Psychosocial risk factors of erectile dysfunction among heterosexual men living with HIV.

ABSTRACTThe risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) is significantly higher in men living with HIV (MLWH). Despite the adverse effects of ED on quality of life for MLWH, there is a lack of research on the psychosocial factors that may influence ED, especially among heterosexual MLWH. According to a recent systematic review, findings on the psychosocial risk factors of ED in past studies have been largely conflicting or inconclusive. To bridge this gap, we analyzed psychosocial and other correlates of ED among a sample of 317 primarily Black and Latino heterosexual adult MLWH in New York City. Data collection involved quantitative surveys administered using a combination of computer-assisted personal interview and audio computer-assisted self-interview techniques. After adjusting for age and general health, the relative risk of ED among heterosexual men living with HIV was associated with higher HIV-related stigma, anxiety, depression, and negative HIV-coping; greater social support was associated with a lower risk of ED. In addition, the data were consistent with the potential effects of childhood emotional, physical, and sexual abuse and structural discrimination on the risk of ED. Overall, our research findings help provide a better understanding of the psychosocial factors associated with ED among heterosexual MLWH.

The Life Sciences Learning Center: An Evolving Model for a Sustainable STEM Outreach Program.

The Life Sciences Learning Center (LSLC) is a hands-on science outreach center located at the University of Rochester's School of Medicine and Dentistry (UR-SMD) in Rochester, NY. The LSLC provides hands-on, case-based learning to boost science literacy and increase enthusiasm toward science learning. The LSLC offers on-site and in-school programs for secondary students (grades 6-12) and has developed a wide variety of online curriculum materials that can be used in science classrooms and informal education settings. The LSLC is a model for sustainability with over 20 years of funding through a combination of sources including numerous grant awards from National Institutes of Health (NIH) and private foundations. The LSLC was awarded its first of five NIH Science Education Partnership Awards (SEPA) in 1998, which would prove to be a key funding source for sustainability. The LSLC has widely disseminated its curriculum materials nationwide through teacher professional development programs and online. An ongoing partnership with Science Take-Out has led to further dissemination of LSLC's curriculum materials and has strengthened LSLC's model for curriculum development and evaluation. The LSLC has evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of teachers and their students and the increased demands for hands-on, inquiry-based learning that focuses on real-life issues in STEM.