Sexual Behavior Of Youth Research Articles

일반 청소년과 성 소수자 청년의 성문화 특성에 대한 연구

This study was conducted to determine the sexual values and sexual behaviorcharacteristics of general youth and sexual minority youth. To achieve the researchpurpose, data from a survey on youth sexual culture in the Busan region by the BusanMetropolitan City Women and Family Foundation(2021) were used. The main contents ofthe research results are summarized as follows. First, among youth's gender equalityvalues, misogynistic values were higher in sexual minority youth, and gender equalityperception was higher in general youth than in sexual minority youth. Second, if we lookat the characteristics of youth concerns and experiences related to sexual behavior, theyare as follows. The health of youth sexual culture was found to be higher for generalyouth than for sexual minority youth, and the differences between, sexual relationshipexperience, experience of witnessing sexist hate speech, and experience of sexist hatespeech. In the case of the frequency of youth sex-related conversations, sexual minorityyouth were more likely to share information such as sexually explicit texts, videos, andsites than general youth, and the attitudes toward sexual behavior of youth were mostlyhigher for sexual minority youth than general youth. Based on these research results,intervention measures related to adolescents' sexual values and sexual behaviorcharacteristics were proposed.

Effectiveness of a Comprehensive School-Based Sex Education Program for Young Adolescents in the Netherlands.

Most sexual education programs traditionally focused on providing sexual information regarding the risks of sex. However, current studies on sexual behavior in youth show a need for truly comprehensive sex education approaches with a sex-positive focus on sexuality, that effectively improve sexual competence. Therefore, in the current study the effectiveness of "Love is…", a four lesson school-based program based on the Sexual Interactional Competence model and Attitude-Social-Influence-Self-Efficacy-model was studied. A cluster-randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of "Love is…" was conducted in 2018-2020. The sample consisted of 1160 adolescents in grades 8 and 9 from nine schools in the Netherlands. The sample was 48% female, 34% Dutch/Caucasian, 41% none-religious and 50% higher educated. They were randomized at class level into a program group [n = 32 classes; 567 students (Mage = 13.74 (SD = 0.74))] and a control group [n = 31 classes; 593 students (Mage = 13.86 (SD = 0.73))]. Results showed that "Love is…" increased sexual knowledge, that adolescents in the program group showed less cyber victim blaming attitudes and increased in communications skills after the program. In conclusion, the current study shows that "Love is…" was effective not only on the knowledge level, but also regarding sexual attitudes and competences. However, due to the developmental process of sexuality, there is a necessity to continue lessons in following grades through booster sessions by reinforcing competences as communicating comfortably about sexuality.On 12 November 2019 the study design and hypotheses were registered in the Dutch Trial Registration, number NL8150. ( https://onderzoekmetmensen.nl/nl/trial/26676 ).

Does Context and Adversity Shape Sexual Behavior in Youth? Findings from Two Representative Samples of Puerto Rican Youth.

Sexual risk behaviors often co-occur. Understanding the heterogeneity in patterns of sexual behavior among youth and how context of majority and minoritized status may be related to these behaviors can inform targeted STIs/HIV interventions. Data are from the Boricua Youth Study, a longitudinal study of two probability samples of Puerto Rican youth recruited in the South Bronx (SBx) and the metropolitan area in Puerto Rico (PR). We identified patterns of sexual behaviors among young adults (ages 15-24) with sexual experience (N = 1,203) using latent class analysis. Analyses examined context differences and the prospective relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) (childhood maltreatment/violence, family/parental dysfunction) and patterns of sexual behaviors (age at first sex, number of sex partners, sex with a high-risk partner, condom use, sex while intoxicated, oral sex, anal sex). We identified five classes of sexual behaviors: (1) currently inactive (16.51%); (2) single partner, low activity (13.49%); (3) single partner, inconsistent condom use (32.19%); (4) single partner, sex without a condom (27.65%); and (5) multirisk (10.16%). Young adults from the SBx (minoritized context), those who identified as male, and those with higher child maltreatment/violence ACEs were more likely to be in the multi-risk class relative to the single partner, inconsistent condom use class. Those from the SBx were also more likely to be in the single partner, sex without condom class, relative to the single partner, inconsistent condom use class. Differences in young adults' patterns of sexual behaviors between the two contexts, one representing the minoritized context (SBx) contrasted to the majority context (PR), were not explained by ACEs. Findings highlight the heterogeneity in the patterns of sexual behaviors among Puerto Rican young adults as well as how such patterns vary based on sociocultural contexts. Exposure to child maltreatment/violence ACEs was related to the riskier patterns; however, they did not explain why riskier patterns of sexual behaviors were found in the SBx compared to PR. Results underscore the need for tailored interventions and more in-depth examination of differences across contexts.

Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Youth in Soweto, South Africa During the COVID-19 National Lockdown.

BackgroundAssessment of sexual risk behavior among youths is crucial for HIV prevention strategies. However, the literature on sexual behavior in youth during the COVID-19 pandemic is sparse.AimThis study surveyed sexual risk behavior among youth in Soweto, South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic national lockdown in 2020.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional telephonic survey on socio-demographics and HIV risk behaviors among youth aged 18–24 years during level 3 of the lockdown. Frequencies and their respective percentages were determined for categorical variables and stratified by biological sex. Chi-square analysis was used to compare categorical variables. All data were analyzed using SAS software.OutcomesA risk assessment for HIV questionnaire was used to assess sexual risk behaviors. Also, substance use was assessed through a developed yes/no questionnaire.ResultsOf the 129 participants, 83.0% (n = 107) had a sexual partner; 52% of those who had a sexual partner were females, 60.7% (65/107) had one current sexual partner and 39.2% (42/107) had more than 1 sexual partner. Most reported sex within 1 week (54.2%, n = 58/107) and 30.8% within a month (30.8%, n = 33/107). Sex was with a dating partner (86.0%, n = 92/107) and 63% used a condom during last sexual contact. Males were more likely than females to have one-night stand sexual partners (23.5% vs 7.1%; P = .0176), make weekly changes in partners (17.7% vs 5.4%; P = .0442) and used condoms with their partners (92.2% vs 53.6%; P < .0001) during last sexual contact. The majority reported alcohol use (69.0%, n = 89/129). Males were more likely than females to use alcohol on a weekly basis (21.4% vs 6.4%; P = .0380). About 55.9% had penetrative sex under the influence of substances.Clinical TranslationThis study gives an insight to the sexual risk behaviors among young people which is crucial for HIV prevention interventions.Strength & LimitationsThis was the first study investigating sexual behavior in youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main limitations of this study relate to the sample size and sampling strategy. As the sample was not representative of the population of young people in Soweto and South Africa, the results cannot be generalized. However, the findings have relevance for future research in HIV prevention for young people in other settings in South Africa.ConclusionsInterventions on promoting sexual health and reducing HIV risk behavior such as sex following alcohol consumption in young people are needed, especially during a pandemic such as COVID-19.Mulaudzi M, Kiguwa P, Zharima C, et al., Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Youth in Soweto, South Africa During the COVID-19 National Lockdown. Sex Med 2021;10:100487.

Use of Smartphones to Increase Safe Sexual Behavior in Youths at Risk for HIV.

.In Mexico, young people continue to experience problems due to a lack of correct and consistent condom use during sexual intercourse. Objective: to evaluate the effect of a randomized controlled clinical trial with the use of smartphones to increase safe sex intentions and safe sexual behavior. Methods: experimental design with two treatment groups with 177 young people who requested the rapid HIV test in a non-governmental organization in the city of Monterrey, Mexico. The experimental group was given Respect M-Health with the use of mobile devices; the control group was given similar counseling without the use of mobile technology and 8 pencil and paper instruments were used. Results: the effect of the experimental group was greater in safe sexual behavior reflected in the means at pre-test M=64.80 (SD=1.86), post-test M=85.33 (SD=1.54), and at 30 days M=87.40 (SD=1.52), and in the safe sex intentions factor at pre-test M=78.50 (SD=3.07), post-test M=94.70 (SD=2.46), and at 30 days M=95.74 (SD=2.29). Conclusions: Smartphone use was an effective tool as a support to increase safe sexual behavior in youth.

