Evaluation of the Somos Fuertes HIV prevention programme in college women

The goal of this study was to examine the impact of a culturally appropriate HIV prevention and sexual empowerment curriculum workshop on female college students at a Hispanic-serving institution in the USA. Female participants in the Somos Fuertes: Strong Women Making Healthy Choices curriculum (n = 175) from a variety of ethnicities completed pre- and post-surveys during the academic years 2007–2008, 2008–2009, and 2009–2010. Paired t-tests were conducted to examine pre- and post-results on five scales: perceived sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk, perceived HIV risk, intended use of barriers during sex, effective communication skills, and behavioural self-efficacy. The analyses showed significant differences with at least medium effect sizes for all variables except perceived STI risk. The evaluation results demonstrate that the workshop offers a viable curriculum to implement on college campuses interested in affecting change related to HIV prevention strategies in a multicultural female population.     

Temperature,handling, micturition,and the survival of early weaned rats

Previous investigations reported that providing nonlactating maternally behaving adult females to infant rats weaned at 13 days of age substantially reduces the mortality rate of such weanlings. In experiments undertaken to isolate the maternal variable(s) promoting survival of early weaned rats we found that periodically inducing micturition or stimulation by handling did not alter viability. Thirteen-day-old weanlings did survive if provided with a source of heat, but did not survive at normal room temperature. It appears that the role of the nonlactating mother in the early weaning studies, at least in promoting survival, may simply be that of maintaining adequate body temperatures.

     

But I’m Married: Understanding Relationship Status and College Students’ Sexual Behaviors

Sexual health programs on college campuses are often directed toward single individuals with a focus on sexual risk. Using a sample of college students, this study examines how relationship status relates to sexual behaviors and may be a factor for sexual risk. Based on the study's results, expansion of sexual health programming on college campuses to include those married and in committed relationships is justified.     

Sexual Assault Is Just the Tip of the Iceberg: Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevalence in College Students

With the advent of the “Dear Colleague” letter in 2011, higher education institutions have become focused on sexual assault and related policies, procedures regarding offenses, and prevention education. Institutions should consider using this spotlight on interpersonal dynamics to increase awareness about other types of relationship violence that may be more common. This secondary data analysis of 72,067 U.S. college students indicates stalking, emotional abuse, and physical abuse are very common. Along with relationship difficulties in general, these forms of relational violence occur more frequently than sexual assault. Implications for counseling and mental health services are provided.