Risky Sexual Behaviors, Perceived Risk, and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Women of Different Sexual Orientations

Risky Sexual Behaviors, Perceived Risk, and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Women of Different Sexual Orientations PDF Author: Iliana M. Cherniss
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781321276985
Category : Risk-taking (Psychology)
Languages : en
Pages : 44

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Book Description
Abstract: The current study re-examined risky sexual behaviors (RSB), perceived risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and history of an STI utilizing a large female sample (1,148) and categorizing sexual minority women by women who have sex with women (WSW) and women who have sex with women and men (WSWM). Participants completed the Risk Behavior Assessment (RBA). Our findings supported previous studies whereby sexual minority women reported higher RSB but differed in the RSB they engaged in most often. Perceived risk indicated participants had an accurate understanding of their risk. Additionally, WSW were less likely to report history of an STI which, taken in consideration with previous literature, indicates WSW reported less STis due to being tested least often. These findings can assist STI prevention efforts as efforts targeting WSW should focus on regular testing while those centered on WSWM and heterosexual women should highlight safer sex practices.

Risky Sexual Behaviors, Perceived Risk, and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Women of Different Sexual Orientations

Risky Sexual Behaviors, Perceived Risk, and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Women of Different Sexual Orientations PDF Author: Iliana M. Cherniss
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781321276985
Category : Risk-taking (Psychology)
Languages : en
Pages : 44

Get Book Here

Book Description
Abstract: The current study re-examined risky sexual behaviors (RSB), perceived risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and history of an STI utilizing a large female sample (1,148) and categorizing sexual minority women by women who have sex with women (WSW) and women who have sex with women and men (WSWM). Participants completed the Risk Behavior Assessment (RBA). Our findings supported previous studies whereby sexual minority women reported higher RSB but differed in the RSB they engaged in most often. Perceived risk indicated participants had an accurate understanding of their risk. Additionally, WSW were less likely to report history of an STI which, taken in consideration with previous literature, indicates WSW reported less STis due to being tested least often. These findings can assist STI prevention efforts as efforts targeting WSW should focus on regular testing while those centered on WSWM and heterosexual women should highlight safer sex practices.

Lesbian Women and Sexual Health

Lesbian Women and Sexual Health PDF Author: R Dennis Shelby
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1317718194
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 142

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Book Description
Interviewer: Where did you find out how to have safe lesbian sex? Val: I found out in jail. Why do so many lesbian women engage in sexual behavior that puts their health, even their lives, at risk? Many know they're at risk, yet somehow feel safe enough to behave as if there is no reason to practice safe sex. Lesbian Women and Sexual Health: The Social Construction of Risk and Susceptibility examines how lesbian women perceive their level of risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It describes how their perceptions of risk and susceptibility are shaped by factors such as sexual identity, cultural themes, and community knowledge - and how those perceptions impact on the very real HIV/STI risks that lesbian women face. The genesis of Lesbian Women and Sexual Health: The Social Construction of Risk and Susceptibility lies in Kathleen Dolan’s exploratory study of this under-researched area, in which 162 structured interviews and 70 in-depth interviews were conducted with women who self-identify as lesbians. What these women have to say will inform, educate, and probably surprise you. Tables and figures make complex data easy to access and understand. Lesbian women construct and label their identities and actions in complex ways that may lead to risky behavior. In the words of the women surveyed—and in Dr. Dolan’s insightful commentary—this book explores the ways in which lesbian women construct their perceptions of risk and susceptibility to seek answers to questions that include: Do many lesbian women see themselves, to an extent, as immune to HIV contraction? How does their self-constructed sense of risk and susceptibility lead to making dangerous choices? Why, in spite of their professed willingness to engage in protective actions, do many lesbians not actually do so? Why do many lesbian women, and some of the health care professionals who serve them, feel that pap smears are not necessary for women who have sex only with other women—and what are the consequences of this opinion? What is the relationship between drug/alcohol use and risky sexual behaviors in lesbian women? Lesbian Women and Sexual Health: The Social Construction of Risk and Susceptibility is an important resource for women’s/lesbian health advocates, health care professionals, and courses in gay/women’s/medical studies. It addresses gaps in the existing research to enhance our understanding of the physical and mental health status of lesbian women, of risk factors and protective actions regarding HIV and STIs, and of the conditions for which protective actions actually reduce risk. Use it to update your knowledge of this under-studied area at the intersection of physical, emotional, and sexual health.