24.3 CBT FOR CHILDHOOD SEXUAL ABUSE: EVIDENCE-BASED APPROACHES

CBT is the gold standard treatment for many psychological problems, including PTSD symptoms resulting from childhood sexual abuse. Trauma-focused CBT and CBT for problematic sexual behavior in youth are classified as evidence-based therapies (EBT) for childhood sexual abuse and have been shown to have significant positive impacts on children and their families. However, as clinicians and referral sources, it is important to understand the similarities and differences between the 2 approaches in order to provide families with the most appropriate services. This presentation will introduce participants to the theory, outcome data, and major components of trauma-focused CBT and CBT for problematic sexual behavior in youth. While it is important to utilize evidence-based approaches, it is also important to select the most appropriate course of therapy for the individual child and family. As such, participants will compare and contrast trauma-focused CBT and CBT for problematic sexual behavior in youth. Case studies will be used to illustrate appropriate treatment selection and referral. Participants will become familiar with the development, outcome data, and components of 2 cognitive behavioral treatments for childhood sexual abuse. Case studies will illustrate important similarities and differences between the 2 approaches so that participants will be able to determine the most appropriate course of therapy based on symptom presentation. It should be understood that some therapy interventions for abused children and their families must be sequenced and prioritized by the providing clinician. Consulting with your referral source and making a collaborative decision that involves the provider, the child, and the family likely will result in greater engagement and completion of therapy, even those that are evidence-based.

Qualitative Analysis of Administrator, Provider, and Stakeholder Views on the Costs and Benefits of a Treatment for Problematic Sexual Behavior of Youth.

Evidence-based treatment for youth with problematic sexual behavior (PSB) has the potential for a broad range of costs and benefits, raising the importance of querying its public health impact. This qualitative study examined the impact of treatment for youth with PSB through content analysis of interviews (N = 57) with service agency administrators, treatment providers, and professional stakeholders in communities where recent implementation of interventions for youth with PSB had occurred. Interviewees emphasized multi-level impacts of the program on families (e.g., knowledge, well-being), communities (e.g., public safety, education), and public agencies (e.g., caseloads, stress). Implications for comprehensively evaluating the impact of PSB interventions are discussed.

Economic value of community-based services for problematic sexual behaviors in youth: A mixed-method cost-effectiveness analysis

BackgroundProblematic sexual behavior in youth represents a significant public health problem in need of evidence-based treatments. Unfortunately, such treatments are not available in most communities. ObjectiveThis study used a mixed quantitative-qualitative approach to investigate the economics of the implementation of Problematic Sexual Behavior – Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (PSB-CBT), an evidence-based treatment for problem sexual behaviors in youth. Participants and settingYouth (N = 413) participated in PSB-CBT at six program sites in youth service agencies across the United States. MethodWe used cost-effectiveness ratios (CERs) to compare the direct and indirect costs of PSB-CBT to self- and caregiver-reported youth clinical outcomes (i.e., problem sexual behavior as well as secondary behavioral health problems). CERs represented the cost of achieving one standard unit of change on a measure (i.e., d = 1.0). The design and interpretation of those quantitative analyses were informed by qualitative themes about program costs and benefits that were derived from interviews with 59 therapists, administrators, and stakeholders. ResultsCERs (i.e., $ per SD) were $1,772 per youth for problem sexual behavior and ranged from $2,867 to $4,899 per youth for secondary outcomes. These quantitative results, considered alongside the qualitative perspectives of interviewees, suggested that the implementation of PSB-CBT was cost-effective. The results were robust to uncertainty in key parameters under most, but not all, conditions. ConclusionsThe results have important implications for decisions made by administrators, policymakers, and therapists regarding use of community-based approaches to address problematic sexual behavior of youth.

