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Lederer AM, Vertacnik AL. Correlates of sexually transmitted infection knowledge among late adolescents. Sex Health 2021; 18:303-310. [PMID: 34404503 DOI: 10.1071/sh20092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Accurate knowledge about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is imperative for young people's development and sexual health outcomes, but STI knowledge has been found to be inadequate among youth. Little is known about the factors that are associated with STI knowledge. This study therefore comprehensively assessed correlates of STI knowledge among late adolescents. METHODS Undergraduate students (n = 419) at a large public Midwestern university completed an online survey that assessed general STI knowledge using an established modified scale, demographics, sexual health and behavioural factors, and sources of STI information. Exploratory bivariate analyses were first conducted followed by a multiple linear regression examining the correlates initially identified as significantly and strongly associated with STI knowledge. RESULTS Although many factors were significantly correlated with STI knowledge, gender, nationality, sexual identity, STI testing history, knowing someone diagnosed with an STI, prior school-based STI education, and receiving STI information from a healthcare provider were most strongly associated (P < 0.001 with medium or large effect sizes). All but prior school-based STI education were predictive of STI knowledge score (P = 0.103), with nationality (β = 0.172, P = 0.003) and gender (β = 0.147, P = 0.002) being the strongest predictors. CONCLUSIONS Late adolescents' STI knowledge was universally low, but disparities existed and were related to a variety of characteristics. These findings expand the current literature on young people's STI knowledge and provide needed information to prioritise populations and methods for educational interventions in order to enhance STI knowledge among youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa M Lederer
- Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, #8319, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA; and Corresponding author.
| | - Amy L Vertacnik
- Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, #8319, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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The Association between Substance Abuse and Sexual Misconduct among Macau Youths. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16091643. [PMID: 31083503 PMCID: PMC6539357 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16091643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study investigates how peer influence, school attachment, and substance abuse are related to sexual behavior, with particular interest in exploring the relationship between substance abuse and sexual misconduct, while using a stratified random sample of adolescents in Macau. Mediation analyses were employed. The results show that substance abuse, apart from susceptibility to peer influence and school attachment/commitment, was significantly related to sexual misconduct. Substance abuse was the best predictor of sexual misconduct, and it significantly mediated the relationship between susceptibility to peer influence, as well as school attachment and sexual misconduct. This reflects that the use of substances, including drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes, can be viewed as a catalyst for triggering engagement in sexual misconduct. The implications of this study involve taking measures to reduce the rate of substance abuse as a way of decreasing sexual misconduct in adolescents. Future research directions in exploring the relationship between adolescent substance abuse and risky sexual behavior are discussed.
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Che Y, Dusabe-Richards E, Wu S, Jiang Y, Dong X, Li J, Zhang WH, Temmerman M, Tolhurst R. A qualitative exploration of perceptions and experiences of contraceptive use, abortion and post-abortion family planning services (PAFP) in three provinces in China. BMC Womens Health 2017; 17:113. [PMID: 29157259 PMCID: PMC5697166 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-017-0458-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The INPAC project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of integrated post-abortion family planning (PAFP) services into existing hospital based abortion services in China. A qualitative study was conducted in three provinces to contribute to developing effective PAFP services through understanding influences on contraceptive use, experiences of abortion and existing PAFP, and their effect on future contraceptive practices from the perspective of users, in the context of social and institutional change. METHODS Twenty-nine in-depth interviews (IDIs) were undertaken with women who had experienced abortion between 1 and 6 months prior to interview, recruited from three urban and two rural facilities in each province. Thirteen IDIs were also conducted with male partners. Six focus group discussions (FGDs) were carried out with community members from different social groups, including unmarried and married women and men, urban residents and rural-to-urban migrants. RESULTS Social networks and norms are important in shaping attitudes and behaviour towards abortion and contraception. Widespread concerns were expressed about side-effects, reliability and effects on future fertility of some modern contraceptives. The combination of limited information and choices and a lack of person-centred counselling in PAFP with anxieties about side