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1.
Sex Transm Dis ; 2024 May 01.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38691409

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 stay-at-home orders and research restrictions halted recruitment and follow-up of clinical research patients. While clinical research has resumed, it is an open question whether research participation has returned to levels similar to those before COVID-19. METHODS: We utilized data from the TECH-PN (NCT# NCT03828994) study, a single-center RCT enrolling 13-25-year-olds with mild-moderate pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) receiving ambulatory care. We examined enrollment patterns before COVID-19 and during/after COVID-19 among those assessed for eligibility by estimating the average rate of recruitment visits for each period. We focused on this monthly rate by pandemic status, the length of stay (LOS) by pandemic status, as well as the relationship between the LOS and patient demographics. Descriptive analyses were conducted, including Student's t-test to compare rates between time periods and a Chi-square test to compare the proportion refusing enrollment. RESULTS: The monthly enrollment rate during/post-pandemic was significantly lower than before COVID-19 (4.8 per month compared to 7.4 per month, p < 0.001). However, eligible participants' age, race, and insurance type were similar pre- and during/post-pandemic. Among eligible patients, LOS for receiving PID care was slightly increased, from a median of 5.4 hours to 6.4 hours (p = 0.650), and the rate of refusal to participate among those eligible was similar (23% versus 27%, p = 0.362). There was a similar number of ineligible patients due to inpatient admissions during both periods. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 pandemic restrictions negatively impacted recruitment into this RCT. Enrollment differences may reflect ongoing perceptions of restrictions in care access or a hesitancy to use health services. More research is needed to stabilize access to ambulatory STI/PID care and access to clinical trials.

2.
J Adolesc Health ; 2024 May 11.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38739051

PURPOSE: Intimate partner violence (IPV) and substance use in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) are significant public health issues in the United States. Together, they can harm emotional regulation and romantic relationship functioning. This study examines the role of concordant and discordant substance use on IPV within AYA relationships. METHODS: A prospective cohort of community-recruited AYA women in a heterosexual dating relationship with past-month IPV completed four months of daily surveys via a cell phone. Each day, participants reported any IPV perpetration and/or victimization, their alcohol and drug use, and observed partner substance use. Concordant substance use was coded when the participant and partner used drugs or alcohol on the same day. Discordant use was coded when only the participant or partner used drugs or alcohol on a given day. Alcohol and drug use were modeled separately. Generalized estimating equations accounted for the correlation of repeated measures. RESULTS: Participants (N = 143) were 18.2 (1.1) years old, 93% African American race. Discordant alcohol and drug use was associated with same-day victimization, perpetration, and co-occurring violence compared to concordant nonuse. Similarly, concordant alcohol use, drug use, and alcohol/drug use were associated with increased odds of victimization, perpetration, and co-occurring violence compared to concordant nonuse. DISCUSSION: Daily data illustrated that dyadic patterns of substance use are associated with IPV. These findings may facilitate the development of effective and developmentally appropriate IPV intervention programs for AYA that also integrate strategies to reduce substance use.

3.
BMC Womens Health ; 24(1): 198, 2024 Mar 26.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38532377

BACKGROUND: Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is tied to one of the most conservative cultures in the Mediterranean and Sub-Saharan Africa. More than 200 million girls and women in 30 African, Asian and the middle Eastern countries have undergone FGM/C. However, healthcare professionals are not adequately trained to prevent and manage FGM/C-related complications including sexual health problems. This study aimed to assess the need and acceptability of a curriculum to train nursing and medical students in the sexual healthcare of clients with FGM/C in Tanzania. METHODS: We used a descriptive and cross sectional study design to collect and analyse information from 271 medical and 137 nursing students in Tanzania. A Qualtrics online survey was used to obtain quantitative data on training interest, previous training received, and the curriculum delivery method. Open-ended questions were used to explore their insights on significance to obtain the necessary competencies to treat and prevent FGM/C. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data while qualitative data were analyzed using a thematic approach. RESULTS: Almost half of the participants reported they had little to no training in sexual healthcare for women with FGM/C (47%). In all, 82.4% reported the training to be acceptable. Following thematic analysis of open-ended questions, participants expressed a desire to improve their competencies to meet the current and future sexual and psychological health needs of women and girls who have undergone FGM/C. CONCLUSION: It is a necessary and acceptable to develop a curriculum to train healthcare students to diagnose, treat and prevent sexual health complications related to FGM/C. In our study, designing a culturally sensitive curriculum and its delivery method, that includes practical sessions with simulated patients, was considered the most beneficial and favorable.


