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Olson R, Lehman J, Mejia A, Ojeikhodion R, Osiecki K, Kathambi E, Kati SS, Randolph A. Just in case: undergraduate students identifying and mitigating barriers to their sexual and reproductive health needs. BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:96. [PMID: 38321420 PMCID: PMC10845645 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02854-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many U.S. colleges and universities offer access to a healthcare center that provides sexual and reproductive health (SRH) resources, services, and products. The importance of health centers in college and university settings in reducing sexual health disparities in student populations cannot be stressed enough. This article evaluates a student-led, mutual-aid, grassroots health promotion strategy for students with limited access to healthcare services, supplies, and tools via an anonymous and discrete distribution of SRH resources without charge. METHODS In partnership with faculty, undergraduate students worked to address their school's unmet SRH needs by increasing on-campus access to comprehensive, evidence-based, and sex-positive resources. Referred to as Just in Case, this student-led, grassroots health promotion program provided students with supply kits containing contraceptives, sexual health wellness products, basic hygiene supplies, and education materials. Students were surveyed in a pre- (n = 95) post- (n = 73) pilot study to identify contraception acquisition barriers, discern perceptions of on-campus SRH resources, and elucidate trends in this program's use and impact. Chi-square tests of independence were used to compare survey group responses, and association rule mining was employed in tandem to identify SRH items that students requested. RESULTS Students identified cost and privacy as significant barriers to acquiring sexual health products on campus. Of the 182 Just in Case supply kits requested by students during the 2022-2023 academic year, condoms were requested most frequently in 75% of fulfilled kits, while emergency contraception and pregnancy tests were asked most often in 61% of kits. 50% of students reported access to contraceptives on campus before this program's implementation, growing to 75% (p < 0.001) 1 year later post-implementation. Similar jumps were observed for reported access to sexual health education (30 to 73%, p < 0.001) and services (36 to 73%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION A student-led SRH supply and resource delivery strategy may immediately reduce SRH inequities and decrease barriers to contraceptive use for students with limited access to on-site SRH product availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Olson
- Center for Learning Innovation, University of Minnesota Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Jonathan Lehman
- Community Engagement and Education (CEEd) Hub, Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB), University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Angie Mejia
- Community Engagement and Education (CEEd) Hub, Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB), University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Rachael Ojeikhodion
- Center for Learning Innovation, University of Minnesota Rochester, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kristin Osiecki
- Center for Health Equity, Minnesota Department of Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Emily Kathambi
- University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Anita Randolph
- Community Engagement and Education (CEEd) Hub, Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain (MIDB), University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Oswalt SB, Butler S, Sundstrom B, Hughes CML, Robbins CP. Condoms on Campus: Understanding College Students' Embarrassment, Self-Efficacy, and Beliefs About Distribution Programs. Sex Transm Dis 2023; 50:720-725. [PMID: 37643396 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Condom distribution programs are a structural-level intervention implemented on college campuses to reduce sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies. Understanding students' beliefs about these programs and attitudes that can affect condom use is critical. METHODS Students at 6 different universities (n = 2809) completed items related to beliefs about campus condom distribution programs and their personal condom embarrassment and condom self-efficacy levels. Surveys were completed both in classroom and online. T Tests and analysis of variance were used to examine differences based on demographics. Logistic regression was used to examine predictors of condom use. RESULTS College students support the distribution of condoms on campus (97.4%) but express moderate levels of embarrassment in condom acquisition and possession (mean, 19.37). Lower rates of embarrassment were reported for condom negotiation (mean, 9.13) and