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

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.

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

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh16075 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 14 (2) ◽

pp. 139 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

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.

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Sexual health of homeless youth: prevalence and correlates of sexually transmissible infections

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh06045 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 57 ◽

Cited By ~ 32

Author(s):

Kimberly A. Tyler ◽

Les B. Whitbeck ◽

Xiaojin Chen ◽

Kurt Johnson

Keyword(s):

High Risk ◽

Homeless Youth ◽

Sexual Practices ◽

High Risk Population ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Midwestern Usa ◽

Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽

Unit Increase ◽

Sexual Histories

Background: The study examined risk factors for having ever contracted sexually transmissible infections (STI) among a high-risk sample in midwestern USA. Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted among 428 homeless youth aged 16–19 years. Assessed correlates included child maltreatment, street exposure, sexual histories, street experiences and substance use. Results: Multivariate analyses revealed that males were 86% less likely to have had STI compared with females (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.14; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.06–0.31). Blacks were almost four times more likely (AOR = 3.71; 95% CI = 1.80–7.63) and other races were over two times more likely (AOR = 2.25; 95% CI = 1.08–4.67) to have had STI compared with whites. For every one unit increase in the number of times youth ran away, there was a 3% increase in the likelihood of ever having had an STI (AOR = 1.03; 95% CI = 1.01–1.06). For every one unit increase in frequency of condom use there was a 61% decrease in the likelihood of an STI (AOR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.10–1.76). Finally, youth who traded sex were approximately 2.5 times more likely to have had STI compared with youth who did not trade sex (AOR = 2.36; 95% CI = 1.04–5.34). None of the remaining correlates approached multivariate significance. Conclusions: The amount of time youth spend on the street, their sexual practices, and their subsistence strategies are important correlates of STI and females and non-whites are particularly vulnerable among this high-risk population.

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Prevalence of sexually transmissible infections and HIV in men attending sex-on-premises venues in Australia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh19150 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (2) ◽

pp. 135

Author(s):

Catriona Ooi ◽

Fabian Y. S. Kong ◽

David A. Lewis ◽

Jane S. Hocking

Keyword(s):

Meta Analysis ◽

Participation Rate ◽

Anatomical Site ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sti Testing ◽

Pooled Prevalence ◽

Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽

Sex With Men ◽

Sexual Health Clinics ◽

Exposure Prophylaxis

Background In Australia, men who have sex with men (MSM) have high rates sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and sex-on-premises venue (SOPV) patrons are at risk. This paper assesses Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), syphilis and HIV prevalence in men tested at Australian SOPVs and describes testing services. Methods: EMBASE, Medline, PubMed and international conference proceedings were searched for articles reporting on-site SOPV testing between 1 January 2000 and 31 January 2017. Meta-analysis calculated pooled prevalence estimates of STIs by anatomical site. Results: Twelve cross-sectional studies were identified. Most (8/12) were local sexual health clinics (SHC) outreach services. Participants’ mean age was 41.1 years (95% confidence interval (CI) 37.0–43.3; range 17 to 84 years). Testing included CT and NG (9/12), HIV (8/12) and syphilis (5/12). CT and NG prevalence overall summary estimates were 3.4% (95% CI 1.9–5.2%, I2 = 88.7%, P < 0.01) and 1.3% (95% CI 0.7–2.2%, I2 = 75.5%, P < 0.01) respectively. CT and NG prevalence was highest in the ano-rectum and oro-pharynx respectively. The HIV and syphilis pooled estimates were 2.3% (95% CI 1.6–2.9%, I2 = 93.1%, P < 0.01) and 3.2% (95% CI 1.8–4.6%, I2 = 72.8%, P < 0.01) respectively. Participation rate varied. Conclusion: This review examines HIV and STI testing in Australian SOPVs before HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Findings indicate a high prevalence of STIs. PrEP use and resultant condomless sex may influence STI prevalence. Further research is required to determine the effect of PrEP on the STI prevalence among SOPV patrons.

