Purpose: To examine what an ideal sexual health education program would contain according to late adolescents and young adults. Theoretical framework: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are at pandemic proportions among adolescents and young adults. Since many STIs are incurable or becoming antibiotic resistant, promotion of safer sexual practices is paramount. Most of our educational programs to promote safer sexual practices fail on major outcome variables within 3 months. The ultimate purpose of this program of research is to maintain a sustained effect of condom use and safer sexual practices. Using Johnson’s theory of self-regulation, the perspective of the individuals as to the types of information they wish to receive, must be taken into consideration. Subjects: Sixty participants (18 – 28 yrs., M=22.2, SD=2.7) from a large Midwestern university completed an open-ended interview and questionnaire about sexual health habits. The majority of participants were female (85%) and Caucasian (78%). Methods: Qualitative data were collected using four open-ended questions in a structured interview. Demographic data, including sexual risk behaviors, were also collected using a closed-ended survey which the participants filled out privately after their interview. Responses to open-ended questions were content analyzed using a procedure by McLaughlin & Marascuilo (1990). Closed-ended responses from the survey were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Major themes about the types of information desired included facts about STIs, prevention, and contraception. The best ways to receive this information were a relaxed, comfortable environment, peers, and anonymous sources. The length of programs elicited a range of responses from 1 day to 1 year. In regards to follow-up programs, mixed results were discovered, however overarching themes of having confidential resources in which to obtain condoms and ask questions were found. Conclusions: Results can help practitioners tailor current education programs to the needs of this population.
Session #1187 - Adolescence & Sexuality
The 29th Annual MNRS Research Conference (April 1-4, 2005)