Sexual-risk behaviour, self-perceived risk and knowledge of sexually transmissible infections among young Australians attending a music festival

Sexual Health ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan S. C. Lim ◽  
Margaret E. Hellard ◽  
Campbell K. Aitken ◽  
Jane S. Hocking
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
Sexual Risk Behaviour ◽  
Unsafe Sex ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Metropolitan Regions ◽  
Music Festival ◽  
Multiple Partners ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections

Background: Prevalences of sexually transmissible infections (STI), unsafe sex and abortions are increasing in Australia and people aged 16 to 29 are particularly at risk. We conducted a survey of behaviour, knowledge and perceptions of STI risk among young people attending a longstanding annual music festival called the Big Day Out. Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to a cross-sectional sample of people aged 16 to 29 years attending a music festival (Big Day Out). Results: Completed questionnaires were collected from 939 participants (507 females, 432 males) whose median age was 20 years. Of the participants, 751 (80%) had ever had vaginal or anal sex. In the previous year, 48% had multiple partners and in the past 3 months 66% had a new partner. Of these, 224 (39%; 30% of those who had ever had sex) did not use condoms all or most of the time and were classified as being at risk of STI; however, only 24% of those so classified perceived that they were at risk of an STI. In total, 43% of all sexually experienced participants had not used a condom because they reported being drunk or high at the time. STI knowledge was poor overall and male participants, those living in non-metropolitan regions, those under the age of 20 and those with less schooling scored relatively poorly. Conclusions: Our data suggest that young men and women who attend the Big Day Out are sexually active young adults with limited knowledge of STI and blood-borne viruses who regularly engage in behaviours that put them at risk of infection.

Young women's misperceptions about sexually transmissible infection testing: a 'clean and clear' misunderstanding

Sexual Health ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara K. Head ◽  
Richard A. Crosby ◽  
Lydia A. Shrier ◽  
Gregory R. Moore
Keyword(s):  
Young Women ◽  
Sexual Debut ◽  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
Healthcare Setting ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sexual Risk Behaviour ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background: This exploratory study investigated young women’s perceptions of sexually transmissible infection (STI) testing received during gynaecological care. Correlates of the incorrect perception that STI testing occurred were assessed. Methods: Cross-sectional study of sexually active young women, age 18–24 years, attending a university healthcare setting for gynaecological care (n = 109). Two hundred and four women were approached and 87 were ineligible; of the remaining 117, 93.2% chose to enrol. Results: Of the women enrolled, 25.7% falsely perceived that they were STI tested (labelled ‘clean and clear’). Only approximately one in seven (14.7%) accurately understood the STI for which they were tested. In multivariate analyses, controlling for race, STI symptoms, depression, number of lifetime visits to the gynaecologist, and suspicion of current STI, three variables were significant: minority race (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.84, confidence interval (CI) = 1.38–16.96, P = 0.01), earlier age at sexual debut (AOR = 4.67, CI = 1.73–12.57, P = 0.002), and previous STI diagnosis (AOR = 3.38, CI = 1.07–10.66, P = 0.04). Comment: The findings suggest that many young women may have an inaccurate understanding of the STI testing they undergo during gynaecological care and may operate under the misperception they are ‘clean and clear’ of STI. Women with said misperception were more likely to be of minority race and report relatively earlier age of sexual debut and previous STI diagnosis. Further investigation is warranted to determine whether the ‘clean and clear’ misperception influences young women’s sexual risk behaviour.

Sexual health knowledge and behaviour of young Sudanese Queenslanders: a cross-sectional study

Sexual Health ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 254 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Dean ◽  
Marion Mitchell ◽  
Donald Stewart ◽  
Joseph Debattista
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Health ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Forced Migration ◽  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
Sexual Risk Behaviour ◽  
Hiv Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Behaviour Score ◽  
Sexual Health Knowledge

Background Forced migration is associated with sexual vulnerability. However, little is known about the sexual health literacy and needs of refugee-background youth post resettlement. Methods: Conducted in partnership with the Queensland Sudanese community, this study used a cross-sectional survey to explore the sexual health knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of a convenience sample of 16- to 24-year-old Sudanese-background youth in Australia (n = 229). Results: Sexually transmissible infection (STI) and HIV knowledge scores were generally low, although they were found to significantly improve the longer participants had lived in Australia (P < 0.001). Female participants reported significantly higher levels of both STI and HIV knowledge compared with the male cohort (P < 0.001). The aggregated sexual risk behaviour score suggests generally low levels of risk-taking behaviour. However, of the 140 sexually active participants, 3.1% reported a STI diagnosis, 9.0% reported sex leading to a pregnancy and 33.1% reported they had experienced unwanted sex. Participants also reported engaging in behaviours such as anal sex (33%) and sharing injecting drug equipment. Conclusions: Patterns of sexual behaviour among this predominately refugee-background group are not dissimilar to those of other young Australians. Nonetheless, the self-reported patterns of risk behaviour combined with the low and inaccurate levels of sexual health knowledge suggest this group of young people remain sexually vulnerable, particularly early within their resettlement experience. Culturally and contextually informed sexual health interventions are needed early within the resettlement experience.

