HIV conspiracy theory beliefs mediates the connection between HIV testing attitudes and HIV prevention self-efficacy.

Objective: High rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be found in states in both the Appalachian and Southeastern regions of the United States. As infection rates increase, it is imperative to understand factors that improve HIV prevention. The current work explored whether HIV conspiracy beliefs influences the link between HIV testing attitudes and perceived prevention ability. Participants: Four samples were collected during Fall 2013 (N = 373), Spring 2014 (N = 231), Fall 2014 (N = 345), and Spring 2015 (N = 369) at a rural, Southeastern, Appalachian university. Methods: Participants in all samples completed an online survey. Results: Four studies showed that HIV conspiracy theory beliefs mediated the relationship between HIV testing attitudes and HIV prevention self-efficacy. Conclusions: HIV conspiracy theory beliefs at least partially explain the connection between testing attitudes and HIV prevention self-efficacy. Results have implications for the role of HIV testing attitudes, beliefs, and self-efficacy.

Perceptions of Risks and Benefits Among Nonprescription Stimulant Consumers, Diverters, and Non-Users.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined perceptions of legal and health risks along with the perceived benefits of nonprescription stimulant (NPS) use in college students (e.g., using stimulants such as Ritalin, Vvyanse, Concerta, or Adderall without a prescription). OBJECTIVE: This study sought to better understand how college students perceived legal and health risks, as well as motivations associated with NPS use. The perceived risks and benefits were examined between those involved and those uninvolved. METHOD: The sample comprised 988 undergraduates at a southeastern university. Of the participants, 65.3% (645) were females, 69.1% (682) were freshmen, and 76.5% (756) were Caucasian. Participants from a convenience sample of general psychology students (enrolled August to December 2013) completed an on-line survey regarding behaviors and beliefs about the risks/benefits and motivations related to NPS use. Non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis analyses were conducted to examine perceptions of risks and motivations between those involved and those uninvolved in NPS use. RESULTS: In the sample, 8.1% (n = 80) had a current prescription, with 30 individuals classified as diverters. Of participants, 23.1% (n = 228) reported that they were consumers of NPS medication. Results of the Kruskal-Wallis analyses showed that, compared with uninvolved students, those involved with stimulant medications perceived significantly greater cognitive benefits but less legal and health risks. Conclusions/Importance: College students involved in the misuse (using a stimulant without a prescription or diverting stimulant medication to others) of NPS medications may underestimate associated risks and overestimate benefits.