actual condom use (mean, 8.48). Lower overall rates of embarrassment were reported by condom users, men and individuals in relationships compared with noncondom users, women, and single individuals. Heterosexual students were more embarrassed than bisexual students about acquiring condoms and negotiating condom use. Condom users, men, and individuals in relationships had higher rates of condom self-efficacy compared with nonusers, women, and single students. There were no differences in self-efficacy based on sexual orientation. Embarrassment about acquiring and actual use of condoms, condom self-efficacy and demographics were all significant predictors of condom use. CONCLUSIONS Campus condom distribution programs are supported by college students. Interventions to address embarrassment and increase condom self-efficacy need to be tailored to different students based on gender, experience with condoms, and relationship status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara B Oswalt
- From the Department of Public Health, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | - Scott Butler
- School of Health & Human Performance, Georgia College and State University, Milledgeville, GA
| | - Beth Sundstrom
- Department of Communication, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC
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Pereira LMS, Dos Santos França E, Costa IB, Lima IT, Freire ABC, de Paula Ramos FL, Monteiro TAF, Macedo O, Sousa RCM, Freitas FB, Costa IB, Vallinoto ACR. Epidemiological risk factors associated with primary infection by Epstein-Barr virus in HIV-1-positive subjects in the Brazilian Amazon region. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18476. [PMID: 34531433 PMCID: PMC8446016 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97707-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
To identify the prevalence and risk factors for primary Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1-positive adult treatment-naïve patients between January 2018 and December 2019 in a state of the Brazilian Amazon region. A total of 268 HIV-1 positive patients and 65 blood donors participated in the study. Epidemiological data were obtained from medical records and through a designed questionnaire. EBV infection was screened by the semiquantitative detection of anti-viral capsid antigen (VCA) EBV IgM and IgG, followed by molecular detection of the EBNA-3C gene. The plasma viral loads of HIV-1 and EBV were quantified using a commercial kit. The prevalence of primary coinfection was 7.12%. The associated risk factors were education level, family income, history of illicit drug use and sexually transmitted infections, homosexual contact and condom nonuse. Approximately 58.5% had late initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy, which influenced the risk of HIV-EBV 1/2 multiple infection (odds ratio (OR): 4.76; 95% CI 1.51–15.04) and symptom development (p = 0.004). HIV viral load was associated with patient age (OR: 2.04; 95% CI 2.01–2.07; p = 0.026) and duration of illicit drug use (OR: 1.57; 95% CI 1.12–2.22; p = 0.0548). EBV viral load was associated with younger age (OR: 0.82; 95% CI 0.79–1.03; p = 0.0579). The replication of both viruses was associated with symptom development (HIV = OR: 2.06; 95% CI 1.22–3.50; p = 0.0073; EBV = OR: 8.81; 95% CI 1–10; p = 0.0447). The prevalence of HIV/EBV coinfection was lower than that observed in other studies, and social vulnerability and promiscuous sexual behavior were associated risk factors. A long time of HIV-1 infection, without therapy, influenced the risk of coinfection and disease progression. The viral loads of both viruses may be associated with some epidemiological aspects of the population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eliane Dos Santos França
- Epstein-Barr Virus Laboratory, Virology Section, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil
| | - Iran Barros Costa
- Epstein-Barr Virus Laboratory, Virology Section, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil
| | - Igor Tenório Lima
- Epstein-Barr Virus Laboratory, Virology Section, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Olinda Macedo
- Laboratory of Retroviruses, Evandro Chagas Institute, Virology Section, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil
| | - Rita Catarina Medeiros Sousa
- Epstein-Barr Virus Laboratory, Virology Section, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil.,School of Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Felipe Bonfim Freitas
- Laboratory of Retroviruses, Evandro Chagas Institute, Virology Section, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil
| | - Igor Brasil Costa
- Epstein-Barr Virus Laboratory, Virology Section, Evandro Chagas Institute, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil
| | - Antonio Carlos Rosário Vallinoto
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil. .,Graduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, Pará, Brazil.
