Psychosocial factors influencing the disclosure of sexually transmissible infection diagnoses among female adolescents

Sexual Health ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shayna D. Cunningham ◽  
Todd Meyers ◽  
Deanna Kerrigan ◽  
Jonathan M. Ellen
Keyword(s):  
Psychosocial Factors ◽  
Partner Notification ◽  
Adolescent Females ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
Female Adolescents ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
African American Adolescent ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background: Individuals diagnosed with a sexually transmissible infection (STI) often face psychosocial concerns through which they must navigate to arrive at disclosure decisions. The objective of this study was to qualitatively explore the decision-making process for disclosure of STI diagnoses to sex partners among adolescent females in Baltimore City, MD. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 African American adolescent females who tested positive for chlamydia and/or gonorrhoea in the previous 3 months. Three individuals also provided audio diaries in which they tape recorded a daily journal discussing their lives and experiences with STIs. Results: Female adolescents often do not notify all potentially infected sex partners or tell sex partners all of the STIs to which they may have been exposed. Although participants recognised the importance of informing their sex partner(s) of their STI diagnosis, there were other competing psychosocial factors that influenced their decisions to disclose, such as perceptions of the social consequences of having an STI including fear of stigmatisation and loss of relationship. Such concerns appear to vary by disease and partner type as well as previous STI experience. Conclusions: To increase disclosure of STI diagnoses, clinic counselling strategies to encourage partner notification should seek to engage patients in a dialogue regarding their fears related to their diagnoses, how this might affect their relationships with different types of partners and the individual and social meanings their specific STI diagnosis(es) might hold.

Understanding Physical Activity through the Experiences of Adolescent Girls

2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hope E. Yungblut ◽  
Robert J. Schinke ◽  
Kerry R. McGannon ◽  
Mark A. Eys
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Adolescent Females ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Female Adolescents ◽  
Early Adolescent ◽  
Late Adolescent ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physical Activity Programming ◽  
Gender Specific

Researchers have found that female youths are particularly vulnerable to withdrawing from sport and physical activity programs in early adolescence (see Active Healthy Kids Canada, 2010). However, there is an absence of a comprehensive, emic description of how female adolescents experience physical activity. Open-ended, semi-structured interviews were conducted individually with 15 early adolescent females (12–14 years old) and 20 middle and late adolescent females (15–18years old). Co-participants in the mid to late adolescent cohort provided retrospective accounts of their early adolescent experiences along with insight on how their experiences shaped their current participation. The girls’ voices were brought to the forefront through composite vignettes that highlight their physical activity experiences, integrating the words used by the co-participants. Results are discussed in relation to physical activity programming for adolescent females and why a qualitative approach is useful in contributing to gender-specific physical activity programming.

Homosexual experience and recent homosexual encounters: the Second Australian Study of Health and Relationships

Sexual Health ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew E. Grulich ◽  
Richard O. de Visser ◽  
Paul B. Badcock ◽  
Anthony M. A. Smith ◽  
Wendy Heywood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Participation Rate ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Bisexual Men ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Telephone Interviews ◽  
And Bisexual ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background The aim of this study is to describe homosexual experience and characteristics of recent homosexual encounters among Australian adults and identify changes between 2001–02 and 2012–13. Methods: Computer-assisted telephone interviews were completed by a representative sample of 20 094 men and women aged 16–69 years and the participation rate among eligible people was 66.2%. Respondents indicated the number of same-sex partners they had had in their lifetime and in the last 12 months. Those who reported any homosexual experience were asked the age at which this first occurred and about characteristics of the first and most recent homosexual encounter. Results: Reporting ever having same-sex experience was more common in women (13.5%) than in men (6.5%, P < 0.001). Among these people, men reported more lifetime and recent same-sex partners than women (P < 0.001). Same-sex experience was associated with some but not all indices of higher socioeconomic status. In men, it was associated with living in a major city (P = 0.02) and in women, it was associated with younger (<30 years) age and with very low income (P < 0.001). Men were younger than women at their first homosexual encounter (P = 0.005). Women were more likely than men to have their first same-sex encounter with a regular partner. For women but not men, there was a significant increase in the proportion reporting same-sex experience since 2001–02. Conclusion: Same-sex experience is not uncommon and is increasing in prevalence in young Australian women. The high number of same-sex partners among homosexual and bisexual men places them at greater risk of sexually transmissible infection.

