Last data update: Nov 11, 2024. (Total: 48109 publications since 2009)
Records 1-23 (of 23 Records) |
Query Trace: Kraft JM[original query] |
---|
2gether: A clinic-based intervention to increase dual protection from sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy in young African American females
Kottke MJ , Sales JM , Goedken P , Brown JL , Hatfield-Timajchy K , Koumans EH , Hardin JW , Kraft JM , Kourtis AP . J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2022 32 (1) 29-38 Background: To determine whether the 2gether intervention increases use of a dual protection (DP; concurrent prevention of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections [STIs]) strategy and decreases pregnancy and STIs among young African American females, who disproportionately experience these outcomes. Materials and Methods: We conducted a randomized clinical trial comparing the 2gether intervention to standard of care (SOC). Participants were self-identified African American females aged 14-19 years who were sexually active with a male partner in the past 6 months. Participants were followed for 12 months; 685 were included in the analytic sample. The primary biologic outcome was time to any incident biologic event (chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas infections, or pregnancy). The primary behavioral outcomes were use of and adherence to a DP strategy. Results: 2gether intervention participants had a decreased hazard of chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomonas infections, or pregnancy during follow-up, hazard ratio=0.73 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.58-0.92), and were more likely to report use of condoms plus contraception, generally, adjusted risk ratio (aRR)=1.61 (95% CI 1.15-2.26) and condoms plus an implant or intrauterine device (IUD), specifically, aRR=2.11 (95% CI 1.35-3.29) in the prior 3 months compared with those receiving SOC. 2gether participants were also more likely to report use of condoms plus an implant or IUD at last sex and consistently over the prior 3 months. Conclusions: 2gether was efficacious in increasing use of condoms with contraception and decreasing pregnancy or selected STIs in our participants. Implementation of this intervention in clinical settings serving young people with high rates of pregnancy and STIs may be beneficial. ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT02291224 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02291224term=2gether&draw=2&rank=5). |
Factors Associated with Contraceptive Use in Sub-Saharan Africa
Kraft JM , Serbanescu F , Schmitz MM , Mwanshemele Y , Ruiz AG , Maro G , Chaote P . J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2021 31 (3) 447-457 Background: Globally 10% of women have an unmet need for contraception, with higher rates in sub-Saharan Africa. Programs to improve family planning (FP) outcomes require data on how service characteristics (e.g., geographic access, quality) and women's characteristics are associated with contraceptive use. Materials and Methods: We combined data from health facility assessments (2018 and 2019) and a population-based regional household survey (2018) of married and in-union women ages 15-49 in the Kigoma Region of Tanzania. We assessed the associations between contraceptive use and service (i.e., distance, methods available, personnel) and women's (e.g., demographic characteristics, fertility experiences and intentions, attitudes toward FP) characteristics. Results: In this largely rural sample (n = 4,372), 21.7% of women used modern reversible contraceptive methods. Most variables were associated with contraceptive use in bivariate analyses. In multivariate analyses, access to services located <2 km of one's home that offered five methods (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.57, confidence interval [CI] = 1.18-2.10) and had basic amenities (aOR = 1.66, CI = 1.24-2.2) increased the odds of contraceptive use. Among individual variables, believing that FP benefits the family (aOR = 3.65, CI = 2.18-6.11) and believing that contraception is safe (aOR = 2.48, CI = 1.92-3.20) and effective (aOR = 3.59, CI = 2.63-4.90) had strong associations with contraceptive use. Conclusions: Both service and individual characteristics were associated with contraceptive use, suggesting the importance of coordination between efforts to improve access to services and social and behavior change interventions that address motivations, knowledge, and attitudes toward FP. |
Reproductive coercion among African American female adolescents: Associations with contraception and sexually transmitted diseases
Kraft JM , Snead MC , Brown JL , Sales JM , Kottke MJ , Hatfield-Timajchy K , Goedken P . J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2020 30 (3) 429-437 Background: Among adolescents, racial disparities in reproductive health outcomes persist. The question of whether reproductive coercion (RC) influences these outcomes has received increased attention. Little is known about whether RC is independently associated with contraceptive use and having a sexually transmitted disease (STD) among African American female adolescents. Materials and Methods: Survey data for self-identified African American young women 14-19 years of age (n = 735) who accessed services at a publicly funded clinic were used to assess the extent of RC, the association between RC and other forms of intimate partner violence (IPV), and whether RC