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Tadanki AP, Hernandez-Tamayo C, Saremi N, Stafylis C, Klausner JD. Knowledge, attitudes, and testing preferences for Herpes Simplex Virus infections among undergraduate students at a large university in Los Angeles, California. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023:1-6. [PMID: 37205777 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2023.2194431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Genital herpes is a common sexually transmitted disease among young adults in the United States. We conducted a cross-sectional survey to evaluate herpes simplex virus knowledge among university students. PARTICIPANTS 612 full-time undergraduate students. METHODS We gathered data on demographics, sexual activity, knowledge about the herpes simplex virus, attitudes toward it, and preferences for testing and treatment. RESULTS Of 612 full-time undergraduate students, 71.4% (437/612) reported being sexually active. Of them, 54.2% (237/437) reported ever being tested for a sexually transmitted infection. On a standardized knowledge assessment of genital herpes, 22.7% (139/612) of participants scored ≥80% correct. Over half of participants, 57.2% (350/612), reported that they could not cope with a genital herpes outbreak. Being sexually active and tested for sexually transmitted infections was associated with higher scores on the genital herpes knowledge assessment. CONCLUSION University students have low knowledge regarding genital herpes. Genital herpes education is needed to improve sexual health and wellness.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Tadanki
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - C Hernandez-Tamayo
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - N Saremi
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - C Stafylis
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - J D Klausner
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Sienkiewicz L, Thomas Y, Reynoso A, Munson E. Incidence and laboratory diagnosis of sexually-transmitted infections among university students in a high-prevalence community. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023; 71:571-577. [PMID: 33830872 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2021.1899185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of four sexually-transmitted infection (STI) agents among university students. Participants: A total of 1744 Milwaukee, Wisconsin metropolitan area student encounters at two university health clinics. Methods: Following consent, participants completed an eight-item demographic and behavioral questionnaire and provided a specimen for Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Mycoplasma genitalium RNA testing. Results: C. trachomatis (7.2%) and M. genitalium (6.7%) detection rates were highest, with C. trachomatis more likely to result in symptomatic infection in males and females. Female M. genitalium detection rates did not differ as a function of symptomatic status. Students identifying as African American were more likely to test positive for M. genitalium than other races/ethnicities. M. genitalium detection in both genders was a function of reported condom usage. Conclusions: Students would benefit from familiarity with emerging STI agents, as well as behaviors associated with increased risk of STI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sienkiewicz
- College of Health Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Yazmine Thomas
- College of Arts and Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Alyssa Reynoso
- College of Health Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Erik Munson
- College of Health Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
- Wisconsin Clinical Laboratory Network Laboratory Technical Advisory Group, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Hover SS, Bertke AS. Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 educational assessment of young adults in rural southwest Virginia. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0179969. [PMID: 28654651 PMCID: PMC5487059 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) causes genital herpes, one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the U.S. HSV-1, commonly associated with cold sores, is increasing as a cause of genital herpes. Abstinence-only sexual health classes, commonly taught in Virginia, generate young adults who are under-educated in sexual health, increasing STI risks. College students in southwest Virginia were surveyed to assess comprehensiveness of high school health education regarding HSV-1 and HSV-2 and to identify students’ preferred methods for STI education. Methods To obtain data on knowledge of HSV, comprehensiveness of sexual health education in high school, and preferred learning methods, 237 college students participated in an online questionnaire and 28 students were interviewed using structured interviews. Results Questionnaire and interview data indicated that Family Life Education classes need to include more comprehensive information on prevention, viral transmission, and differences between HSV-1 and HSV-2. The majority of total respondents (both the questionnaire and interview) (65%) reported non-comprehensive high school sexual health education. The majority of interview (79%) and questionnaire (55%) respondents wished they had learned more about herpes and other STIs in high school. Education preferences of both interviewed and surveyed respondents included interactive internet programs or games, more realistic lectures, and learning about STIs later in high school when students reported greater sexual activity. Conclusion Our results indicate that more comprehensive sexual health education is needed and wanted by students in southwest Virginia. More relevant educational programs should be implemented for VA high school students utilizing technology and interactive methods to improve student engagement in sexual health education. Implications and contribution These studies provide information on knowledge of herpes simplex viruses among college students, comprehensiveness of sexual health education received in high schools, and preferred methods to learn about HSV and other STIs. These studies inform the facilitation of improved health education practices and programs for high school and college students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shantal S. Hover
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States of America
| | - Andrea S. Bertke