Future chlamydia screening preferences of men attending a sexually transmissible infection clinic

Sexual Health ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 419 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexis Roth ◽  
Barbara Van Der Pol ◽  
Brian Dodge ◽  
J. Dennis Fortenberry ◽  
Gregory Zimet
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Control Program ◽  
Current Control ◽  
Chlamydia Screening ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Health Seeking ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection ◽  
Asymptomatic Men

Background Despite years of public health efforts, Chlamydia trachomatis remains a highly prevalent disease suggesting that current control strategies are not sufficient. Asymptomatic men with chlamydial infections are under-identified and probably play an important role in sustaining the epidemic. Novel methods of actively screening asymptomatic men are needed to reduce the prevalence of chlamydia. This formative study explored the features of a sexually transmissible infection (STI) control program that would encourage annual testing among men. Methods: Using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions, we explored issues related to health seeking behaviours and preferences for STI screening among men recruited from a public health STI clinic. Results: All 29 participants acknowledged the expertise of clinic staff and most men preferred speaking with a provider over using electronic informational resources. The clinic was the preferred venue for future screening, followed by self-collected home sampling with clinic drop-off. Men expressed a preference for receiving results via the telephone rather than electronic options, and preferred personalised reminders for future STI screening. Conclusions: In this sample, there was high interest in utilising the expertise of STI clinic personnel and less in non-clinical options. While this may be due to recruiting from an STI clinic, the data serves as a reminder that service provision must be responsive to the needs of potential users. Our findings suggest that future non-clinic based screening strategies may require an initial educational component to address concerns about confidentiality and sample quality in order to be acceptable.

scholarly journals Seasonal variations in kissing and sexual activities among men who have sex with men in Melbourne, Australia: implications for seasonal sexually transmissible infection preventions and interventions

Sexual Health ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 149
Author(s):  
Eric P. F. Chow ◽  
Lenka A. Vodstrcil ◽  
Christopher K. Fairley
Keyword(s):  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Seasonal Pattern ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Male Partners ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sexual Activities ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Background Previous studies have shown that there is a peak in sexually transmissible infection (STI) cases and sexual activities around summer, but there has been no study examining whether kissing also follows a similar seasonal pattern. The aim of this study was to examine the seasonal patterns of kissing and sex partners among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods: A short cross-sectional study was conducted among MSM attending the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre between March 2016 and February 2017. Participants were asked to report the number of kissing-only, sex-only and kissing-with-sex male partners in the last 3 months. The mean number of male partners was calculated and stratified by Australia’s seasons. The seasonal trend in the number of partners was assessed by negative binomial regression models. Results: In total, 4391 MSM were included in the analysis. The number of kissing-only and sex-only partners increased significantly from autumn to summer among MSM in Melbourne (Ptrend &lt;0.001). MSM reported the highest number of male partners for kissing-only (mean: 4.91; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 4.78–5.04) and sex-only (mean: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.83–1.99) around summer compared with other seasons. However, the number of kissing-with-sex partners remained stable across seasons. Conclusions: The study data suggest that there is a peak in kissing-only and sex-only partners among MSM around summer and holiday seasons.

A theoretical discussion of the impact of stigma on psychological adjustment to having a sexually transmissible infection

Sexual Health ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle C. Newton ◽  
Marita P. McCabe
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Social Consequences ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection ◽  
Stigma Theory

This paper provides a discussion of the utility of stigma theory as a conceptual framework for the interpretation and analysis of the psychological impact of contracting a sexually transmissible infection (STI). Most particularly, it focuses on those viral infections that cannot be medically cured, such as genital herpes and genital human papilloma virus. Recent research in the area of STIs suggests that the stigma associated with these conditions can hinder psychosocial and sexual adjustment post-diagnosis, and provides support for the use of stigma theory as a conceptual framework with which to analyse these experiences. This paper defines the concept of stigma and presents a theoretical overview of the process of stigmatisation. Three dimensions of stigma relevant to the experience of having a STI are then presented: the degree of concealability of the condition including the social consequences of concealing a condition; the origin of the condition; and the degree of peril presented by the condition. An overview of the way in which the presence of a stigmatising condition such as a STI may affect a person’s feelings of self and his/her intimate relationships is then presented. Finally, the implications of stigma theory as a conceptual framework for guiding future research in the area of personal and interpersonal reactions to STIs is discussed.

