Safer Sex Behaviors Research Articles

Knowledge and Perspective regarding Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Among Adolescents in Selected Schools of Birendranagar Mucinipality of Surkhet, Karnali Province

Introduction: Adolescence is the period of transition and opportunity in which physical, psychological, and social changes occur. Adolescents have various sexual and reproductive health problems like teenage pregnancy, abortions, sexually transmitted infections, etc. This study was designed to investigate the adolescence’s knowledge and perspective towards sexual and reproductive health in Birendranagar Municipality of Surkhet, Nepal. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was designed to investigate the adolescence’s knowledge and perspective towards sexual and reproductive health in Birendranagar Municipality of Surkhet, Nepal. Structured questionnaires were developed in close-ended form and administered to a selected sample population. The questionnaire contained questions in five domains: social-demographic data, knowledge regarding adolescents’ sexual life, knowledge on reproductive health and safe sexual behavior, practices of sexual behaviors, and other contextual factors. In this study, a total of 328 respondent’s questionnaires were issued, and 312 were valid. The response rate was 95%. Results: There were a total of 312 participants, 174 boys, 137 girls, and 1 third gender involved in the study. Around 80% of adolescents were from secondary level education, and only 20% were from basic level education. Nearly half of the adolescents had inadequate knowledge of adolescents’s sexual and reproductive health. Sexual abuse, unwanted pregnancy, early marriage, and STIs were the common reproductive health problems faced by adolescents. Conclusion: So, based on the above findings, government of Nepal should make different plans and policies to solve the adolescent’s sexual and reproductive health problems.

Prevalence of risky sexual behaviour and its associated factors among youths of Pokhara metropolitan city, Nepal: a cross-sectional study

IntroductionRisky sexual behaviour, which puts young people at greater risk of acquiring HIV AIDS and sexually transmitted infection, is a significant public health concern all around the world. In 2020,...

Prevention of HIV/AIDS Transmission in Key Communities in Surabaya

Indonesia is in third place among Asia Pacific countries for the growth and spread of HIV with a total of 46,000 cases. East Java Province is designated as an area with concentrated HIV prevalence along with five other provinces, namely DKI Jakarta, Papua, Bali, Riau and West Java. Knowledge is one of the predisposing factors in early detection of HIV disease, as well as risky behavior that can cause HIV AIDS transmission. This research aims to provide education to key communities as an effort to increase knowledge about HIV AIDS prevention and transmission. This research takes the form of experimental research, namely by measuring the increase in respondents' knowledge through pretest and posttest after the intervention. The intervention takes the form of providing education related to knowledge of preventing HIV/AIDS transmission. The intervention that will be carried out to increase knowledge about safe sexual behavior and preventing HIV AIDS transmission will be carried out by providing education on preventing HIV AIDS transmission in key communities at the Mahameru Foundation for 40 respondents. Risky sexual behavior such as having sexual relations with irregular partners, not using condoms during sexual intercourse, having sexual relations under the influence of alcohol and drugs are still carried out by key communities. The level of knowledge regarding risky sexual behavior, how HIV AIDS is transmitted and how to prevent HIV AIDS before education is carried out is still low.

HPV infection patterns and viral load distribution: implication on cervical cancer prevention in Western Kenya.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) coinfection remains common globally. However, its clinical significance compared to mono-infection remains controversial. Further, the epidemiology of HPV genotype combination in coinfection is not well studied in Kenya. . Between June and August 2023, a cross-sectional facility-based survey enrolled 434 women aged 16-68 years using purposive sampling strategy. Structured questionnaire was obtained from each woman regarding demographic and sexual behavior characteristics. Cervical specimen was collected from each participant and analyzed using RIATOL assay to determine HPV genotypes and viral load. Overall, HPV 52 was the most frequently detected HPV strain. The mean HPV viral load was elevated among coinfected women than those with mono-infection but there was no evidence to support differences in viral load in the two groups (P = 0.113). Mono-infection was common (58.52%). HPV 16 was noted to have a near equal presence both in mono-infection and coinfection (52.17% and 47. 83%), respectively. HPV 33 (alpha 9) and 45 (alpha 7) had the greatest preference for each other compared to all other HPV interactions. HPV 52 is the most prevalent HPV in the population supporting the need for the nonavalent HPV vaccine. Mono-infection with HPV 16 remains common corroborating the relevance of bivalent vaccine in resource limited setting where nonavalent vaccines may be unavailable. The frequent coinfection preference of HPV 33 and 45 (alpha 9 and alpha 7, respectively) pauses the need for further concurrent characterization. HPV vaccination and education on safe sexual behaviors is key in reducing HPV coinfection.

