Ralph DiClemente
Ralph DiClemente
Scroll
Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences
-
Professional overview
-
Dr. Ralph DiClemente was trained as a Health Psychologist at the University of California, San Francisco where he received his PhD in 1984 after completing a ScM at the Harvard School of Public Health. He earned his undergraduate degree at the City University of New York.
Dr. DiClemente’s research has four key foci:
- Developing interventions to reduce the risk of HIV/STD among vulnerable populations
- Developing interventions to enhance vaccine uptake among high-risk adolescents and women, such as HPV and influenza vaccine
- Developing implementation science interventions to enhance the uptake, adoption and sustainability of HIV/STD prevention programs in the community
- Developing diabetes screening and behavior change interventions to identify people with diabetes who are unaware of their disease status as well as reduce the risk of diabetes among vulnerable populations.
He has focused on developing intervention packages that blend community and technology-based approaches that are designed to optimize program effectiveness and enhance programmatic sustainability.
Dr. DiClemente is the author of ten CDC-defined, evidence-based interventions for adolescents and young African-American women and men. He is the author of more than 540 peer-review publications, 150 book chapters, and 21 books. He serves as a member of the Office of AIDS Research Advisory Council.
Previously, Dr. DiClemente served as the Charles Howard Candler Professor of Public Health at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. He was also Associate Director of the Center for AIDS Research, and was previously Chair of the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education at the Rollins School of Public Health.
Dr. DiClemente is Past President of the Georgia chapter of the Society for Adolescent Health & Medicine. He previously served as a member of the CDC Board of Scientific Counselors, and the NIMH Advisory Council.
-
Education
-
BA, The City College of the City University of New York (CCNY), New York, NYScM, Behavioral Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MAPhD, Health Psychology, University of California San Francisco Center for Behavioral Sciences, San Francisco, CAPostdoctoral Fellow, University of California, San Francisco, CA
-
Areas of research and study
-
Community InterventionsDiabetesHIV/AIDSImplementation scienceInfluenzaPsychology
-
Publications
Publications
The need for biological outcomes to complement self-report in adolescent research
AbstractBrown, J. L., & DiClemente, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2015Journal title
PediatricsVolume
136Issue
3Page(s)
e551-e553Abstract~The prevalence of undiagnosed HIV serodiscordance among male couples presenting for HIV testing
AbstractSullivan, P. S., Wall, K. M., O'Hara, B., Jones, J., Barnes, J., DiClemente, R., Hoff, C., Scales, L., Salazar, L. F., Sanchez, T., White, D., Wingood, G., Allen, S., & Stephenson, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2014Journal title
Archives of Sexual BehaviorVolume
43Issue
1Page(s)
173-180AbstractIn the United States, a substantial proportion of HIV transmissions among men who have sex with men (MSM) arise from main sex partners. Couples voluntary HIV testing and counseling (CHTC) is used in many parts of the world with male-female couples, but CHTC has historically not been available in the U.S. and few data exist about the extent of HIV serodiscordance among U.S. male couples. We tested partners in 95 Atlanta male couples (190 men) for HIV. Eligible men were in a relationship for ≥3 months and were not known to be HIV-positive. We calculated the prevalence of couples that were seroconcordant HIV-negative, seroconcordant HIV-positive, or HIV serodiscordant. We evaluated differences in the prevalence of HIV serodiscordance by several dyadic characteristics (e.g.; duration of relationship, sexual agreements, and history of anal intercourse in the relationship). Overall, among 190 men tested for HIV, 11 % (n = 20) were newly identified as HIV-positive. Among the 95 couples, 81 % (n = 77) were concordant HIV-negative, 17 % (n = 16) were HIV serodiscordant, and 2 % (n = 2) were concordant HIV-positive. Serodiscordance was not significantly associated with any evaluated dyadic characteristic. The prevalence of undiagnosed HIV serodiscordance among male couples in Atlanta is high. Offering testing to male couples may attract men with a high HIV seropositivity rate to utilize testing services. Based on the global evidence base for CHTC with heterosexual couples and the current evidence of substantial undiagnosed HIV serodiscordance among U.S. MSM, we recommend scale-up of CHTC services for MSM, with ongoing evaluation of acceptability and couples' serostatus outcomes.The protective value of school enrolment against sexually transmitted disease : A study of high-risk African American adolescent females
AbstractCrosby, R. A., DiClemente, R., Wingood, G. M., Salazar, L. F., Rose, E., & Sales, J. M. (n.d.).Publication year
2007Journal title
Sexually transmitted infectionsVolume
83Issue
3Page(s)
223-227AbstractObjective: To identify whether school enrolment is protective against laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and against a spectrum of sexual risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 715 African-American adolescent females (15-21 years old) was conducted. Data collection included an audio-computer-assisted self-interview lasting about 60 min and a self-collected vaginal swab for nucleic acid amplification testing of Trichomonas vaginalis, Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Results: In total, 65% were enrolled in school. After adjusting for age and whether adolescents resided with a family member, those not enrolled were twice as likely to test positive for one of the three STDs compared with those enrolled (adjusted OR2; 95% CI 1.38 to 2.91). Similarly, school enrolment was protective against risk factors contributing to STD acquisition. The measures of sexual risk behaviour of 8 of 10, retained significance after adjusting for the covariates, and 2 of the 3 psychosocial mediators retained significance. Conclusion: This study provides initial evidence suggesting that keeping high-risk African-American adolescent females in school (including forms of school that occur after high-school graduation) may be important from a public health standpoint.The psychological basis of health promotion for adolescents.