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Jennings Mayo-Wilson L, Coleman J, Timbo F, Latkin C, Torres Brown ER, Butler AI, Conserve DF, Glass NE. Acceptability of a feasibility randomized clinical trial of a microenterprise intervention to reduce sexual risk behaviors and increase employment and HIV preventive practices (EMERGE) in young adults: a mixed methods assessment. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1846. [PMID: 33267860 PMCID: PMC7709242 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09904-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acceptability is a critical requisite in establishing feasibility when planning a larger effectiveness trial. This study assessed the acceptability of conducting a feasibility randomized clinical trial of a 20-week microenterprise intervention for economically-vulnerable African-American young adults, aged 18 to 24, in Baltimore, Maryland. Engaging MicroenterprisE for Resource Generation and Health Empowerment (EMERGE) aimed to reduce sexual risk behaviors and increase employment and uptake of HIV preventive behaviors. METHODS Thirty-eight participants were randomized to experimental (n = 19) or comparison group (n = 19). The experimental group received text messages on job openings plus educational sessions, mentoring, a start-up grant, and business and HIV prevention text messages. The comparison group received text messages on job openings only. Qualitative and quantitative post-intervention, in-person interviews were used in addition to process documentation of study methods. RESULTS Our results found that the study design and interventions showed promise for being acceptable to economically-vulnerable African-American young adults. The largely positive endorsement suggested that factors contributing to acceptability included perceived economic potential, sexual health education, convenience, incentives, and encouraging, personalized feedback to participants. Barriers to acceptability for some participants included low cell phone connectivity, perceived payment delays, small cohort size, and disappointment with one's randomization assignment to comparison group. Use of peer referral, network, or wait-list designs, in addition to online options may enhance acceptability in a future definitive trial. Expanding administrative and mentoring support may improve overall experience. CONCLUSION Microenterprise interventions are acceptable ways of providing young adults with important financial and sexual health content to address HIV risks associated with economic vulnerability. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT03766165 . Registered 04 December 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Jennings Mayo-Wilson
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University School of Public Health, 1025 E. 7th Street, Bloomington, IN 47405 USA
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Jessica Coleman
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Fatmata Timbo
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Carl Latkin
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Elizabeth R. Torres Brown
- HEBCAC Youth Opportunity (YO!) Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1212 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Anthony I. Butler
- AIRS, Inc., Empire Homes of Maryland, Inc., City Steps, 1800 N Charles Street, 7th Floor, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Donaldson F. Conserve
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Green Street, Columbia, SC 29208 USA
| | - Nancy E. Glass
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD USA
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, 525 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD USA
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Abstract
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified Atlanta, Georgia as a high-risk environment for STI/HIV infection. Condoms are an inexpensive and effective method for preventing STI/HIV infection. The majority of individuals acquire their condoms through purchase, rather than through free condom distribution programs. However, individuals purchasing condoms in stores encounter numerous barriers. This study assessed the environmental and physical barriers surrounding condom purchases in stores in downtown Atlanta. The findings revealed a combination of high environmental and physical barriers, low visibility of condoms in stores and limited selection of safer sex supplies. In the most densely populated area of the city, stores which sold condoms were few (n = 25), equating to 1 store per ~ 7000 people. In 80% of stores, personnel were required in order to access the condoms. In 28% of stores, condoms were hidden underneath the counter. The majority of stores offered only one brand of male condoms with a limited selection of lubricants and no dental dams or internal condoms. Barriers and discomfort surrounding purchasing condoms can contribute to embarrassment, which has a negative impact on condom acquisition and ultimately on condom use. Efforts must be made to lower barriers in Atlanta and make condoms more readily available to high-risk populations. Community advocacy has been effective in removing barriers to condoms. Access can furthermore be improved by: installing condom vending machines in public locations, offering self-check-out in stores that do not have physical barriers and encouraging individuals to order condoms online.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan McCool-Myers
- Emory University School of Medicine, Jane Fonda Center for Adolescent Reproductive Health, 46 Armstrong Street SE, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA.
