Purpose: To examine adolescents and young adults’ perspectives on past sexual health information and effect on personal behavior. Theoretical framework: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are at pandemic proportions among adolescents and young adults. Promotion of safer sexual practices is important since many of these infections are incurable or antibiotic resistant. Most of our educational programs to promote safer sexual practices fail within 3 months. The perspective of the adolescent and young adult has never been examined as to why these programs fail. Johnson’s theory of self-regulation was a guiding framework for this study in that the perspective of the individual as to the type 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 participants were primarily female (85%) and Caucasian (78%). Methods: Qualitative data were collected using 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 McLaughlin & Marascuilo’s (1990) procedure. Closed-ended responses from the survey were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Participants received most of their information about STIs, prevention, and the reproductive system in junior high and high school. While 52% found this information useful; the most often cited theme of how behavior had changed was an awareness of risk. Major themes regarding what was not helpful included "abstinence only", “preachy” presentations, and embarrassment of presenters. Themes as to why current programs fail included not giving information at appropriate age, restrictive culture, and type of presenter. 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)