effects underlies the widespread use of unreliable methods. Gendered power relations significantly influence contraceptive (non)use, with several examples illustrating women's relative lack of power to decide on a method, particularly in the case of condoms. Although the availability of contraceptive information from respected providers can offer impetus for individual behaviour change, social distance from providers reduces opportunities for clients to discuss their difficulties regarding contraceptive use; particularly, but not exclusively for young, unmarried clients. CONCLUSIONS Increased access to non-commercial, reliable information on contraceptive methods is needed. PAFP services must go beyond simple information provision to ensure that providers take a more person-centred approach, which considers the most appropriate method for individual clients and probes for the underlying influences on contraceptive (non)use. More sensitive reflection on gender norms and relationships is required during counselling and, where women choose this, efforts should be made to include their male partners. Specific attention to provider positionality and skills for counselling young, unmarried clients is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Che
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC (SIPPR, IRD), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Chinese Society for Family Planning, China Medical Association, Beijing, China
| | - Esther Dusabe-Richards
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA UK
| | - Shangchun Wu
- National Research Institute for Family Planning, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Jiang
- Public Health and Management Department, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaojing Dong
- The second affiliated hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Li
- Chinese Society for Family Planning, China Medical Association, Beijing, China
| | - Wei-Hong Zhang
- International Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marleen Temmerman
- International Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rachel Tolhurst
- Department of International Public Health, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA UK
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Qian L. “Dangerous Adolescence”: Sexuality and Disability of Institutionalized Children in a Chinese Orphanage. SEXUALITY AND DISABILITY 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s11195-017-9511-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Khawaja ZUA, Ali KI, Khan S. Using Facebook for Sexual Health Social Marketing in Conservative Asian Countries: A Systematic Examination. JOURNAL OF HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2017; 22:111-123. [PMID: 28103152 DOI: 10.1080/10810730.2016.1222031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Social marketing related to sexual health is a problematic task, especially in religiously and/or culturally conservative countries. Social media presents a possible alternative channel for sexual health efforts to disseminate information and engage new users. In an effort to understand how well sexual health campaigns and organizations have leveraged this opportunity, this study presents a systematic examination of ongoing Facebook-based sexual health efforts in conservative Asian countries. It was discovered that out of hundreds of sexual health organizations identified in the region, less than half had created a Facebook page. Of those that had, only 31 were found to have posted sexual health-relevant content at least once a month. Many of these 31 organizations were also unsuccessful in maintaining regular official and user activity on their page. In order to assess the quality of the Facebook pages as Web-based information resources, the sexual health-related official activity on each page was analyzed for information (a) value, (b) reliability, (c) currency, and (d) system accessibility. User responsiveness to official posts on the pages was also used to discuss the potential of Facebook as a sexual health information delivery platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zain-Ul-Abdin Khawaja
- a Suleman Dawood School of Business , Lahore University of Management Sciences , Lahore , Pakistan
| | - Khudejah Iqbal Ali
- a Suleman Dawood School of Business , Lahore University of Management Sciences , Lahore , Pakistan
| | - Shanze Khan
- a Suleman Dawood School of Business , Lahore University of Management Sciences , Lahore , Pakistan
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Kung WW. Culture- and Immigration-Related Stress Faced by Chinese American Families with a Patient Having Schizophrenia. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2016; 42:409-422. [PMID: 27388227 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The impact of culture and immigration on the experience of Chinese American families with a member having schizophrenia is explored within the frameworks of family systems and stress and coping. This qualitative study was conducted within an intervention study of family psychoeducation using therapists' session notes from 103 family sessions and 13 relatives' group sessions from nine patients and 19 relatives. The high stigma attached to mental illness leading to social isolation, and families' devotion to caregiving exacerbated caregiver burden. Taboo against discussing dating and sexuality and the consideration of arranged marriages caused unique stress. The insecurity as immigrants and shortage of bilingual services were related to greater enmeshment within these families. Implications on research methodology and practice are discussed.