Influence of Social Media on Sexual Behaviour of Youth in Kwara State, Nigeria: Implications for Counselling Practice

This study investigated the influence of social media on the sexual behaviour of youth in Kwara State. Descriptive research design was adopted for the study. A total of 395 youth participated in the study. One research question was raised while three null hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The instrument used for data collection for this study was a researcher-designed questionnaire entitled “Influence of Social Media Questionnaire” (ISMQ). The findings revealed that social media has considerable influence on the sexual behaviour of youth in Kwara State. Social media leads students to the act of sending erotic messages, watching pornographic films and movies, and also increases risky sexual behaviour such as masturbation. There were no significant differences in the influence of social media on sexual behaviour of youth in Kwara State based on gender, age and university attended. It was therefore recommended that counsellors should expose students to the danger inherent in negative uses of social media and analyze the possible result of proper usage of social media. Counsellors should also provide information specifically on the safe and respectful use of technology, as well as consequences of the negative use of social media to students of different genders, ages and universities attended.

Prevalence of Compulsive Sexual Behavior/Hyper Sexuality Disorder and Its Psychological Manifestations in Youth

Sexuality or sexual behaviors are very complex to understand and what better place to understand. “SEX” is a NO word in our families and society, however this a natural phenomenon in which male and female genes combine to form off springs. Every person on this planet have felt or experienced sexual desire or got engage in sexual activities. Many parts of the brain are involved in generating a cascade of sexual events within the body but Limbic System plays a primary role in the initiation of sexual drive/ desire. When a person gets attracted towards someone these parts of the brain become active and induce sexual desire, this is a normal body response, but sometimes these parts become hyperactive and sexual desire is uncontrollable such condition is termed as “Hyper sexuality”. In Pakistan, live-in relationships are not very common, so mostly unmarried individuals are involved in sex addiction. This study revolves around the increasing rate of compulsive sexual behavior in youth. A random survey has been conducted with approximately equal number of male and female participants. Subjects belong to the age group from 16-25 years. Almost 200 subjects have participated in this study. Exclusion criteria was above 25 years and below 16 years. People with any other neurological or psychological disorders were excluded. Approximately a 70% of the subjects were found to be on the track of getting hyper sexuality disorder and 15% of them were suffering from this disorder. This is the high time to break the barriers. We need to start thinking and try to discuss and resolve our issues on our own. So, think and talk.

Parent–youth communication to reduce at-risk sexual behavior: A systematic literature review

ABSTRACTThere are nearly 110 million cases of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that annually there are more than 19.7 million new STI cases. Of those, more than half are accounted for by youth aged 15–24 years. Although some STIs are not considered to be life threatening, they can lead to severe health problems, risk of HIV infection, or infertility if they are not properly treated. Some research has shown that parent–youth communication can reduce youth’s at-risk sexual behaviors. The following is a systematic review of the literature on parent–youth sexual communication and family-level interventions designed to reduce risky sexual behavior in youth.

Predictors of High HIV/AIDS Risk Sexual Behaviors: Comparison Study among Cameroonian and Gabonese Youth Aged 15-24 years