was independently associated with contraceptive use and an STD diagnosis. Results: Approximately 20% of participants had experienced RC; there was a statistically significant bivariate association between RC and other forms of IPV. In multivariate analyses, experiencing two or more forms of RC (vs. not experiencing any RC) was associated with reduced odds of contraceptive use in the past 3 months (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.46; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.24-0.76) and with increased odds of having an STD (aOR = 2.43; 95% CI = 2.35-4.37). Experiencing only one type of RC and experiencing other forms of IPV were not associated with the outcomes. Although ease of partner communication (aOR = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.80-0.98) was associated with having an STD, few other psychosocial variables were associated with the outcomes. Conclusions: RC is associated with reduced contraceptive use and increased STDs among African American adolescent women. Interventions to prevent and respond to RC that engage adolescent women and men are needed. |
Did saving mothers, giving life expand timely access to lifesaving care in Uganda A spatial district-level analysis of travel time to emergency obstetric and newborn care
Schmitz MM , Serbanescu F , Kamara V , Kraft JM , Cunningham M , Opio G , Komakech P , Conlon CM , Goodwin MM . Glob Health Sci Pract 2019 7 S151-s167 INTRODUCTION: Interventions for the Saving Mothers, Giving Life (SMGL) initiative aimed to ensure all pregnant women in SMGL-supported districts have timely access to emergency obstetric and newborn care (EmONC). Spatial travel-time analyses provide a visualization of changes in timely access. METHODS: We compared travel-time estimates to EmONC health facilities in SMGL-supported districts in western Uganda in 2012, 2013, and 2016. To examine EmONC access, we analyzed a categorical variable of travel-time duration in 30-minute increments. Data sources included health facility assessments, geographic coordinates of EmONC facilities, geolocated population estimates of women of reproductive age (WRA), and other road network and geographic sources. RESULTS: The number of EmONC facilities almost tripled between 2012 and 2016, increasing geographic access to EmONC. Estimated travel time to EmONC facilities declined significantly during the 5-year period. The proportion of WRA able to access any EmONC and comprehensive EmONC (CEmONC) facility within 2 hours by motorcycle increased by 18% (from 61.3% to 72.1%, P < .01) and 37% (from 51.1% to 69.8%, P < .01), respectively from baseline to 2016. Similar increases occurred among WRA accessing EmONC and CEmONC respectively if 4-wheeled vehicles (14% and 31% increase, P < .01) could be used. Increases in timely access were also substantial for nonmotorized transportation such as walking and/or bicycling. CONCLUSIONS: Largely due to the SMGL-supported expansion of EmONC capability, timely access to EmONC significantly improved. Our analysis developed a geographic outline of facility accessibility using multiple types of transportation. Spatial travel-time analyses, along with other EmONC indicators, can be used by planners and policy makers to estimate need and target underserved populations to achieve further gains in EmONC accessibility. In addition to increasing the number and geographic distribution of EmONC facilities, complementary efforts to make motorized transportation available are necessary to achieve meaningful increases in EmONC access. |
Dissemination and use of WHO family planning guidance and tools: a qualitative assessment
Kraft JM , Oduyebo T , Jatlaoui TC , Curtis KM , Whiteman MK , Zapata LB , Gaffield ME . Health Res Policy Syst 2018 16 (1) 42 BACKGROUND: As countries continue to improve their family planning (FP) programmes, they may draw on WHO's evidence-based FP guidance and tools (i.e. materials) that support the provision of quality FP services. METHODS: To better understand the use and perceived impact of the materials and ways to strengthen their use by countries, we conducted qualitative interviews with WHO regional advisors, and with stakeholders in Ethiopia and Senegal who use WHO materials. RESULTS: WHO uses a multi-faceted strategy to directly and indirectly disseminate materials to country-level decision-makers. The materials are used to develop national family planning guidelines, protocols and training curricula. Participants reported that they trust the WHO materials because they are evidence based, and that they adapt materials to the country context (e.g. remove content on methods not available in the country). The main barrier to the use of national materials is resource constraints. CONCLUSIONS: Although the system and processes for dissemination work, improvements might contribute to increased use of the materials. For example, providers may benefit from additional guidance on how to counsel women with characteristics or medical conditions where contraceptive method eligibility criteria do not clearly rule in or rule out a method. |
2GETHER - The Dual Protection Project: Design and rationale of a randomized controlled trial to increase dual protection strategy selection and adherence among African American adolescent females
