Anal sex is a behavioural marker for laboratory-confirmed vaginal sexually transmissible infections and HIV-associated risk among African-American female adolescents

Sexual Health ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralph J. DiClemente ◽  
Gina M. Wingood ◽  
Richard A. Crosby ◽  
Laura F. Salazar ◽  
Sara Head ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Sexual Risk ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Nucleic Acid Amplification ◽  
Sexual History ◽  
African American Females ◽  
Risk Behaviours ◽  
Anal Sex ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Sexual Risk Behaviours

Background: African-American females are disproportionately affected by HIV and sexually transmissible infections (STIs). The prevalence of anal sex and its association with other sexual risk behaviours is understudied in this population. Methods: Participants were 715 African-American females, 15 to 21 years old, who had reported sexual activity in the previous 60 days. Data collection included an audiocomputer assisted self-interview (ACASI) and a self-collected vaginal swab specimen assayed using nucleic acid amplification tests to detect the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and real-time polymerase chain reaction assay to detect Trichomonas vaginalis. Results: Approximately 10.5% reported anal sex, at least once, during the 60 days before completing the computerised baseline assessment. The prevalence of any STI was significantly greater among adolescents reporting recent anal sex (40% tested positive for at least one of three laboratory-confirmed STIs) relative to those adolescents not reporting anal sex (27.5% STI prevalence). Of the 10 outcomes comprising the sexual risk profile, seven achieved bivariate significance, with each of the differences indicating greater risk for those recently engaging in anal sex. In multivariable controlled analyses, six of the seven measures retained statistical significance. Conclusions: African-American adolescent females who engage in penile-anal sex may experience an elevated risk of vaginally-acquired STIs. The findings suggest that, among those having penile-anal sex, several HIV/STI-associated sexual risk behaviours are significantly more prevalent. Thus, penile-anal sex may be an important proxy of overall sexual risk behaviours and can be readily assessed during paediatrician visits as part of a sexual history.

The effect of drug and sexual risk behaviours with social network and non-network members on homeless youths' sexually transmissible infections and HIV testing

Sexual Health ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberly Tyler ◽  
Lisa Melander
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Hiv Testing ◽  
Sexual Risk ◽  
Risk Behaviours ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Unit Increase ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Sexual Risk Behaviours

Background: The study examined whether engaging in drug and sexual risk behaviours with social network and non-network members (strangers) differentially affected the decision to test for sexually transmissible infections (STIs) and HIV. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 249 homeless youths aged 14–21 years. Results: Multivariate analyses revealed that females were over three times more likely than males to test for STIs (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.34; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.54–7.25). For every one unit increase in age, there was a 37% increase in the likelihood of having tested for STIs (AOR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.12–1.68). Youths who had sex after using alcohol and drugs with strangers were approximately 3.5 times more likely to have tested for STIs (AOR = 3.45; 95% CI = 1.38–8.61). For every one unit increase in age, there was a 26% increase in the likelihood of having tested for HIV (AOR = 1.26; 95% CI = 1.05–1.51). Youths who had sex with a stranger after using alcohol or drugs were over three times more likely to test for HIV (AOR = 3.22; 95% CI = 1.42–7.31). No social network variables reached significance for STI or HIV testing. Conclusions: Being older and engaging in drug and sexual risk behaviours with strangers are important correlates of STI and HIV testing. Females are more likely than males to be tested for STIs. Engaging in risky behaviours with social network members was not a key factor in deciding whether to be tested.

scholarly journals Gender differences in sexual risk behaviours and sexually transmissible infections among adolescents in mental health treatment

Sexual Health ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Puja Seth ◽  
Delia L. Lang ◽  
Ralph J. DiClemente ◽  
Nikia D. Braxton ◽  
Richard A. Crosby ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Gender Differences ◽  
Sexual Risk ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Female Adolescents ◽  
Risk Behaviours ◽  
Health Treatment ◽  
Hiv Test ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Sexual Risk Behaviours

Background Adolescents with a history of psychiatric disorder(s) are particularly vulnerable to contracting sexually transmissible infections (STIs) as a result of psychological and emotional states associated with higher rates of risky sexual behaviour. The present study examined gender differences in sexual risk behaviours and STI among adolescents in mental health treatment. Methods: Three hundred and seventy nine sexually active adolescents, aged 13–18 years, from a larger multisite study, who received mental health treatment during the past year, completed an audio computer-assisted self interview assessing sociodemographics, psychiatric symptomatology and HIV/STI risk behaviours, and provided urine specimens tested for STI. Results: After controlling for covariates, multivariate logistic regression models indicated that female adolescents were more likely to have had an HIV test (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.2, P = 0.0001), obtain their HIV test results (AOR = 2.9, P = 0.03), refuse sex out of fear for STI acquisition (AOR = 1.7, P = 0.04), or avoid a situation that might lead to sex (AOR = 2.4, P = 0.001), and were less likely to have a casual sex partner (AOR = 0.40, P = 0.002). Additionally, females were more likely to report inconsistent condom use (AOR = 2.60, P = 0.001) and have a STI (AOR = 9.1, P = 0.0001) than their male counterparts. Conclusions: Female adolescents receiving mental health treatment were more than nine times as likely to have an STI and more likely to use condoms inconsistently. The standard of care for mental health practice for adolescents should include referrals for STI screening and treatment as well as assessment and discussion of risky sexual behaviours as part of the treatment plan when indicated. Effective programs should address gender-specific communication and behavioural skills.

