Impact evaluation of a youth sexually transmissible infection awareness campaign using routinely collected data sources

Sexual Health ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 234 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judy Gold ◽  
Jane Goller ◽  
Margaret Hellard ◽  
Megan S. C. Lim ◽  
Jane Hocking ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Impact Evaluation ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Chlamydia Testing ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Routinely Collected Data ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Testing Data

Background Young people are at high risk of sexually transmissible infections (STI) and notifications of chlamydia are rising rapidly. In 2007, a Victorian multimedia campaign aimed to increase STI testing and condom use among 18–25-year-olds. We conducted a retrospective impact evaluation using multiple sources of routinely collected data. Methods: Population-level chlamydia testing data from general practice, chlamydia testing data from five government primary care clinics with a high caseload of young people, and behavioural data from an annual youth behavioural survey were analysed. Analyses included time-series regression to assess trends in testing levels, Kruskal–Wallis tests to assess changes in positivity, and χ2-tests to assess knowledge and behaviour change. Results: There was no significant difference in the slope of monthly chlamydia testing in population-level or clinic-based surveillance during the campaign compared with before or after the campaign, and no changes in chlamydia positivity. Between 2007 and 2008, there was a significant increase in STI knowledge among females (P < 0.01) and in the proportion of females reporting always using a condom with casual (P = 0.04) and new sexual partners (P < 0.01) in the annual behavioural survey. Conclusions: Our findings suggest the campaign had no impact on STI testing but may have contributed to an increase in knowledge and condom use among females; however, this increase could not be directly attributed to the campaign. Future campaigns targeting young people for STI testing should consider alternative messages and approaches, and include robust evaluation mechanisms to measure campaign impact prospectively.

scholarly journals Identifying and understanding barriers to sexually transmissible infection testing among young people

Sexual Health ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 553 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Oliver de Visser ◽  
Nancy O'Neill
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Qualitative Analysis ◽  
Injunctive Norms ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Perceived Susceptibility ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Sexual Histories

Background To counter the disproportionate impact of sexually transmissible infections (STIs) among young people and encourage higher levels of STI testing, it is necessary to identify the factors that influence STI testing. Methods: A mixed-methods study incorporating a cross-sectional quantitative survey and qualitative analysis of individual interviews was conducted in England. Some 275 university students aged 17–25 years completed an online questionnaire. Interviews were conducted with a purposively selected sample of eight men and women. Results: Multivariate analysis of quantitative data revealed that injunctive norms (i.e. a desire to comply with others’ wishes for testing), descriptive norms (i.e. perceptions of others’ behaviour) and shame related to STIs predicted past testing behaviour. Intention to undergo testing was predicted by greater perceived susceptibility, past testing, stronger injunctive norms and greater willingness to disclose sexual histories. Qualitative analysis of interview data confirmed the importance of perceived susceptibility, normative beliefs, stigma and shame, and perceived ease of testing. Conclusions: To increase STI testing among young people, there is a need to promote pro-testing norms, address low perceived susceptibility and make testing easier.

Tracking the uptake of outcomes of hepatitis B virus testing using laboratory data in Victoria, 2011–16: a population-level cohort study

Sexual Health ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 358
Author(s):  
Caroline van Gemert ◽  
Wayne Dimech ◽  
Mark Stoove ◽  
Rebecca Guy ◽  
Jess Howell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
National Laboratory ◽  
Diagnostic Testing ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Sentinel Surveillance ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Testing Data ◽  
Hepatitis B Testing