Ewing AC , Kottke MJ , Kraft JM , Sales JM , Brown JL , Goedken P , Wiener J , Kourtis AP . Contemp Clin Trials 2016 54 1-7 BACKGROUND: African American adolescent females are at elevated risk for unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Dual protection (DP) is defined as concurrent prevention of pregnancy and STIs. This can be achieved by abstinence, consistent condom use, or the dual methods of condoms plus an effective non-barrier contraceptive. Previous clinic-based interventions showed short-term effects on increasing dual method use, but evidence of sustained effects on dual method use and decreased incident pregnancies and STIs are lacking. METHODS/DESIGN: This manuscript describes the 2GETHER Project. 2GETHER is a randomized controlled trial of a multi-component intervention to increase dual protection use among sexually active African American females aged 14-19years not desiring pregnancy at a Title X clinic in Atlanta, GA. The intervention is clinic-based and includes a culturally tailored interactive multimedia component and counseling sessions, both to assist in selection of a DP method and to reinforce use of the DP method. The participants are randomized to the study intervention or the standard of care, and followed for 12months to evaluate how the intervention influences DP method selection and adherence, pregnancy and STI incidence, and participants' DP knowledge, intentions, and self-efficacy. DISCUSSION: The 2GETHER Project is a novel trial to reduce unintended pregnancies and STIs among African American adolescents. The intervention is unique in the comprehensive and complementary nature of its components and its individual tailoring of provider-patient interaction. If the trial interventions are shown to be effective, then it will be reasonable to assess their scalability and applicability in other populations. |
Factors associated with contraceptive use differ between younger and older African-American female adolescents
North Clarke KE , Kraft JM , Wiener JB , Hatfield-Timajchy K , Kottke M , Sales JM , Goedken P , Kourtis AP . J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2016 29 (5) 448-453 STUDY OBJECTIVE: Examine differences in factors associated with contraceptive use between younger and older adolescent age groups, which has not previously been well described. DESIGN: Age-group-specific analyses were performed on cross-sectional survey data to identify factors associated with any contraceptive use at last sex among younger (14-16 year old) and older (17-19 year old) sexually-active African-American females; interaction analyses assessed whether these associations differed by age. SETTING: Adolescent reproductive health clinic in Atlanta, Georgia PARTICIPANTS: Sexually active African-American female adolescents 14-19 years of age INTERVENTIONS: No intervention tested; cross-sectional design MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Self-reported contraceptive use during most recent vaginal sex with a male partner. RESULTS: The prevalence of contraceptive use at last sex was identical in both groups; however, factors associated with contraceptive use differed by age. The only factor associated with contraceptive use in both age groups was involvement in decisions about sexual health in the most recent relationship. Associations between factors and contraceptive use significantly differed by age. History of sexually transmitted infection, age difference with partner, discussion of condoms with partner, and concurrent partners were important factors among younger adolescents; worry about pregnancy and discussion of birth control with partner were important among older adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: Factors associated with contraceptive use at last sex differ by adolescent age; this should be considered when designing counseling and interventions for teens, as well as research. |
Use of dual methods for protection from unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases in adolescent African American women
Kottke M , Whiteman MK , Kraft JM , Goedken P , Wiener J , Kourtis AP , DiClemente R . J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2015 28 (6) 543-8 STUDY OBJECTIVE: To characterize factors associated with dual method contraceptive use in a sample of adolescent women. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, INTERVENTIONS, AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of sexually active African American women aged 14-19 years who attended an urban Title X clinic in Georgia in 2012 (N = 350). Participants completed a computerized survey to assess contraceptive and condom use during the past 2 sexual encounters with their most recent partner. Dual method use was defined as use of a hormonal contraceptive or intrauterine device and a condom. We applied multinomial logistic regression, using generalized estimating equations, to examine the adjusted association between dual method use (vs use of no methods or less effective methods alone; eg, withdrawal) and select characteristics. RESULTS: Dual methods were used by 20.6% of participants at last sexual intercourse and 23.6% at next to last sexual intercourse. Having a previous sexually transmitted disease (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26-4.18), negative attitude toward pregnancy (aOR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.19-4.28), and a mother who gave birth as a teen (aOR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.21-4.52) were associated with higher odds of dual method use. Having no health insurance (aOR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.18-0.82), 4 or more lifetime sexual partners (aOR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.22-0.78), sex at least weekly (aOR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.29-0.99), and agreeing to monogamy with the most recent partner (aOR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.16-0.96) were associated with decreased odds of dual method use. CONCLUSION: Dual method use was uncommon in our sample. Efforts to increase use of dual methods should address individual and relationship factors. |