Epidemiological analysis of blood donors from college students in Hefei city.

College students represent a unique demographic group as they are adults no longer under direct parental care, yet often lack the institutional health support available to more established members of society, which can lead to their health needs being neglected, despite their substantial contributions to blood donation. The objective of this study is to shed light on the health status of college students in Hefei, with a specific focus on transfusion-transmitted diseases. Based on the detailed data analysis, the implementation of some constructive strategies will play a good warning role in improving clinical blood safety and promoting better health monitoring of this population in the future. The study aims to achieve two main objectives: On the one hand, to deepen our understanding of college students' participation in blood donation activities. On the other hand, to propose effective strategies for increasing youth involvement. Additionally, such research aims to afford recommendations for ensuring the safety of clinical blood supplies. Although the strategies and suggestions presented are speculative, they are grounded in the logical analysis of data and relevant theoretical frameworks. Therefore, these recommendations serve as a basis for potential future testing and implementation. The evaluation process for blood samples at the Hefei Blood Bank involves thorough serological testing for hepatitis B and C, HIV, and Treponema pallidum using both Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT). HIV reactive samples were further confirmed using Western Blot techniques at an external specialized laboratory. To ensure accuracy, each sample was tested with reagents from two different manufacturers. Moreover, any initially reactive sample was retested with the same reagent to eliminate potential false positives. In cases of conflicting results, alternative reagent kits are utilized for further confirmatory tests. Only samples that consistently show reactive results in consecutive tests are considered positive confirmation samples. Upon analysis of the data set, it was found that out of the total 663,105 donors, 177,089 (26.7%) were identified as college students, with the remaining 486,016 categorized as noncollege students. Our study demonstrated a notably lower prevalence of blood-transmitted infections among college students (0.48%) in contrast to the wider donor population (1.23%), underscoring their potential as safe blood donors. To uphold this level of safety and protect public health, it is crucial to increase disease prevention awareness and advocate for responsible donation practices within this specific demographic. Strengthening confidentiality protocols and expanding education on safe sexual behaviors in university settings are vital actions to cultivate an environment that promotes informed and secure blood donation. The overall group had prevalence rates of 0.44% for hepatitis B, 0.15% for hepatitis C, 0.02% for HIV, and 0.42% for Treponema pallidum. When focusing on the student cohort, the prevalence rates were 0.17% for hepatitis B, 0.04% for hepatitis C, 0.02% for HIV, and 0.23% for Treponema pallidum. Transmissibility through blood transfusion All donors (%) Students (%) Non-students (%) Any infection 1.23 0.48 1.51 HbsAg 0.44 0.17 0.54 Anti-HCV 0.15 0.04 0.19 HIV Ag/Ab 0.02 0.02 0.02 Anti-TP 0.42 0.23 0.49 Individuals with two or more infectious agents occur more than once in all categories. While it leads to numerical over-representation, such overlap is minimal and statistically insignificant.

Psychological capital variables as protective factors in indigenous youth experiencing homelessness

Indigenous youth in the United States are at high-risk for experiencing homelessness related to adverse childhood experiences such as parental substance use and low educational attainment. Such experiences may lead to adverse physical and mental health issues; these youth also have positive attributes of psychological capita (hope, self-efficacy, resilience, optimism) that are related to health outcomes. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to describe demographic attributes and psychological capital in Indigenous youth experiencing homelessness (IYEH) who participated in a longitudinal intervention study related to safe sex behaviors and life satisfaction. From a total of 602, Indigenous participants (n = 111; mean age 21.25 ± 1.82 years) were recruited from drop-in centers in Austin, Texas and Columbus, Ohio. Data were collected immediately after the intervention and at 3- and 6-month intervals. For this analysis, only data collected at the final time-point were used. Valid scales with Cronbach alphas of 0.75–0.92 (Hope, Resilience, Optimism, Self-efficacy for Substance Refusal, Self-efficacy for Safer Sex, Safe Sex Behaviors, Social Connectedness, and Life Satisfaction) were used. The majority of the IYEH reported smoking, drinking, and using drugs. Psychological capital variables of hope, self-efficacy for negotiating safer sex, resilience, and optimism were significantly related to one another, but not to safe sex behaviors or intention to use condoms. Resilience and optimism were significantly related to social connectedness but not to other psychological capital variables. Life satisfaction was significantly associated with hope, resilience, and optimism. Findings have implications for further theory and research development.