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

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh10082 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 234 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

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.

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

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh20069_co ◽

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.

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

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh20069 ◽

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 < 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.

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A STUDY OF MISINFORMATION EXPOSURE OF COVID-19 VACCINE AND THE WILLINGNESS TO BE VACCINATED IN TANGERANG SELATAN CITY, INDONESIA

Jurnal Kesehatan Reproduksi ◽

10.22435/kespro.v12i1.4794 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 1-13

Author(s):

Narila Mutia Nasir ◽

Raihana Nadra Alkaff ◽

Dela Aristi ◽

Jihan Fadilah Faiz

Keyword(s):

Young People ◽

Peer Influence ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Chi Square ◽

Related Factors ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Exact Test ◽

Chi Square Test ◽

Convenience Sampling

Abstract Latar Belakang: Vaksin COVID-19 sangat penting dalam upaya mengurangi penyebaran penularan. Namun, penolakan terhadap vaksin yang terjadi mungkin disebabkan oleh beredarnya misinformasi tentang vaksin COVID-19 melalui media sosial. Tujuan: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji paparan misinformasi vaksin COVID-19 dan faktor-faktor yang terkait serta mengidentifikasi hubungan antara paparan misinformasi vaksin COVID-19 dengan keinginan untuk divaksinasi. Metode: Studi potong lintang dilakukan pada orang berusia 18-34 tahun di Kota Tangerang Selatan. Dengan menggunakan metode convenience sampling, kami merekrut 227 responden yang mengisi kuesioner secara online melalui google form. Data dianalisis menggunakan uji chi-square, uji Fisher, dan regresi logistik. Hasil: Responden yang tidak memiliki kuota internet cenderung 2,197 kali untuk terpapar misinformasi. Responden yang temannya tidak peduli jika mereka menyebarkan misinformasi memiliki kemungkinan 2.1 kali lebih besar untuk mendapatkan misinformasi. Responden yang memiliki teman yang menyebarkan misinformasi cenderung 1,9 kali lebih besar untuk terpapar misinformasi. Studi ini tidak menemukan hubungan yang signifikan antara paparan misinformasi COVID-19 dan kesediaan untuk divaksinasi. Kesimpulan: Pengaruh teman sebaya terkait paparan misinformasi vaksin COVID-19 sangat penting. Pengembangan model pendidik sebaya sangat penting untuk mendorong kontribusi kaum muda dalam mengakhiri pandemi. Kata kunci: Misinformasi, Vaksin COVID-19, kaum muda, Teman Sebaya, Indonesia Abstrak Background: COVID-19 vaccine is important to reduce the spread of transmission. However, the objection occurred might be caused by the circulation of misinformation of COVID-19 vaccine through social media. Objective: This study aimed to assess the misinformation exposure of COVID-19 vaccine and its related factors and to identify the association between misinformation exposure of COVID-19 vaccine and the willingness to be vaccinated. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on people age 18-34 years in Tangerang Selatan City. Using convenience sampling, we recruited 227 respondents who filled an online questionnaire through a google form. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, fisher’s exact test, and logistic regression. Result: Respondents who did not have sufficient internet balance were 2.197 more likely to have misinformation exposure. Respondents whose friends were ignorant if they spread misinformation were 2.1 times more likely to get misinformation. Respondents whose friends disseminated misinformation were 1.9 times more likely to get exposed to misinformation of the COVID-19. This study found no significant relationship between misinformation exposure of COVID-19 vaccine and willingness to be vaccinated. Conclusion: Peer influence regarding exposure to COVID-19 vaccine misinformation is very important. Developing a peer educator model is prominent to encourage the role of young people to end the pandemic. Keywords: Misinformation, COVID-19 Vaccine, Young People, Peer, Indonesia

