Early Onset Of Sexual Intercourse Research Articles

Awareness of cervical cancer risk factors and preventive approaches, and perceived causes of cervical cancer among secondary school girls: a cross-sectional study in Northern Uganda

Background The majority of women in low- and middle-income countries have low awareness of cervical cancer. This study sought to establish awareness of cervical cancer risk factors and preventive approaches, as well as sources of information and perceived causes of cervical cancer among secondary school girls in northern Uganda. Methods This was a cross-sectional study conducted in rural northern Uganda. We collected data using an investigator administered pre-tested questionnaire. Analysis was done with STATA version 14.0. Multivariate analyses with logistic regressions models were used to determine magnitudes of association between independent and outcome variables. Odds ratios and accompanying 95% confidence intervals are reported. Statistical significance was considered if the two sided p-value <.05. Results Most participants (97%; n = 624) had heard of cervical cancer before this study. The most common source of information about cervical cancer was friends (31.1%; n = 194). More than half of the participants (59%; n = 380) had heard about a vaccine that prevents cervical cancer, but only a third (33%; n = 124) had ever received a dose of the vaccine. The majority of participants (89%; n = 550) reported that cervical cancer could be prevented; however only half (52%; n = 290) knew that vaccination of girls aged 9–13 years could prevent cervical cancer. The majority of participants did not recognize the risk factors for cervical cancer; for example, only 15% (n = 98), 7% (n = 45), and 1.4% (n = 9) recognized early onset of sexual intercourse, infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and smoking respectively. On adjusting for age, students’ class, and religion, students in schools with school health programs were twice (aOR = 2.24: 95%CI; 1.24–4.06) more likely to know that cervical cancer is preventable. Conclusion Secondary school girls need information on cervical cancer risk factors and approaches to prevention so that they may avoid exposures to the risk factors and promptly seek and undertake preventive approaches including HPV vaccinations.

Unpacking the Impact of Early Adverse Childhood Experiences on Early Onset of Sexual Intercourse Among an Urban Birth Cohort of Early Adolescents

PurposeEarly adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) predict early onset of sexual intercourse. However, patterns of ACEs identified using latent class analysis (LCA) and their links to early sexual intercourse have been less examined. In this study, we apply LCA to identify ACEs profiles at age five and to examine whether these profiles differentially predict adolescents' sexual initiation. MethodsWe analyzed data obtained from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study for 3,185 participants (male = 1,638; female = 1,547). This included parental/caregivers' reports of 10 types of ACEs when participants were on average at age five and youth self-report data on sexual intercourse before or at age 15. We used LCA to classify the participants into subgroups and multinomial logistic regressions to examine differences in early sexual initiation among the ACEs subgroups. ResultsLCA showed evidence of four classes for both genders: low adversity (51.8%), socioeconomic adversity (32.0%), family dysfunction (12.0%), and abuse (4.2%). We found class membership differences in early sexual intercourse in all three adversity classes compared to the low adversity group. Pairwise comparison tests further revealed that adolescents in the family dysfunction class had lesser odds of engaging in early sexual intercourse than their counterparts in the socioeconomic adversity and abuse classes. DiscussionOur findings suggest that LCA could help identify meaningful and distinctive child adversity patterns while accounting for the co-occurrence of ACEs. This is particularly helpful in evaluating who might be at greatest health risk which can further inform more effective and targeted interventions.

Chlamydia trachomatis infection in Cuban adolescent and young populations.