AbstractDiClemente, R., & DiClemente, R. J. (n.d.).Publication year
1999Journal title
Adolescent medicine (Philadelphia, Pa.)Volume
10Issue
1Page(s)
13-22, vAbstractTemporal trends in adolescent morbidity and mortality and the psychological factors that underlie adolescents' risk-taking behavior are reviewed in this chapter. Theoretical models useful for understanding risk-taking behavior and developing effective preventive interventions are described. Finally, intervention strategies, both on individual and community level, are identified that may enhance adolescent health promotion efforts.The psychosocial impact of serological herpes simplex type 2 testing in an urban HIV clinic
AbstractDiClemente, R., Meyer, J. L., Crosby, R. A., Whittington, W. L., Carrell, D., Ashley-Morrow, R., Meier, A. S., Harrington, R. D., DiClemente, R., & Wald, A. (n.d.).Publication year
2005Journal title
Sexually transmitted infectionsVolume
81Issue
4Page(s)
309-315AbstractBackground/objectives: Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is a common infection among HIV infected people. HSV type specific serologies permit the diagnosis of previously unrecognised HSV-2 infection. While substantial psychosocial morbidity has been associated with a clinical diagnosis of genital herpes, the burden associated with a serological diagnosis of HSV-2 is unclear. This study prospectively measured the psychosocial response to a new serological HSV-2 diagnosis in patients receiving care at an urban HIV clinic. Methods: At entry, sera were tested for HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies by western blot. Participants completed a 90 item psychosocial and life quality questionnaire at enrolment, and at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after receiving test results. Results: Of 248 HIV infected participants, 172 (69.4%) were HSV-2 seropositive and 116 (67.4%) seropositive people did not have a previous history of genital herpes. After correction for multiple comparisons, no statistically significant differences were detected on the psychosocial and life quality scales between those who received a new HSV-2 serological diagnosis compared with those who were HSV-2 seropositive with a history of genital herpes, or those who tested HSV-2 seronegative. Additionally, no significant changes in scores were observed during follow up. Conclusions: HSV-2 was a common but often unrecognised infection in this urban HIV clinic and participants coped well with a positive HSV-2 result. Concerns about psychosocial burden should not deter serological testing for HSV-2. Given the epidemiological and clinical interaction between HSV-2 and HIV, these data support routine HSV-2 testing of HIV infected people.The relationship between ethnic identity and Chlamydia and Gonorrhea infections among low-income detained African American adolescent females
AbstractVoisin, D. R., Salazar, L. F., Crosby, R., & DiClemente, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2013Journal title
Psychology, Health and MedicineVolume
18Issue
3Page(s)
355-362AbstractThis study explored the relationship between ethnic identity and Chlamydia and Gonorrhea infections among detained African American female adolescents. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 123 African American female adolescents within eight detention facilities in Georgia. Using audio-computer assisted self-interviewing technology, data were collected on demographics, ethnic identity, laboratory-confirmed Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, and other known correlates for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as socioeconomic status, parental monitoring, and risky sexual behaviors. Rates of Chlamydia and Gonorrhea testing yielded incidence rates of 22.6% and 4.3%, respectively. Findings indicated that, controlling for STI correlates, participants who indicated high ethnic identity were 4.3 times more likely to test positive for an STI compared to those scoring low on the measure of ethnic identity.The Relationship Between Male Gang Involvement and Psychosocial Risks for their Female Juvenile Justice Partners with Non-gang Involvement Histories
AbstractKing, K. M., Voisin, D. R., & DiClemente, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2015Journal title
Journal of Child and Family StudiesVolume
24Issue
9Page(s)