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Cassidy C, Curran J, Steenbeek A, Langille D. University Students' Sexual Health Knowledge: A Scoping Literature Review. Can J Nurs Res 2017; 47:18-38. [PMID: 29509471 DOI: 10.1177/084456211504700303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual health plays an important role in the well-being of university students. The literature shows that the majority of university undergraduates are sexually active and at high risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs); however, the breadth and degree of the literature on their sexual health knowledge is unclear. The purpose of this scoping review was to gain a deeper understanding of the state of research on the sexual health knowledge of university/college students globally. A 5-stage framework was used to guide the review and to characterize the literature on sexual health knowledge. Articles published in English between 2000 and 2014 were reviewed if they included university students as a population of interest and described the methods used to measure sexual health knowledge. Of the 2,386 articles retrieved, 91 met the criteria. The majority of the articles (n = 79) used a cross-sectional design to investigate students' knowledge about HIV/AIDS (n = 45), STIs (n = 23), HPV (n = 9), and contraception (n = 24). The review highlights gaps in the literature and in findings relating to the research dominance of various geographic locations, common research designs, the wide range of measurement tools used, and the variety of sexual health knowledge outcomes of interest. The review provides a useful description of the literature on sexual health knowledge among university/college students and some recommendations for moving the field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Cassidy
- School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | - Audrey Steenbeek
- School of Nursing and Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University
| | - Donald Langille
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University
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Stock ML, Gibbons FX, Beekman JB, Gerrard M. It only takes once: The absent-exempt heuristic and reactions to comparison-based sexual risk information. J Pers Soc Psychol 2016; 109:35-52. [PMID: 26098587 DOI: 10.1037/a0039277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Three studies (N = 545) investigated the effects of social comparison on the "absent-exempt" (AE) heuristic (feeling exempt from future risk). Study 1 examined how comparison with an infected peer (comparison target) who was similar or nonsimilar in terms of sexual risk (number of partners, lack of condom use), influenced willingness and intentions to engage in sex without a condom, and conditional perceived vulnerability to an STD. Participants generally reported lower willingness and higher conditional vulnerability if they compared with a similar-risk level target. However, high-risk students who compared with a low-risk target engaged in what appeared to be AE thinking, reporting the highest willingness and lowest conditional vulnerability. Intentions to have sex without a condom were not influenced. Study 2 included a direct measure of AE thinking and compared the impact of a low-risk comparison target with a Public Service Announcement (PSA) stating that negative outcomes (STDs) can happen even to low-risk targets. Among high-risk participants, comparing with the low-risk target increased AE thinking. The effects in Studies 1 and 2 were strongest among participants high in tendencies to socially compare. Study 3 explored whether AE thinking could be decreased by encouraging more reasoned processing. Results indicated that asking participants to think about the illogicality of AE thinking reduces AE endorsement and increases STD testing intentions. Findings suggest that comparison-based information can have a stronger influence on health cognitions than analytic-based information (e.g., most PSAs). Implications for dual-processing models of decision-making and their applicability to health messages are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Meg Gerrard
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut
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East L, Jackson D, O'Brien L, Peters K. Stigma and stereotypes: women and sexually transmitted infections. Collegian 2012; 19:15-21. [PMID: 22482278 DOI: 10.1016/j.colegn.2011.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Sexually transmitted infections have long been associated with stigma and stereotypes due to their very nature. Throughout history sexually transmitted infections have been associated with female prostitution and deviant immoral behaviour making women who contract these infections particularly vulnerable to being stigmatised and stereotyped. Although the stigma attached to such infections has previously been documented in the literature, the aim of this research was to gain in depth insight into young Australian women's experiences of having a sexually transmitted infection from a feminist perspective. Findings from this study provide insight into the onerous effects stigma can have on women with these infections and sheds light on how these effects can influence self-perceptions, fear of rejection and feelings of unworthiness. These findings can provide nurses with greater understanding and insight into the effects of stigma on women's experiences of having a sexually transmitted infection. Having this understanding and insight has the potential to promote therapeutic care and minimise the stigma that may be felt among women who have contracted this type of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah East
- School of Nursing, College of Social and Health Sciences, University of Western Sydney, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith South DC, NSW 1797, Australia.
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Kim H, Lee C. Differential effects of fear‐eliciting DTCA on elaboration, perceived endorser credibility, and attitudes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND HEALTHCARE MARKETING 2012. [DOI: 10.1108/17506121211216860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Moore EW, Smith WE. What college students do not know: where are the gaps in sexual health knowledge? JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2012; 60:436-442. [PMID: 22857135 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2012.673521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to understand the gaps in college students' knowledge regarding sexual health information. PARTICIPANTS A sample of 242 participants enrolled in an introductory college course participated in this study in the Fall 2009 semester. METHODS Students participated in 1 of 2 brief interventions and wrote a response paper about their experience. The papers were analyzed using conventional content analysis for information that was new to participants by looking for key words that suggested learning took place. RESULTS The findings indicated that the majority of participants learned new information. Most learning occurred regarding sexually transmitted infections (ie, types, symptoms, prevalence, treatment, testing) and correct condom use. There were also demographic differences regarding reported new information. CONCLUSIONS Findings can be used to develop future sex education programs for college students by providing college educators with an understanding of where students lack knowledge of sexual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin W Moore
- Department of Psychology, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri 64110, USA.