scholarly journals Self-reported testing and treatment histories among older Australian men and women who may be at risk of a sexually transmissible infection

Sexual Health ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy Heywood ◽  
Anthony Lyons ◽  
Bianca Fileborn ◽  
Victor Minichiello ◽  
Catherine Barrett ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Family Doctor ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Past ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Education Campaigns ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection

Background: Rates of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) are increasing among older adults in many countries. Little is known about the testing and treatment histories of these populations. Correlates of testing in the past 5 years among older adults who may be at risk of a STI were examined. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 2137 Australians aged 60+ years that involved questions on STIs and STI testing was conducted in 2015. To help inform potential education campaigns, analyses focused on those who may have been at risk of a STI (n = 805, 38%). Results: Less than one in three reported a STI test in the past 5 years (n = 241, 30%) while 6% (n = 51) reported a STI diagnosis. Those diagnosed typically received treatment from a family doctor or general practitioner. Among men, lower testing rates were associated with older age, identifying as heterosexual, lower educational attainment, not using online dating and reporting one partner in the past 5 years. For women, lower rates of testing were found among those who did not use a condom at their most recent sexual encounter and those with one partner in the past 5 years. Conclusions: STI testing rates were low. This study indicates that consideration should be given to the way targeted education campaigns are formulated, such as emphasising the importance of STI testing to older people who are at risk, as well as encouraging healthcare professionals to discuss sexual health with their older patients.

scholarly journals Erection loss in association with condom use among young men attending a public STI clinic: potential correlates and implications for risk behaviour

Sexual Health ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cynthia A. Graham ◽  
Richard Crosby ◽  
William L. Yarber ◽  
Stephanie A. Sanders ◽  
Kimberly McBride ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Condom Use ◽  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Inconsistent Condom ◽  
Multiple Partners ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Vaginal Sex ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Cd Recording ◽  
Inconsistent Condom Use

Background: To assess prevalence of condom-associated erection loss and to identify correlates of erection loss among men attending a sexually transmissible infections (STI) clinic. Methods: Men (n = 278) attending an STI clinic responded to an anonymous questionnaire aided by a CD recording of the questions. The sample was screened to include only men who had used a condom during penile–vaginal sex at least three times in the past 3 months. Erection loss was assessed for ‘the last three times a condom was used’. Results: The mean age of the participants was 23.7 years (s.d. = 4.1); 37.1% of the men reported condom-associated erection loss on at least one occasion. Men who had reported condom-associated erection loss were also reported having more frequent unprotected vaginal sex (P = 0.04) and were less likely to use condoms consistently (P = 0.014) than men without erection loss. Men with erection loss were also more likely to remove condoms before sex was over (P = 0.001). Age and race/ethnicity were not associated with erection loss. In multivariate analysis, three significant statistical predictors were identified: low self-efficacy to use condoms (P = 0.001); problems with ‘fit or feel’ of condoms (P = 0.005); and having more than three sex partners during the previous 3 months (P = 0.02). Conclusions: Condom-associated erection loss may be common among men at risk for STIs. This problem may lead to incomplete or inconsistent condom use. Men may be more likely to experience condom-associated erection loss if they lack confidence to use condoms correctly, if they experience problems with the way condoms fit or feel, and if they have sex with multiple partners.

Sexual risk behaviours and HIV-1 prevalence among urban men who have sex with men in Cape Town, South Africa

Sexual Health ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Earl Burrell ◽  
Daniella Mark ◽  
Robert Grant ◽  
Robin Wood ◽  
Linda-Gail Bekker
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Sexual Risk ◽  
Cape Town ◽  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
Hiv Prevalence ◽  
Sexual Risk Behaviour ◽  
Risk Behaviours ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Hiv 1

Background: Distinct homosexual and heterosexual HIV epidemics have previously been recognised in South Africa. However, linked HIV prevalence and self-reported sexual risk behaviour data have not been reported for men who have sex with men (MSM) in Cape Town since 1986. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, anonymous, venue-based HIV risk behaviour and prevalence study of 542 self-identified MSM in greater Cape Town using a self-administered risk questionnaire and the OraSure® testing device to asses HIV-1 prevalence. Results: This sample had an overall HIV prevalence of 10.4% (56/539). We found that self-identifying as gay, homosexual or queer (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 4.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0–20.0) and reporting ever having had a sexually transmissible infection diagnosis (AOR 4.3, 95% CI: 2.3–8.3) were significantly predictive of testing HIV-1 positive, while reporting unprotected anal intercourse with a known HIV-negative partner (AOR 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2–0.9) was significantly protective. Conclusion: These data suggest a mature epidemic with consistent high-risk taking among MSM in Cape Town, and significant associations of select self-reported risk behaviours and HIV-1 serostatus. There is a need for continued and robust HIV surveillance along with detailed risk behaviour trends over time to inform the development of targeted risk-reduction interventions for this population.