In Cuba, little is known regarding the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection in adolescents and young people. We study the frequency of CT infection in these populations, and its association with clinical-epidemiological variables. A total of 496 individuals aged 12 to 24 were recruited from November 2018 to November 2019. Of them, 302 were patients attending at sexually transmitted infections (STI) services and 194 were young volunteers. CT detections were carried out by real-time PCR and IgG serology. The prevalence of CT using PCR was 9.1% (45/496); 12.3% (37/302) for subjects attending STI service and 4.1% (8/194) for young volunteers, being significantly higher in the first group (OR=3.25; p=.001). CT IgG antibodies was detected in 38.6% (81/210). Individuals from 12 to 17years old were more likely infected with CT (OR=2.21; p=.010). Infection was associated with the early onset of sexual intercourse, the frequent changing of sexual partners and black ethnicity. The results suggest that Cuban adolescents and young populations are at highest risk of acquiring CT infection and developing reproductive complications. The data obtained advise the needs of implementation of a routine CT screening strategy, for timely diagnosis, detection and treatment at the earliest ages.

Relationship of age at menarche, coitarche and first gestation: A retrospective cohort analysis

Teenage pregnancy is defined as a pregnancy occurring between ages 10 and 19 (Loredo-Abdlá et al., 2017; Belitzky, 1985; Kaplanoglu et al., 2015), and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality for both mother and child. Several factors have been identified with increased risk of a teenage pregnancy, including incomplete sexual education awareness and increased exposure at a young age. In addition, an earlier onset of sexual intercourse, or coitarche, has been linked to a higher risk of teenage pregnancy. Early menarche, defined as first menstruation before the age of 12 has been previously identified as a risk factor for an earlier coitarche, possibly linking an early menarche with a higher incidence of teenage pregnancy. This study aims to compare and determine the relationship between the incidence of teenage pregnancy with early menarche and coitarche in a low income setting. A cross sectional review of electronic records of women admitted for delivery in a second level center in northeastern Mexico, being a low-income setting, where 814 teenage and 1474 adult mothers were included. Primigravid teenagers had earlier menarche and coitarche than adult counterparts and opted for postpartum contraception more frequently. Linear regression analysis revealed significant unadjusted beta coefficients between age at first pregnancy and coitarche (0.839) and menarche (0.362). Menarche and coitarche had a significant linear regression association of 0.395. We found amongst primigravid patients that teenagers had earlier menarche and coitarche than adults, which in turn correlated to their age at their first pregnancy.

Human papillomavirus infections in low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion in Peruvian pregnant woman: A cross-sectional cytology-based study.

Low-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) are important in pregnant women because they are risk factors for Condyloma acuminatum and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in the newborn. On the other hand, HPV may contribute to the development of preneoplastic lesions such as LSIL in pregnant women. We aimed to assess the frequency of HPV infections in low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) in Peruvian pregnant women. A cross-sectional study was conducted from 2011 to 2015 in 84 primiparous- and multiparous pregnant women (mean age: 27 ± 6.3 years). Pregnant women of 18-45 years attending gynecology outpatient department were included for the study. LSILand HPV (nuclear irregularities, koilocytosis, and cytopathic effect) cellular alterations were reported using the Bethesda System guidelines. Sixty-four percent had cytological HPV infection (koilocytes and/or pathognomonic signs of infection) and more than a half of pregnant women had a previous Pap test. LSIL was more frequent in multiparous (increased by 12%, p = 0.008), in the second and third trimester (60.7%, p = 0.002), and between the ages of 18 and 30 (42 cases (50%), p = 0.110). This proportion was significatively increased in women with ≥2 sexual partners (39.3%), with an early onset of first intercourse, and from the Rímac Municipality (14.3%) (p < 0.05). The rate of pregnant women with HPV infection increased by 39% between 2011 and 2015 (p = 0.001). Peruvian pregnant women with LSIL have a high frequency of HPV infections. These young pregnant women (≤30 years of age), with multiple pregnancy, ≥2 sexual partners, and early onset of sexual intercourse were mainly associated with the third trimester HPV infection and LSIL. To detect early lesions of the cervix, it is key to continue monitoring HPV infections with molecular techniques and screening in pregnant women.