2555-2559AbstractThis article examines whether adolescent females involved in the juvenile justice system, who were never gang members but have had boyfriends who were gang members, are at higher risk for negative psychological, relationship and sexual risk outcomes compared to their counterparts. Data were collected from a convenience sample of African American adolescent females involved in the juvenile justice system, age 13–17, currently incarcerated in a short-term detention facility in Georgia (N = 137). Multiple logistic regression models controlling for age and SES documented that having a gang-involved boyfriend was associated with a greater risk for emotional and physical abuse, depression, PTSD, drug use, diminished perceived life chances and a variety of sexual risk predictors, such as decreased relationship control, partner infidelity, shorter time to sex with a casual sexual partner and reduced likelihood of HIV testing. These findings suggest that these women should be included in early prevention and intervention initiatives traditionally targeted at youth involved in gangs.The Relationship of Magic Johnson's Announcement of HIV Infection to the AIDS Attitudes of Junior High School Students
AbstractZimet, G. D., Lazebnik, R., Anglin, T. M., Williams, P., DiClemente, R., & Ellick, E. M. (n.d.).Publication year
1993Journal title
The Journal of Sex ResearchVolume
30Issue
2Page(s)
129-134AbstractOne month after Magic Johnson announced that he had tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), 103 junior high school students were surveyed about the impact of his announcement on their desire to learn about acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), their worries about vulnerability to HIV infection, and their anxiety about interacting with a person with AIDS (PWA). Students also were administered established AIDS-related scales of knowledge, vulnerability worries, and social anxiety. Their scores on these scales were compared to the scores of different students from the same school sampled at three previous times. As expected, 58% of the students reported a desire to know more about AIDS, and 40% reported increased worries about vulnerability to HIV infection because of Magic Johnson's announcement. Contrary to expectations, 21% reacted with a report of increased anxiety about interacting with a PWA, whereas 12% reported less anxiety. Also contrary to expectations, when compared with the pre-announcement groups, the post-announcement students had lower scores on the vulnerability worry scale, indicating less worry about personal vulnerability to HIV infection. Results are discussed in terms of the possible influences of social desirability bias and perceptions of personal risk.The relationship of psychosocial factors to prognostic indicators in cutaneous malignant melanoma
AbstractTemoshok, L., Heller, B. W., Sagebiel, R. W., Blois, M. S., Sweet, D. M., DiClemente, R., & Gold, M. L. (n.d.).Publication year
1985Journal title
Journal of Psychosomatic ResearchVolume
29Issue
2Page(s)
139-153AbstractThis study investigated the relationship between prognosis (estimated by histopathologic indicators) in cutaneous malignant melanoma and a comprehensive set of physical risk, demographic, psychosocial, and situational variables. These variables were derived from the medical examination, the pathology report, psychosocial self-report measures, and an hour-long videotaped interview with 59 patients from two melanoma clinics in San Francisco. Variables significantly correlated with tumor thickness were: darker skin/hair/eye coloring, longer patient delay in seeking medical attention, two correlated dimensions within an operationally defined 'Type C' constellation of characteristics, two character style measures, and less previous knowledge of melanoma and understanding of its treatment. Of these variables, delay was the most significant in a hierarchical multiple regression analysis in which tumor thickness was the dependent variable. Associations between tumor thickness and psychosocial measures of Type C were considerably stronger and more significant for subjects less than age 55, suggesting that the role of behavioral and psychosocial factors in the course of malignant melanoma is more potent for younger than for older subjects.The role of gender relations in HIV prevention research for women.
