Reducing Sexual Risk With Practice of Periodic Secondary Abstinence

Abstract

Abstract:Objective

Motivations for Secondary Abstinence Among African American Females at Risk for HIV/Sexually Transmitted Infections

“…It is important to begin thinking about how to construct secondary abstinence measures that will gather information which will aid researchers, practitioners, and other health professionals encouraging healthy behaviors that reduce the prevalence of HIV and STIs among young African American women and girls. The studies on secondary abstainers’ motivations that are available (Haglund, 2008; Loewenson et al, 2004; Paradise et al, 2001) have provided a solid foundation on which to build. However, more research is needed to understand secondary abstinence and its role in improving health.…”

“…African American adolescent females participating in an intervention to promote periodic secondary abstinence as a risk reduction strategy reported similar motivations for abstinence (Haglund, 2008). This pilot study included a quantitative survey and in-depth interviews with 17 of 33 participants (mean = 16 years) recruited from two alternative schools serving economically disadvantaged youth with poor academic achievement.…”

“…However, little is known about secondary abstinence. Although some researchers have examined secondary abstinence among adolescents (Haglund, 2008; Loewenson, Ireland, & Resnick, 2004; Paradise, Cote, Minsky, Lourenco, & Howland, 2001), college students (Rasberry & Goodson, 2009), and adult women (Nettleman, Ingersoll, & Ceperich, 2006), these studies represent a small fraction of research on abstinence.…”

The Association of Religiosity, Sexual Education, and Parental Factors with Risky Sexual Behaviors Among Adolescents and Young Adults

“…However, the evidence suggests that rather than abandon efforts to help young people avoid sex, we need to find new ways to do so. Innovations in sexual risk reduction education, such as culturally tailored approaches (Villarruel et al 2007), periodic abstinence (Haglund 2008), and increased fertility awareness (Cabezon et al 2005), are in development and more research is indicated.…”

Comparison of comprehensive and abstinence‐only sexuality education in young African American adolescents

“…As hypothesized, the AOE group had less favorable sex attitudes immediately post-intervention than the comparison group; however, there was no overall intervention effect. Other studies have demonstrated feasibility in impacting adolescents’ abstinence attitudes through interventions (Borawski, Trapl, Lovegreen, Colabianchi & Block, 2005; Di Noia & Schinke, 2007; Haglund, 2008; Smith et al, 2005). Participants demonstrated more social norms favoring sex over time without regard to intervention type.…”