Knowledge and Risk factors of Cervical cancer among women in towns of Pune Division - Maharashtra

Cervical cancer (CC) is a worldwide disease with 97000 of new cases per year occurring in most populated country, India. The objective of this study was to find possible factors which could affect knowledge about CC and, some CC risk factors in our community. A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in Maharashtra, State of India. Knowledge about CC is modulated by the level of education and the young age of women. Risk factors although universal seem to vary according to the geographical area and the socio-cultural environment where one lives. Some risk factors identified are early onset of sexual intercourse, polygamous marriages, multiple sexual partners, the sexual behavior of the male partner, Human papilloma virus (HPV) infections, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), Human Deficiency Virus (HIV), and history of genital warts. No enhancement of lifestyle as the voluntary refusal of cervical cancer screening and CC vaccination have also be found to be risky attitudes for CC.

Knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors and symptoms among women in a refugee settlement: a cross-sectional study in northern Uganda

BackgroundThere are limited data on awareness of cervical cancer risk factors and symptoms among refugee populations living in Uganda. In this study, we sought to determine the awareness and knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors and symptoms among women in Palabek refugee settlement, northern Uganda.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study. 815 women (aged 18–60 years) were randomly selected using multistage sampling in Palabek refugee settlement. Data were collected using pre-tested, structured questionnaires. Logistic regression models were used to determine magnitudes of association between socio-demographic and health system factors, and knowledge on cervical cancer risk factors and symptoms.ResultsThe majority of participants (53%, n = 433) were young (18–29 years), married (68%, n = 553), and did not have formal employment (93%, n = 759). Less than half (40%, n = 325) had heard of cervical cancer. Of those who had heard, most recognized multiple male sexual partners, early onset of sexual intercourse and HPV infections as risk factors for cervical cancer (93%, n = 295; 89%, n = 283; and 86%, n = 271 respectively). Median knowledge score for risk factor recognition = 7 (IQR: 3–9). Median knowledge score for symptoms recognition = 7 (IQR: 1–10). Half of women (50%, n = 409) correctly recognized 7 to 11 symptoms of cervical cancer, with vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods, pelvic pain, and vaginal bleeding during/after sexual intercourse recognized by 58, 52 and 54% respectively. Single women (OR = 0.59 (95%CI: 0.38–0.94), and women that lived farther than 1 kilo meter from nearest health facility in South Sudan (OR = 0.36–0.49 (95%CI: 0.26–0.84) were less likely to be knowledgeable of symptoms of cervical cancer.ConclusionA significant proportion of women in Palabek refugee settlement had not heard about cervical cancer. Refugee health services providers could increase awareness of cervical cancer risk factors and symptoms through health education in order to promote risk reduction behaviours and guide women during symptoms appraisal. Single women and those who lived more than one kilo metre from nearest health facility in home country could be a priority group for awareness intervention in the settlement.

Abstract 1619: Cervical cancer screening knowledge and behavior among female undergraduates

Abstract Background; Cervical cancer is a highly preventable disease that disproportionally affects women in developing countries with an estimated incidence rate of 33 cases per 100,000 women in Nigeria.. Over the year’s awareness and uptake of cervical cancer screening services have remained poor in developing countries. Lack of knowledge and poor attitude towards the disease and risk factors can affect screening practice and development of preventive behavior for cervical cancer Objective; This study assessed the level of knowledge and barriers towards cervical cancer screening among female university students. Method; We conducted a cross-sectional study of 234 female students at Ebonyi State University Abakaliki Nigeria from March to July 2017 using multistage sampling technique. Apretested questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, and screening history. Data were analysed with Epi info version 7.1.4. Results; Participants’ mean age was 22 years (sd=3).Of the respondents 79.5% were not aware of cervical cancer screening while 58.9% and 78.5% had poor knowledge on cervical cancer and Human papilomavirus vaccination respectively. Major sources of information were health workers 70% and 35% Radio while only 4.0% have had Pap smear test. Common barriers include lack of centres where such services are obtainable 88% and fear of cancer being discovered 9%. Reported risk factors were multiple sexual partners 24.2% and early onset of sexual intercourse 19.8%. A significant association was found between institutional and personal barriers and having a Pap smear test. Conclusion Comprehensive education on cervical cancer screening in universities is critical in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with cervical cancer. Few screening centres contributed to poor cervical screening uptake. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Joseph Agboeze, Matthew Igwe Nwali, Nkiru Ezeani. Cervical cancer screening knowledge and behavior among female undergraduates [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1619.

