The Role of Objective Numeracy and Fluid Intelligence in Sex-Related Protective Behaviors

Title:The Role of Objective Numeracy and Fluid Intelligence in Sex-Related Protective Behaviors

Volume: 13 Issue: 5

Author(s): Nathan F. Dieckmann, Ellen Peters, Juan Leon, Martin Benavides, David P. Baker and Alison Norris

Affiliation:

Keywords: Condom use, decision making, intelligence, HIV/AIDS, numeracy.

Abstract: A wealth of studies has indicated that greater cognitive ability is related to healthier behaviors and outcomes throughout the lifespan. In the present paper, we focus on objective numeracy (ability with numbers) and present findings from a study conducted in the Peruvian Highlands that examines the relations among formal education, numeracy, other more general cognitive skills, and a sex-related protective behavior (condom use). Our results show a potential unique protective effect of numeracy on this healthprotective behavior even after accounting for measures of fluid intelligence and potential confounding factors. These results add to a growing literature highlighting the robust protective effect on health behaviors of greater cognitive skills that are enhanced through schooling. Challenges for future research will be identifying the causal mechanisms that underlie these effects and translating this knowledge into effective interventions for improving health.

Cite this article as:

Dieckmann F. Nathan, Peters Ellen, Leon Juan, Benavides Martin, Baker P. David and Norris Alison, The Role of Objective Numeracy and Fluid Intelligence in Sex-Related Protective Behaviors, Current HIV Research 2015; 13 (5) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1570162X13666150511123841