| | - Annabelle Myo
- Emory University School of Medicine, Jane Fonda Center for Adolescent Reproductive Health, 46 Armstrong Street SE, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
| | - Jacqueline Ann Carter
- Emory University School of Medicine, Jane Fonda Center for Adolescent Reproductive Health, 46 Armstrong Street SE, Atlanta, GA, 30303, USA
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Xiao C, Jike C, Liu D, Jia P, Xu X, Xiao L, Yu G, Nan L, Sun X, Ge J, Wang J, Wang K, Liao Q, Wang Q, Wenwen Z, Yang S. The changing modes of human immunodeficiency virus transmission and spatial variations among women in a minority prefecture in southwest China: An exploratory study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e18776. [PMID: 32028390 PMCID: PMC7015565 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000018776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Southwest China has a high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence rate. This study examined the changing modes of HIV transmission among women with new HIV infections and explored the spatial heterogeneities in the factors associated with heterosexual transmission in this minority region.The data consisting of women with new HIV infections from 2011 to 2014 were collected from multiple sources. New infections were identified by BED capture enzyme immunoassay. The Bayesian hierarchical model was used to estimate the proportion of women with new HIV infections via heterosexual transmission across all townships in the Prefecture. A geographically weighted regression (GWR) model was utilized to investigate spatial variations in the sociodemographic characteristics associated with the changing modes of HIV transmission.An analytical sample of 927 women with new HIV infections was constructed and utilized to investigate the changing mode of HIV transmission. The rate of heterosexual transmission among women with new HIV infections in 2011 was below 20%. However, by 2014 this rate dramatically increased to nearly 80%. Among sociodemographic characteristics, GWR results revealed significant ethnic differences in heterosexual HIV transmission between Yi women and women in other ethnic groups, with Yi women demonstrating a lower risk of infection through heterosexual transmission. However, such ethnic differences were observed only in 30% of the townships in the Prefecture. Moreover, having a primary education decreased the odds of heterosexual transmission, which was observed in about 56% of the townships. Also, being involved in occupations other than agriculture or animal husbandry and being single or married decreased the odds of HIV infection through heterosexual contact among women, which did not significantly vary across the Prefecture.Heterosexual transmission was the predominant mode of HIV transmission among women in the Prefecture, and this transformation was clearly marked by a fast-growing trend and a spatial diffusion pattern. Spatial variations also existed in sociodemographic factors that were associated with the changing modes of HIV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenghan Xiao
- Department of Health Related Social and Behavioral Science, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu
| | - Chunnong Jike
- Liangshan Prefecture Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Xichang
| | - Danping Liu
- Department of Health Related Social and Behavioral Science, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu
| | - Peng Jia
- Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
- International Initiative on Spatial Lifecourse Epidemiology (ISLE)
- Faculty of Geo-information Science and Earth Observation, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Xiaohe Xu
- School of Public Administration, Sichuan University, Chengdu
- Department of Sociology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, TX
| | - Lin Xiao
- Liangshan Prefecture Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Xichang
| | - Gang Yu
- Liangshan Prefecture Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Xichang
| | - Lei Nan
- Liangshan Prefecture Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Xichang
| | - Xiaxia Sun
- Department of Health Related Social and Behavioral Science, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu
| | - Jingjing Ge
- Department of Health Related Social and Behavioral Science, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu
| | - Ju Wang
- Liangshan Prefecture Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Xichang
| | - Ke Wang
- Liangshan Prefecture Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Xichang
| | - Qiang Liao
- Liangshan Prefecture Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Xichang
| | - Qixing Wang
- Liangshan Prefecture Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Xichang
| | - Zhai Wenwen
- Department of Health Related Social and Behavioral Science, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu
| | - Shujuan Yang
- Department of Health Related Social and Behavioral Science, West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu
- International Initiative on Spatial Lifecourse Epidemiology (ISLE)
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Butler SM, Mooney K, Janousek K. The Condom Fairy program: A novel mail-order service for condoms and sexual health supplies. J Am Coll Health 2019; 67:772-780. [PMID: 30365911 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2018.1512500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 05/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Objective: In recent years college health professionals have used a variety of innovative strategies to increase availability and accessibility of condoms and safer sex products. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and efficiency of a mail-order delivery program titled the Condom Fairy. Participants: Seven hundred thirty-three students (63.4% women, 86.1% heterosexual, and 59.2% Caucasian) completed a questionnaire assessing their overall experience with the program. Methods: Participants completed a 60 item questionnaire 30 days after receiving condoms and safer sex products. Results: Overall, 46,980 condoms were distributed over a six semester period. Almost all of the participants (97.4%) reported they ordered male condoms while 58.0% ordered sexual lubricant, 11.1% female condoms, and 10.2% latex dams. Nearly than three-quarters (73.9%) of participants reported they used the condoms provided. Conclusions: Findings support the implementation of innovative mail-in condom and safer sex product programs on college campuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Butler
- School of Health and Human Performance, Professor of Public Health, Georgia College, Milledgeville, GA, USA
| | - Katharine Mooney
- Wellness and Prevention Services, Wellness and Prevention, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katy Janousek
- University Health Center, The University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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Whiting W, Pharr JR, Buttner MP, Lough NL. Behavioral Interventions to Increase Condom Use Among College Students in the United States: A Systematic Review. Health Educ Behav 2019; 46:877-888. [PMID: 31165629 DOI: 10.1177/1090198119853008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. Traditional undergraduate college students in the United States are in the age range that experiences the highest rate of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and are vulnerable to contracting STIs. Increasing condom use among college students is a prevention strategy to reduce the spread of STIs. Aim. The purpose of this systematic review of the literature was to identify behavioral interventions that increased condom use behaviors and/or intentions among college students. Method. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed in systematically searching, extracting, appraising, and synthesizing the evidence. A quality assessment was also conducted with the tool provided by the Effective Public Health Practice Project. Results. The initial search yielded 715 records. After critical appraisal, seven articles remained for review. Discussion. Four of the interventions were developed using the three constructs of the information, motivation, and behavioral skills model, and all four found significant increases in condom use or condom use intentions. Additionally, interventions that included modules to increase self-efficacy for condom use, taught participants where to get condoms and how to negotiate condom use with partners, or elicited positive associations (feels) toward condoms saw increased condom use or intention to use condoms.