Background A priority area in the 2016 Victorian Hepatitis B Strategy is to increase diagnostic testing. This study describes hepatitis B testing and positivity trends in Victoria between 2011 and 2016 using data from a national laboratory sentinel surveillance system. Methods: Line-listed diagnostic and monitoring hepatitis B testing data among Victorian individuals were collated from six laboratories participating in the Australian Collaboration for Coordinated Enhanced Sentinel Surveillance (ACCESS) of sexually transmissible infections and blood-borne viruses. Diagnostic tests included hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-only tests and guideline-based hepatitis B tests (defined as a single test event for HBsAg, hepatitis B surface antibody and hepatitis B core antibody). Using available data, the outcomes of testing and/or infection were further classified. Measures reported include the total number of HBsAg and guideline-based tests conducted and the proportion positive, classified as either HBsAg positive or chronic hepatitis B infection. Results: The number of HBsAg tests decreased slightly each year between 2011 and 2016 (from 91043 in 2011 to 79664 in 2016; P &lt; 0.001), whereas the number of guideline-based hepatitis B tests increased (from 8732 in 2011 to 16085 in 2016; P &lt;0.001). The proportion of individuals classified as having chronic infection decreased from 25% in 2011 to 7% in 2016, whereas the proportion classified as susceptible and immune due to vaccination increased (from 29% to 39%, and from 27% to 34%, respectively; P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: The study findings indicate an increased uptake of guideline-based hepatitis B testing. The ongoing collection of testing data can help monitor progress towards implementation of the Victorian Hepatitis B Strategy.

scholarly journals Risk perceptions, misperceptions and sexual behaviours among young heterosexual people with gonorrhoea in Perth, Western Australia

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roanna Lobo ◽  
Josephine Rayson ◽  
Jonathan Hallett ◽  
Donna B Mak
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Young People ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Risk Perceptions ◽  
Sexual Partners ◽  
Sexual History ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections

Background Notification rates of gonorrhoea in Australia for heterosexual young adults rose by 63% between 2012 and 2016. In Western Australian major cities, there was a 612% increase among non-Aboriginal females and a 358% increase in non-Aboriginal males in the ten-year period 2007–2016. A qualitative public health investigation was initiated to inform appropriate action. Methods Eighteen semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with non-Aboriginal heterosexual young adults aged 18–34 years living in Perth, Western Australia, who had recently been notified to the Department of Health with gonorrhoea, to explore the context of their sexual interactions and lifestyles which could have predisposed them to contracting gonorrhoea. Data were thematically analysed. Results Common themes were having several casual sexual partners, limited communication between sexual partners about condom use or sexual history prior to engaging in sexual activity, inconsistent condom use, normalisation of some sexually transmissible infections amongst young people, and poor understandings and assessment of sexually transmissible infection risk. Conclusions The findings support public health interventions that focus on communication between sexual partners and shifting of risk perceptions in sexual health education programs, ensuring accessibility of quality sexual health information, increasing condom accessibility and acceptability, and on strategies for addressing misperceptions of young people in relation to sexually transmitted infections.

scholarly journals Safetxt: a safer sex intervention delivered by mobile phone messaging on sexually transmitted infections (STI) among young people in the UK - protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. e031635
Author(s):  
Caroline Free ◽  
Ona L McCarthy ◽  
Melissa J Palmer ◽  
Rosemary Knight ◽  
Phil Edwards ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Partner Notification ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Randomised Controlled ◽  
The Uk ◽  
To Receive

IntroductionYoung people aged 16 to 24 have the highest prevalence of genital chlamydia and gonorrhoea compared with other age groups and re-infection rates following treatment are high. Long-term adverse health effects include subfertility and ectopic pregnancy, particularly among those with repeated infections. We developed the safetxt intervention delivered by text message to reduce sexually transmitted infection (STI) by increasing partner notification, condom use and (STI) testing among young people in the UK.Methods and analysisA single-blind randomised trial to reliably establish the effect of the safetxt intervention on chlamydia and gonorrhoea infection at 1 year. We will recruit 6250 people aged 16 to 24 years who have recently been diagnosed with chlamydia, gonorrhoea or non-specific urethritis from health services in the UK. Participants will be allocated to receive the safetxt intervention (text messages designed to promote safer sexual health behaviours) or to receive the control text messages (monthly messages asking participants about changes in contact details) by an automated remote online randomisation system. The primary outcome will be the cumulative incidence of chlamydia and gonorrhoea infection at 1 year assessed by nucleic acid amplification tests. Secondary outcomes include partner notification, correct treatment of infection, condom use and STI testing prior to sex with new partners.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was obtained from NHS Health Research Authority - London – Riverside Research Ethics Committee (REC reference: 15/LO/1665) and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. We will submit the results of the trial for publication in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberInternational Standard Randomised Controlled Trials Number:ISRCTN64390461. Registered on 17thMarch 2016.WHO trial registration data setavailable at:http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=ISRCTN64390461.Trial protocol version12, 19thJuly 2018.