AbstractDiClemente, R., Wingood, G. M., & DiClemente, R. J. (n.d.).Publication year
1995Journal title
American journal of public healthVolume
85Issue
4Page(s)
592Abstract~The role of social support in the psychological well-being of African American girls who experience dating violence victimization
AbstractSalazar, L. F., Wingood, G. M., DiClemente, R., Lang, D. L., & Harrington, K. (n.d.).Publication year
2004Journal title
Violence and VictimsVolume
19Issue
2Page(s)
171-187AbstractThe goals of this study were to test the relationship between dating violence victimization (i.e., verbal, emotional, and physical abuse) and psychological well-being (i.e., depressive symptomatology, self-esteem, and body image) among 522 African American girls, and to determine whether social support acted as a buffer of negative effects (moderator) or as an intervening factor (mediator) in the relationship between dating violence victimization and psychological well-being. Results from structural equation modeling indicated that dating violence victimization was associated with negative psychological outcomes. Although social support did not moderate this relationship, it served as a mediator of the relationship between dating violence victimization and psychological well-being. Dating violence programs for African American girls should consider how to incorporate family, church, and other networks in the community to foster support, and allow adolescent girls to discuss their abusive experiences in a nonblaming environment. If programs are able to buoy girls who experience dating violence, then they may be able to ameliorate the associated negative psychological sequelae.The role of spirituality in sustaining the psychological well-being of HIV-positive black women
AbstractBraxton, N. D., Lang, D. L., Sales, J. M., Wingood, G. M., & DiClemente, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2007Journal title
Women and HealthVolume
46Issue
2-3Page(s)
113-129AbstractHistorically, spirituality has been an instrumental component to the survival of Black women. In an era when the HIV epidemic disproportionately compromises their health, it is imperative to explore spirituality's role in sustaining the psychological health of Black women living with HIV. This study examined the relationship between spirituality and self-reported depression among Black women living with HIV. A sample of 308 HIV-positive Black women were recruited from HIV/ AIDS clinics in the Southeastern United States. Participants completed an interview assessing demographics, quality of life, depression, coping, and spirituality. A hierarchical multiple regression was used to determine the association between spirituality and depression. The results suggest that in our sample, spirituality accounted for a small, yet significant proportion of variance in reducing depressive symptoms, above and beyond variance accounted for by demographic variables and other theoretically important psychosocial factors. In light of these findings, future studies with HIV-positive Black women should assess spirituality as a salient factor affecting psychological health. Developing interventions that address spirituality may serve to enhance women's psychological adjustment to living with HIV.The Social and Behavioral Sciences Research Network : Shaping a Contemporary Agenda for Research in HIV
AbstractBlank, M. B., Metzger, D. S., Wingood, G. M., & DiClemente, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2019Journal title
Journal of acquired immune deficiency syndromes (1999)Volume
82Page(s)
S81-S83Abstract~The social and behavioral sciences research network : Translational research to reduce disparities in HIV
AbstractBlank, M. B., Metzger, D. S., Wingood, G. M., & DiClemente, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2013Journal title
Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency SyndromesVolume
63Issue
SUPPL. 1Page(s)
S1-S3Abstract~The Strong African American Families-Teen Trial : Rationale, Design, Engagement Processes, and Family-Specific Effects
AbstractKogan, S. M., Brody, G. H., Molgaard, V. K., Grange, C. M., Oliver, D. A., Anderson, T. N., DiClemente, R., Wingood, G. M., Chen, Y. f., & Sperr, M. C. (n.d.).Publication year
2012Journal title
Prevention ScienceVolume
13Issue
2Page(s)
206-217AbstractThis study addresses two limitations in the literature on family-centered intervention programs for adolescents: ruling out nonspecific factors that may explain program effects and engaging parents into prevention programs. The Rural African American Families Health project is a randomized, attention-controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of the Strong African American Families-Teen (SAAF-T) program, a family-centered risk-reduction intervention for rural African American adolescents. Rural African American families (n = 502) with a 10th-grade student were assigned randomly to receive SAAF-T or a similarly structured, family-centered program that focused on health and nutrition. Families participated in audio computer-assisted self-interviews at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Program implementation procedures yielded a design with equivalent doses, five sessions of family-centered intervention programming for families in each condition. Of eligible families screened for participation, 76% attended four or five sessions of the program. Consistent with our primary hypotheses, SAAF-T youth, compared to attention-control youth, demonstrated higher levels of protective family management skills, a finding that cannot be attributed to nonspecific factors such as aggregating families in a structured, interactive setting.The validity of teens' and young adults' self-reported condom use
