High Risk Sexually Transmitted Disease Behaviour in Canada
High risk sexually transmitted disease (STD)/human immunodeficiency virus (HfV) transmission behaviour appears to be the norm, not the exception, for most adolescents. The perception of STD/HIV risk and actual risk do not always match. The major motivating factor for condom use evident in adolescent...
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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
1991-01-01
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| Series: | Canadian Journal of Infectious Diseases |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/1991/935418 |
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| Summary: | High risk sexually transmitted disease (STD)/human immunodeficiency
virus (HfV) transmission behaviour appears to be the norm, not the exception, for
most adolescents. The perception of STD/HIV risk and actual risk do not always match. The
major motivating factor for condom use evident in adolescents was fear of pregnancy, not fear
of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome or STDs. Other factors influencing decreased
condom use included: embarrassment about buying condoms: difficulty discussing condoms
with a prospective partner; use of oral contraceptives; belief that condoms interfere with sexual
pleasure; low HIV knowledge; and, for women, a large number of sexual partners. Overall.
females reported having had more STDs than males. Prostitutes, both male and female,
reported the highest rates (45% and 68%, respectively). Of the street youths studied, 16%
reported having at least one prior STD diagnosis, compared to 9% of school dropouts and 5%
of first year college students. The number of sexual partners and participation in anal
intercourse strongly inlluenced the reported STD rate for street youths. STD/HIV risk reduction
educational programs must be targeted and adapted to the cultural and social needs and
resources of the different adolescent groups, particularly street youth, who are clearly a 'core'
group for adolescent STD. |
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| ISSN: | 1180-2332 |