Circumcision, Female , Students, Medical , Female , Humans , Tanzania , Circumcision, Female/psychology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Delivery of Health Care , Curriculum
4.
Cult Health Sex ; : 1-15, 2024 Jan 29.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38284804

Little is known about the factors that may prevent healthcare professionals as key stakeholders from exploring sexual health issues in Tanzania. This study examined healthcare professionals' perspectives on the barriers to addressing sexual health concerns in practice. In June 2019, we conducted an exploratory qualitative study involving 18 focus group discussions among healthcare professionals (n = 60) and students (n = 61) in the health professions (midwifery, nursing, medicine) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Study participants and design were purposively selected and stratified. We used a focus group discussion guide in Kiswahili. Data were transcribed in Kiswahili and translated into English. A thematic analysis approach was used for data analysis. Two themes were developed: (1) differences between health care professional and patient socio-demographic characteristics; (2) health care system and patients' backgrounds, such as communication barriers, lack of confidentiality and privacy within health facilities, type of clinical presentation and complaint, patient behaviours, and their clinical background. Several key barriers prevented sexual health communication between healthcare professionals and patients, affecting the quality of sexual health service delivery. Additional sexual health clinical training is warranted for health professions students and professionals to optimise sexual health care delivery in a culturally conservative country like Tanzania.

5.
East Afr J Health Sci ; 6(1): 149-161, 2023.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38046829

Health professionals in Tanzania report a perceived need for sexual and reproductive health communication training to meet patient needs and reduce disparities. Simulation optimizes clinical performance and public entrustment. The study describes the development, feasibility, and acceptability measures of evidence-based, Afrocentric, standardized patient scenarios to train nursing, medical, and midwifery students in sexual and reproductive health in Tanzania. Standardized patient simulation cases with embedded cultural, language, gender, age, sexuality, and legal complexity issues were identified by stakeholders in Dar es Salaam centering on;1) adolescent health, 2) women's health, and 3) male health cases. Twenty-four health professional students evenly split across nursing, midwifery, and medicine were recruited and enrolled to participate in a pilot trial of the standardized patient simulations conducted in Kiswahili and the results recorded. Videos were evaluated by trained bilingual research staff using standardized behavioral checklists. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used to assess the pilot data. The study found that seventy-five percent (N =18) of baseline participants (N=24) returned for the 3-month follow-up simulation assessment. While not powered for statistical significance, students showed improvement in all cases and a significant improvement in the male erectile dysfunction concerns case for both interpersonal communication (t (17) = -3.445, p < .005) and medical history taking checklist (t(17)= -3.259, p < .005). Further, most students found the opportunity to practice using the simulations helpful or very helpful in their sexual and reproductive health education. It was therefore concluded that preliminary sexual and reproductive health simulation data using standardized patients demonstrated feasibility and acceptability among student participants.

6.
East Afr J Health Sci ; 6(1): 133-148, 2023 Feb 14.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38013881

Building trust and therapeutic relationships between healthcare providers and patients are crucial for delivering high-quality, comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Yet, while patients face substantial SRH disparities in Tanzania, little is known about health care professionals' [HCPs] SRH history-taking practices and experiences. This paper describes HCPs' interdisciplinary practices, experience in conducting SRH taking, and the critical lessons learned to optimize quality SRH care. We conducted 18 focus group discussions in June 2019 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with 60 healthcare practitioners and 61 students in midwifery, nursing, and medicine. We implemented a purposive, stratified sampling design to explore the experiences and perspectives of HCPs regarding providing sexual health services. We employed a grounded theory approach to perform the analysis. We provided seven scenarios to participants to discuss how they would manage SRH health problems. The scenarios helped us evaluate the practice and experience of SRH in Tanzania. Four broad themes and sub-themes emerged during the discussion; 1) SRH history-taking practices and experiences in the health care facilities; 2) the perceived benefit of effective SRH history-taking; 3) Factors hindering the SRH history-taking process; 4) The power of confidence. These findings have implications for strengthening a sexual health curriculum for medical students and continuing education programs for practicing health professionals designed to address the observed health disparities in Tanzania. These findings affirm that proper SRH history-taking requires a conducive environment, knowledge of relevant SRH-related laws and regulations; application of evidence-based techniques; and giving patients autonomy to make decisions for their health while making recommendations regarding standard care. Comprehensive SRH history-taking identifies critical data for illness diagnosis, provides foundational information for risk-reduction behavioural change counselling, and reduces medical costs. Therefore, the primary goal is to optimize health professional training on SRH issues and history-taking skills within the medical interview.