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Jennings L, Mathai M, Linnemayr S, Trujillo A, Mak'anyengo M, Montgomery BEE, Kerrigan DL. Economic Context and HIV Vulnerability in Adolescents and Young Adults Living in Urban Slums in Kenya: A Qualitative Analysis Based on Scarcity Theory. AIDS Behav 2017; 21:2784-98. [PMID: 28078495 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-017-1676-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Urban slum adolescents and young adults have disproportionately high rates of HIV compared to rural and non-slum urban youth. Yet, few studies have examined youth's perceptions of the economic drivers of HIV. Informed by traditional and behavioral economics, we applied a scarcity theoretical framework to qualitatively examine how poverty influences sexual risk behaviors among adolescents and young adults. Focus group discussions with one hundred twenty youth in Kenyan's urban slums were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using interpretive phenomenology. Results indicated that slum youth made many sexual decisions considered rational from a traditional economics perspective, such as acquiring more sex when resources were available, maximizing wealth through sex, being price-sensitive to costs of condoms or testing services, and taking more risks when protected from adverse sexual consequences. Youth's engagement in sexual risk behaviors was also motivated by scarcity phenomena explained by behavioral economics, such as compensating for sex lost during scarce periods (risk-seeking), valuing economic gains over HIV risks (tunneling, bandwidth tax), and transacting sex as an investment strategy (internal referencing). When scarcity was alleviated, young women additionally described reducing the number of sex partners to account for non-economic preferences (slack). Prevention strategies should address the traditional and behavioral economics of the HIV epidemic.
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Francis DB, Noar SM, Widman L, Willoughby JF, Sanchez DM, Garrett KP. Perceptions of a campus-wide condom distribution programme: An exploratory study. Health Educ J 2016; 75:998-1011. [PMID: 27917002 PMCID: PMC5130150 DOI: 10.1177/0017896916648994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Condom distribution programmes are an important means of preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs); yet little research has examined their perceived and actual impact on college campuses. DESIGN Quantitative, cross-sectional study. SETTING Large public university in the Southeastern USA. METHOD Approximately 2 months after a campus-wide condom distribution programme began, we utilised intercept surveys with 355 students (68% women; 43% racial/ethnic minorities) to examine their perceptions of the availability, accessibility and acceptability of condoms, and their perceptions and use of the newly installed condom dispensers. RESULTS Students perceived condoms to be available and accessible on campus after implementation of the condom dispensers. Students had heard about the dispensers from other people (36%), through social media (18%) and the campus newspaper (15%). Most students (71%) had seen the dispensers. Almost one in four students (23%) had taken a condom from the dispensers; among those who were sexually active during the 2months that the dispensers were available, 33% had used them. More than one-third of students (37%) - and 53% of sexually active students - indicated intentions to use the dispensers in the next 6months. Multiple regression analysis controlling for age, gender and race revealed that prior condom use, attitudes about the dispensers and comfort with the dispensers were significant predictors of sexually active students' intentions to use the dispensers (p<.001). CONCLUSION Overall, results indicate that over a short time period, this condom distribution programme was successful in reaching students and providing free condoms. Implications for implementing condom distribution programmes on college campuses as well as future directions for research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane B Francis
- School of Media and Journalism, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Seth M Noar
- School of Media and Journalism, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Laura Widman
- Department of Psychology, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | | | - Diana M Sanchez
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Student Wellness, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kyla P Garrett
- School of Media and Journalism, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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