Background: Cameroon and Gabon are among the most highly HIV/AIDS prevalent Central and West African countries with unwavering HIV epidemic. The spread of HIV, among youth in Gabon and Cameroon, is believed to be driven by unsafe heterosexual intercourse. However, no research has been done to investigate the predicting factors of risk sexual behaviors among the youth of the two countries. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the predicting factors of highrisk sexual behaviors among 15-24 aged youth from Gabon and Cameroon. Methods: This study used nationally representative datasets from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) of Cameroon (2011) and Gabon (2012). The study variables: non-spousal sex, multiple sexual partnerships, and paid sex were managed based on the MEASURE DHS online tools for HIV/AIDS survey indicators database. A total of 14,880 youth, of which 9511 (63.91%) from Cameroon and 5369 (36.08%) from Gabon were taken by probability proportional to size. SPSS version 22 was used to run a binary multivariate logistic regression. Results: Of all the respondents, 67.9% of Cameroonian and 81.0% of Gabonese youth had history of sexual intercourse before the survey. Despite the difference by gender, 17.4% of Cameroonian and 21.3% of Gabonese youth had multiple sexual partners. Similarly, 33.9% of Cameroonian and 57.3% Gabonese youth reported non-spousal sex. On multivariate analysis, age, place of residence, educational level, religion, marital status, wealth index, occupation, comprehensive knowledge and attitude of respondents were significantly associated with non-spousal sex, multiple partnerships and paid sex. When comparing by gender, males were more likely to have high-risk sexual behaviors than their female counterparts in both countries. Conclusion: The present study indicates that youth are at high risk to be contracted by HIV. Therefore, designing strategic plan focused on the sexual behavior of youth and investigating their self-protecting and health seeking behavior is crucial.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Risky Sexual Behaviours Among in-School Youth in Lalibela Town, North Wollo Zone, Amhara Regional Sate, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study Design

Adolescence and youth are the periods for great opportunity and hope in human life. They are the periods between childhood and adulthood where by the young people are expected to undergo major physical, emotional, and social developments, with significant impact on their sexual and reproductive health. This study was aimed at assessing the magnitude and factors associated with risky sexual behaviours (RSB) among in-school youth (15-24) in Lalibela Town, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional institution based quantitative survey was conducted in June, 2014. A systematic random sampling technique was used to get the required sample size of 1362 study participants. A structured pretested and self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. The univariate statistical analysis was used to describe the variables using tables and graphs. The multivariable logistic regression model was developed and factors associated with risky sexual behaviour were identified. A total of 1332 in-school youth (ISY) with a 97.8% response rate were included in the study. Five hundred fourteen (38.6%) in-school youth reported that they have initiated sexual intercourse. The mean age at the first sexual experience with standard deviation (Mean ± (SD)) was 15.25 ± (1.85) years, Median = 15 years, Ranges from 11 to 24 years. Among sexually active in-school youth, the prevalence of risky sexual behaviour, students reported at least one of the three risky behaviours which consist of engaging sexual debut before age 18 years, having multiple sexual partners and not consistently using condom was 46.5% (239/514). The odds of having risky sexual behaviour among urban resident ISY was 1.65 times higher than their counterpart (AOR 1.65; 95%CI: 1.12 – 2.43, P-value<0.001). The odds of risky sexual behaviour among ISY who had peer influence in sexual debut was 2 folds higher (AOR 2.06; 95%CI: 1.37 – 3.12, P-value<0.001) than their counterpart. The odds of the risky sexual behaviour of youth who never chew khat was less by 49% (AOR 0.51; 95%CI: 0.32 – 0.80, P-value<0.001) than their counterpart or khat chewers. A large proportion of in-school youth engaged in the risky sexual behaviour. Permanent residence, peer pressure, and substance uses are factors associated with risky sexual behaviours among in-school youths. Therefore, improving access to sexual and reproductive health for in-school youth is highly recommended. All concerned partners should work hard to create awareness about the identified factors and consequences of risky sexual behaviours among in school youth in the study area.

Effects of Mobile Phone Use on Sexual behavior of Youth in Andhra Pradesh

Cell phones have gradually become an integral part of one's life. It is no astonish, which a comprehensive, research just released acknowledges mobile technology has coherently changed the style in which we truly love, live and work. Cell phones are now like mini computers and with gam consoles, high resolution still and video cameras, mailing systems, text messengers, carriers of fun and business information, helping within one's commercial and business transactions. The cell phone has made international long distance contacts easy, with ceaseless advance in technology, advanced and elaborated features added to the cell phones. In the past decade, mobile technology has altered the way youth communicate and interact with their peers. The development and modernization of this technology has made lives of youth easier and has brought about some problems and threats stemming from irresponsible use of mobile phones among teens and young adults. The whole youth population or student community is passing through chaos, disturbance and mental incapacitation. This study focuses on exploring the pattern of mobile phone usage among young adults in the State of Andhra Pradesh. It also attempts to examine the extent of sexual messaging and addictive sexual behavior through use of mobile phones. A face to face survey method was used to elicit the responses through a questionnaire. The survey was administered among 1200 students between the age group of 18-25 years. The data were analyzed with the help of statistical tools and techniques to draw meaningful inferences and conclusions.