7.
Pediatr Qual Saf ; 8(5): e699, 2023.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37818201

Background: Children and youth in foster care (CYFC) are a population with special healthcare needs, and the American Academy of Pediatrics has healthcare standards to care for this population, but implementation challenges include identifying clinic patients in foster care (FC). Documentation of FC status in the Electronic Health Record (EHR) can support the identification of CYFC to tailor care delivery. Therefore, we aimed to improve the percentage of CYFC with problem list (PL) documentation of FC status from 20% to 60% within 12 months. Methods: This study used a five-cycle plan-do-study-act quality improvement model in two co-located primary care teaching clinics. The primary outcome was the weekly percentage of patients with FC status on EHR PL. Ishikawa cause and effect analysis and resident survey identified barriers and informed interventions: education, patient list distribution, documentation training, email reminders, and clinic champion. We constructed statistical process control charts of the primary outcome to assess for improvement. Results: Mean weekly percentage of patients with FC status on PL improved from 19.8% to 60.2%. The most extensive improvements occurred after designating a clinic champion and providing email reminders with enhanced patient lists. The sustainability of PL documentation (mean = 71.7%) was demonstrated 3-4 years after the completion of plan-do-study-act cycle interventions. Conclusions: Educating providers, collaborating with child welfare to provide patient lists to providers, standardizing documentation, and designating clinic champions are promising methods of improving EHR documentation of FC status. Identifying and documenting FC status are important initial steps to optimizing care for this vulnerable population in primary care.

8.
J Adolesc Health ; 73(6): 1046-1052, 2023 12.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37690010

PURPOSE: To examine differences in screening and advising for modifiable risk behaviors during well-visits based on adolescents' body mass index categories. METHODS: Retrospective analyses were conducted with the National Institute of Health's NEXT Generation Health Study data, a nationally representative cohort of 10th graders. In wave 1 (2010), adolescents were classified as being underweight (<4.99th percentile), normal-weight (5-84.99th percentile), overweight (85-94.99th percentile), or with obesity (≥95th percentile) based on the body mass index categories described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In wave 2 (2011), adolescents were asked by their provider about smoking, alcohol use, use of other drugs, sexual activity, nutrition, and exercise, and whether they were advised about risks associated with these behaviors. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 1,639 eligible participants as follows: 57.8% females, 63.3% 16-year-olds, 47.8% non-Hispanic Whites, 41.5% living in the South, 75.4% with health insurance, and 29.8% with low family affluence. Screening rates for overweight compared to normal-weight males were 51% reduced for smoking, 46% for alcohol use, 47% for other drug use, 57% for nutrition, and 47% for exercise. Screening rates were 40% reduced for other drug use for males with obesity, and 89% reduced for alcohol use for underweight males compared to normal-weight males. Advice receipt for females with obesity compared to normal-weight females was 90% increased for nutrition and 78% increased for exercise. DISCUSSION: Overweight male adolescents reported being less likely to be screened across almost all preventive service topics representing missed opportunities for care delivery.


Overweight , Thinness , Female , Adolescent , Male , Humans , Body Mass Index , Retrospective Studies , Obesity
9.
Appl Clin Inform ; 14(4): 752-762, 2023 08.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37729944