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Prause N, Staley C, Finn P. The effects of acute ethanol consumption on sexual response and sexual risk-taking intent. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2011; 40:373-384. [PMID: 21318417 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-010-9718-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2009] [Revised: 11/29/2010] [Accepted: 12/01/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Two theories of sexual risk taking (disinhibition and alcohol myopia) were tested using genital measures of sexual response and computer measures of sexual risk propensity. A total of 44 men and women completed two sessions comparing responses to erotic films while consuming alcohol (breath alcohol doses were .025 g/kg and .08 g/kg) or juice alone. After consuming alcohol, more sexual arousal was reported in response to neutral films and at a breath alcohol level of .08 g/kg as compared to no alcohol. Genital responses for men and women increased during sexual films, but men did not respond as strongly when breath alcohol level was .08 g/kg. Intentions to have intercourse with a new partner at baseline predicted the level of sexual arousal reported. As self-reported sexual arousal increased in response to sexual films and higher alcohol dose, the intent to engage in intercourse with a new partner increased. Alcohol dose was not related to later sexual intercourse intentions. With no direct relationship of alcohol and intercourse intentions, results appear more consistent with a disinhibition model of sexual arousal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Prause
- Mind Research Network, 1101 Yale Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA.
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East L, Jackson D, O’Brien L, Peters K. Healthcare experiences of women who have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection. J Clin Nurs 2011; 20:2259-65. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2011.03707.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Ray AG, Mcmillan AM. Knowledge about Genital Herpes Amongst First Time Attenders at a Department of Genitourinary Medicine. Scott Med J 2008; 53:30-3. [DOI: 10.1258/rsmsmj.53.1.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background and Aims Genital herpes is the most common cause of genital ulceration in the developed world, and its prevalence in the United Kingdom is rising. Public knowledge of the infection is often limited. We aimed to assess knowledge among patients attending an outpatient genitourinary clinic in Scotland. Methods A questionnaire was designed to collect information about educational qualifications and knowledge of genital herpes. In the knowledge section, each correct answer was given a score of 1; thus the maximum possible score was 12. Two hundred and ten individuals who attended as new patients at a walk-in genitourinary medicine clinic were invited to complete the questionnaire. Results Two hundred and seven patients completed the questionnaire. Overall 63% of responses were answered correctly. Knowledge of genital herpes was better in patients who worked in healthcare (8.3 v 6.9, p=0.019) and in patients with educational qualifications gained from college or university compared to those gained at school (7.6 v 6.5, p=0.009). Level of knowledge was not related to age or gender; receiving sex education at school did not appear to improve knowledge of genital herpes. Conclusion Knowledge of genital herpes among patients attending an outpatient genitourinary clinic in Scotland is reasonable but needs to improve to combat the rising prevalence of the infection. The areas of misunderstanding identified in our study could be targeted for public education.
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Affiliation(s)
- AG Ray
- Medical Student, University of Edinburgh
| | - AM Mcmillan
- Consultant in Genitourinary Medicine (retired), NHS Lothian, University Hospitals Division
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Fowler SL, Dickey M, Kern P, Zimet GD, Rosenthal SL. Perceptions of parents seeking an experimental herpes simplex vaccine for their adolescent and preadolescent daughters. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2006; 25:747-8. [PMID: 16874178 DOI: 10.1097/01.inf.0000226840.84196.0b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Perceptions of parents willing to enroll their daughters in genital herpes vaccine trials were examined by questionnaire. Respondents were knowledgeable about genital herpes and endorsed personal and societal protection as important reasons to vaccinate. A belief among some that the vaccine might promote sexual activity did not prevent them from seeking protection for their daughters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra L Fowler
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of South Carolina Children's Hospital, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
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Edmiston N, O'Sullivan M, Charters D, Chuah J, Pallis L. Study of knowledge of genital herpes infection and attitudes to testing for genital herpes among antenatal clinic attendees. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2003; 43:351-3. [PMID: 14717310 DOI: 10.1046/j.0004-8666.2003.00096.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A descriptive survey of knowledge of genital herpes and attitudes to testing was conducted among antenatal clinic attendees at the Gold Coast Hospital, Australia. The study subjects showed a good knowledge of genital herpes, to a level that appears sufficient for an informed choice regarding herpes serology testing to be made. A preference for testing for genital herpes was suggested. Although serological testing is not routinely required, the results of the study indicate that discussion of genital herpes should be considered in the antenatal clinic setting.
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