title: Neurological function, information-motivation-behavioral skills factors, and risk behaviors among HIV-positive alcohol users.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine neurological impairment in combination with information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) variables. The study tests the role of IMB variables as mediators of antecedent variables of demographics, life stress, social support, and neurological impairment with outcome measures of HIV preventive and risk behaviors in a sample of HIV-positive, alcohol-using adults (n = 250) with a history of alcohol abuse/dependence. Neurological impairment was measured with the Color Trails Test (CTT). Average performance on the CTT by the sample was substantially worse than established norms. In a directional latent variable model, neurological impairment directly predicted lower transmission knowledge scores and poorer performance on an observational condom skills assessment. Greater neurological impairment was significantly associated with greater age. Future interventions geared toward HIV+ adults who use alcohol should take into consideration HIV-related and age-related neurological functioning which may impede the facilitation of safe sex behaviors.
authors: Department of Health Promotion & Disease Prevention, Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Florida International University, Biscayne Bay Campus, 3000 N.E. 151st Street, ACI #260, North Miami, FL, 33181, USA. rmalow@bellsouth.net
authors: Robert M
authors: RM
authors: Malow
authors: Jessy G
authors: JG
authors: Dévieux
authors: Judith A
authors: JA
authors: Stein
authors: Rhonda
authors: R
authors: Rosenberg
authors: Brenda G
authors: BG
authors: Lerner
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: Attonito
authors: Karina
authors: K
authors: Villalba
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D019973:Alcohol-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009042:Motivation; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012919:Social Behavior; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires