 | The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
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| The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA |
Julie Lifshay, MPH1, Joyce Lisbin, MA, EdD2, Rhonda Y. Kropp, BSc BSN MPH3, Anna Groskin, MPH2, Heidi M Bauer, MD, MS, MPH4, and Gail Bolan, MD4. (1) Sexually Transmitted Disease Control Branch, CA Department of Health Services, 1947 Center Street, Suite 201, Berkeley, CA 94704, (510) 883-6648, jlifshay@dhs.ca.gov, (2) Sexually Transmitted Disease Control Branch, 1947 Center Street, Suite 200, Berkeley, CA 94704, (3) Project Director, UCSF Division of Adolescent Medicine, UCSF, 195 Clearview Ave., apt. 1816, Ottawa, ON K1Z 6S1, Canada, (4) STD Control Branch, California Department of Health Services, 1947 Center St., Suite #201, Berkeley, CA 94704
Background: California surveillance data from 1998-2000 indicated areas with high adolescent chlamydia rates and leveling birth rates. Data on sexual risk behaviors and attitudes are not routinely collected in surveillance. Purpose: To assess the behavioral, normative, attitudinal, and relationship factors that may affect adolescent STD and birth rates in high risk communities in California. Methods: Eighteen focus groups were conducted with a convenience sample of 70 adolescents, aged 15-19 (79% female; 74% African American) recruited in communities with high rates of chlamydia. Discussion topics included social influence on knowledge and attitudes about STDs and pregnancy; sexual behavior of adolescents; and relationship expectations. Participants also completed a quantitative survey. Findings: Respondents reported little to no knowledge of STDs, symptoms, or treatment. STDs are commonly perceived to be stigmatizing and are rarely discussed within friendship groups. Those who are potentially infected with STDs or HIV are thought to be easily identified by appearance and/or reputation. Females desire, but do not expect, their male partners to be faithful. There is recognition that children will affect the ability to attain future education goals. There is more discussion with friends and parents about pregnancy prevention than about STD risks. STD and HIV acquisition is viewed fatalistically. Conclusions: Denial, lack of knowledge, concurrent partnerships, and little normative support for protection against STDs may contribute to the high rates of chlamydia in this community. In contrast, knowledge of methods of pregnancy prevention, concern about pregnancy, and goals for the future may explain the discrepancy in trends.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Adolescents, Sexual Risk Behavior
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.