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Gao X, Xu L, Lu C, Wu J, Wang Z, Decat P, Zhang WH, Chen Y, Moyer E, Wu S, Minkauskiene M, Van Braeckel D, Temmerman M. Effect of improving the knowledge, attitude and practice of reproductive health among female migrant workers: a worksite-based intervention in Guangzhou, China. Sex Health 2014; 12:13-21. [PMID: 25469517 DOI: 10.1071/sh14061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Accepted: 10/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Background The sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge and attitudes of female migrant workers are far from optimum in China. A worksite-based intervention program on SRH-related knowledge, attitude and practice (SRH KAP) modification may be an effective approach to improve the SRH status among migrant workers. This study aimed to identify better intervention approaches via the implementation and evaluation of two intervention packages. METHODS A worksite-based cluster-randomised intervention study was conducted from June to December 2008 in eight factories in Guangzhou, China. There were 1346 female migrant workers who participated in this study. Factories were randomly allocated to the standard package of interventions group (SPIG) or the intensive package of interventions group (IPIG). Questionnaires were administered to evaluate the effect of two interventions. RESULTS SRH knowledge scores were higher at follow up than at baseline for all participants of the SPIG; the knowledge scores increased from 6.50 (standard deviation (s.d.) 3.673) to 8.69 (s.d. 4.085), and from 5.98 (s.d. 3.581) to 11.14 (s.d. 3.855) for IPIG; SRH attitude scores increased among unmarried women: the attitude scores changed from 4.25 (s.d. 1.577) to 4.46 (s.d. 1.455) for SPIG, and from 3.99 (s.d. 1.620) to 4.64 (s.d. 1.690) for IPIG; most SRH-related practice was also modified (P<0.05). In addition, after intervention, the IPIG had a higher knowledge level than the SPIG; the scores were 11.14 (s.d. 3.855) versus 8.69 (s.d. 4.085), and unmarried women in the IPIG had higher condom use rate than the SPIG (86.4% versus 57.1%). CONCLUSIONS The interventions had positive influences on improvements in SRH knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. Additionally, IPIs were more effective than SPIs, indicating that a comprehensive intervention may achieve better results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Gao
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, NO. 74, Zhongshan II Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Longchang Xu
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, NO. 74, Zhongshan II Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ciyong Lu
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, NO. 74, Zhongshan II Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jie Wu
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, NO. 74, Zhongshan II Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhijin Wang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, NO. 74, Zhongshan II Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510080, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Peter Decat
- International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185 UZ P114, 9000 Ghent, VAT BE 248.015.142, Belgium
| | - Wei-Hong Zhang
- International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185 UZ P114, 9000 Ghent, VAT BE 248.015.142, Belgium
| | - Yimin Chen
- National Research Institution for Family Planning, NO. 12, Hui temple, Haidian district, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Eileen Moyer
- Department of Anthropology, Amsterdam School for Social Science Research, University of Amsterdam, 1001 NAAmsterdam, Postbus 15508, The Netherlands
| | - Shizhong Wu
- Donghua Research Institute of Reproductive Health in Chengdu, NO.324, Yulindong XVI Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610000, China
| | | | - Dirk Van Braeckel
- International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185 UZ P114, 9000 Ghent, VAT BE 248.015.142, Belgium
| | - Marleen Temmerman
- International Centre for Reproductive Health (ICRH), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185 UZ P114, 9000 Ghent, VAT BE 248.015.142, Belgium
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Wong LP. An exploration of knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of young multiethnic Muslim-majority society in Malaysia in relation to reproductive and premarital sexual practices. BMC Public Health 2012; 12:865. [PMID: 23057505 PMCID: PMC3497870 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-12-865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2012] [Accepted: 10/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing trend of premarital sexual experience and unintended pregnancies in Malaysia warrants sustained and serious attention. The sensitivities of sex-related issues in a Muslim-majority country create various types of barriers to sexual and reproductive health information, support and practices. This study aims to gain understanding of knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of young women in Malaysia concerning reproductive, contraception and premarital sexual practices. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed, using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire carried out among 1695 female university students in a public university in Malaysia. RESULTS Respondents had low scores for knowledge of reproduction and pregnancy (median=4, of maximum score 10), contraceptive uses (median=6, of maximum score 16) and contraceptive availability (median=3, of maximum score 13). The majority of women surveyed do not have liberal values in relation to premarital sexual behaviour (median=37, of maximum 40); higher scores on this scale corresponded to opposing premarital sex. The multivariate analyses showed that ethnic group was the strongest correlate of knowledge and attitude scores; being of Malay Muslim ethnicity was associated significantly with lower knowledge scores and premarital sex permissiveness. Other significant correlates were year of study, maternal occupational groups, level of religious faith, dating status and urban-rural localities. Level of premarital sex permissiveness was inversely correlated with reproduction and pregnancy knowledge score, and contraceptive knowledge scores. CONCLUSION Reproductive health knowledge and attitudes were intricately linked to religious values and cultural norms differences surrounding sexual issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ping Wong