scholarly journals Impact of peer education on sexual health knowledge among adolescents and young persons in two North Western states of Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Selema Akuiyibo ◽  
Jennifer Anyanti ◽  
Omokhudu Idogho ◽  
Sara Piot ◽  
Babatunde Amoo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Reproductive Health ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Sexual Partner ◽  
Health Knowledge ◽  
Peer Education ◽  
Education Intervention ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Post Test

Abstract Background Generally, social development among young people is largely influenced by their peers. Peer education is a proven and effective approach for promoting reproductive health among young people, especially HIV/AIDS education. This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of a peer-led education intervention in addressing sexual and reproductive health related knowledge and concerns among young people in Kaduna and Kano States, northwest Nigeria. Methods A pre and post-test study was conducted among 8930 young people aged 15–24 years who participated in the MTV Shuga Peer Education intervention selected from communities in Kaduna and Kano States. A baseline pre-test was conducted before the education program, and it was followed up with a post-test at the end of the five-day long peer education sessions. Results Majority of the respondents, 7846 (87.9%) were adolescents aged 15–19 years while the rest 1084 (12.1%) were young adults aged 20–24 years. A total of 6099 (68.3%) of the respondents correctly stated that condoms prevent pregnancy during the pre-test compared to 6429 (72.0%) peers during the post test. Lower abdominal pain was correctly indicated as a symptom of STI by 6282 (70.3%) and 6984 (78.2%) of the respondents at pre-test and post-test respectively. More males (58.5%) had good knowledge about condom use compared to the females, 51.9% (χ2 = 24.62, p < 0.001). while more females (79.6%) compared to 74.7% males opined that going for HIV test with their sexual partner is important to them during the pre-test (χ2 = 19.44, p≤ 0.001).However, no significant difference was observed on knowledge of condom use and opinion on going for HIV testing with sexual partner among either gender at post-test. Conclusion Significant positive changes in knowledge, views and opinions regarding STIs and HIV, HIV anti-stigma and the use of condoms were observed following exposure to the peer sessions of the MTV Shuga peer education intervention. Sustained exposure and access to informative and enlightening peer education sessions over time have the potential to comprehensively improve SRH knowledge, influence positive opinion change and in turn adoption of positive behaviours among young people.

scholarly journals Premarital relationships and condom use among young people in Suva, Fiji

Sexual Health ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 337
Author(s):  
Elke Mitchell ◽  
Stephen Bell
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Sexual Relationships ◽  
Sexual Pleasure ◽  
Male Dominance ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Premarital Relationships ◽  
Adult Beliefs

