A cross sectional examination of risky sexual behaviors among a population of drug users

This study is a secondary data analysis that assesses the relationship between risky sexual behaviors and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among drug users. This study analyzes data collected from drug users in the Houston Metropolitan area during 2004 and through August 2005, by researchers with the DASH (Drugs, AIDS, STDs and Hepatitis) project at The University of Texas at Houston School of Public Health. Specifically, the sexually transmitted infections that will be of interest in this proposed study are Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). Risky sexual behaviors that will be examined include lack of condom use, sexual orientation, trading sex for drugs, trading sex for money, and number of male and female sexual partners in the last 4 weeks. ^ Unadjusted, gender, sexual orientation, number of recent male and female sex partners, and a history of injection drug use were all found to be significant independent variables that increased the odds of STI status. When included in an overall model, these variables significantly increased the odds of STI status, including HBV infection, HIV infection, and HBV/HIV co-infection. History of injection drug use was significant for both HBV and HBV/HIV co-infection, whereas a gay sexual orientation was significant for both HIV and HBV/HIV co-infection. Additionally, having excessive female sex partners was significant for HIV infection. This significant association increases the need for implementation of stronger intervention programs tailored to suit this population's needs such as a combination of drug and sexually transmitted disease (STD) treatment. ^ The importance of these findings is that they establish the strength of associations between the previously mentioned risky sexual behaviors and STI status among drug users. This is crucial for assessing future risk of infection as well as for serving as a necessary component in intervention and treatment programs both for drug use and STIs. ^

Examination of the influence of behavioral, normative and control beliefs on the adherence to a prescribed renal diet among elderly populations with chronic to end-stage renal disease

The 1999-2004 prevalence of chronic kidney disease in adults 20 year or older (15.5 million) is an estimated 7.69%. The risk of developing CKD is exacerbated by diabetes, hypertension and/or a family history of kidney disease. African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, Native Americans, and the elderly are more susceptible to higher incidence of CKD. The challenges of aging coupled with co-morbidities such as kidney disease raises the potential for malnutrition among elderly (for the purpose of this study 55 years or older) populations. Lack of adherence to prescribed nutrition guidelines specific to renal failure jeopardizes body homeostasis and increases the likelihood of future morbidity and resultant mortality. The relationship and synergy that exists between diet and disease is evident. Clinical experience with renal patients has indicated the importance of adherence to diet therapy specific to kidney disease. Extension investigation of diet adherence among endstage renal disease patients revealed a sizeable dearth in the current literature. This thesis study was undertaken to help reduce that void. The study design is qualitative and descriptive. Support, cooperation, and collaboration were provided by the University of Texas Nephrology Department, University of Texas Physicians, and DaVita Dialysis Centers. Approximately 105 male and female chronic to end-stage kidney disease patients were approached to participate in elicitation interviews in dialysis treatment facilities regarding their present diet beliefs and practices. Eighty-five were recruited and agreed to participate. Inclusion criteria required individuals to be between 35-90 years of age; capable of completing a 5-10 minute interview; and English speaking. Each kidney patient was asked seven (7) non-leading questions developed from the constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior. The study presents a descriptive comparison of behavioral, normative, and control beliefs that influence adherence to renal diets by age, race, and gender. The study successfully concluded that behavioral, normative, and control beliefs of chronic to end-stage renal patients promoted execution and adherence to prescribed nutrition. This study provides valuable information for dietitians, technicians, nurses, and physicians to assess patient compliance toward prescribed nutrition and the means to support or improve that performance. ^