scholarly journals Characterising HIV transmission risk among US patients with HIV in care: a cross-sectional study of sexual risk behaviour among individuals with viral load above 1500 copies/mL

2017 ◽  
Vol 94 (3) ◽  
pp. 206-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J Stirratt ◽  
Gary Marks ◽  
Christine O’Daniels ◽  
Edward R Cachay ◽  
Meg Sullivan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Sexual Risk ◽  
Hiv Transmission ◽  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Transmission Risk ◽  
Sexual Risk Behaviour ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Viral Loads

ObjectivesViral load and sexual risk behaviour contribute to HIV transmission risk. High HIV viral loads present greater transmission risk than transient viral ‘blips’ above an undetectable level. This paper therefore characterises sexual risk behaviour among patients with HIV in care with viral loads>1500 copies/mL and associated demographic characteristics.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted at six HIV outpatient clinics in USA. The study sample comprises 1315 patients with HIV with a recent viral load >1500 copies/mL. This study sample was drawn from a larger sample of individuals with a recent viral load >1000 copies/mL who completed a computer-assisted self-interview (CASI) regarding sexual risk practices in the last 2 months. The study sample was 32% heterosexual men, 38% men who have sex with men (MSM) and 30% women.ResultsNinety per cent of the sample had their viral load assay within 60 days of the CASI. Thirty-seven per cent reported being sexually active (vaginal or anal intercourse) in the last 2 months. Most of the sexually active participants reported always using condoms (56.9%) or limiting condomless sex to seroconcordant partners (serosorting; 29.2% overall and 42.9% among MSM). Among sexually active participants who reported condomless anal or vaginal sex with an at-risk partner (14%), most had viral loads>10 000 copies/mL (62%).ConclusionsA relatively small number of patients with HIV in care with viral loads above 1500 copies/mL reported concurrent sexual transmission risk behaviours. Most of the individuals in this small group had markedly elevated viral loads, increasing the probability of transmission. Directing interventions to patients in care with high viral loads and concurrent risk behaviour could strengthen HIV prevention and reduce HIV infections.Trial registration numberNCT02044484, completed.

Sexual risk behaviour and its correlates among adolescents in Indonesia, Laos, Thailand and Timor-Leste: results from national school surveys in 2015

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl Peltzer ◽  
Supa Pengpid
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Risk ◽  
Sexuality Education ◽  
Scale Up ◽  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
Sexual Risk Behaviour ◽  
Risk Behaviours ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Multiple Sexual Partners ◽  
Timor Leste ◽  
Sexual Risk Behaviours

AbstractObjectivesThe study aimed to assess the prevalence and correlates of sexual risk behaviours among adolescents in four Southeast Asian countries.MethodsIn the cross-sectional “Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS)”, 24,423 adolescents (mean age 14.1 years, SD=1.7) from Indonesia, Laos, Thailand and Timor-Leste responded to a questionnaire in 2015.ResultsOverall, 8.5% of the students (11.0% males and 6.3% females) ever had sex, ranging from 5.3% in Indonesia to 26.4% in Timor-Leste. Among the sexually active, 49.3% (55.9% males and 36.8% females) had their first sexual intercourse before the age 14 years, ranging from 16.1% in Laos to 73.9% in Indonesia, 59.7% (62.6% males and 53.5% females) had multiple sexual partners, ranging from 55.5% in Timor-Leste to 63.4% in Indonesia, 46.9% (46.8% males and 46.5% females) did not use a condom at last sex, ranging from 37.0% in Thailand to 65.3% in Indonesia, 49.8% (53.7% males and 43.7% females) had not used or did not know of the use of birth control at last sex, ranging from 40.6% in Thailand to 61.5% in Timor-Leste, and 54.2% (54.9% males and 47.0% females) engaged in multiple sexual risk behaviour, ranging from 45.9% in Laos to 78.0% in Indonesia. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, male sex, older age, food insecurity, tobacco use, alcohol use, ever cannabis and/or amphetamine use, psychological distress, and school truancy were associated with two or more and/or multiple sexual risk behaviours.ConclusionsA high proportion of students engaged in various sexual risk behaviours calling for a scale up comprehensive sexuality education and integration of substance use and mental health into such intervention programmes in this adolescent school population.

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