Alaska Native and Rural Youth Views of Sexual Health
A Focus Group Project on Sexually Transmitted Diseases, HIV/Aids, and Unplanned Pregnancy
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 5376808 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Leston, Leston Leston (corresponding author) |
| Year | 2012 |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 1-14 |
| Publication date | 2012-01-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | American Indian and Alaska Native Mental Health Research (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0893-5394 • E-ISSN: 1533-7731 |
| Publisher | Centers for American Indian and Alaska Native Health (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.5820/aian.1901.2012.1 |
| PMID | 22569722 |
| OpenAlex | W1975559582 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 6 |
| References cited | 1 |
BACKGROUND: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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 messages promoting STD/HIV testing and condom use; (5) easier access to condoms is needed; (6) alcohol and drug use affect sexual behavior and risk taking; and (7) issues of confidentiality and embarrassment affect health care-seeking behaviors for sexual health issues. CONCLUSIONS: One of the fundamental principles of public health practice is community participation, which asserts that success in achieving change is enhanced by the active participation of the intended audience in defining their own high-priority solutions. Our findings-driven by youth themselves-are critical in designing and implementing future sexual health interventions and promoting greater community involvement and acceptance
Condom · Confidentiality · Embarrassment · Environmental health · Family medicine · Focus group · Population · Pregnancy · Public health · Reproductive health · Syphilis · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Indigenous Health, Education, and Rights · Indigenous Studies and Ecology · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology · Social Psychology · Gerontology
“Today we are not good at talking about these things”
Rationale, Design, and Methods for Nen Unkumbi/Edahiyedo (“We Are Here Now”)
Rap about Clap
Native-It’s Your Game
Social Ecological Factors of Sexual Subjectivity and Contraceptive Use and Access Among Young Women in the Northwest Territories, Canada
Can socio-economic differences explain low expectation of health services among HIV patients compared to non-HIV counterparts
| Unique citing works | 6 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 0,5 |
| Citation span | 2014 - 2022 (9) |
| Citation velocity | historical |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 5 |