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.
(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.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Research
- Pages 1-12
- DOI 10.1007/s10461-012-0246-6
- Authors
- Robert M. Malow, 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
- Jessy G. Dévieux, 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
- Judith A. Stein, Department of Psychology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Rhonda Rosenberg, 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
- Brenda G. Lerner, 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
- Jennifer Attonito, 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
- Karina Villalba, 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
- Journal AIDS and Behavior
- Online ISSN 1573-3254
- Print ISSN 1090-7165