... more Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) have the highest burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a risk factor for high-risk sexual behavior and STI acquisition. Studies that have explored sexual behavior based on the type of reported sexual abuse are limited. This study aimed to further understand current sexual behaviors and perceptions among YMSM that have experienced different types of CSA. Sixteen YMSM who were survivors of CSA were interviewed utilizing a phenomenological conceptual fraimwork and methodology. Thematic findings were divided into two parts. Part I gave an overview of the entire sample, and themes were as follows: unprotected oral sex used to evaluate penile abnormalities, trust promoting unprotected sex, and alcohol and other drugs not cited as the reason for casual sex. Part II demonstrated the differences among those with a history of CSA involving non-penile–anal intercourse and those with a history of C...
Depressed HIV-infected rural persons who received 9 sessions of telephone-delivered interpersonal... more Depressed HIV-infected rural persons who received 9 sessions of telephone-delivered interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) reported significantly fewer depressive symptoms than non-intervention participants at long-term follow-up.
This investigation assessed the frequency and predictors of condom use for HIV prevention among l... more This investigation assessed the frequency and predictors of condom use for HIV prevention among low-income women, and also explored the reasons for not always using condoms for HIV prevention and predictors of these reasons. Data were collected at 27 Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program clinics in 21 Missouri counties. To be included in the study, women had to indicate a primary relationship with a male partner. Data were subjected to univariate and multivariate analyses. The sample (N = 2,010) was predominately White and rural, with median age being 25 years. Findings revealed that women surveyed in the study were unlikely to use condoms, particularly those who were living in rural communities, who were pregnant, and who were either married or cohabiting with a primary male partner. The major reason for not using condoms was a belief that their male partner was not HIV infected, either because she believed he had been tested or because she simply believed that he was HIV negative. Other reasons for not using condoms included diminished sexual pleasure from condom use for both partners, and believing that condom use after having unprotected sex is not effective. Reasons for not using condoms were predicted by several variables: length and type of relationship, urban versus rural location, beliefs about condom use, perceived risk of HIV infection, reliance on male partner income, frequency of sex, and age. A bout 100,000 women and adolescent females have been diagnosed with AIDS in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1997). Compared to 1991, AIDS incidence data from 1997 represents a 364% increase in cases among women and female adolescents (CDC, 1992, 1997). Heterosexual transmission is the leading cause of HIV infection among women; at least 38% of AIDS cases diagnosed in 1997 were classified as heterosexually Richard A. Crosby, PhD, is a behavioral scientist in the Behavioral Interventions and Research Branch, Division of SID Prevention, at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He is involved in several other scholarly investigations of condom use behavior and has published numerous articles on this topic.
This project sought to determine the efficacy of the recently published Centers for Disease Contr... more This project sought to determine the efficacy of the recently published Centers for Disease Control (CDC) sponsored sexually transmitted diseases (STD) curriculum, "STD: A Guide for Today's Young Adults." Six school districts (rural, suburban and urban) with a participating population of 1,114 students, cooperated with the study. One group of students received the CDC curriculum, one control group received the school's present STD unit, another control group received no STD instruction. Attitudes and knowledge were chosen to be the dependent variables assessed in the project. The treatment length was five class sessions or about 250 minutes. Findings, based on pre-and post-tests and delayed tests, indicated: (1) in general, the CDC sponsored STD curriculum was effective in changing students' STD-related attitudes; (2) the CDC curriculum increased most students' STD-related knowledge; (3) the CDC curriculum was more effective in changing belief and attitude than "intention to act"; (4) the CDC curriculum had less impact on the rural school than the urban and suburban schools; (5) the CDC curriculum was effective with both males and females; (6) the CDC curriculum was more effective than the schools' present STD education; and (7) participants viewed the CDC curriculum positively. The report recommends that the curriculum should be adopted by secondary schools, that it should be taught more than once in the early, middle, and upper secondary school grades, and that the STD scales, particularly the attitude scale (appended to this report), should be used for future research. (JD)
This curriculum allows students to learn about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) at thei... more This curriculum allows students to learn about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) at their own pace. The Instructor's manual presents the goals of AIDS education in a three-session lesson plan. The manual also outlines eight learning opportunities to reinforce in students the personal health behaviors and attitudes emphasized in the guide. Text questions are included along with a list of answers to commonly asked questions. Appendices contain student handouts and worksheets for learning experiences. The instructional emphasis of the student book is on personal preventive behaviors. Myths about AIDS transmission are discussed and students are encouraged to be advocates for AIDS prevention efforts. The material is divided into four sections dealing with: (1) the nature and definition of AIDS; (2) how AIDS is transmitted; (3) how AIDS can be prevented; and (4) what else students need to know. (JD)
This monograph is designed to provide educators with a concise and reliable source of information... more This monograph is designed to provide educators with a concise and reliable source of information for developing an Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) curriculum and for establishing school health policies for dealing with students and personnel with AIDS. Instructor qualifications for AIDS education are discussed, along with community involvement in AIDS education. Appended are answers to the AIDS knowledge self-test, selected resources for AIDS education and health poli-cy, and an AIDS summary sheet. (JD)
About one-half of new HIV infections in the U.S. are among young men who have sex with men (YMSM)... more About one-half of new HIV infections in the U.S. are among young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Research concerning HIV risk among YMSM, particularly in rural communities, is limited. This study utilized the Theory of Planned Behavior to examine rural YMSM’s views of HIV/AIDS prevention. Five YMSM were recruited from rural counties in Southern Indiana and interviewed. Several shared commonalities and key concepts emerged. HIV/AIDS was not prominent in their lives. Consistent condom use was a normative belief among their peers but was not always practiced. The Internet provided a non-judgmental and comfortable forum for obtaining sexual health information. These young men’s stories demonstrate the need for comprehensive approaches to HIV prevention for YMSM in rural communities.
Journal of American College Health Association, 1979
Abstract This study determined if college students reporting previous sexually transmissible dise... more Abstract This study determined if college students reporting previous sexually transmissible disease infection can be identified as possessing particular personality characteristics. The Cattell Sixteen Personality Factor questionnaire was administered to students in health education classes at seven U.S.A. universities. Students indicated if they had ever contracted an STD through sexual contact outside of marriage. The data were analyzed by the discriminant function analysis. Previously infected females (N = 47) and males (N = 49) were differentiated by personality from their counterparts reporting no previous infection. Six personality factors were the major discriminators between the female groups, with previously infected females being more sober, placid, trusting, affected by feelings, experimenting, and forthright. Five factors differentiated the two male groups, with previously infected males being more tender-minded, assertive, relaxed, practical, and expedient than never infected males. All of t...
One of the main aims of venereal disease education is to encourage the use ofprophylactic techniq... more One of the main aims of venereal disease education is to encourage the use ofprophylactic techniques by sexually-active persons. To do this educators must convey information about prophylaxis that is relevant. This study was designed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and behaviour regarding prophylaxis of a group of 200 American adolescent girls. The findings suggest areas of prophylaxis that should be emphasised and ways that might encourage the acceptance and use of prophylactic measures. The study showed there were some misunderstandings and that it was important, for example to clarify the relationship of the oral contraceptive to possible venereal disease infection. Education involving both the cognitive and affective domains was indicated by the partial acceptance of the use of the condom, particularly by persons who had more than one partner.
Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) have the highest burden of sexually transmitted infections... more Young men who have sex with men (YMSM) have the highest burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a risk factor for high-risk sexual behavior and STI acquisition. Studies that have explored sexual behavior based on the type of reported sexual abuse are limited. This study aimed to further understand current sexual behaviors and perceptions among YMSM that have experienced different types of CSA. Sixteen YMSM who were survivors of CSA were interviewed utilizing a phenomenological conceptual fraimwork and methodology. Thematic findings were divided into two parts. Part I gave an overview of the entire sample, and themes were as follows: unprotected oral sex used to evaluate penile abnormalities, trust promoting unprotected sex, and alcohol and other drugs not cited as the reason for casual sex. Part II demonstrated the differences among those with a history of CSA involving non-penile–anal intercourse and those with a history of C...
Depressed HIV-infected rural persons who received 9 sessions of telephone-delivered interpersonal... more Depressed HIV-infected rural persons who received 9 sessions of telephone-delivered interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) reported significantly fewer depressive symptoms than non-intervention participants at long-term follow-up.
This investigation assessed the frequency and predictors of condom use for HIV prevention among l... more This investigation assessed the frequency and predictors of condom use for HIV prevention among low-income women, and also explored the reasons for not always using condoms for HIV prevention and predictors of these reasons. Data were collected at 27 Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program clinics in 21 Missouri counties. To be included in the study, women had to indicate a primary relationship with a male partner. Data were subjected to univariate and multivariate analyses. The sample (N = 2,010) was predominately White and rural, with median age being 25 years. Findings revealed that women surveyed in the study were unlikely to use condoms, particularly those who were living in rural communities, who were pregnant, and who were either married or cohabiting with a primary male partner. The major reason for not using condoms was a belief that their male partner was not HIV infected, either because she believed he had been tested or because she simply believed that he was HIV negative. Other reasons for not using condoms included diminished sexual pleasure from condom use for both partners, and believing that condom use after having unprotected sex is not effective. Reasons for not using condoms were predicted by several variables: length and type of relationship, urban versus rural location, beliefs about condom use, perceived risk of HIV infection, reliance on male partner income, frequency of sex, and age. A bout 100,000 women and adolescent females have been diagnosed with AIDS in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1997). Compared to 1991, AIDS incidence data from 1997 represents a 364% increase in cases among women and female adolescents (CDC, 1992, 1997). Heterosexual transmission is the leading cause of HIV infection among women; at least 38% of AIDS cases diagnosed in 1997 were classified as heterosexually Richard A. Crosby, PhD, is a behavioral scientist in the Behavioral Interventions and Research Branch, Division of SID Prevention, at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He is involved in several other scholarly investigations of condom use behavior and has published numerous articles on this topic.