Factors Associated with Safe Sexual Behavior Among MSM Living with HIV: A Scoping Review

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks lymphocytes, leading to a gradual decline in the body's immune system and increasing susceptibility to various diseases, including Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at a higher risk of contracting HIV/AIDS due to unsafe sexual behavior. Objective: This scoping review aims to explore the factors associated with safe sexual behavior in MSM Living with HIV. Method: The scoping review is based on the framework by Arksey and O'Malley. A literature search involved various databases, such as EBSCO, PubMed, Science Direct, and CINAHL I, with the keywords: "Factors Associated" AND "Safe Sex Behavior" AND "Men Who Have Sex With Men OR MSM OR LSL". The selection process for research articles involved the use of inclusion criteria. The results were analyzed by extracting data into a data mapping table (PRISMA Flow Diagram). Results: 20 articles discussed factors related to safe sexual behavior among men with HIV/AIDS. These factors include individual perception, knowledge, and values. Discussion: It can be concluded that individual perception strongly influences safe sexual behavior among men, as individual perceptions can guide and motivate behavior.

Development of a HIV Prevention Program to Promote Condom Use Among Iranian Female Sex Workers: Application of An Intervention Mapping Approach.

We used an Intervention Mapping Approach (IMA) to derive multi-level HIV prevention strategies aiming to develop an HIV prevention intervention program among female sex workers (FSWs). We also aimed at pilot testing the effects of the IMA-based "HIV Prevention and Awareness Program (HIV-PAP)" on safe sex behaviors and its determinants among FSWs in Tabriz, Iran. To develop HIV-PAP, we conducted the six-step process of IMA. At Step 1, in a cross-sectional study, 140 FSWs were face-to-face interviewed. At Step 2, the program matrix was provided based on the importance and variability for identifying priority factors. At Steps 3 and 4, the methods and strategies for behavioral change were selected, and the HIV-PAP program components and materials were developed. At Steps 5 and 6, evaluation (as a pilot testing with Static-Group Comparison design) was conducted applying a pre-experimental study, in which 30 FSWs were assigned to intervention (n = 15) and control (n = 15) groups. The intervention group participated in a two-month long program, and one month later, the initial questionnaires were completed by both groups. The respondents (M age: 33.4 years, SD: 9.7) acquired low score (less than 50%) in negotiating for condom use (49.8%) only, and moderate scores (50-65%) in perceived social support (61.6%) and knowledge (60.5%). Adjusted for other variables, the factors (R2 = 32.0%) associated with safe sex behaviors among FSWs were predisposing factors [self-efficacy (β = 0.331), perceived norms (β = 0.945), and perceived barriers (β = 0.258)], condom use negotiation (β = 1.386), and environmental factors (β = 0.333). Our IM-based framework had an adequate fit index (χ2 = 130.8, CFI = 0.78). Looking for inter-group comparison after intervention, we found significant mean difference (MD) for knowledge (MD: 2.18; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) -.38 to 4.74, p < 0.05), self-efficacy to use condom (MD: 6.71; 95% CI -1.85 to 9.29, p < 0.05), perceived risk (MD: 2.03; 95% CI 0.58, to 3.49, p < 0.05), perceived social support (MD: 4.64; 95% CI -5.37 to 11.31, p < 0.01), and safe sexual behaviors (MD: 7.75; 95% CI -4.19 to 9.71, p < 0.05). The HIV-PAP showed effectiveness in promoting safe sexual behaviors and their determinants among FSWs. Healthcare providers should better understand the determinants of safe sexual behaviors among FSWs in the settings with legal prohibitions for sex work. In such communities, they should try to either develop or adapt such stage-specific interventions, within which promoting the above-mentioned factors is the core priorities of the program.