- Centre of Population Health, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Lu C, Xu L, Wu J, Wang Z, Decat P, Zhang WH, Chen Y, Moyer E, Wu S, Minkauskiene M, Van Braeckel D, Temmerman M. Sexual and reproductive health status and related knowledge among female migrant workers in Guangzhou, China: a cross-sectional survey. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2011; 160:60-5. [PMID: 22071111 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2011.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2010] [Revised: 06/21/2011] [Accepted: 10/12/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate the current sexual and reproductive health (SRH) status including SRH-related knowledge and associated factors, self-reported symptoms of reproductive tract infection (RTI), medical assistance seeking behavior, sexual experience and contraceptive use, reproductive information approach and reproductive service utilization among female migrant workers in Huangpu district, Guangzhou city, China. STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2008 in eight factories, which were selected randomly from 32 eligible factories in the Huangpu district in Guangzhou. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the SRH status of migrant workers. Factors associated with the level of SRH knowledge were determined by a logistic regression model. RESULTS Of 1346 female migrant workers, 831(61.7%) were unmarried and 515 (38.3%) were married. 27.2% of the unmarried respondents and 40.2% of the married respondents had suffered self-reported RTI symptoms. Among unmarried respondents, the median knowledge score was 5 points, compared to 8 points for the married. For unmarried migrant workers, factors associated with the knowledge level were age, education level, access to SRH information and service, sexual experiences and RTI symptoms. For married migrant workers, factors associated with the knowledge level were age, education level, access to SRH services and RTI symptoms. CONCLUSIONS A high prevalence of self-reported RTI symptoms and a low knowledge level were found among young female migrant workers. Unmarried migrant workers are more vulnerable to SRH problems. Those findings demand more specific interventions targeting female migrants and in particular the unmarried.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciyong Lu
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong province, PR China
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Hamid S, Johansson E, Rubenson B. 'Good parents' strive to raise 'innocent daughters'. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2011; 13:841-851. [PMID: 21656410 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2011.579165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
This paper analyses the views of parents in a slum setting in Pakistan regarding the marriage preparedness of their daughters. Twenty-five parents participated in four gender-specific focus group discussions. Latent content analysis was used to explore parents' views and experiences with regard to their daughters' marriage and how they prepared them for it. The main theme identified was that 'good parents' strive to raise 'innocent daughters'. Three sub-themes contributing to the main theme were: a daughter-a responsibility and a burden; social and sexual innocence; and parents' roles in the preparation for marriage. The theme and the sub-themes together illustrate how parents saw themselves as responsible for raising 'innocent daughters' and arranging good marriages. Parents realised, though, that bringing up daughters for marriage required not only training in submissivness, but also building confidence and knowledge during their childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saima Hamid
- Global Health, Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Decat P, Zhang WH, Moyer E, Cheng Y, Wang ZJ, Lu CY, Wu SZ, Nadisauskiene RJ, Luchters S, Deveugele M, Temmerman M. Determinants of unmet need for contraception among Chinese migrants: A worksite-based survey. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2010; 16:26-35. [DOI: 10.3109/13625187.2010.536920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Zhang LY, Jejeebhoy S, Shah IH, Zhang LH, Hsia J, Im-em W. Access to contraceptive services among unmarried young people in the north-east of China. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2009; 9:147-54. [PMID: 15697104 DOI: 10.1080/13625180400007181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The concerns about the potential threats of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) have increased, since, in China, there is a lack of sexual education and condom use is rare. A community-based survey was conducted in September 2001 in Changchun city among 1227 unmarried young people aged 15-24 years (619 males and 608 females) to assess risky sexual practices and the obstacles to accessing appropriate contraceptive and other services. METHOD The study comprised a survey employing self-administered questionnaires, as well as key informant interviews, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. This paper investigates the factors associated with young people's access to contraceptive services. RESULTS Results showed that 16% of young people had experienced premarital sexual intercourse and, among them, only 48.2% used contraceptive methods during the first sexual intercourse; 29.9% used a condom. Drug stores were the main source of contraceptives. CONCLUSIONS While data are sparse, findings suggest that the hostile and judgmental attitudes of providers, as well as the lack of counseling and privacy, were the key obstacles that unmarried youth encountered in their search for contraceptive services. Findings suggest the need for a reorientation of the contraceptive services to focus on unmarried youth, and generally to make contraceptive services more accessible to young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Y Zhang
- Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Thailand
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Zhang L, Li X, Shah IH, Baldwin W, Stanton B. Parent-adolescent sex communication in China. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2007; 12:138-47. [PMID: 17559012 DOI: 10.1080/13625180701300293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Communication concerning sexual matters between parents and their adolescent children serve as a protective factor and exerts a favourable influence on adolescents' sexual behaviours. As limited data regarding parent-adolescent sex communication are available in China, this study was undertaken with the aim of exploring the patterns and related factors of such communication and its relationship with adolescent sexual behaviour. STUDY DESIGN Community-based data were collected in 2001 in Changchun, China. Unmarried adolescents 15-19 years of age (322 young men and 360 young women) were included in a survey using self-administered questionnaires. RESULTS Overall, sex communication with parents was relatively infrequent. There was a significant gender difference in the pattern of sex communication, with male adolescents being more likely to talk with fathers and female adolescents with mothers. Logistic regression analysis revealed that gender of adolescents, quality of communication with mothers on general topics, and adolescent's perception of mother being the main source of sex knowledge were predictive of the level of sex communication between mother and her adolescent children. CONCLUSION This study reveals that communication regarding sexual matters between parents and adolescents was limited in China. The quality of communication on general topics between parents and their adolescent children is one of the important factors related to sex communication between them. It is essential that Chinese parents are better informed and skilled to be involved, in addition to school and community, in the sex education of their adolescent children. They should be able to communicate appropriately on sex-related issues with them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liying Zhang
- Prevention Research Center, Carman and Ann Adams Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201-2196, USA.