BACKGROUND: Increasing the percentage of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), including youth, who are virally suppressed to 95% is an overall goal of the ending the HIV epidemic initiative. While patient portals have become ubiquitous, questions remain about how best to operationalize parental/guardian access to youth's patient portals in alignment with optimizing HIV care outcomes and patient preferences. This qualitative study focuses on understanding perspectives among youth with HIV (YHIV) about parental access to patient portals. METHODS: Eligible participants were YHIV aged 13 to 25 years receiving care at an urban academic hospital. Semistructured individual/paired interviews were conducted between May 2022 and March 2023. Participants were asked to discuss thoughts on parental access to patient portals, and roles parents/guardians have in supporting their HIV care. Semistructured interviews were conducted with adolescent and emerging adult health care workers (HCWs) to gain perspectives on YHIV emergent themes. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim, and we conducted thematic analysis using an inductive approach to identify codes and themes. RESULTS: Sixteen YHIV and four HCWs participated in interviews. Parental roles in coordinating HIV care ranged from supporting YHIV needs for transportation, acquiring, and taking medications, to not having any role at all. Participants shared heterogeneous perspectives about their openness to share patient portal access with their parents/guardians. Perspectives were not strictly congruent along lines of participant age or parental roles in helping youth to manage HIV care. Sharing passwords emerged both as a pathway that YHIV grant access to their accounts and a source of confusion for clinicians when parents/guardians send messages using their child's account. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest HCWs should initiate conversations with YHIV patients to determine preferences for parental/guardian access to their patient portal, educate on proxy access, and explain the extent of medical information that is shared with proxy accounts, regardless of age and perceived parental involvement in HIV care.


HIV Infections , Patient Portals , Child , Humans , Adolescent , Adult , Privacy , Communication , Parents , HIV Infections/therapy
12.
J Adolesc Health ; 73(1): 198-200, 2023 07.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37019692

PURPOSE: Despite advancements in developing a vaccine for Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), vaccine hesitancy has historically limited the adoption of sexually transmitted infection immunization. This report investigates adolescent perspectives toward a potential CT vaccine and vaccine research. METHODS: As part of the Technology Enhanced Community Health Nursing (TECH-N) study, conducted from 2012-2017, we surveyed 112 adolescents and young adults aged 13-25 years who presented with pelvic inflammatory disease regarding their perspectives on a CT vaccine and willingness to participate in vaccine research. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Most participants were African American (95%), on Medicaid (89%), and sexually experienced (100%). Most respondents would accept a vaccine (95%) and preferred a provider's recommendation (86%) over parents, partners, or friends. A majority (70%) would not be embarrassed to participate in research. DISCUSSION: Respondents showed favorable attitudes toward CT vaccination and research in this high-risk study population.


Chlamydia Infections , Sexually Transmitted Diseases , Vaccines , Young Adult , Adolescent , Humans , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/prevention & control , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/epidemiology , Chlamydia trachomatis , Sexual Behavior , Vaccination , Chlamydia Infections/prevention & control , Chlamydia Infections/epidemiology
14.
PLoS One ; 18(2): e0264706, 2023.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36763616

INTRODUCTION: Sexual and reproductive health problems are one of the top five risk factors for disability in the developing world. The rates of sexual health problems in most African countries are overwhelming, which is why HIV and other STIs are still such a challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. Talking about sex in most African countries is a taboo, leading to common myths and misconceptions that ultimately impact community sexual health. METHODS: In this study, we conducted 11 key stakeholder individual interviews with community, religious, political, and health leaders (sexual health stakeholders) in Tanzania. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze all the materials. RESULTS: Two main categories merged from the analysis. The first category, "Ambiguities about sexual health" focused on societal and political misconceptions and identified ten myths or misconceptions common in Tanzania. Stakeholders highlighted the confusion that happens when different information about sexual health is presented from two different sources (e.g., community leaders/peers and political leaders), which leaves the community and community leaders unsure which one is reliable. The second category, "Practical dilemmas in serving clients", addressed a range of professional and religious dilemmas in addressing sexual health concerns. This included the inability of religious leaders and health care providers to provide appropriate sexual health care because of internal or external influences. CONCLUSION: Myths and misconceptions surrounding sexual health can prevent communities from adequately addressing sexual health concerns, and make it more difficult for healthcare providers to comfortably provide sexual health care to patients and communities. Stakeholders affirmed a need to develop a sexual health curriculum for medical, nursing and midwifery students because of the lack of education in this area. Such a curriculum needs to address nine common myths which were identified through the interviews.