Regional and Country Prevalence Estimates of Unsafe Sex Among Adolescents in 68 Low-Income and Middle-Income Countries

Prioritizing adolescent health is a public health priority to achieve the sustainable development goals, including reducing the risk of unsafe sex. Data on unsafe sex have remained scarce among adolescents in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). To estimate the prevalence of unsafe sex in LMICs, we conducted secondary data analysis on the Global School-based Student Health Surveys among 244,863 students aged 13–17 years from 68 countries across five World Health Organization regions. The overall prevalence of ever had sex was 16.2%. The highest to lowest regional prevalence estimation of ever had sex was 30.5% (28.9–32.1) in the Americas, 28.6% (26.8–30.4) in Africa, 10.9% (9.2–12.6) in the Eastern Mediterranean, 9.6% (8.8–10.5) in South-East Asia, and 8.0% (6.8–9.1) in the Western Pacific. The highest prevalence of sexual intercourse before age 14 and practicing sexual intercourse without condom use were 36.5% (34.5–38.5) and 32.2% (30.1–34.3) in Africa, respectively. Findings suggest that current interventions are inadequate in promoting the uptake of safe sexual behaviors and an urgent intervention is needed.

Socio-Economic and Demographic Determinants of Safe Sex Practices among Young Adults: Insights from Kampala International University, Western Campus

This study aimed to assess young adults' knowledge and practices that affect safe sex behavior among university students in Uganda, with a particular focus on Kampala International University Western Campus. The study was conducted at the university's Western Campus, involving medical students aged 19-25. The sample size was 249. The study used Raosoft's online sample size calculator and simple random sampling techniques to obtain respondents. Data collection involved self-administered questionnaires consisting of 29 closed-ended questions. The study found a negative relationship between socio-economic and demographic factors and safe sex behaviors among young adults at Kampala International University. However, the relationship between socio-demographic factors and safe sex behaviors was not statistically significant. The findings revealed a positive and significant relationship between knowledge, practice and safe sex behaviors among young adults at Kampala International University Western Campus. Recommendations include providing comprehensive sex education to all young adults at Kampala International University to enable them to learn about sexuality and the risks associated with it. Comprehensive sex education should be holistic, incorporating age-appropriate and culturally appropriate information about reducing the risk of being sexually unsafe. Keywords: Safe sex, young adult, university students, questionnaire, Uganda.

Inclusive Sexual Education: Integrating Gender Approaches in Learning

The importance of integrating gender approaches into inclusive sexuality education is prominent in creating a safe, supportive educational environment as well as providing a holistic understanding of sexual and gender issues. This study aims to investigate the positive impact of integrating gender approaches in inclusive sexuality education on individual knowledge of gender issues, gender awareness and sexual behavior. The library research method is the main framework to explain the theoretical foundations and previous findings in this area, identify potential research gaps, and formulate a solid framework for this topic. The results showed that sex education that pays attention to gender issues has a positive impact on increasing understanding of gender roles in relationships and sexuality, reducing negative gender stereotypes, and creating an inclusive learning environment. In addition, gender awareness plays an important role in shaping attitudes that are supportive of gender diversity and sexual orientation, which in turn promotes healthy sexual behavior and open communication in relationships. Evaluating the effectiveness of sex education programs that incorporate gender issues has also proven to be very important in improving the quality of such programs. Inclusive and gender-sensitive sexuality education thus serves not only to increase understanding but also as a tool for building a more inclusive society, respecting gender diversity and promoting safe and healthy sexual behavior.

Sex upbringing and sexual education in Ukraine: to study the non-existent for creating the real

The article raises the problem of sex upbringing and sexual education in Ukraine. The current state of the implementation of sex education is considered: the absence of a specialized course, the mosaic inclusion of certain (not all) issues in the content of compulsory subjects of school education. The meaningful content of domestic training programs was studied, and a conclusion was drawn about their complete inconsistency with the modern requirements of social trends for the formation of safe and responsible sexual behavior in young people. The successful experience of the development and implementation of sex upbringing and sexual education in the countries of the European Union and the USA is analyzed, and the normative documents of the European Union that regulate this issue and which can become prototypes for the creation of a domestic system of sex education and sex education in Ukraine are given. The role of parents is emphasized; a conclusion about the need for cooperation of state institutions in the aspect of political will regarding the creation and implementation of the system of sex education and sexual education of youth in Ukraine, and the family and upbringing and educational institutions — as the main institutions that have a direct influence on all aspects of psychosexual development and socialization of the child was made. A general conclusion about the need to create and implement sex upbringing and sexual education into the school curriculum as one of the important steps towards a full-fledged European future of Ukraine was made. Key words: sex upbringing, sexual education, young people, safe responsible sexual behavior, sexuality

Mediation of Psychological Capital in Youth Experiencing Homelessness.