When a relationship is imperative, will young women knowingly place their sexual health at risk? A sample of African American adolescent girls in the juvenile justice system

Sexual Health ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerris L. Raiford ◽  
Puja Seth ◽  
Amy M. Fasula ◽  
Ralph J. DiClemente
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
African American ◽  
Juvenile Justice ◽  
Sexual Risk ◽  
Adolescent Girls ◽  
Justice System ◽  
Juvenile Justice System ◽  
Risk Behaviours ◽  
African American Adolescent ◽  
Sexual Risk Behaviours

Background: HIV and other sexually transmissible infections (HIV/STIs) are significant contributors to adolescent girls’ morbidity in the US. Risks for HIV/STIs are increased among adolescent girls involved in the juvenile justice system, and African American adolescent girls comprise nearly 50% of adolescent girls in detention centres. Although HIV prevention programs focus on HIV/STI knowledge, increased knowledge may not be sufficient to reduce sexual risk. The present study examined the interactive effects of HIV/STI knowledge and the importance of being in a relationship (a relationship imperative) on sexual risk behaviours in a sample of detained African American adolescent girls. Methods: In all, 188 African American adolescent girls, 13–17 years of age, were recruited from a short-term detention facility in Atlanta, Georgia, and completed assessments on sexual risk behaviours, relationship characteristics, HIV/STI knowledge and several psychosocial risk factors. Results: When girls endorsed a relationship imperative, higher HIV/STI knowledge was associated with low partner communication self-efficacy, inconsistent condom use and unprotected sex, when controlling for demographics and self-esteem. Conclusions: Young girls with high HIV/STI knowledge may have placed themselves at risk for HIV/STIs given the importance and value they place on being in a relationship. Contextual factors should be considered when developing interventions.

scholarly journals Incarceration and unstable housing interact to predict sexual risk behaviours among African American STD clinic patients

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 348-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Widman ◽  
Seth M Noar ◽  
Carol E Golin ◽  
Jessica F Willoughby ◽  
Richard Crosby
Keyword(s):  
African American ◽  
Sexual Risk ◽  
Risk Behaviours ◽  
Unstable Housing ◽  
Sexual Risk Behaviours

Sexual risk assessment in general practice: evidence from a New South Wales survey

Sexual Health ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asaduzzaman Khan ◽  
David Plummer ◽  
Rafat Hussain ◽  
Victor Minichiello
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Sexual Risk ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Sexual History ◽  
History Taking ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽  
Sexual History Taking ◽  
Sexual Histories

Background: Physicians’ inadequate involvement in sexual risk assessment has the potential to miss many asymptomatic cases. The present study was conducted to explore sexual risk assessment by physicians in clinical practice and to identify barriers in eliciting sexual histories from patients. Methods: A stratified random sample of 15% of general practitioners (GP) from New South Wales was surveyed to assess their management of sexually transmissible infections (STI). In total, 409 GP participated in the survey with a response rate of 45.4%. Results: Although nearly 70% of GP regularly elicited a sexual history from commercial sex workers whose presenting complaint was not an STI, this history taking was much lower (<10%) among GP for patients who were young or heterosexual. About 23% never took a sexual history from Indigenous patients and 19% never elicited this history from lesbian patients. Lack of time was the most commonly cited barrier in sexual history taking (55%), followed by a concern that patients might feel uncomfortable if a sexual history was taken (49%). Other constraints were presence of another person (39%) and physician’s embarrassment (15%). About 19% of GP indicated that further training in sexual history taking could improve their practice. Conclusions: The present study identifies inconsistent involvement by GP in taking sexual histories, which can result in missed opportunities for early detection of many STI. Options for overcoming barriers to taking sexual histories by GP are discussed.

scholarly journals HIV, syphilis and sexual risk behaviours among men who have sex with men in Agadir and Marrakesh, Morocco: Table 1

2013 ◽  
Vol 89 (Suppl 3) ◽  
pp. iii45-iii48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Grazina Johnston ◽  
Kamal Alami ◽  
M Houssine El Rhilani ◽  
Mehdi Karkouri ◽  
Othoman Mellouk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Risk ◽  
Risk Behaviours ◽  
Sex With Men ◽  
Sexual Risk Behaviours
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