Past and new victimization among African American female drug users who participated in an HIV risk-reduction intervention

This study examined to what extent a women- and culturally-specific sexual risk reduction intervention resulted in a decline of new victimization intervention. Additionally, we sought to identify factors associated with new victimization, defined as victimization during the 6 months after enrollment in the study. Female African American drug users (N = 333, ages 18-59 years) completed questionnaires. Past victimization was a major predictor of new victimization. The likelihood of new victimization, however, declined significantly when compared to past victimization. Factors associated with victimization included enhanced intervention assignment, frequency of drug use, lifestyle factors such as criminal behavior, drug use in a public setting, and living in an unstable situation. Results indicate the need to incorporate strategies to reduce victimization in HIV/AIDS and other health-related prevention and intervention programs.     

Past and new victimization among African American female drug users who participated in an HIV risk‐reduction intervention

This study examined to what extent a culturally and women‐specific sexual risk reduction intervention resulted in a decline of new victimization. Additionally, we sought to identify factors associated with new victimization, defined as victimization during the 6 months after enrollment in the study. Female African American drug users (N = 333, ages 18–59 years) completed questionnaires. Past victimization was a major predictor of new victimization. The likelihood of new victimization, however, declined significantly when compared to past victimization. Factors associated with victimization included enhanced intervention assignment, frequency of drug use, and lifestyle factors such as criminal behavior, drug use in a public setting, and living in an unstable situation. Results indicate the need to incorporate strategies to reduce victimization in HIV/AIDS and other health‐related prevention and intervention programs.     

Predictors of sexual risk-taking among new drug users

We studied predictors of HIV-related sexual risk-taking among individuals who initiated the use of heroin or methamphetamine during the past 5 years. Many studies have linked drug use to HIV risk and most research has been based on samples of users with long-established drug careers. We conducted face-to-face interviews with 153 adult new drug users in Atlanta, GA. Drug use was not a statistically significant predictor of sexual risk, but gender, age, race, homelessness status, childhood neglect, level of paranoia, and level of (dys)functionality in handling disagreements were associated with the frequency of sexual risk-taking. We discuss the need to incorporate new drug users in HIV/AIDS and other health-related prevention and intervention programs.     

Female crack users and their sexual relationships: The role of sex‐for‐crack exchanges

This study challenges the image of female crack users as exchangers, or women who exchange sex for crack. Between June 1997 and February 1999, quantitative interviews were conducted with 150 active female crack users, one half of whom also completed a qualitative interview. Data analysis involved contingency analysis, bivariate logistic regression analysis, and the constant comparison method. Exchangers (n = 65) were younger, and were more likely to have been homeless and to be single than were nonexchangers (n = 85). Exchangers also were more likely to report infidelity and less likely to communicate with their most recent steady partner about the partner's relationship expectations. Sexual behaviors differed by partner type among the exchangers and nonexchangers. These findings provide a comprehensive picture of female crack users. Additionally, the findings indicate the importance of designing interventions that capture the complexities of the women's sexual relationships.     

Hug drug or thug drug? Ecstasy use and aggressive behavior

While clinical studies have established a link between aggression and ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymeth-amphetamine [MDMA]), no research has attempted to explore how this link manifests itself in behavioral outcomes. In this research we examine the effects of ecstasy on aggressive and violent behavior in a sample of active users. Data were collected from 260 ecstasy users in Atlanta, Georgia. Data analysis included ordered logit regression to examine the likelihood of engaging in aggressive behavior, controlling for key predictors of aggression independent of ecstasy use. Our results indicate that those with a higher prevalence of lifetime ecstasy use exhibit higher levels of aggressive and violent behavior. However, the effect of lifetime ecstasy use differs by levels of low self-control as a measure of propensity for aggression. Those who exhibit low self-control are more affected by ecstasy use than those who do not in terms of aggression. Our findings add an important dimension to our current knowledge about the relationship between aggression and ecstasy.     