A trend analysis of sexual health behaviours of a national sample of Canadian adolescents using HBSC data from 2002–2014

Regular monitoring of trends in sexual health behaviours of adolescents is required to guide evidence-based intervention programs and health policies. The purpose of this study was to examine national trends in sexual behaviours of Canadian adolescents from 2002 to 2014. Method: A secondary analysis of data was conducted using the Canadian Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) survey of Grade 9 and 10 students over four survey cycles. Sexual behaviours of interest were ever having sexual intercourse, early onset of sexual intercourse, and oral contraceptive, condom, and dual method use at last intercourse. Disaggregated by gender and survey cycle, data were analyzed using cross-tab analyses and aged-adjusted logistic regressions. From 2002 to 2014, boys had decreasing trends in early onset of sexual intercourse [AOR = 0.55, 95% CI = (0.36–0.85), p = 0.008], and increasing trends in oral contraceptive use [AOR = 1.94, 95% CI = (1.24–3.04), p = 0.004]. During this time, girls had decreasing trends in condom use [AOR = 0.64, 95% CI = (0.41–1.00), p = 0.052], but increasing trends in oral contraceptive use [girls: AOR = 1.47, 95% CI = (0.98–2.19), p = 0.061] approaching statistical significance. No significant trends were noted in ever having sexual intercourse and dual method use for both genders. In sum, boys showed improvements in sexual behaviours over time. The inverse trends of condom use and oral contraceptive use suggested girls’ increasing reliance on oral contraceptive pills instead of condoms. Health services interventions and policies should consider implementing new strategies that better promote dual method use.

Prevalence, correlates for early neurological disorders and association with functioning among children and adolescents with HIV/AIDS in Uganda

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of neurological disorders and their associated correlates and relations with clinical and behavioural problems among children and adolescents with HIV/AIDS (CA-HIV).MethodsThis study involved a sample of 1070 CA-HIV/caregiver dyads who were evaluated at their 6-month follow-up visit as part of their participation in the longitudinal study, ‘Mental health among HIV infected CHildren and Adolescents in KAmpala and Masaka, Uganda (the CHAKA study)’. Participants completed an extensive battery of measures that included a standardized DSM-5- referenced rating scale, the parent version (5–18 years) of the Child and Adolescent Symptom Inventory-5 (CASI-5). Using logistic regression, we estimated the prevalence of neurological disorders and characterised their associations with negative clinical and behavioural factors.ResultsThe overall prevalence of at least one neurological disorders was 18.5% (n = 198; 95% CI, 16.2–20.8). Enuresis / encopresis was the most common (10%), followed by motor/vocal tics (5.3%); probable epilepsy was the least prevalent (4%). Correlates associated with neurological disorders were in two domains: socio-demographic factors (age, ethnicity and staying in rural areas) and HIV-related factors (baseline viral load suppression). Enuresis/encopresis was associated with psychiatric comorbidity. Neurological disorders were associated with earlier onset of sexual intercourse (adjusted OR 4.06, 95% CI 1.26–13.1, P = 0.02).ConclusionsNeurological disorders impact lives of many children and adolescents with HIV/AIDS. There is an urgent need to integrate the delivery of mental and neurological health services into routine clinical care for children and adolescents with HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.