Youth who experience homelessness engage in behaviors that place them at high risk for disease and injury. Despite their health risk behaviors, these youth display psychological capital, positive attributes of hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism that motivate them to engage in health-promoting behaviors such as safer sex. However, this array of positive psychological attributes has not been studied in this vulnerable population. The specific aim of this analysis was to determine whether factors of psychological capital mediated the relationship between background risk factors (e.g., race/ethnicity, educational attainment, reason for being homeless, sexual abuse history, and HIV status) and outcomes of condom intention, safer sex behaviors, and life satisfaction among youth who participated in a longitudinal intervention study. Using a Solomon four-group design, 602 youth were recruited from drop-in centers in two large cities (Columbus, Ohio, and Austin, Texas) to participate in a brief intervention that included outcomes of enhanced communication skills, goal setting, safer sex behaviors, drug refusal skills, and life satisfaction. Using an autoregressive, cross-lagged, longitudinal mediation model, we tested the direct and indirect effects of background factors, psychological capital, and intervention outcomes. Models were tested for the intervention group alone and the total sample. There were no significant direct or indirect effects of background factors on intervention outcomes among the intervention group, and the model fit was poor. There were also no significant mediating paths via factors of psychological capital and poor model fit for the combined group. Findings provide important information about intrinsic strengths of youth experiencing homelessness and psychological capital as a significant construct for understanding health behaviors among disadvantaged and underserved youth. The lack of significant mediation effects may have been due, in part, to the lack of a robust measure of psychological capital. Further study with various background factors and outcomes would contribute further to our understanding of how best to support this population.

Perceptions and experiences of daily and long-acting pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among MSM in India.

Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective HIV prevention strategy with high efficacy. An increased willingness to use PrEP among at-risk Indian men who have sex with men (MSM) population has been reported; however, little is known about their real experiences that guide their key motivators, facilitators, and barriers with using oral and Long-Acting (LA) Injectable PrEP. We recruited participants (n = 18) through active MSM social media networks. The interviews were conducted using teleconferencing software. Interview topics included participants' sources of knowledge, experiences accessing daily PrEP, safe-sex behaviors while on PrEP, barriers and facilitators around PrEP, long-term goals with PrEP, perceptions around LA PrEP, and discussion around decision-making to switch from oral PrEP to LA PrEP. Transcripts were coded according to interview topics, and key themes were analyzed using a topical data analysis approach. Participants (median age 28 years, ranging from 18 to 40) reported a high perceived risk of HIV. This increased perceived risk was a key motivator for oral PrEP uptake. Most participants shared that they accessed PrEP through non-profit organizations serving the MSM community, where doctor consultations and medication were either free or subsidized. Even when participants reported high adherence to oral PrEP, they expressed discontent with the requirement to take it daily. High condom usage was reported concomitantly with PrEP use among most participants, except for a few who preferred bareback sex. Participants shared that they would prefer to continue PrEP until they are in a monogamous, exclusive relationship. The cost and affordability remained recurring themes, and while participants could afford oral PrEP, they wished it was cheaper, making it more accessible to the community at large. Most participants did not have prior knowledge of LA injectable PrEP but welcomed the intervention, alluding to cost and availability as the key decision-making factors affecting switching. MSM from India we interviewed adopted oral PrEP as an additional HIV prevention strategy to condoms through non-profit and private channels. Cost and broader access remains a concern among the MSM community. More acceptability research about long-acting PrEP is needed among MSM in the Indian context, and it is recommended for government interventions to include oral PrEP groups at higher risk of HIV acquisition.