Review: Sexualized Media Messages and Our Children: Teaching Kids to be Smart Critics and Consumers

Today’s youth are exposed to sexualized media at an alarming rate. The inundation of sexuality and gender stereotypes is further perpetuated by youth interactions with celebrity culture, the search for fame, and social media. In her book, Sexualized Media Messages and Our Children: Teaching Kids to be Smart Critics and Consumers, Jennifer Shewmaker explains the increasingly sexualized media’s effects on the self-esteem, identity formations, and sexual behavior of youth. Shewmaker offers a research-based approach to the detrimental effects of media that is supplemented by case studies, interactive media critique exercises, and discussion pointers for influential adults and educators in the lives of youth.

SEXUAL BEHAVIOR OF STREET CHILDREN.

Street children and youth are at risk of getting engaged in different behaviors including risky sexual behavior, which adversely affects their development and health. The aim of this study was to examine sexual behavior of street children and youth, and the risks and consequences associated with sexual behavior. A pilot study was conducted on a sample of 50 users of the Drop-in Centre for Street Children in Novi Sad, from 10 to 19 years of age. The study was conducted by a psychologist through structured interviews, with prior consent of the adolescent and parent. Among the respondents who were sexually active, 41.2% had had the first sexual intercourse by the age of 12, their median age at that time being 14 years, while the age at the time of the first sexual intercourse is 16 years in the general population of Serbia. The majority of sexually active adolescents had several partners, one male adolescent had sex with a person of the same sex, and one was paid for sex. Very few respondents used a condom. Among 15 male sexually active respondents, three (ages 11, 12 and 14) were forced to have unwanted sexual intercourse, and a quarter of adolescents (three boys and one girl) were forced to do something unwanted during sex. Despite a small and unrepresentative sample, the results of this study indicate serious problems and significant risks associated with sexual behavior of children and young people who live and work in streets. This pilot study suggests that it is necessary to conduct new research on sexual behavior of street children and youth on a representative sample and with appropriate methodology. The results of a new study should be used to plan and carry out appropriate preventive measures regarding sexual behavior of street children.

Is Increased Sexual Behavior a Symptom of Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adolescents?

While there is consensus that bipolar disorder exists in children and adolescents, its diagnostic criteria are debated. Excessive sexual behavior has been reported in youth who may have juvenile bipolar disorder (JBD), and has been termed "hypersexuality." Although there is no universal definition of this term, this observation has led to a hypothesis that increased sexual behavior characterizes the bipolar syndrome in children and adolescents, and differentiates it from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Although this hypothesis is plausible, evidence for it is incomplete, because testing it definitively would require both establishing a standard definition of hypersexuality in children and adolescents, and also reaching consensus about the other nonsexual criteria for pediatric bipolar disorder. In addition, studies to test it would need to control factors other than JBD that are known to increase sexual behavior in children and adolescents. These include sexual abuse and related posttraumatic stress disorder, excessive exposure to sexual stimuli, psychiatric illness in general, and social variables such as family chaos and social stress. Some of these factors might increase sexual behavior in youth with bipolar disorder through psychodynamic mechanisms rather than as a result of the illness itself. Therefore, further research is needed to determine whether increased sexual behavior can serve as a diagnostically valuable criterion for bipolar disorder in children and adolescents, and whether it differentiates the disorder from other conditions known to be associated with increased sexual behavior in youth.

Reliability, Validity, and Associations with Sexual Behavior among Ghanaian Teenagers of Scales Measuring Four Dimensions Relationships with Parents and Other Adults.

