Factors Associated With Self-Risk Perception for Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Adolescents

Abstract

Sexually transmitted disease (STD) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention efforts focus on increasing people’s awareness of their risks for these infections. Prevention programs have relied on the concept that perceptions of risk for negative consequences are critical in motivating protective health behavior. Perceptions of risk for STD defined here as the likelihood that a negative outcome (e.g. disease) will occur within 6 months after having unprotected sexual intercourse are presumed to influence subsequent sexual behaviors. We have previously shown that adolescents make decisions regarding their sexual behavior based on their perceived risk for STDs (PRSTD) and that PRSTD can predict subsequent condom use with a main sex partner. The objective of this study was to determine whether PRSTD is correlated with perceptions about partners’ STD-related risk behaviors. Prevention interventions include a focus on the role of sex partners in risk for acquiring an STD and it would be useful to know whether PRSTD is affected by perceptions about partners. Our sample consisted of adolescents who were participating in a longitudinal study at a municipal STD clinic. Eligibility criteria included: aged between 14 and 19 years old English-speaking ability engagement in vaginal or anal intercourse in the preceding 3 months HIV negativity and residence in the local metropolitan area. (excerpt)