Cervical Cancer Screening Knowledge and Behavior Among Female Undergraduate Students in a Nigerian University

Background: Cervical cancer is a highly preventable disease that affects women especially in developing countries. Over the years awareness and uptake of cervical cancer screening services have remained poor in developing countries. Lack of knowledge and poor attitude toward the disease and risk factors can affect screening practice and development of preventive behavior for cervical cancer. Aim: This study assessed the level of knowledge and barriers toward cervical cancer screening among female university students. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 234 female students selected by stratified random sampling techniques at Ebonyi State University Abakaliki Nigeria. A pretested questionnaire was administered to assess knowledge, attitude and screening history. Data were analyzed with Epi info version 7.1.4. Results: Participants' mean age was 22 years (SD=3). Majority of the respondents 79.5% have not heard of screening, 58.9% knew that it can be prevented, 78.5% have not heard about HPV vaccine and only 4.0% have had Papanicolaou test. Common barriers include lack of centers where such services are obtainable (88%) and fear of cancer being discovered (9%). Reported risk factors were multiple sexual partners (24.2%) and early onset of sexual intercourse (19.8%). A significant association was found between institutional and personal barriers and having a Papanicolaou test. Conclusion: Comprehensive education on cervical cancer screening in universities is critical in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with cervical cancer. Few screening centers have also contributed to poor cervical screening uptake.

Asociación entre múltiples parejas sexuales y el inicio temprano de relaciones sexuales coitales en estudiantes universitarios

Introducción. Los estudiantes universitarios tienen relaciones sexuales coitales a temprana edad con múltiples parejas sexuales, practicando diversas modalidades como: sexo casual, transaccional y grupal, que los hace vulnerables a embarazarse y adquirir infecciones de transmisión sexual.Método. Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal a 1854 estudiantes universitarios del área de la salud, (medicina, enfermería, odontología y psicología) de dos universidades públicas del Estado de México, entre 18 y 24 años, estableciendo asociación por medio de X 2 con el inicio temprano de relaciones sexuales coitales, el número de parejas sexuales, llevar a cabo sexo grupal, transaccional y casual.Resultados. Los hombres iniciaron relaciones sexuales coitales a menor edad que las mujeres. En los hombres se observa asociación (p=.001) entre el inicio temprano de relaciones sexuales coitales con llevar a cabo sexo casual, transaccional y grupal. En las mujeres se asocia el inicio temprano de relaciones sexuales con sexo casual y con mayor número de parejas sexuales con diferencias estadísticamente significativas.Conclusión. Los estudiantes que tienen relaciones sexuales coitales a temprana edad, tienen más parejas sexuales y llevan a cabo sexo casual, transaccional y grupal que los hace vulnerables a adquirir infecciones de transmisión sexual así como embarazos no planeados.

Prevalence and correlates for ADHD and relation with social and academic functioning among children and adolescents with HIV/AIDS in Uganda

BackgroundAim of this study was to determine the prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), its associated correlates and relations with clinical and behavioural problems among children and adolescents with HIV/AIDS (CA-HIV) attending five HIV clinics in central and South Western Uganda.MethodsThis study used a quantitative design that involved a random sample of 1339 children and adolescents with HIV and their caregivers. The Participants completed an extensive battery of measures including a standardized DSM-5 referenced rating scale, the parent version (5–18 years) of the Child and Adolescent Symptom Inventory-5 (CASI-5). Using logistic regression, we estimated the prevalence of ADHD and presentations, correlates and its impact on negative clinical and behavioural factors.ResultsThe overall prevalence of ADHD was 6% (n = 81; 95%CI, 4.8–7.5%). The predominantly inattentive presentation was the most common (3.7%) whereas the combined presentation was the least prevalent (0.7%). Several correlates were associated with ADHD: socio-demographic (age, sex and socio-economic status); caregiver (caregiver psychological distress and marginally, caregiver educational attainment); child’s psychosocial environment (quality of child-caregiver relationship, history of physical abuse and marginally, orphanhood); and HIV illness parameters (marginally, CD4 counts). ADHD was associated with poor academic performance, school disciplinary problems and early onset of sexual intercourse.ConclusionsADHD impacts the lives of many CA-HIV and is associated with poorer academic performance and earlier onset of sexual intercourse. There is an urgent need to integrate the delivery of mental health services into routine clinical care for CA-HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Sintomatología depresiva elevada y uso de métodos anticonceptivos en estudiantes universitarios de la salud en la zona centro de México