Sex Partner Type,Drug Use and Condom Use Self-Efficacy Among African Americans from Disadvantaged Neighborhoods: Are Associations with Consistent Condom Use Moderated by Gender?

Gender inequalities in sexual behavior are explored from the perspective of the theory of gender and power. This study focused on the effect of sex partner type (steady versus casual), drug use, and condom use self-efficacy regarding consistent condom use (CCU) among a community-based sample of adults. The sample included 1,357 African American men and women (M age 37.0, SD 13.1 years; 44% women, 66% men) from 61 disadvantaged census block groups in Atlanta, GA as part of a study of individual and neighborhood characteristics and HIV risk-taking. Having a steady partner decreased the odds of CCU, while higher condom use self-efficacy increased the odds of CCU. Among non-drug users, having a drug-using partner was associated with decreased odds of condom use for women only. Women with drug-using partners, especially a steady partner, were least likely to report CCU. Therefore, interventions intended to empower CCU among women need to expand beyond acknowledging the reduced control that women who use drugs demonstrate to also consider those who have drug-using sexual partners.     

Estimating operational costs in an electric utility

Generation expansion planning in the electric utility industry requires consideration of uncertainties in both the demand and supply of electric power. The expected demand is usually expressed via a load-duration curve, while, on the supply side, each generating unit has a given nameplate capacity and a predicted reliability. This paper focuses on considerations of the supply-side uncertainties and their effects on estimating operating costs in electric utility planning. However, the methods and analysis developed in this paper may be applicable to a wider class of production planning problems which deal with any nonstorable product with time varying demand. Two methods for estimating the energy generation from each generating unit are compared. The first is the method of probabilistic simulation, while the second involves a heuristic technique usually denoted the derating method. A bias inherent in the derating method is examined by comparing it with a probabilistic simulation method. The bias is examined for various load curve shapes. In certain cases, a closed form expression for the bias is obtained. However, a closed form expression of the bias for an arbitrary load curve is difficult to achieve. In these situations some examples are studied in which the trend of the relative bias among plants in the loading order is examined. Finally, the bias is examined using actual 1977 load and supply data for some New England utilities.     

Diagnostic bias in organizational consultation

This article is intended to improve consultation practice by explaining the significance of models, heuristics, and diagnostic aids in organizational diagnosis. The role of diagnostic models in determining the consultant's frame of reference is explained. Evidence that organizational consultants consciously use diagnostic models is provided by citing two independent studies that revealed about 70% of the consultants reported that a diagnostic model was used. The availability, representativeness, and anchoring heuristics used by diagnosticians are summarized and examples of their use are cited. Readers are warned that bias occurs from misapplying the heuristics. However, guidance on correctly applying the heuristics is provided. The development and improvement of diagnostic expertise is explained from the perspective of learning through education as well as feedback received from clients, colleagues (as shadow consultants and as consulting team members), and self. Thus, written from the perspective of a consultant, the article provides a practical presentation on diagnostic bias, supported by theory and empirical research. It should appeal not only to a consulting constituency (i.e. practicing consultants, consultant trainers, and novice consultants), but also to the large number of potential clients (i.e. organizational decision-makers). Future research directions are discussed in terms of (1) the research that has identified relationships between consultant characteristics (e.g. Jungian constructs) and diagnostic information, and (2) the potential of expert systems in organizational diagnosis.     

Predictors of sexual risk‐taking among new drug users

We studied predictors of HIV‐related sexual risk‐taking among individuals who initiated the use of heroin or metham‐phetamine during the past 5 years. Many studies have linked drug use to HIV risk, but most research has been based on samples of users with long‐established drug careers. We conducted face‐to‐face interviews with 153 adult new drug users in Atlanta, GA. Drug use was not a statistically significant predictor of sexual risk, but gender, age, race, homelessness status, childhood neglect, level of paranoia, and level of (dys)functionality in handling disagreements were associated with frequency of sexual risk‐taking. We discuss the need to incorporate new drug users in HIV/AIDS and other health‐related prevention and intervention programs.