Lifestyle of health workers from pediatric units during the pandemic: A cross-sectional study

This study aimed to assess the lifestyle of health workers in pediatric units of Bahia, Brazil, by comparing the total and domain scores of the Fantastic Lifestyle Questionnaire (FLQ) according to sex, age group, and employment profile. This cross-sectional study included 407 health workers from four pediatric health units in Bahia. The FLQ and a sociodemographic questionnaire were answered via Google Forms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Men scored significantly lower than women in the ‘tobacco and toxics’ (p = 0.046) and ‘alcohol’ (p &lt; 0.001) domains but higher in the ‘sleep, seat belt, stress, and safe sex’ domain (p = 0.01). Younger health workers (18 to 34 years old) scored significantly higher than older workers (35 to 64 years old) in the ‘tobacco and toxics’ domain (p = 0.03). Direct healthcare workers (e.g., nurses and doctors) scored significantly higher than indirect healthcare workers (e.g., administrators) in the ‘tobacco and toxics’ domain (p = 0.04). Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the lifestyle of most workers was classified as very good (56.02%). Our findings indicate changes in the lifestyle of health workers, especially concerning the use of tobacco, alcohol, and conditions related to sleep, stress, safe sex, and traffic safety behaviors. Future studies are recommended to understand better the determinants and conditioning factors of tobacco use by health workers and design targeted public health initiatives.

The prevalence of mpox and its association with sexual behavior among Chinese men who have sex with men in early August 2023.

Study investigating mpox infection and its association with sexual behavior among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China was lacking. This observational survey aimed to provide evidence on detail characteristics of mpox cases and sexual behavior, then analyze their relationship among MSM in China to help formulate prevention and control policies. An anonymous cross-sectional study was conducted in 27 MSM social organizations across 21 provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions from July 31 to August 4, 2023. A safe sexual behavior index was constructed based on three risky sexual behaviors in the last month, including condomless anal intercourse, commercial sex and group sex. High safe sexual behavior indicated that the participant engaged in none of the three, and low safe sexual behavior indicated that they engaged in all three behaviors; otherwise, moderate safe sexual behavior was indicated. Among 7538 MSM, the prevalence of mpox was 0.73% (55/7538). The proportion of high safe sexual behavior was 79.64% (6003/7538). The crude prevalence of mpox was lower in the high safe sexual behavior group (0.35%, 21/6003), compared with the low (12.12%, 8/66) and moderate safe (1.78%, 26/1469) sexual behavior group. In the multivariable-adjusted analysis, after adjusting for all covariates, compared with low safe sexual behavior group, moderate safe sexual behavior group (aOR = 0.21; 95% CI = 0.08, 0.54) and high safe sexual behavior group (aOR = 0.04; 95% CI = 0.02, 0.12) both had lower risk of mpox. Of three sexual behaviors, MSM who reported no commercial sex had the lowest risk of mpox (aOR = 0.23; 95% CI = 0.13, 0.41), compared with those who reported commercial sex in the last month. The other two safe sexual behaviors both were associated with lower risk of mpox (no group sex vs. group sex: aOR = 0.15; 95% CI = 0.08, 0.28; no condomless anal intercourse vs. condomless anal intercourse: aOR = 0.23; 95% CI = 0.13, 0.41). The prevalence of mpox virus infection was nearly 1% among MSM in China. Strengthening mpox surveillance, emphasizing safe sexual behavior in health education are essential for the control of mpox among MSM in China.

Adolescent Sexual Behavior in Rural Central India: Challenges and Interventions.

Adolescence is a crucial life stage marked by significant physical, psychological, and societal changes. With India projected to have the highest population of teenagers by 2025, understanding adolescent sexual behavior in rural central India is essential due to its unique social and cultural contexts. This article reviews existing literature to explore the prevalence, risk factors, and consequences of teenage sexual behavior in rural central India. It highlights the challenges posed by societal taboos, limited access to sexual health information and services, and the impact of poverty on adolescents' sexual behavior and health outcomes. To address these issues, comprehensive sex education, improved access to contraception and reproductive health services, and efforts to overcome cultural and societal norms are crucial. The article discusses the initiatives undertaken by the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to tackle adolescent sexual behavior and emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach that addresses systemic issues while empowering adolescents. It concludes by suggesting future research directions and policy recommendations aimed at promoting safe sexual behavior among rural adolescents in central India. This article will discuss the complexity of adolescent sexual behavior in rural central India, its origins, and the challenges faced by medical decision-makers.

