Regret aversion in reason-based choice

This research examines the moderating role of regret aversion in reason-based choice. Earlier research has shown that regret aversion and reason-based choice effects are linked through a common emphasis on decision justification, and that a simple manipulation of regret salience can eliminate the decoy effect, a well-known reason-based choice effect. We show here that the effect of regret salience varies in theory-relevant ways from one reason-based choice effect to another. For effects such as the select/reject and decoy effect, both of which were independently judged to be unreasonable bases for deciding, regret salience eliminated the effect. For the most-important attribute effect that is judged to be normatively acceptable, however, regret salience amplified the effect. Anticipated self-blame regret and perceived decision justifiability consistently predicted preferences and thus offer a parsimonious account of both attenuation and amplification of these reason-based choice effects.     

Rapid Ethnographic Assessment of HIV/AIDS among Garífuna Communities in Honduras: Informing HIV Surveillance among Garífuna Women

ABSTRACT

Garífuna, an Afro-Caribbean ethnic group in Honduras, have among the highest HIV prevalence rates in Central America; 15- to 49-year-old Garífuna have HIV rates comparable to heterosexual transmission rates in regions of sub-Saharan Africa. The heightened rates in this age range pose a significant risk of vertical transmission from woman to child at birth. In 2006, a Behavioral Surveillance Survey plus Biomarkers (BSS+) reexamined seroprevalence of HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and HIV-related risk behaviors among Garífuna to inform HIV prevention activities and monitor trends in HIV transmission over time. To inform the BSS+ survey protocol, we conducted a rapid ethnographic assessment (REA) in Garífuna communities to specifically examine acceptability among Garífuna to be surveyed, suggest ways to minimize HIV-testing related stigma, and determine female gender-specific concerns among BSS+ respondents. Data were collected in 2 weeks in November, 2004, using a semi-structured interview guide for key informant interviews and focus groups. Seventeen key informant interviews and three focus groups were conducted; participant observation and 11 site visits were also conducted. Major findings included high Garífuna acceptability to participate in the BSS+ with key member involvement and incentives. Maintaining confidentiality at HIV testing sites is required to minimize Garífuna women's risk of intimate partner violence. Recommendations to BSS+ partners from this REA informed the BSS+ study protocol and was expected to increase participation and validity and decrease potential risks associated with women's survey participation.     

Urging College Alcohol and Drug Policies That Target Adverse Behavior,Not Use

Abstract

Although “zero tolerance” policies are being enacted on campuses nationwide, these policies may not be the most effective means of creating safer and healthier environments for students. Many historical precedents illustrate the value of moderation over prohibition College drug and alcohol policies should focus primarily on dysfunctional and disruptive student behaviors, not on student drug and alcohol use only.     

Medical Complications of Female Genital Mutilation

Abstract

More than 130 million women are subjected to genital mutilation. Despite increasing efforts to reduce the practice, there are many obstacles to eliminating this 2,000-year-old practice, which is based on strong cultural traditions. As college health clinicians provide care to more international students from countries where female genital mutilation is performed, increased awareness and knowledge of the procedure will enable clinicians to understand and manage its complications. We report a case of obstructive uropathy resulting in hydronephrosis secondary to female genital mutilation and review the medical literature regarding this and other complications of genital mutilation “surgery.”     

Differences in Tobacco Use Among Two-Year and Four-Year College Students in Minnesota

Abstract

Objective: This study compares tobacco use rates among two-year and four-year college students and explores the demographic variables that predicted that behavior. Participants: 9,931 students at 14 two-year and four-year colleges in Minnesota participated. Methods: Students at 11 schools completed an online survey, and students at 3 schools completed a paper survey in 2007. Results: After controlling for sex, age, ethnicity, relationship status, hours of work per week, and number of school credits, attending a two-year college predicted current and daily smoking (odds ratio [OR]) = 1.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.52–1.89; OR = 3.47, 95% CI = 2.94–4.11) and smokeless tobacco use (OR = 1.65, 95% CI = 1.32–2.06; OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.06–2.53). Conclusions: Although two-year college students comprise approximately two fifths of the college student population, surveys of college student tobacco use have focused nearly exclusively on four-year college students. Two-year college students should represent a priority population for tobacco control because attending a two-year college predicts increased tobacco use.     

GotFlu Channel: An Online Syndromic Surveillance Tool Supporting College Health Practice and Public Health Work

Abstract

Objective: Develop a tool to ease the burden of H1N1 influenza on a campus clinic by promoting self-care, generating medical notes, and identifying vulnerable students. Participants: Students at Brock University, a mid-sized urban campus; Brock's Student Health Services; and Niagara Public Health. Methods: Students accessed a controlled portal of Brock's Web site and self-identified onset/offset of influenza-like symptoms. Daily sign-in numbers were monitored and nonidentifiable aggregate data transferred to the local public health unit. Results: There was concordance among the number of college students signing in, local school absenteeism rates, and local rates of laboratory-confirmed influenza. Many visits to the campus health clinic were averted, 1,432 students used the tool. Conclusion: The online, real-time surveillance tool was effective in monitoring influenza activity on campus, providing timely health advice, decreasing unnecessary visits to the campus medical clinic, and assisting local public health in surveillance activities.     

The History of College Health Nursing

Abstract

Almost from the beginning of formal college health programs in the second half of the 19th century, college health nurses were there to care for students in college and university settings. By the end of the 20th century, the role of college health nurses had evolved with the nursing field in general, but with enough unique features for the American Nurses’ Credentialing Center to recognize college health nursing as a professional subspecialty and administer the first College Health Nurse Certification examinations. In addition, new nurse practitioner programs provided practicing nurses with more independence, and their duties continued to expand beyond care of the sick to include health promotion, administrative, and teaching activities. As a result of these changes, college health nurses now play a larger role in the life of students and promoting a healthy campus community than ever before in the history of college health.     

Alcohol-Related Emergency Department Visits Associated With Collegiate Football Games

Abstract

Objective: In 2003, after several post–college football game riots, multiple strategies including strict enforcement of open container laws were instituted by the authors’ city and university. The authors compared alcohol-related visits to the on-campus emergency department (ED) associated with home football games in 2002 and 2006, hypothesizing that alcohol-related visits should decline. Participants: ED patients during home game weekends. Methods: Retrospective cohort study comparing the 2002 and 2006 home games—similar seasons wherein the team went undefeated. Logistic regression assessed the impact of environmental and patient characteristics on the likelihood of an ED visit being alcohol related. Results: In total 2,220 visits in 2002 and 2,146 visits in 2006 were reviewed. Alcohol-related visits increased from 2002 (7.9%) to 2006 (9.5%, p = .06). Despite community interventions, the odds of an ED visit being alcohol related increased (odds ratio [OR] 1.3, 95% confidence interval [CI₉₅] 1.06–1.64). Conclusions: Community measures did not reduce alcohol-related visits to the ED.