AbstractRose, E., DiClemente, R., Wingood, G. M., Sales, J. M., Latham, T. P., Crosby, R. A., Zenilman, J., Melendez, J., & Hardin, J. (n.d.).Publication year
2009Journal title
Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent MedicineVolume
163Issue
1Page(s)
61-64AbstractObjective: To examine the concordance between teens' and young adults' self-reported condom use, assessed by audio-computer-assisted self-interviewing, and Y-chromosome polymerase chain reaction (Yc-PCR) assay, a nondisease marker for detecting the presence of sperm in vaginal fluid for 14 days after unprotected vaginal sex. Design: Randomized trial of a human immunodeficiency virus prevention program. Only data from baseline (before randomization) were used for this analysis. Setting: A clinic-based sample in Atlanta, Georgia. Participants: Eligible teens and young adults were African American female teens and young adults 15 to 21 years old who had reported sexual activity in the previous 60 days. Of 1558 teens and young adults screened from March 1, 2002, through August 31, 2004, 847 were eligible and 715 (84.4%) participated at baseline. Main Outcome Measures: Self-reported consistent condom use in the 14 days before baseline and Yc-PCR results. Results: Of participants who reported vaginal sex in the past 14 days, 186 reported consistent condom use, defined as 100% condom use. Of these, 63 had a positive Yc-PCR result, indicating detection of the Y chromosome in the vaginal fluid. Participants who reported consistent condom use with a self-reported history of sexually transmitted diseases were 2.4 times more likely to have a positive Yc-PCR result (adjusted odds ratio, 2.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-4.8; P =.01). Conclusions: A significant degree of discordance between self-reports of consistent condom use and Yc- PCR positivity was observed. Several rival explanations for the observed discordance exist, including (1) teens and young adults inaccurately reported condom use; (2) teens and young adults used condoms consistently but used them incorrectly, resulting in user error; and (3) teens and young adults responded with socially desirable answers. Using an objective biological measure may provide one strategy for validating teens' and young adults' self-reported condom use.Theory-Based Analysis of Interest in an HIV Vaccine for Reasons Indicative of Risk Compensation Among African American Women
AbstractPainter, J. E., Temple, B. S., Woods, L. A., Cwiak, C., Haddad, L. B., Mulligan, M. J., & DiClemente, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2018Journal title
Health Education and BehaviorVolume
45Issue
3Page(s)
444-453AbstractLicensure of an HIV vaccine could reduce or eliminate HIV among vulnerable populations. However, vaccine effectiveness could be undermined by risk compensation (RC), defined by an increase in risky behavior due to a belief that the vaccine will confer protection. Interest in an HIV vaccine for reasons indicative of RC may serve as an indicator of actual RC in a postlicensure era. This study assessed factors associated with interest in an HIV vaccine for reasons indicative of RC among African American women aged 18 to 55 years, recruited from a hospital-based family planning clinic in Atlanta, Georgia (N = 321). Data were collected using audio-computer–assisted surveys. Survey items were guided by risk homeostasis theory and social cognitive theory. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess determinants of interest in an HIV vaccine for reasons indicative of RC. Thirty-eight percent of the sample expressed interest in an HIV vaccine for at least one reason indicative of RC. In the final model, interest in an HIV vaccine for reasons indicative of RC was positively associated with higher impulsivity, perceived benefits of sexual risk behaviors, and perceived benefits of HIV vaccination; it was negatively associated with having at least some college education, positive future orientation, and self-efficacy for sex refusal. Results suggest that demographic, personality, and theory-based psychosocial factors are salient to wanting an HIV vaccine for reasons indicative of RC, and underscore the need for risk-reduction counseling alongside vaccination during the eventual rollout of an HIV vaccine.Threats of cross-contamination on effects of a sexual risk reduction intervention : Fact or fiction
AbstractLang, D. L., DiClemente, R., Hardin, J. W., Crosby, R. A., Salazar, L. F., & Hertzberg, V. S. (n.d.).Publication year
2009Journal title
Prevention ScienceVolume
10Issue
3Page(s)
