Alaska Native and rural youth views of sexual health: a focus group project on sexually transmitted diseases, HIV/AIDS, and unplanned pregnancy

American Indian and Alaska Native Mental Health Research : the Journal of the National Center
Jessica D LestonBrenna C Simons

Abstract

The disparity in rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), HIV/AIDS, and unplanned pregnancy between Alaska Native (AN) and non-AN populations, particularly among young adults and females, is significant and concerning. Focus groups were conducted to better understand the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of rural Alaska youth (both AN and non-AN) and communities regarding STDs, HIV/AIDS, and unplanned pregnancy and to determine the best methods to educate and facilitate behavior change in AN youth regarding these issues. A convenience sample of AN and rural youth (n = 105) from 5 communities in Alaska, ages 15-24 years, participated in 21 focus groups. Focus group participants were divided by sex and age. We assessed themes related to knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about STDs, HIV/AIDS, and unplanned pregnancy, as well as perceptions of how youth prefer to learn about sexual health issues. The major themes identified were: (1) sexual health is not viewed only in relation to a physical act; (2) there is a basic understanding of sexual health, but youth have a lot of unanswered questions pertaining to STDs and HIV/AIDS; (3) sexual health messages should be delivered via the Internet and school; (4) youth want to hear mes...Continue Reading

Citations

Aug 31, 2012·Prevention Science : the Official Journal of the Society for Prevention Research·Britta MullanyJohn Walkup
Nov 10, 2015·American Journal of Sexuality Education·Tracey R McMahonDenYelle Baete Kenyon
Jul 28, 2016·Prevention Science : the Official Journal of the Society for Prevention Research·Ryan A BrownElizabeth J D'Amico
Apr 10, 2014·International Journal of STD & AIDS·Elizabeth RinkMike Anastario
Nov 7, 2019·Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research·Jessica D HansonKaren Ingersoll
May 7, 2016·International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health·Stephane M BodikaAndrew C Voetsch
Apr 20, 2017·Journal of Community Health·Miriam Chernoff, Katie Cueva
Mar 22, 2021·Reproductive Health·Hannah MikhailColleen M Davison

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