Abstract Background Young people in Fiji experience high rates of sexually transmissible infections and early pregnancy. Despite being identified as a key priority group in national strategies, little is known about use of condoms among young people in premarital relationships. This study aimed to enhance understandings of premarital sex and condom use practices among young people in Fiji. Methods: Focus group discussions with 33 young women and men aged 18–29 years and 17 interviews with young women aged 18–26 years in an urban setting in Fiji were conducted. Inductive thematic analysis examined condom use practices. Results: Participants described a range of contextual influences inhibiting or enabling condom use. Factors inhibiting condom use included sociocultural expectations regarding premarital abstinence; young people’s engagement in hidden sexual relationships; limited intergenerational dialogue about sexual health issues; judgmental attitude of staff at condom access points; male dominance of condom use preferences; and belief condoms disrupt intimacy, reduce sexual pleasure and infer a lack of trust. Factors that enhanced condom use included accessing condoms through discreet methods; adult beliefs that supported safe sex practices; and refusing to have sex without a condom. Conclusion: Findings broaden understandings of young people’s condom use practices in Suva, Fiji. The findings illustrate the need for culturally appropriate youth-centred sexual and reproductive health (SRH) programs and services. Specific strategies that might enhance young people’s condom use include community- and youth-led responses; peer condom distribution; provision of condom dispensers in community settings; scaling up of youth-friendly SRH services; and the delivery of comprehensive sexuality and relationships education.

Corrigendum to: Young Deadly Free: impact evaluation of a sexual health youth peer education program in remote Australian communities

Sexual Health ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 547
Author(s):  
Roanna Lobo ◽  
Belinda D'Costa ◽  
Linda Forbes ◽  
James Ward
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Education Program ◽  
Aboriginal People ◽  
Peer Education ◽  
Community Health Services ◽  
Remote Communities ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Peer Education Program

Background:Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in remote and very remote communities in Australia experience high rates of sexually transmissible infections (STIs), 4- to 29-fold the rates reported for non-Aboriginal people living in remote areas. Young people aged 16–29 years are particularly vulnerable to STIs. The Young Deadly Free (YDF) sexual health youth peer education program was implemented in 15 remote or very remote communities in four Australian jurisdictions in an effort to address endemic STI rates in these communities. The present study sought to evaluate the effect of YDF for Aboriginal young people. Methods: Young people (n = 128) participated in youth peer educator training to deliver peer education sessions on sexual health topics to other young people in their communities. Pre and post surveys were used to examine changes in STI knowledge, attitudes and behavioural intentions of the young people attending the peer education sessions. GHRANITE software extracted deidentified STI testing data for young people attending 13 community health services. Results: Young people (n = 426) attended peer education sessions delivered by trained youth peer educators. Pre and post surveys were completed by 174 and 172 young people respectively (median age 20 years). Gains were reported in STI knowledge, intentions to test (χ2 = 10.58, d.f. = 4, n = 142, P Conclusions: Peer education can enhance the sexual health literacy of young Aboriginal people residing in remote communities. The extent to which knowledge gains result in behaviours that prevent STI transmission requires further evaluation. Normalising STI testing among Aboriginal young people would help reduce feelings of shame.

Young Deadly Free: impact evaluation of a sexual health youth peer education program in remote Australian communities

Sexual Health ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 397
Author(s):  
Roanna Lobo ◽  
Belinda D'Costa ◽  
Linda Forbes ◽  
James Ward
Keyword(s):  
Young People ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Education Program ◽  
Aboriginal People ◽  
Peer Education ◽  
Community Health Services ◽  
Remote Communities ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Peer Education Program

Background Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in remote and very remote communities in Australia experience high rates of sexually transmissible infections (STIs), 4- to 29-fold the rates reported for non-Aboriginal people living in remote areas. Young people aged 16–29 years are particularly vulnerable to STIs. The Young Deadly Free (YDF) sexual health youth peer education program was implemented in 15 remote or very remote communities in four Australian jurisdictions in an effort to address endemic STI rates in these communities. The present study sought to evaluate the effect of YDF for Aboriginal young people. Methods: Young people (n = 128) participated in youth peer educator training to deliver peer education sessions on sexual health topics to other young people in their communities. Pre and post surveys were used to examine changes in STI knowledge, attitudes and behavioural intentions of the young people attending the peer education sessions. GHRANITE software extracted deidentified STI testing data for young people attending 13 community health services. Results: Young people (n = 426) attended peer education sessions delivered by trained youth peer educators. Pre and post surveys were completed by 174 and 172 young people respectively (median age 20 years). Gains were reported in STI knowledge, intentions to test (χ2 = 10.58, d.f. = 4, n = 142, P &lt; 0.001) and number of STI tests (50.8% increase from baseline). Feelings of shame associated with STI testing remained high (39.5% post survey). Conclusions: Peer education can enhance the sexual health literacy of young Aboriginal people residing in remote communities. The extent to which knowledge gains result in behaviours that prevent STI transmission requires further evaluation. Normalising STI testing among Aboriginal young people would help reduce feelings of shame.