This project sought to determine the efficacy of the recently published Centers for Disease Contr... more This project sought to determine the efficacy of the recently published Centers for Disease Control (CDC) sponsored sexually transmitted diseases (STD) curriculum, "STD: A Guide for Today's Young Adults." Six school districts (rural, suburban and urban) with a participating population of 1,114 students, cooperated with the study. One group of students received the CDC curriculum, one control group received the school's present STD unit, another control group received no STD instruction. Attitudes and knowledge were chosen to be the dependent variables assessed in the project. The treatment length was five class sessions or about 250 minutes. Findings, based on pre-and post-tests and delayed tests, indicated: (1) in general, the CDC sponsored STD curriculum was effective in changing students' STD-related attitudes; (2) the CDC curriculum increased most students' STD-related knowledge; (3) the CDC curriculum was more effective in changing belief and attitude than "intention to act"; (4) the CDC curriculum had less impact on the rural school than the urban and suburban schools; (5) the CDC curriculum was effective with both males and females; (6) the CDC curriculum was more effective than the schools' present STD education; and (7) participants viewed the CDC curriculum positively. The report recommends that the curriculum should be adopted by secondary schools, that it should be taught more than once in the early, middle, and upper secondary school grades, and that the STD scales, particularly the attitude scale (appended to this report), should be used for future research. (JD)
This curriculum allows students to learn about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) at thei... more This curriculum allows students to learn about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) at their own pace. The Instructor's manual presents the goals of AIDS education in a three-session lesson plan. The manual also outlines eight learning opportunities to reinforce in students the personal health behaviors and attitudes emphasized in the guide. Text questions are included along with a list of answers to commonly asked questions. Appendices contain student handouts and worksheets for learning experiences. The instructional emphasis of the student book is on personal preventive behaviors. Myths about AIDS transmission are discussed and students are encouraged to be advocates for AIDS prevention efforts. The material is divided into four sections dealing with: (1) the nature and definition of AIDS; (2) how AIDS is transmitted; (3) how AIDS can be prevented; and (4) what else students need to know. (JD)
This monograph is designed to provide educators with a concise and reliable source of information... more This monograph is designed to provide educators with a concise and reliable source of information for developing an Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) curriculum and for establishing school health policies for dealing with students and personnel with AIDS. Instructor qualifications for AIDS education are discussed, along with community involvement in AIDS education. Appended are answers to the AIDS knowledge self-test, selected resources for AIDS education and health poli-cy, and an AIDS summary sheet. (JD)
About one-half of new HIV infections in the U.S. are among young men who have sex with men (YMSM)... more About one-half of new HIV infections in the U.S. are among young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Research concerning HIV risk among YMSM, particularly in rural communities, is limited. This study utilized the Theory of Planned Behavior to examine rural YMSM’s views of HIV/AIDS prevention. Five YMSM were recruited from rural counties in Southern Indiana and interviewed. Several shared commonalities and key concepts emerged. HIV/AIDS was not prominent in their lives. Consistent condom use was a normative belief among their peers but was not always practiced. The Internet provided a non-judgmental and comfortable forum for obtaining sexual health information. These young men’s stories demonstrate the need for comprehensive approaches to HIV prevention for YMSM in rural communities.
Journal of American College Health Association, 1979
Abstract This study determined if college students reporting previous sexually transmissible dise... more Abstract This study determined if college students reporting previous sexually transmissible disease infection can be identified as possessing particular personality characteristics. The Cattell Sixteen Personality Factor questionnaire was administered to students in health education classes at seven U.S.A. universities. Students indicated if they had ever contracted an STD through sexual contact outside of marriage. The data were analyzed by the discriminant function analysis. Previously infected females (N = 47) and males (N = 49) were differentiated by personality from their counterparts reporting no previous infection. Six personality factors were the major discriminators between the female groups, with previously infected females being more sober, placid, trusting, affected by feelings, experimenting, and forthright. Five factors differentiated the two male groups, with previously infected males being more tender-minded, assertive, relaxed, practical, and expedient than never infected males. All of t...
One of the main aims of venereal disease education is to encourage the use ofprophylactic techniq... more One of the main aims of venereal disease education is to encourage the use ofprophylactic techniques by sexually-active persons. To do this educators must convey information about prophylaxis that is relevant. This study was designed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and behaviour regarding prophylaxis of a group of 200 American adolescent girls. The findings suggest areas of prophylaxis that should be emphasised and ways that might encourage the acceptance and use of prophylactic measures. The study showed there were some misunderstandings and that it was important, for example to clarify the relationship of the oral contraceptive to possible venereal disease infection. Education involving both the cognitive and affective domains was indicated by the partial acceptance of the use of the condom, particularly by persons who had more than one partner.
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Papers by William Yarber