La depresión es un problema de salud que afecta al 23% de universitarios predisponiéndolos a prácticas sexuales de riesgo. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar la influencia existente entre la sintomatología depresiva elevada (SDE) en el uso de anticonceptivos y fallas al usarlos. Se realizó un estudio transversal no experimental a 1853 estudiantes de ambos sexos entre 18-24 años, del área de la salud de dos universidades públicas del centro de México. Se contrastaron SDE y uso de anticonceptivos por medio de χ2 y Odds Ratio ajustado por: sexo, edad, estado civil, con quién vive, múltiples parejas e inicio temprano de coito. Se encontró que la SDE es mayor en mujeres, la probabilidad de fallas en el uso anticonceptivos naturales y hormonales con SDE es 40%; y no usar condón 38%, (p &lt; 0.05), lo que aumenta el riesgo para embarazos no planeados y/o para la adquisición de infecciones de transmisión sexual.

Comportamientos de riesgo y abuso sexual en varones y mujeres con discapacidad visual o auditiva

El propósito del estudio fue analizar las características sociodemográficas, familiares y de comportamientos de riesgo y de abuso sexual de una muestra de jóvenes mexicanos con discapacidad auditiva o visual, examinando las diferencias por sexo y tipo de discapacidad. Se trabajó con 128 jóvenes (64 con discapacidad auditiva y 64 con discapacidad visual) de los que un 53,2 % eran varones y un 86,6 % solteros. Los instrumentos fueron adaptados lingüísticamente para ser respondidos por jóvenes con discapacidad auditiva y traducidos al braille para los jóvenes con discapacidad visual. Los resultados muestran que los participantes mantienen una vida sexual activa con un perfil de riesgo que se distingue por el inicio temprano de las relaciones sexuales, la falta de planificación de su primer encuentro sexual, no usar el preservativo y haber sufrido algún tipo de abuso sexual. El riesgo fue mayor en las mujeres y en quienes presentan discapacidad visual.

Early Age at First Sexual Intercourse is Associated with Higher Prevalence of High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (HSIL).

Objective To evaluate the association of age at first sexual intercourse with the results of the cervicovaginal cytology. Study Design Observational analytical study about the prevalence of altered cervicovaginal cytology results in women aged between 18 and 34 years from a densely populated area in Brazil, during 10 years. The patients were stratified into 2 categories according to their age at first sexual intercourse (13-16 years and 17-24 years). Results From the total of 2,505,154 exams, 898,921 tests were in accordance with the inclusion criteria. Considering women with 4 years or less from the first sexual intercourse as a reference, those with 5 to 9 years and 10 years or more showed a higher prevalence of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs). Women with an earlier onset of sexual intercourse (13-16 years) showed higher prevalence ratios for atypical squamous cells (ASC), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) and HSIL. The prevalence ratio for HSIL adjusted by age at diagnosis and by age at first sexual intercourse was higher only for women with an earlier onset of sexual intercourse. Conclusions The age of first sexual intercourse could be a variable that might qualify the selection among young women who are really at a higher risk for HSIL.

Early Onset of Sexual Intercourse and Parental Incarceration among African American Youth Living in Urban Public Housing.

Mass incarceration, substance use, and adolescent early onset of sex (e.g., initiate sexual intercourse at 13years of age or younger) are social problems with disparate impacts on low-income African American communities. Two out of every five inmates in state and federal prisons are African American and the vast majority of these inmates are from low-income communities. Furthermore, this population experiences more severe consequences of substance use and abuse compared to other populations. In sum, African American youth endure the lion share of problems that mass incarceration and substance use leave in their wake. It is likely that the early onset of sex reported by African American youth in national data is related to mass incarceration and substance use in their communities. Using a sample of 142 African American youth, this paper assesses whether parental incarceration or substance, or both, are related to the likelihood of early onset of sex. Analytic procedures included chi-square and sequential logistic regression. The sample reported a mean age of 19 and 36% reported early onset of sex. Being male, paternal incarcerated, and maternal alcohol problems were associated with an increased likelihood of early onset of sex. Results point to a need for supportive services for the children of incarcerated parents, particularly those living in urban public housing developments.

