The Multidisciplinary Chair, Discussing Strategies and Tactics for Success.

Participants will discuss specific strategies and tactics that can help in successful leadership of a multidisciplinary department

HIV/AIDS and Croatian Migrant Workers

Due to their geographical mobility and long periods of separation from intimate partners, migrant workers are at increased risk for a variety of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV/AIDS. This study sought to investigate patterns in HIV/AIDS related knowledge, attitudes and sexual behaviour in migrant workers in Croatia. In 2003, 566 male migrant workers were recruited during regular required medical examinations and surveyed at seven locations throughout the country. Each participant was asked to complete a self-administered KABP (sexual knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices) questionnaire. The average age of respondents was 38.2 years and the majority worked as seafarers (77.3%) and construction workers (20.5%). Only 18.5% of respondents were able to correctly answer all 13 questions assessing knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Seafarers reported higher levels of knowledge than did construction workers. The average respondent reported having had two sexual partners in the last 12 months, with slightly over half of the respondents (55.3%) reporting condom use at their last intercourse with a casual partner. One fifth of the respondents (20.3%) who reported having had intercourse with a sex worker during the last year reported not using condoms at last intercourse. The number of sexual partners was correlated with age, marital status, faith in God, and personal HIV risk assessment. Attitudes toward condom use, co-workers’ HIV/AIDS concerns and the duration of migrant status (within the last two years) were shown to be significant correlates of condom use at last intercourse with a casual partner. The effect of HIV/AIDS related knowledge on analyzed behaviors did not reach statistical significance. Inadequate patterns of migrant workers’ condom use, gaps in knowledge about HIV transmission and modes of protection, as well as widespread ignorance regarding available anonymous HIV testing found by this study suggest a critical need for expert intervention to avert the potential for an increase in new HIV/AIDS cases. A coordinated, systematic campaign for HIV/AIDS prevention among Croatian migrant workers should focus on increasing peer communication about HIV/AIDS, especially among younger migrant workers, and on reducing the frequency of sexual risk taking

Ethnic identity, academic achievement, and self-esteem among Mexican-American university students

This study examines the relationship between ethnic identity, academic achievement, and self-esteem among a sample of Mexican-American students at a predominantly European-American university. Mexican-American students reported a significantly stronger sense of ethnic identity relative to European-American students on a standardized measure of ethnic identity (Phinney, 1992). High scores on the ethnic identity measure were significantly correlated to a measure of self-esteem for both Mexican-American students and European-American students, but did not predict academic achievement for either group as measured by overall grade point average when sex and age were controlled for. Results and implications for the meaning of ethnic identity in a multi-cultural society are discussed as well as directions for future research

Ethnic identity, academic achievement, and self-esteem among Mexican-American university students

This study examines the relationship between ethnic identity, academic achievement, and self-esteem among a sample of Mexican-American students at a predominantly European-American university. Mexican-American students reported a significantly stronger sense of ethnic identity relative to European-American students on a standardized measure of ethnic identity (Phinney, 1992). High scores on the ethnic identity measure were significantly correlated to a measure of self-esteem for both Mexican-American students and European-American students, but did not predict academic achievement for either group as measured by overall grade point average when sex and age were controlled for. Results and implications for the meaning of ethnic identity in a multi-cultural society are discussed as well as directions for future research

Aleksandar Štulhofer a Vesna Buško DEVELOPMENT AND BI-CULTURAL VALIDATION OF THE NEW SEXUAL SATISFACTION SCALE DEVELOPMENT AND BI-CULTURAL VALIDATION OF THE NEW SEXUAL SATISFACTION SCALE

Abstract: We present the development and bi-cultural validation of a new composite measure of sexual satisfaction based on a 5-dimensional concept emphasizing the importance of sexual activity, sexual exchange, sexual sensations, sexual awareness/focus, and emotional closeness. Scale construction and validation were carried out using seven independent samples with over 2000 participants aged 18-55 in Croatia and the US. Reliability of the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale (the NSSS; k=20) was satisfactory in all samples and construct validity was confirmed in both cultures. The NSSS was also found to have acceptable one-month stability. A short version of the scale (k=12) demonstrated reliability and validity comparable to the full scale. It is suggested that the NSSS is a useful tool for assessing sexual satisfaction regardless of persons's gender, sexual orientation, and relationship status