Female Adolescent Communication About Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Abstract

Health researchers acknowledge a limited understanding of the social context of adolescents regarding their communication and decision making about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Using in-depth interviews, this study examines 18-year-old women regarding their self-concepts about STD communication, including their perceived and actual knowledge levels. Fifteen first-year college students from a Western university showed strong self-concepts and high perceived knowledge relative to sexual decision making and communication. The women's actual knowledge holding, however, was low. They demonstrated difficulty finding information from mediated sources with either high regard or mistrust of new information technologies for such information and limited use of interpersonal communication sources.

Communicating (and Responding to) Sexual Health Status: Reasons for STD (Non) Disclosure

“…Similarly, much research exists on actual versus perceived knowledge about STDs [2]. Within the extant communication literature, little research exists regarding individuals communicating reasons for (not) disclosing a positive STD status and the reception of such a disclosure.…”

Communication About Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Rural and Urban Native American Youth

“…Although youth in the larger population rely on media for information about the prognosis, treatment, prevention, and meaning of health issues (Clark, 2004), they demonstrate preferences for talking with peers (Rouner & Lindsey 2006). They might use professional sources after speaking with peers, possibly checking for validation in media.…”

“…Further, channel complementarity has been demonstrated to be important among media channels and between interpersonal and media channels, as well as related to the severity of a health domain (Robinson, 2008). Given the importance of peers by American youth in sexual health information seeking (Rouner & Lindsey 2006), along with the abundance of information available online, this study assumed Native American youth are actively motivated to seek sexual health information. This study sought to better understand which content and channels are most salient and relevant to them.…”

“…Guided by research on adolescent females and sexual health information seeking (Rouner & Lindsey, 2006) and tribal recommendations, the interviews focused on self concept, sexual behavior, sexual knowledge holding, information use and trust, and sexual health decision making, specifically regarding STI and HIV/AIDS prevention. Specific comparisons explored Native youth in reservation and urban contexts, and across those identifying as female and male.…”

The Great Condom Adventure: Analyzing College Students' Narratives of Buying Condoms

“…Under these circumstances, people may unknowingly infect others. Not all sexually active students are aware of their HIV status; Rouner and Lindsey (2006) found that young people report feeling confident in their knowledge of HIV and STDs, but few demonstrated this knowledge in relation to the symptoms.…”