Lesbian Women and Sexual Health

Lesbian Women and Sexual Health PDF Author: Kathleen A. Dolan
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 9780789024787
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 122

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Book Description
Interviewer: Where did you find out how to have safe lesbian sex? Val: I found out in jail. Why do so many lesbian women engage in sexual behavior that puts their health, even their lives, at risk? Many know they're at risk, yet somehow feel safe enough to behave as if there is no reason to practice safe sex. Lesbian Women and Sexual Health: The Social Construction of Risk and Susceptibility examines how lesbian women perceive their level of risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It describes how their perceptions of risk and susceptibility are shaped by factors such as sexual identity, cultural themes, and community knowledge--and how those perceptions impact on the very real HIV/STI risks that lesbian women face. The genesis of Lesbian Women and Sexual Health: The Social Construction of Risk and Susceptibility lies in Kathleen Dolan's exploratory study of this under-researched area, in which 162 structured interviews and 70 in-depth interviews were conducted with women who self-identify as lesbians. What these women have to say will inform, educate, and probably surprise you. Tables and figures make complex data easy to access and understand. Lesbian women construct and label their identities and actions in complex ways that may lead to risky behavior. In the words of the women surveyed--and in Dr. Dolan's insightful commentary--this book explores the ways in which lesbian women construct their perceptions of risk and susceptibility to seek answers to questions that include: Do many lesbian women see themselves, to an extent, as immune to HIV contraction? How does their self-constructed sense of risk and susceptibility lead to making dangerous choices? Why, in spite of their professed willingness to engage in protective actions, do many lesbians not actually do so? Why do many lesbian women, and some of the health care professionals who serve them, feel that pap smears are not necessary for women who have sex only with other women--and what are the consequences of this opinion? What is the relationship between drug/alcohol use and risky sexual behaviors in lesbian women? Lesbian Women and Sexual Health: The Social Construction of Risk and Susceptibility is an important resource for women's/lesbian health advocates, health care professionals, and courses in gay/women's/medical studies. It addresses gaps in the existing research to enhance our understanding of the physical and mental health status of lesbian women, of risk factors and protective actions regarding HIV and STIs, and of the conditions for which protective actions actually reduce risk. Use it to update your knowledge of this under-studied area at the intersection of physical, emotional, and sexual health.

Sexual Behavior and Selected Health Measures

Sexual Behavior and Selected Health Measures PDF Author: William D. Mosher
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Sex
Languages : en
Pages : 56

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Book Description


The Hidden Epidemic

The Hidden Epidemic PDF Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 030917547X
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 446

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Book Description
The United States has the dubious distinction of leading the industrialized world in overall rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), with 12 million new cases annually. About 3 million teenagers contract an STD each year, and many will have long-term health problems as a result. Women and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to these diseases and their health consequences. In addition, STDs increase the risk of HIV transmission. The Hidden Epidemic examines the scope of sexually transmitted infections in the United States and provides a critical assessment of the nation's response to this public health crisis. The book identifies the components of an effective national STD prevention and control strategy and provides direction for an appropriate response to the epidemic. Recommendations for improving public awareness and education, reaching women and adolescents, integrating public health programs, training health care professionals, modifying messages from the mass media, and supporting future research are included. The book documents the epidemiological dimensions and the economic and social costs of STDs, describing them as "a secret epidemic" with tremendous consequences. The committee frankly discusses the confusing and often hypocritical nature of how Americans deal with issues regarding sexualityâ€"the conflicting messages conveyed in the mass media, the reluctance to promote condom use, the controversy over sex education for teenagers, and the issue of personal blame. The Hidden Epidemic identifies key elements of effective, culturally appropriate programs to promote healthy behavior by adolescents and adults. It examines the problem of fragmentation in STD services and provides examples of communities that have formed partnerships between stakeholders to develop integrated approaches. The committee's recommendations provide a practical foundation on which to build an integrated national program to help young people and adults develop habits of healthy sexuality. The Hidden Epidemic was written for both health care professionals and people without a medical background and will be indispensable to anyone concerned about preventing and controlling STDs.

