Sexual behavior counseling in high-risk, minority women reduced the risk of sexually transmitted disease

High risk sexually transmitted disease (STD)/human immunodeficiency virus (HfV) transmission behaviour appears to be the norm, not the exception, for most adolescents. The perception of STD/HIV risk and actual risk do not always match. The major motivating factor for condom use evident in adolescents was fear of pregnancy, not fear of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome or STDs. Other factors influencing decreased condom use included: embarrassment about buying condoms: difficulty discussing condoms with a prospective partner; use of oral contraceptives; belief that condoms interfere with sexual pleasure; low HIV knowledge; and, for women, a large number of sexual partners. Overall. females reported having had more STDs than males. Prostitutes, both male and female, reported the highest rates (45% and 68%, respectively). Of the street youths studied, 16% reported having at least one prior STD diagnosis, compared to 9% of school dropouts and 5% of first year college students. The number of sexual partners and participation in anal intercourse strongly inlluenced the reported STD rate for street youths. STD/HIV risk reduction educational programs must be targeted and adapted to the cultural and social needs and resources of the different adolescent groups, particularly street youth, who are clearly a 'core' group for adolescent STD.

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The Contraceptive Needs for STD Protection Among Women in Jail

Health Education & Behavior ◽

10.1177/1090198110362467 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 37 (4) ◽

pp. 568-579 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Krista Oswalt ◽

Galen J. Hale ◽

Karen L. Cropsey ◽

Gabriella C. Villalobos ◽

Sara E. Ivey ◽

...

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Sexual Health ◽

Racial Differences ◽

Sexually Transmitted Disease ◽

Contraceptive Use ◽

Transmitted Disease ◽

Sexual Partners ◽

Contraceptive Methods ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Effective Contraceptive

We assessed the contraceptive needs of women in jails and their sexually transmitted disease (STD) history and risk to determine effective contraceptive methods for this population. A survey of demographics, sexual health, contraceptive use, and preferred method of contraception was completed by participants recruited at jails in a medium-sized metropolitan area. Results from 188 women indicated high rates of STDs, inconsistent contraceptive use, and use of unreliable and user-dependent contraception methods. Intended contraceptive use following release varied depending on women’s ability to bear children. Women planning to use condoms after release were more likely to have had an STD and more sexual partners than were women not planning to use condoms. Racial differences were found for participants’ sexual health and contraception histories. These women were at high risk for STDs and appeared to need education about contraception methods. Therefore, they might benefit from education on safe sex practices provided prior to release.

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