Level of knowledge associated with practice of safe sex for HIV prevention among administration police officers in Uhuru camp, Nairobi City County, Kenya

Background: Safe sex behaviors are important for protection against sexually transmitted infections including HIV. In 2020, about 37.7 million persons were HIV positive globally with nearly two-thirds in Sub-Saharan Africa. In Kenya, 1.4 million people are HIV positive with a prevalence of 4.8%. This study assessed the level of knowledge towards safe sex practices for HIV prevention among administration police officers in Uhuru camp, Nairobi City County, Kenya. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Stratified and systematic random sampling techniques were utilized to choose 372 participants. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using questionnaires and key informant interview schedules respectively. Essential ethical and logistical clearances from appropriate authorities were requested and informed consent acquired. Quantitative data was analyzed through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0 and triangulation of qualitative findings as direct quotes. Inferential statistics were computed using chi-square tests. Results: 58.2% of administration police officers in Uhuru camp, Nairobi City County were not practicing safe sex. About 47.8% had moderate level of knowledge on safe sex practice which was significantly associated (p=0.036) with safe sex practice. Conclusions: About 4 out 10 police officers practiced safe sex. The level of knowledge on safe sex practice was moderate. These findings form a basis for improvement of HIV prevention among administration police officers. This may inform policy formulation and implementation by the National Police Service, Ministry of Health and other relevant stakeholders thus increase chances of practicing safe sex.

Effectiveness of curriculum-based sexual and reproductive health education on healthy sexual behaviors among year one students at Arba Minch University: A quasi-experimental study.

Curriculum-based sexual and reproductive health education (CBSRHE) is one of the preventive strategies targeting youth in higher institutions to protect them from sexual and reproductive health problems, despite never assessing the effect in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of CBSRHE on knowledge and attitude about SRH services to have safer sexual behaviors among first-year students of Arba Minch University. We conducted a quasi-experimental study among purposively selected campuses. The campuses were allocated to (i) an intervention arm consisting of curriculum-based sexual and reproductive health, or (ii) a control arm for those who were free from intervention. Data was collected, at baseline and immediately after the intervention ended by using a structured self-administered questionnaire. To compare differences in the change from baseline to post-intervention between the two arms we use the chi-square test and independent-samples t-test. To see the effect of the CBSRHE by controlling the effect confounding inverse probability-weighted analysis was conducted. A total of 832 and 820 students participated in a baseline and post-test respectively. The proportion of youth who practice receptive penetrative sex decreases from 40.9% to 28.3% in the intervention arm compared to 37.6% to 37.3% in the non-intervention arm between baseline and end line, with statistically significant differences between groups. However, there are statistically significant differences between the intervention and control groups in terms of changes in contraception utilization (X2 = 1.21; P>0.05). Furthermore, there were significant improvements in knowledge and attitude among the intervention arm a comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS (ATE = 0.22,95% CI, 0.14 to 0.29; p < 0.01), an average change of attitude toward HIV/AIDS(ATE = 1.32, 95% CI, 1.18 to 1.47; p < 0.01), comprehensive condom knowledge score (ATE = 0.23, 95% CI, 0.13 to 0.33; p < 0.01) and the average change of attitude toward condom score (ATE = 1.83, 95% CI, 1.19 to 2.77; p < 0.01). It was found that there was a significant difference in knowledge and attitude toward a disk sexual behaviors among r one student. This implies that the educational authority o the country can gain through the adoption of courses to all universities across the country, besides doing further comparative studies to determine the long-term effect of the course supported with models and/or theories like the theory of change.

Pengetahuan dan Sikap tentang Penyakit Infeksi Menular Seksual (PIMS) di Kalangan Mahasiswa

Sexually transmitted infections such as HIV/AIDS have increased globally, particularly in Indonesia. Young people between the ages of 16 and 24, revealed an increase in STI incidence as a result of unsafe sexual conduct. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes about STIs among college students. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study from various semesters and faculties from June to July 2023. A questionnaire on their knowledge and attitude toward sexually transmitted infections (STIs) was done by face-to-face interview with prior consent during data collection. We assessed association between low knowledge (vs. high) and being health courses university students (vs. non-health courses) using multivariate logistic regression with adjustment for potential confounders. The study included 29 men and 83 women. Less knowledge about STIs was observed among non-health courses university students. Participants made the most mistakes when asked about Chlamydia. Most participants got their information about STIs from teachers, the internet, or friends. The students' attitudes on sexual health and STI prevention were also different. Our study's findings indicate that it is critical to educate students on sexual health and safe sexual behaviors, as this will aid in the prevention and control of STIs.&#x0D; Keywords: knowledge, attitudes, sexually transmitted infections, college students, Indonesia