270-275AbstractThis study sought to empirically evaluate the extent and impact of cross-contamination on the effects of a STI/HIV intervention trial previously shown to be effective in reducing high-risk sexual behaviors among African-American adolescent females. Participants were recruited through community health agencies in the Southeastern United States and comprised 522 sexually active 14- to 18- year-old African-American females who completed self-administered questionnaires and face-to-face interviews at baseline, 6- and 12-month time points. Participants were randomized to a STI/HIV risk reduction group or a general health promotion groups. The STI/HIV intervention group participated in four group sessions addressing constructs such as HIV knowledge, communication, condom use self-efficacy and condom use behaviors. The control group participated in four group sessions focused on general health topics. The study setting afforded multiple opportunities for cross-talk between intervention and control group participants. Consistent condom use, defined as condom use during every vaginal sex act, was the primary outcome measure. Other outcome measures included various sexual behaviors, observed condom application skills and psychosocial variables associated with HIV preventive behaviors. Approximately 73% of participants reported some level of cross-talk. Linear and binary GEE models assessing the impact of the STI/HIV intervention on contaminated vs. uncontaminated control group participants indicated no differential effects of the intervention. Furthermore, equivalence tests demonstrated that contaminated and uncontaminated control groups were equivalent. Findings from this study provide empirical evidence suggesting that behavioral and psychosocial outcomes may be resistant to cross-contamination in randomized controlled trials testing safer sex interventions among African-American adolescent females.Time-varying risk behaviors among adolescents : Implications for enhancing the effectiveness of sexual risk reduction interventions
AbstractCoyle, K. K., & DiClemente, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2014Journal title
Journal of Adolescent HealthVolume
55Issue
4Page(s)
465-466Abstract~Towards an integrated framework for accelerating the end of the global HIV epidemic among young people
AbstractDiClemente, R., & Jackson, J. M. (n.d.).Publication year
2014Journal title
Sex EducationVolume
14Issue
5Page(s)
609-621AbstractFor decades, the HIV epidemic has exacted an enormous toll worldwide. However, trend analyses have discerned significant declines in the overall prevalence of HIV over the last two decades. More recently, advances in biomedical, behavioural, and structural interventions offer considerable promise in the battle against generalised epidemics. Despite advances in the prevention of transmission and new infections, morbidity and mortality of HIV among young people remains a considerable concern for individuals, couples, families, communities, practitioners, and policy-makers around the globe. To accelerate the end of the global HIV epidemic among young people, we must merge existing efficacious interventions with more novel, cost-effective implementation strategies to develop integrated, multi-level combination interventions. The benefits of conceptualising the HIV epidemic more broadly and adopting ecological frameworks for the development of HIV prevention programmes are critical.Towards an integrated framework for accelerating the end of the global HIV epidemic among young people
AbstractDiClemente, R., & Jackson, J. M. (n.d.).Publication year
2014Journal title
Sex EducationVolume
14Issue
5Page(s)
609-621AbstractFor decades, the HIV epidemic has exacted an enormous toll worldwide. However, trend analyses have discerned significant declines in the overall prevalence of HIV over the last two decades. More recently, advances in biomedical, behavioural, and structural interventions offer considerable promise in the battle against generalised epidemics. Despite advances in the prevention of transmission and new infections, morbidity and mortality of HIV among young people remains a considerable concern for individuals, couples, families, communities, practitioners, and policy-makers around the globe. To accelerate the end of the global HIV epidemic among young people, we must merge existing efficacious interventions with more novel, cost-effective implementation strategies to develop integrated, multi-level combination interventions. The benefits of conceptualising the HIV epidemic more broadly and adopting ecological frameworks for the development of HIV prevention programmes are critical.Trajectories of Physical Violence Against Latinas and Black Women : The Protective Role of Parents, Neighborhoods, and Schools
AbstractCapasso, A., Tozan, Y., DiClemente, R., & Pahl, K. (n.d.).Publication year
2025Journal title
Violence Against WomenAbstractUnderstanding the heterogeneous experiences of violence experienced by Black and Latina women over the life course is critical to prevention. We identified four physical violence trajectories experienced by 361 Black and Latina women followed from ages 14 to 39: low/none (44.0%), persistent-moderate (36.8%), peak in the 20s (11.9%), and persistent-high (7.2%) violence exposure. Childhood abuse predicted membership in the three violence-exposed groups, whereas parental closeness, school academic orientation, and neighborhood safety were protective factors. Public health interventions aimed at preventing childhood trauma and ensuring safe interpersonal relationships and environments for girls to thrive are urgently needed.Translating an effective group- based hiv prevention program to a program delivered primarily by a computer : Methods and outcomes
AbstractCard, J. J., Kuhn, T., Solomon, J., Benner, T. A., Wingood, G. M., & DiClemente, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2011Journal title
AIDS Education and PreventionVolume
23Issue