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

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh09079 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 7 (2) ◽

pp. 107 ◽

Cited By ~ 21

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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Biographic Characteristics and Factors Perceived as Affecting Female and Male Careers in Academic Surgery: The Tenured Gender Battle to Make It to the Top

European Surgical Research ◽

10.1159/000446874 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 57 (3-4) ◽

pp. 139-154 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Laura Schwarz ◽

Sonia Sippel ◽

Andrew Entwistle ◽

Anna Kathrin Hell ◽

Sarah Koenig

Keyword(s):

Career Guidance ◽

Work Satisfaction ◽

Attrition Rate ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Professional Career ◽

Academic Surgery ◽

Female Surgeons ◽

High Degree

Purpose: Given the high attrition rate in the field of academic surgery, we aimed to characterise the professional and personal situations of female and male academic surgeons as well as to gather data on their respective perceptions of career advancement and work satisfaction. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in Germany, inviting all identifiable academically highly qualified female surgeons and their male counterparts in a 1:2 ratio to participate. An anonymous 103-item online questionnaire was designed and the data collected between July and September 2014. Results: The questionnaire was sent to 93 female and 200 male surgeons, of whom 63 women (67.7%) and 70 men (35.0%) replied. The average age was 47.5 and 47.1 years, respectively. Respondents identified ‘high degree of expertise', ‘ambition', and ‘clarity of one's professional aims' as important factors affecting professional career development. Both groups felt ‘workload', ‘working hours/shifts', and ‘gender' to be a hindrance, the latter of significantly greater importance to female surgeons. The mean work satisfaction scores were high in both female (69.5%) and male (75.7%) surgeons. The predictors ‘support from superiors' (standardised β coefficient = 0.41) and ‘manual aptitude' (β = 0.41) contributed incrementally to the variance in ‘high degree of work satisfaction' (90-100%) observed for female surgeons. However, childcare provided by ‘kindergarten/crèche/after-school care' had the greatest negative predictive value (β = -1.33). Conclusions: Although there are many parallels, female faculty members experience the culture of academic surgery to some extent differently from their male counterparts, especially when impacted by parenthood and childcare. Faculty development programmes need to develop strategies to improve perceived equality in career opportunities by respecting individuals' requirements as well as offering gender-appropriate career guidance.

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Eating Habits during the COVID-19 Lockdown in Italy: The Nutritional and Lifestyle Side Effects of the Pandemic

Nutrients ◽

10.3390/nu13072279 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (7) ◽

pp. 2279

Author(s):

Federica Grant ◽

Maria Luisa Scalvedi ◽

Umberto Scognamiglio ◽

Aida Turrini ◽

Laura Rossi

Keyword(s):

Food Waste ◽

Eating Habits ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Waste Prevention ◽

Online Questionnaire ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Nutritional Recommendations ◽

Food And Nutrition ◽

Excessive Consumption

To limit the spread of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, a nationwide lockdown started in Italy in March 2020. In this unpredictable situation, a cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire was carried out by the Observatory on Food Surplus, Recovery and Waste of CREA Food and Nutrition Centre. The aim of this work was to evaluate how Italian habits changed during this period, the determinants of changes, and the effect on food waste prevention. In a sample of 2678 respondents, 62% showed low Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (AMD). During lockdown many of participants improved the quality of their diet, increasing their consumption of fruit (24.4%), vegetables (28.5%), legumes (22.1%), nuts (12%), and fish or shellfish (14%). Unfavorable changes were observed with the excessive consumption of sweets or pastries (36.9%) and comfort foods (22.7%), and a lack of physical activity (37.2%). The main novelty of this study was the examination of dietary changes identified by a cluster analysis. Respondents with generally high AMD improved their eating habits, while the habits of the respondents with generally low AMD remained unchanged. In addition, nearly 80% of respondents were sensitive to food waste. The study provides a useful contribution to the debate on nutritional recommendations in case of further lockdown.

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