HIV Infections , Sexual Health , Sexually Transmitted Diseases , Humans , HIV Infections/prevention & control , Tanzania/epidemiology , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/prevention & control , Sexual Behavior
15.
JMIR Form Res ; 7: e43550, 2023 02 24.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36826983

BACKGROUND: Gay, bisexual, and other sexual minority men have expressed the acceptability of patient portals as tools for supporting HIV prevention behaviors, including facilitating disclosure of HIV and other sexually transmitted infection (STI/HIV) laboratory test results to sex partners. However, these studies, in which Black or African American sexual minority men were undersampled, failed to determine the relationship of reported history of discussing HIV results with sex partners and anticipated willingness to disclose web-based STI/HIV test results using a patient portal. OBJECTIVE: Among a sample of predominantly Black sexual minority men, this study aimed to (1) determine preferences for patient portal use for HIV prevention and (2) test the associations between reported history of discussing HIV results and anticipated willingness to disclose web-based STI/HIV test results with most recent main and nonmain partners using patient portals. METHODS: Data come from audio-computer self-assisted interview survey data collected during the 3-month visit of a longitudinal cohort study. Univariate analysis assessed patient portal preferences by measuring the valuation rankings of several portal features. Multiple Poisson regression models with robust error variance determined the associations between history of discussing HIV results and willingness to disclose those results using web-based portals by partner type, and to examine criterion validity of the enhancing dyadic communication (EDC) scale to anticipated willingness. RESULTS: Of the 245 participants, 71% (n=174) were Black and 22% (n=53) were White. Most participants indicated a willingness to share web-based STI/HIV test results with their most recent main partner. Slightly fewer, nonetheless a majority, indicated a willingness to share web-based test results with their most recent nonmain partner. All but 2 patient portal features were valued as high or moderately high priority by >80% of participants. Specifically, tools to help manage HIV (n=183, 75%) and information about pre- and postexposure prophylaxis (both 71%, n=173 and n=175, respectively) were the top-valuated features to include in patient portals for HIV prevention. Discussing HIV test results was significantly associated with increased prevalence of willingness to disclose web-based test results with main (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 1.46, 95% CI 1.21-1.75) and nonmain partners (aPR 1.54, 95% CI 1.23-1.93). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate what features Black sexual minority men envision may be included in the patient portal's design to optimize HIV prevention, further supporting the criterion validity of the EDC scale. Efforts should be made to support Black sexual minority men's willingness to disclose STI/HIV testing history and status with partners overall as it is associated significantly with a willingness to disclose testing results digitally via patient portals. Future studies should consider discussion behaviors regarding past HIV test results with partners when tailoring interventions that leverage patient portals in disclosure events.

16.
Matern Child Health J ; 27(4): 621-631, 2023 Apr.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36840786

INTRODUCTION: Recognition of the importance of adolescents' environments in influencing their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) decision-making necessitates a deeper understanding of the role that community stakeholders play in shaping Adolescent and Young Adults (AYA) access to SRH education and care. We describe community stakeholders' knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes about AYA's SRH needs in three rural Latino communities in Kansas. METHODS: Key stakeholders completed a written survey incorporating the theory of Planned Behavior to assess attitudes, norms, and intentions to support AYA's SRH education and access to care. RESULTS: Across three rural immigrant community settings, respondents (N = 55) included 8 community health workers, 9 health care providers, 7 public health officials, 19 school health officials, and 12 community members. More than half self-identified as Latino (55%). Six (11%) participants, half of whom were in the health sector, thought SRH education would increase the likelihood that teens would engage in sexual activities. In contrast, other stakeholders thought that providing condoms (17, 30.9%), contraception other than condoms (14, 25.5%), and providing HPV immunization (5, 9.6%) would increase the likelihood of engaging in sexual activity. Ambivalence regarding support for SRH education and service provision prevailed across sectors, reflected even in the endorsement of the distribution of less effective contraceptive methods. Obstacles to care include immigration status, discrimination, lack of confidential services, and transportation. CONCLUSION: Key stakeholders living in rural communities revealed misconceptions, negative attitudes, and ambivalent beliefs related to the delivery of SRH education and services, potentially creating barriers to AYA's successful access to care.


Little is known about the knowledge, beliefs and attitudes held by key stakeholders in rural immigrant Latino communities regarding their level of support for AYA's SRH needs. Key stakeholders may harbor influential and ambivalent opinions regarding AYA's sexuality considering existing cultural norms, therefore, stigmatizing access to SRH education and care. We examined key community stakeholders' attitudes and norms as measures of intentions to support AYA's SRH education and care. We identify actionable steps needed to eliminate existing barriers to AYA's access to SRH education and care among at-risk immigrant Latino communities in the rural Midwest.