Perceptions of Risk Associated with Unintended Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among University Women Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato

Perceptions of Risk Associated with Unintended Pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections Among University Women Attending Minnesota State University, Mankato PDF Author: Jessica Maria Seide
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 120

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Book Description
PERCEPTIONS OF RISK ASSOCIATED WITH UNINTENDED PREGNANCY AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS AMONG UNIVERSITY WOMEN ATTENDING MINNESEOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO ABSTRACT By: Jessica Seide Unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections are preventable, yet there is still a high occurrence of both among university women. This study evaluated perceptions of risk associated with unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections among selected university women aged 18-25. This study identified whether women's perceptions of risk affected their decision to take certain precautions to prevent pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. This study also examined whether there was a relationship between perceptions of risk associated with unintended pregnancies and perceptions of risk associated with sexually transmitted infections and some of the variables that are associated with that relationship. This study identified whether university women used a mode of birth control, how often the method was used and their reasons for choosing methods and the factors that influence their use of birth control. Finally, the theoretical framework of the Health Belief Model was applied to this study to better understand university women's perceived risks of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Data were collected using a paper survey instrument that was administered in selected classrooms at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Descriptive statistics of student demographics were computed, such as mean age, sexual orientation and sexual activity level. Linear correlations and t-tests were done using SPSS Statistical Software version 18. This study found that women attending Minnesota State University, Mankato concepts of personal perceived risk and other women's perceived risk of both an unintended pregnancy and becoming infected with a sexually transmitted infection were not consistent. Inconsistency between beliefs and practices in regards to birth control/ protection choices were also found. A significant difference was found between the attitudes of dating and single participants toward the withdrawal method's effectiveness of preventing pregnancy, perceived risk of becoming pregnant without the use of protection/birth control and perceived risk of becoming infected with a sexually transmitted infection without protection. This study also showed that there was a lack of knowledge of HIV testing.

Preventing and Mitigating AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa

Preventing and Mitigating AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa PDF Author: National Research Council (U.S.). Panel on Data and Research Priorities for Arresting AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa
Publisher: National Academies
ISBN:
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 36

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Book Description
The AIDS epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa continues to affect all facets of life throughout the subcontinent. Deaths related to AIDS have driven down the life expectancy rate of residents in Zambia, Kenya, and Uganda with far-reaching implications. This book details the current state of the AIDS epidemic in Africa and what is known about the behaviors that contribute to the transmission of the HIV infection. It lays out what research is needed and what is necessary to design more effective prevention programs.

Young Adults' Evaluation of a Self-administered Intervention to Reduce Sexual Risk Behaviors

Young Adults' Evaluation of a Self-administered Intervention to Reduce Sexual Risk Behaviors PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 21

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Book Description
Abstract: According to the Center for Disease Control and Statistics, 50% of the 19 million newly diagnosed sexually transmitted infections (STIs) each year are found in individuals aged 15-24 years, and the rates are proportionally higher for women than men. Analyses of high-risk sexual behaviors reveal a high prevalence of risky sexual encounters occurring among young adult women. Contracting STIs can negatively impact a woman's biological, psychological, emotional, and/or sexual health, and these adverse sequelae can have long-term consequences. The most effective interventions rely on a practitioner to deliver the messages. Since, most practitioners do not discuss sexual issues with clients, a theoretically and evidence-based intervention that is self-administered is needed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate participants' perceptions of a self-administered intervention to reduce risky sexual behaviors called the Sexual Awareness Kit (SAK). A descriptive, cross-sectional design was employed to address the research problem. Twenty participants (ages 18-35 years) were enrolled in the study through convenience sampling. After demonstrating the intervention, participants were asked to work through the intervention on their own and respond to a questionnaire ascertaining their perceptions of the intervention and desire for additional sexual health information to be included in the intervention. Descriptive statistics will be used to analyze the data. Developing user-friendly and effective sexual risk reduction interventions is important for the health of young adult women. The data gleaned from this research will be utilized to further develop the intervention and prepare it for clinical trial and use.

Sexual Risk Behaviors

Sexual Risk Behaviors PDF Author: Luigi Passero
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781607412274
Category : HIV infections
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Emerging adulthood (ages 18-15) is increasingly viewed as among the highest sexual risk age groups. A variety of factors, including biological, psychological, and environmental have been associated with various adolescent risk-taking behaviours, put particularly with sexual risk-taking. This book provides an overview of the current status of STI and HIV rates in women, provides descriptions of the prevalent STIs afflicting women and the physical sequelae of such infections, and discusses potential strategies to combat risk factors and recommendations for preventing STIs in women. This book also provides an outline of depression, sexual risk-taking and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in adolescents, as well as explores the association between depression and sexual behaviours during the period of adolescence. Implications and recommendations for future studies and practice with adolescents is included as well. Such advances will ultimately improve the current medical and psychological services provided to at-risk adolescents.

Protective Factors Related to HIV Sexual Risk Behavior Among Heterosexual, Gay Lesbian, and Bisexual American Indian Adolescents

Protective Factors Related to HIV Sexual Risk Behavior Among Heterosexual, Gay Lesbian, and Bisexual American Indian Adolescents PDF Author: Timothy Alan Brown
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Indians of North America
Languages : en
Pages : 320

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Book Description