2Page(s)
159-174AbstractWe describe development of SAHARA (SISTAS Accessing HIV/AIDS Resources At-a-click), an innovative HIV prevention program that uses a computer to deliver an updated version of SiSTA, a widely used, effective group-level HIV prevention intervention for African American women ages 18-29. Fidelity to SiSTA's core components was achieved using: (1) video clips featuring group discussions and modeling of appropriate sexual- and contraceptive-related behavior; and (2) interactive Flash modules facilitating cognitive rehearsal, providing learning experiences through games and quizzes, and providing opportunities for simulated role-play. A preliminary outcome study of SAHARA conducted at Planned Parenthood, Atlanta, found that SAHARA, when followed by a brief 20-minute wrap-up group session facilitated by a health educator, was effective in promoting consistent condom use for vaginal sex. We discuss the potential advantages and challenges of an intervention like SAHARA delivered by computer to an individual, versus one like SiSTA delivered by a health educator to a small group.Trends and predictors of COVID-19 information sources and their relationship with knowledge and beliefs related to the pandemic : Nationwide cross-sectional study
AbstractAli, S. H., Foreman, J., Tozan, Y., Capasso, A., Jones, A. M., & DiClemente, R. (n.d.).Publication year
2020Journal title
JMIR Public Health and SurveillanceVolume
6Issue
4AbstractBackground: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a heightened need to understand health information seeking behaviors to address disparities in knowledge and beliefs about the crisis. Objective: This study assessed sociodemographic predictors of the use and trust of different COVID-19 information sources, as well as the association between information sources and knowledge and beliefs about the pandemic. Methods: An online survey was conducted among US adults in two rounds during March and April 2020 using advertisement-based recruitment on social media. Participants were asked about their use of 11 different COVID-19 information sources as well as their most trusted source of information. The selection of COVID-related knowledge and belief questions was based on past empirical literature and salient concerns at the time of survey implementation. Results: The sample consisted of 11,242 participants. When combined, traditional media sources (television, radio, podcasts, or newspapers) were the largest sources of COVID-19 information (91.2%). Among those using mainstream media sources for COVID-19 information (n=7811, 69.5%), popular outlets included CNN (24.0%), Fox News (19.3%), and other local or national networks (35.2%). The largest individual information source was government websites (87.6%). They were also the most trusted source of information (43.3%), although the odds of trusting government websites were lower among males (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.58, 95% CI 0.53-0.63) and those aged 40-59 years and ≥60 years compared to those aged 18-39 years (AOR 0.83, 95% CI 0.74-0.92; AOR 0.62, 95% CI 0.54-0.71). Participants used an average of 6.1 sources (SD 2.3). Participants who were male, aged 40-59 years or ≥60 years; not working, unemployed, or retired; or Republican were likely to use fewer sources while those with children and higher educational attainment were likely to use more sources. Participants surveyed in April were markedly less likely to use (AOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.35-0.46) and trust (AOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.47-0.56) government sources. The association between information source and COVID-19 knowledge was mixed, while many COVID-19 beliefs were significantly predicted by information source; similar trends were observed with reliance on different types of mainstream media outlets. Conclusions: COVID-19 information source was significantly determined by participant sociodemographic characteristics and was also associated with both knowledge and beliefs about the pandemic. Study findings can help inform COVID-19 health communication campaigns and highlight the impact of using a variety of different and trusted information sources.Trends in alcohol, drug and cigarette use among Haitian youth in Miami-Bade County, Florida
AbstractDiClemente, R., Marcelin, L. H., Vivian, J., Dilemente, R., Shultz, J., & Bryan Page, J. (n.d.).Publication year
2005Journal title
Journal of Ethnicity in Substance AbuseVolume
4Issue
1Page(s)
105-131AbstractThe objective of this article is to report on prevalence of drug and cigarette use among a segment of Haitian youth in the United States. The article is an argument in favor of contextualizing knowledge about drug use among young people across socioethnic lines. Because initiation of licit and illicit drugs tends to occur during adolescence, ethnic differentiation is crucial if we are to understand the drug experience among young people in the United States. Immigration, acculturation, and identity processes are critical in refuting the conventional racial categorization commonly used for interpretation of risks and behaviors among youth in the United States. The task of bringing empirical evidence to bear on drug use and drug choices by young people from different contexts will lead to the re-examination of patterns of drug use as well as to creative ways of conceptualizing these patterns.