Trends in testing and notification for genital gonorrhoea in a northern Australian district, 2004 - 2008

Sexual Health ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiunn-Yih Su ◽  
John R. Condon
Keyword(s):  
Laboratory Testing ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Northern Territory ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Moderate Correlation ◽  
Matching Method ◽  
Notification Rate ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Testing Data ◽  
Notification Data

Background The study aimed to examine the trends in notification and testing for genital gonorrhoea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) in the Darwin Remote District of Northern Territory, Australia, between 2004 and 2008. Methods: Using laboratory testing data and notification data, we calculated the annual sex- and age-specific notification rates, testing rates and positivity rates, and examined their trends. A deterministic matching method was used to identify unique individuals tested in order to estimate the number of years out of five in which each individual was tested. The correlation between testing rates and notification rates was calculated. Results: The notification rates for the 15–24 year age group increased sharply from 2004 to 2005, and then trended downwards between 2005 and 2008, with a decrease of 48.2% in females and 59.9% in males. No evident trends were found in testing rates. The positivity rates for this age group decreased by 46.3% in females (from 8.9% to 4.8%), and by 70.4% in males (from 10.8% to 3.2%) between 2004 and 2008. Over 76% of the population in this age-group had been tested at least once during the study period. A moderate correlation was found between notification rates and testing rates in both sexes. Conclusions: There was a significant decreasing trend in the notification rate of gonorrhoea between 2005 and 2008, which was most probably due to a decrease in prevalence. This study demonstrates the importance and utility of population-level testing data in understanding the epidemiology of common bacterial sexually transmissible infections such as gonorrhoea.

Interventions for young people in Australia to reduce HIV and sexually transmissible infections: a systematic review

Sexual Health ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Kang ◽  
Rachel Skinner ◽  
Tim Usherwood
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Young People ◽  
Intervention Studies ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Sti Testing ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Impact

Background: Like young people in other developed countries, sexually active young Australians can have an increased risk of acquiring sexually transmissible infections (STIs). This paper reviews intervention programs that aim to reduce the incidence and transmission of HIV and STIs among young people in Australia. Methods: Articles were identified from seven databases. Intervention studies conducted in Australia that included young people aged 12–25 years were reviewed. A two-dimensional matrix consisting of ‘setting’ and ‘intervention type’ was developed to categorise each study. Results: Forty-two studies met the inclusion criteria, and the majority were uncontrolled intervention studies. Of these, 23/42 studies measured participation in chlamydia ± other STI testing and found that the highest participation rates took place in non-clinical and non-general practice health care settings. Four studies facilitated access to testing indirectly, through the internet or other media. Ten studies involved the provision of education and measured its impact on factors such as knowledge, attitudes and/or behaviour. Three studies involved novel immunisation strategies for either hepatitis B or human papillomavirus vaccines. Two studies evaluated the impact of enhanced STI surveillance programs on prevalence rates. Conclusions: Proactive STI testing in non-clinical and some health settings appears feasible and achieves higher testing rates than in general practice; however, more evaluation of testing strategies in general practice settings is required. New technologies such as the internet and SMS are useful adjuncts for influencing behaviours such as condom use and STI testing. Media campaigns that promote STI testing can have a positive impact on testing rates.

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