Little research has been done on the social contexts of adolescent sexual behaviors in sub-Saharan Africa. As part of a longitudinal cohort study (N=1275) of teenage girls and boys in two Ghanaian towns, interviewers administered a 26 item questionnaire module intended to assess four dimensions of youth-adult relationships: monitoring conflict, emotional support, and financial support. Confirmatory factor and traditional psychometric analyses showed the four scales to be reliable. Known-groups comparisons provided evidence of their validity. All four scales had strong bivariate associations with self-reported sexual behavior (odds ratios = 1.66, 0.74, 0.47, and 0.60 for conflict, support, monitoring, and financial support). The instrument is practical for use in sub-Saharan African settings and produces measures that are reliable, valid, and predictive of sexual behavior in youth.

Perceived mental illness stigma, intimate relationships and sexual risk behavior in youth with mental illness.

The current study examines the role of mental illness-related stigma on romantic or sexual relationships and sexual behavior among youth with mental illness (MI), including youths' experiences of stigma, the internalization of these experiences, and the behavior associated with managing stigma within romantic and sexual relationships. We conducted in-depth interviews with N=20 youth with mental illness (MI) (55% male, 16-24 years, 75% Latino) from 4 psychiatric outpatient clinics in New York City. We conducted a thematic analysis to investigate shared experiences of MI stigma and its impact on youth's sexual or romantic relationships and associated behaviors. Our analysis revealed four main themes: 1) societal perceptions of those with MI as partners (societal stigma); 2) individual experiences of stigma within relationships (individual level); 3) internalized stigma of self as a partner (social-psychological processes); and 4) managing a stigmatized identity, of which some of the behaviors directly placed them at increased risk for HIV. We found that just under half of the sample (n=9/20) endorsed all themes, including engaging in HIV/STI sexual risk behaviors as a method to manage a stigmatize identity, which suggests that MI stigma and sexual risk may be linked. We discuss differences by gender and diagnosis. Findings provide new information for providers and researchers to address on the role of stigma experiences in the romantic and sexual behavior of youth in psychiatric treatment. Implications for stigma and HIV/STI prevention interventions are discussed.

Effect of emergency oral contraceptive use on condom utilization and sexual risk taking behaviours among university students, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundYoung people between the ages of 15 and 24 years are both the most at risk of HIV and the greatest hope for turning the tide against HIV/AIDS. Although various surveys have been done on sexual behaviour of youth in Ethiopia, studies assessing the effect of emergency oral contraceptives on condom utilization of university students are lacking.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in two major universities of Ethiopia from January to May 2011 using structured self administered questionnaire with the aim to assess the effect of introducing oral emergency contraceptive pills on condom utilization and sexual risk taking behaviours among female university students. Study participants were selected by simple random sampling using the list from the associate registrars of each University. Data were entered, cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 17.0. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with condom utilization.Resultsa total of 623 students out of 660 were included giving response rate of 94.4%. A total of 103(16.5%) had history of sexual intercourse and nearly half (45.6%) of them had sex before the age of 20 years. Forty (6.4%) students had history of sexually transmitted infections (STI). Sixty seven percent of students had heard about emergency oral contraceptives. One hundred and ninety one (45.7%) of students believe that EOC is effective in preventing pregnancy. Believing that EOC is effective in preventing pregnancy (adjusted Odds ratio, AOR = 0.22 95% CI 0.06, 0.87), condom prevents STI (AOR = 10.37, 95% CI 1.73, 62.24) and younger age below 20 years (AOR = 11.68 95% CI 1.25, 109.19) were statistically significantly associated with condom use.Conclusiona significant number of students had history of sexual intercourse and used emergency contraception. The belief in the effectiveness of EOC negatively affects condom use. The preference for the pill may make teenagers less prepared to practice STI protective behaviours in specific situations. Therefore, there is an urgent need to educate young people in universities about reproductive health and family planning and skills on how to prevent HIV/STIs including unwanted pregnancy.