Ganga Mahat

Introduction: The COVID‐19 pandemic highlighted the important role of trust in information sources in shaping vaccine uptake behavior. This study aimed to examine the relationship between trust in various information sources and COVID‐19 vaccine uptake. Methods: Data were analyzed from the April 2021 wave of the Health Reform Monitoring Survey (HRMS). A total of 9067 US adults were included. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess associations between seven different information sources, trust, and vaccine uptake, adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Results: Trust in personal doctors/healthcare providers was the strongest predictor of COVID‐19 vaccine uptake (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.53, p < 0.001), followed by trust in other doctors/community healthcare providers (AOR = 1.40, p < 0.001) and pharmacists (AOR = 1.32, p < 0.001). Non‐healthcare information sources, such as social service, neighborhood, or civic organizations (ARO = 1.27, p < 0.001), and local elected officials (AOR = 1.08, p < 0.001), showed weaker associations. Trust in religious leaders and family/friends was associated with a lower likelihood of vaccine uptake (AOR = 0.81, p < 0.001, and AOR = 0.85, p < 0.001, respectively). Older age, higher education, and Hispanic ethnicity were positively linked to COVID‐19 vaccine uptake. Conclusion: Trust in healthcare professionals significantly influences COVID‐19 vaccine uptake, whereas trust in non‐healthcare sources plays a more limited role. Religious leaders’ and family/friends’ influence was minimal. Building and maintaining trust in healthcare providers is crucial for promoting vaccine acceptance, particularly amid widespread misinformation and political polarization. Public health efforts should prioritize improving healthcare provider–patient communication, utilizing trusted healthcare figures as role models, and implementing culturally tailored interventions to address hesitancy among marginalized groups.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this secondary data analysis was to identify potential contributors to high-risk sexual behaviors among sexually active adolescents who were tested for HIV and STDs compared to those who did not test for HIV and STDs. MethodData from the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) was used to explore potential predictors of risky behaviors among those tested for HIV/STD. A sample size of 3226 from the YRBS data base was used to explore predictors using Chi-square and logistic regressions analyses. ResultsMost adolescents reported not being tested for HIV (77.4%) and STD (83.9%). There were statistical differences between those tested for HIV and condom use, sexual intercourse before the age of 13 years, sexual intercourse with multiple people, and use of marijuana. Similar findings were found with adolescents tested for STDs. ConclusionFindings of this study support the recommendations for a better understanding of the associations between drug use, early initiation of sexual activity, and condom use. Development of appropriate public health educational interventions can help decrease risky behaviors among these adolescents.

To identify the young adults’ perception of their weight and examine the associations between young adults’ weight perception and physical activities. Participants: A total of 4,882 participants’ r...

Aims: To explore adolescents' knowledge, attitudes, and fears of HIV/AIDS and to examine relationships between these variables and demographic variables among female adolescents.Background: HIV/AIDS is one of the major public health concerns all around the world, including India. Although the prevalence of HIV infection is low, it is still considered a high risk among Indian youth because of low and inaccurate HIV/AIDs knowledge, low condom usage and unsafe sexual practice, and lack of access to information.Methods: A descriptive correlational design was used in this study. A convenience sample of 150 adolescents attending one of the girls' high schools completed demographic and HIV/AIDS knowledge and attitude questions in June 2018. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson-product–moment correlation coefficients.Results: The majority of adolescents had a moderate degree of HIV/AIDS knowledge, however; many of them still had misconceptions about modes of HIV/AIDS transmission and prevention of HIV infection. Most of the adolescents had fairly positive attitudes and beliefs toward people with HIV/AIDS. About three-fourths of the participants were afraid of getting HIV/AIDS. The total HIV/AIDS knowledge was positively correlated with age (r = 0.288, p < .000), fathers' education (r = 0.235, p < .003), fear of getting HIV infection (r = 0.222, p < .005), and discussion about sexually transmitted diseases with parents (r = 0.195, p < .01).Conclusion: The findings indicate a need for educating students on HIV/AIDS, which can be accomplished by incorporating information regarding HIV transmission and prevention into their school curriculum. School-based educational program could be beneficial.