Pregnancy in Adolescence , Reproductive Health Services , Pregnancy , Female , Adolescent , Young Adult , Humans , Rural Population , Contraception , Sex Education , Sexual Behavior , Reproductive Health , Hispanic or Latino
17.
Ther Clin Risk Manag ; 19: 183-192, 2023.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36814428

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is a common reproductive health disorder among women of reproductive age. The treatment of PID has slowly evolved, reflecting changing antibiotic susceptibility and advancements in therapeutics and research; however, it has been largely unchanged over the last several decades. The most recent treatment recommendations consider the severity of infection, clinical presentation, and the polymicrobial nature of the disease. In addition, the role of novel organisms like Mycoplasma genitalium in PID is of emerging significance. PID treatment guidance offers oral and parenteral treatment options based on the patient's clinical status; however, deviations from the published guidelines are a general concern. Point of care (POC) testing for precision care, provision of adherence support, optimizing self-management and prevention strategies, and other alternative or synergistic approaches that maximize treatment outcomes will be instrumental for addressing the current challenges in PID diagnosis and management.

18.
J Adolesc Health ; 72(5): 815-818, 2023 05.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36669959

PURPOSE: We sought to describe the relationship between COVID-19 risk perception and sexual behaviors among urban adolescents and young adults (AYA). METHODS: Data were collected from 159 urban AYAs on COVID-19 risk perception, COVID-19 infections and deaths, romantic relationships, and sexual behavior during the stay-at-home order using a telephone survey. RESULTS: Seventy-nine percent of the study participants engaged in sexual intercourse during the stay-at-home order. Only 38% of these used condoms during their last sexual encounter. Experiencing COVID-19 positivity within their social circle was not related to COVID-19 testing. Concern for COVID-19 infection or experiencing a COVID-19 diagnosis or death in one's social circles was not associated with sexual intercourse or condom use. DISCUSSION: Urban AYA remained at risk for sexually transmitted infections, and COVID-19, given high baseline community rates of sexually transmitted infections and COVID-19, low condom use, and low COVID-19 risk perception at the time of the survey.


Adolescent Behavior , COVID-19 , Sexually Transmitted Diseases , Adolescent , Young Adult , Humans , COVID-19 Testing , Pandemics , Risk-Taking , Sexual Behavior , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/epidemiology , Condoms , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
19.
J Adolesc Health ; 72(2): 214-221, 2023 02.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36369111

PURPOSE: Sexual minority women and racial/ethnic minority women in the United States are at increased risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy. Yet, we know little about STI/HIV testing and contraceptive care among women who have sex with women only and women who have sex with both women and men, and who are racial/ethnic minorities. This study examined receipt of STI/HIV testing and contraceptive care among sexually active adolescent women by sex of sexual contact(s) and race/ethnicity. METHODS: Our sample included 2,149 sexually active adolescent women from the National Survey of Family Growth (2011-2019). We examined receipt of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services by sex of sexual contact(s) and race/ethnicity: STI and HIV testing, contraceptive counseling, contraceptive method, emergency contraception (EC) counseling, and EC method. RESULTS: Service receipt was low for all adolescent women, with disparities by sex of sexual contact(s) and by race/ethnicity. Women who have sex with women only had the lowest rates across all services; women who have sex with both women and men had higher rates of STI and HIV testing and EC counseling than women who have sex with men only. Non-Hispanic Black women had higher rates of STI and HIV testing than non-Hispanic White peers, and non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic women had lower rates of contraception method receipt than their non-Hispanic White peers. Racial/ethnic disparities persisted when results were stratified by sex of sexual contact(s). DISCUSSION: There is an unmet need for improved SRH service delivery for all adolescent women and for services that are not biased by sex of sexual contact(s) and race/ethnicity.


Contraception, Postcoital , Sexual and Gender Minorities , Sexually Transmitted Diseases , Pregnancy , Male , Female , Humans , Adolescent , United States , Ethnicity , Ethnic and Racial Minorities , Minority Groups , Contraception/methods , Sexually Transmitted Diseases/diagnosis , Sexual Behavior , Contraceptive Agents , HIV Testing
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