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Chen J, Dunne MP, Han P. Prevention of child sexual abuse in China: knowledge, attitudes, and communication practices of parents of elementary school children. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2007; 31:747-55. [PMID: 17628670 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2006.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2005] [Revised: 12/07/2006] [Accepted: 12/10/2006] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Active involvement by parents may contribute substantially to the success of school-based programs to prevent child sexual abuse (CSA). In China, little is known about parental understanding of CSA. This study investigated Chinese parents' knowledge, attitudes, and communication practices with their children about CSA. METHOD Six hundred and fifty-two parents of Grade 3 pupils of seven elementary schools in Jingzhou city, Hubei province (central China), completed an anonymous questionnaire (response rate=81%). RESULTS More than 95% of respondents agreed that elementary schools should provide programs to prevent CSA and were willing to have their children participate in such programs. Although nearly all parents talked with their children about stranger danger, they were much less likely to talk specifically about sexual abuse. Many parents personally lacked basic knowledge about characteristics of perpetrators, the sexual abuse of boys, and nonphysical consequences of CSA. About half (46.8%) expressed some concern that CSA preventive education could cause their children to know "too much about sex." Contrary to expectations from research in western nations, parents who talked with their children about CSA did not have better knowledge or more supportive attitudes to CSA prevention than did parents who said they never discussed CSA with their children. CONCLUSION This study confirms and extends two recent surveys indicating strong support for the concept of school-based CSA prevention in China. However, given the apparently low levels of knowledge about CSA, even among those who talk about this problem with their children, future prevention programs should include community-wide efforts to educate adults to ensure that parental advice is accurate and hopefully, effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- JingQi Chen
- Institute of Child and Adolescent Health, Peking University Health Science Centre, Beijing, China
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Epstein RJ. Primary prevention of human papillomavirus-dependent neoplasia: No condom, no sex. Eur J Cancer 2005; 41:2595-600. [PMID: 16223580 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2005.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2005] [Accepted: 06/23/2005] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cervix cancer is one of several neoplastic disorders that arise following transfer of human papillomavirus (HPV) during unprotected sexual intercourse, and like most other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), is largely preventable by consistent condom use. This primary prevention strategy has received little support, however, when compared with massive secondary prevention initiatives involving cervical screening. The reasons for this anomalous situation are complex, and include: (i) the asymptomatic nature of most primary HPV infections; (ii) widespread ignorance concerning the venereal aetiology of HPV-related cancers; (iii) the common but incorrect belief that condom use does not reduce HPV transmission; (iv) the perceived irrelevance of safe sex campaigns based on reducing transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in high-HPV but low-HIV countries such as the Philippines; (v) the promotion of oral contraception by the medical and pharmaceutical sectors as the sexual prophylaxis of choice; and (vi) the assumption that HPV vaccines will solve the problem. Here it is proposed that the high prevalence of non-HIV STDs, including distressing disorders such as genital warts and herpes simplex, can be exploited with greater efficacy as a public health deterrent to unsafe sex and HPV transmission. Targeting a "mutually assured infection" campaign at vulnerable subgroups such as teenagers and oral contraceptive users could help reverse the global expansion of HPV-related cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Epstein
- Division of Haematology and Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Room 404, Professorial Block, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong
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