Condom use motivations and selected behaviours with new versus established sex partners

Sexual Health ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard A. Crosby ◽  
Robin R. Milhausen ◽  
Cynthia A. Graham ◽  
William L. Yarber ◽  
Stephanie A. Sanders ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Condom Use ◽  
Pregnancy Prevention ◽  
Personal Digital Assistants ◽  
Vaginal Intercourse ◽  
Sex Partners ◽  
Single Event ◽  
The Past ◽  
Level Data ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infection ◽  
Transmissible Infection

Objective To compare condom use motives and behaviours in the context of penile–vaginal intercourse (PVI) with new versus established sexual partners, using daily event-level data among a clinic-recruited sample. Methods: Participants (ages 15–65 years old) were recruited from five sexually transmissible infection (STI) clinics in three United States cities. They were provided with personal digital assistants and instructed to respond to daily questionnaire items regarding PVI events from the past 24 h. Generalised estimations equations were used to make inferences on age-adjusted estimated odds ratios, comparing events occurring with established versus new partners. Results: For males, pregnancy prevention was a more common motivation for condom use in new relationships (P < 0.001). Males with new sex partners were more likely to report condom use (P < 0.005) and also reported fewer errors or problems in condom use with new sex partners (P < 0.001). For females, pregnancy prevention (P = 0.03), STI acquisition (P < 0.001) and STI transmission (P = 0.005) were more likely to be motives for condom use with new versus established partners. Also, females with new sex partners were more likely to report condom use (P < 0.001) as well as using multiple condoms during a single event (P = 0.03). Conclusion: Event-level findings suggest that condom use motivations and behaviours vary depending on whether PVI occurs between established versus new sex partners. Condom use is more likely for PVI with new partners, but other condom-associated behaviours and motivations differ between females and males.

Dating Violence Victimization And African-American Adolescent Females' Sexual Health

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gina M. Wingood ◽  
Donna Hubbard McCree ◽  
Ralph J. DiCtemente ◽  
Kathy Harrington ◽  
Susan L. Davies
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Dating Violence ◽  
Adolescent Females ◽  
African American Adolescent ◽  
Violence Victimization ◽  
African American Adolescent Females

Acceptance of the HPV Vaccine in a Multiethnic Sample of Latinx Mothers

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 472-483
Author(s):  
Ana Cristina Lindsay ◽  
Madelyne J. Valdez ◽  
Denisse Delgado ◽  
Emily Restrepo ◽  
Yessica M. Guzmán ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Providers ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Hpv Vaccine ◽  
Female Adolescents ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Foreign Born ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Direct Benefits ◽  
Multiethnic Sample

This descriptive qualitative study explored Latinx mothers’ acceptance of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for their adolescent children. Data were collected through individual, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using a hybrid method of thematic analysis that incorporated deductive and inductive approaches. Twenty-two ( n = 22), mostly foreign-born, Latinx mothers of male and female adolescents participated in the study. Three main themes and nine subthemes emerged from the analyses. Findings identified the need for increased efforts to raise awareness and knowledge among Latinx mothers of the direct benefits of the HPV vaccine for sons, including stressing prevention of HPV-associated cancers in males. Findings also underscore the need for improved health care providers’ communication and recommendation of the HPV vaccine for Latinx adolescent males. Future research should intervene upon the study’s findings to address barriers that remain and affect Latinx mothers’ acceptance and uptake of the HPV vaccine for their children, in particular their sons.

scholarly journals Developing HIV assisted partner notification services tailored to Mexican key populations: a qualitative approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Heleen Vermandere ◽  
Santiago Aguilera-Mijares ◽  
Liliane Martínez-Vargas ◽  
M. Arantxa Colchero ◽  
Sergio Bautista-Arredondo
Keyword(s):  
Partner Notification ◽  
Key Populations ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Hiv Diagnosis ◽  
Serostatus Disclosure ◽  
Hiv Epidemic ◽  
Contact Information ◽  
Hiv Awareness ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
The Individual

Abstract Background Assisted partner notification services (APNS) may increase HIV testing, early diagnosis, and treatment, but they are not formally implemented in Mexico, where the HIV epidemic is concentrated in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transwomen (TW). This study aimed to explore the awareness of and need for HIV partner notification, as well as to outline potential strategies for APNS based on identified barriers and facilitators. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews to explore partner notification with MSM, TW, and counselors. Afterwards, brainstorm sessions were carried out to produce strategies for implementing APNS. Results Most participants reported experiences with informal partner notification and serostatus disclosure, but not with APNS. Only one counselor indicated assisting notification systematically. The main barriers for notifying or disclosing mentioned by both MSM and TW included fear of (violent) reactions, discrimination and lacking contact information of casual partners. Participants thought it was easier to inform a formal partner, conditional of being well informed about HIV. Given current stigma and lack of awareness, it was suggested that APNS should be preceded by HIV awareness efforts, and be provided by counselors or peers to mitigate potential rejection or violent reactions. Conclusions While APNS are not formally implemented in Mexico, all participants supported the service, indicating that APNS could potentially enhance early HIV diagnosis in Mexico. Strategies to implement such services need to be flexible addressing the individual needs of participants, guaranteeing the safety of more vulnerable participants.

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