Factores de riesgo presentes en pacientes con lesiones intraepiteliales escamosas del cérvix en la Clínica Maternidad Rafael Calvo en la ciudad de Cartagena (Colombia): estudio descriptivo.

Objetivo: describir los factores de riesgo presentes en un grupo de pacientes con lesiones intraepiteliales escamosas (LIE) de cérvix en una entidad de referencia para mujeres del régimen subsidiado en la ciudad de Cartagena entre los años 2007 y 2012. Materiales y métodos: estudio descriptivo. La población de estudio la conformaron pacientes con diagnóstico histológico de lesiones intraepiteliales escamosas, que asistieron a la Unidad de Patología Cervical y Colposcopia de la Clínica Maternidad Rafael Calvo, de Cartagena (Colombia). La muestra fueron 150 mujeres mayores de 18 años. Resultados: el promedio de edad fue 35,5 años, el 62% del grupo estudio se encontró entre los 20 y 39 años. El 78% presentó LIE de bajo grado y el 22% LIE de alto grado. El 74% tuvo dos o más embarazos, 44,1% su primer embarazo fue antes de los 20 años, 64% tuvieron dos o más partos, 94.66% de la población no era fumadora, 4% refirió consumir alcohol regularmente, 54% afirmó haber tenido dos o más compañeros sexuales, 62% inició su vida sexual entre los 16-20 años, 22% usa anticonceptivos hormonales y 38% no utiliza métodos de planificación familiar. Conclusiones: la multiparidad, la cantidad de embarazos, la sexarquia temprana, el múltiple número de parejas sexuales y los métodos hormonales de anticoncepción, fueron los factores de riesgo con mayor frecuencia encontrados en las pacientes con lesiones intraepiteliales escamosas del cerviz en Cartagena.

Family Structure, Maternal Dating, and Sexual Debut: Extending the Conceptualization of Instability.

Family structure influences the risk of early onset of sexual intercourse. This study proposes that the family structures associated with risk-single-mother, step-parent, and cohabiting-influence early sexual debut due to family instability, including shifts in family structure and maternal dating, which can undermine parental control and transmit messages about the acceptability of nonmarital sex. Previous research has not considered maternal dating as a component of family instability, assuming single mothers who date and those who do not date experience comparable levels of family disruption and transmit similar messages about the acceptability of nonmarital sex. Hypotheses are assessed using logistic regression models predicting the odds of early onset of sexual intercourse among 9959 respondents (53% female, 47% male) from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. Respondents were ages 12-17 at the first wave of data collection and 18-26 at the third wave, when respondents reported the age at which they first had sexual intercourse. Results show that maternal dating is a source of family instability with repercussions for early sexual debut. Parental control and permissive attitudes towards teenage sex and pregnancy link at-risk family structures and maternal dating to early sexual initiation among females, though these variables do not fully explain family structure and maternal dating effects. Among males, the influence of maternal dating on early sexual debut is fully explained by the learning of permissive sexual attitudes.

Let’s Talk Sex: Exploring Sexual Risk and Experiences of Discrimination in African Americans

African Americans experience increased sexual risks, such as early onset of sexual intercourse, unprotected sexual encounters and more lifetime sexual partners, resulting in disproportionately high rates of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy. Despite current prevention efforts, these disparities persist. A better understanding of the role of structural factors such as discrimination in influencing individual sexual risk is needed. We conducted a systematic literature review to explore the role of discrimination in the sexual experiences of African Americans. Results indicate experiences of racial discrimination among African American adolescents and adults are associated with younger age at first sex, unprotected sex and number of lifetime partners. Implications for prevention efforts and future research are discussed.