Identifying psychosocial and social correlates of sexually transmitted diseases among black female teenagers
Kraft JM , Whiteman MK , Carter MW , Snead MC , DiClemente RJ , Murray CC , Hatfield-Timajchy K , Kottke M . Sex Transm Dis 2015 42 (4) 192-7 BACKGROUND: Black teenagers have relatively high rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and recent research suggests the role of contextual factors, as well as risk behaviors. We explore the role of 4 categories of risk and protective factors on having a biologically confirmed STD among black, female teenagers. METHODS: Black teenage girls (14-19 years old) accessing services at a publicly funded family planning clinic provided a urine specimen for STD testing and completed an audio computer-assisted self-interview that assessed the following: risk behaviors, relationship characteristics, social factors, and psychosocial factors. We examined bivariate associations between each risk and protective factor and having gonorrhea and/or chlamydia, as well as multivariate logistic regression among 339 black female teenagers. RESULTS: More than one-fourth (26.5%) of participants had either gonorrhea and/or chlamydia. In multivariate analyses, having initiated sex before age 15 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.87) and having concurrent sex partners in the past 6 months (aOR, 1.55) were positively associated with having an STD. Living with her father (aOR, 0.44), believing that an STD is the worst thing that could happen (aOR, 0.50), and believing she would feel dirty and embarrassed about an STD (aOR, 0.44) were negatively associated with having an STD. CONCLUSIONS: Social factors and attitudes toward STDs and select risk behaviors were associated with the risk for STDs, suggesting the need for interventions that address more distal factors. Future studies should investigate how such factors influence safer sexual behaviors and the risk for STDs among black female teenagers. |
Sexually transmitted disease partner notification among African-American, adolescent women
Buchsbaum A , Gallo MF , Whiteman MK , Cwiak C , Goedken P , Kraft JM , Jamieson DJ , Kottke M . Infect Dis Obstet Gynecol 2014 2014 619632 OBJECTIVE: To better understand preferences and practices regarding partner notification of sexually transmitted infection (STI) among female, African-American adolescents. METHODS: Participants completed a questionnaire and STI testing at baseline. Those diagnosed with Chlamydia or gonorrhea were recruited for a follow-up study, involving another questionnaire and repeat STI testing after three months. RESULTS: At baseline, most participants (85.1%) preferred to tell their partner about an STI diagnosis themselves instead of having a health care provider inform him, and 71.0% preferred to bring their partner for clinic treatment instead of giving him pills or a prescription. Two-thirds of participants were classified as having high self-efficacy for partner notification of a positive STI diagnosis. In the multivariable analysis, older participants and those with fewer lifetime sexual partners were more likely to have high self-efficacy. Ninety-three participants (26.6%) had Chlamydia or gonorrhea and, of this subset, 55 participated in the follow-up study. Most adolescents in the follow-up study (76.4%) notified their partner about their infection. CONCLUSION: Although participants were willing to use most methods of partner notification, most preferred to tell partners themselves and few preferred expedited partner therapy. Traditional methods for partner notification and treatment may not be adequate for all adolescents in this population. |
An evidence review of gender-integrated interventions in reproductive and maternal-child health
Kraft JM , Wilkins KG , Morales GJ , Widyono M , Middlestadt SE . J Health Commun 2014 19 Suppl 1 122-41 Evidence-based behavior change interventions addressing gender dynamics must be identified and disseminated to improve child health outcomes. Interventions were identified from systematic searches of the published literature and a web-based search (Google and implementer's websites). Studies were eligible if an intervention addressed gender dynamics (i.e., norms, unequal access to resources), measured relevant behavioral outcomes (e.g., family planning, antenatal care, nutrition), used at least a moderate evaluation design, and were implemented in low- or middle-income countries. Of the 23 interventions identified, 22 addressed reproductive and maternal-child health behaviors (e.g., birth spacing, antenatal care, breastfeeding) that improve child health. Eight interventions were accommodating (i.e., acknowledged, but did not seek to change gender dynamics), and 15 were transformative (i.e., sought to change gender dynamics). The majority of evaluations (n = 12), including interventions that engaged men and women to modify gender norms, had mixed effects. Evidence was most compelling for empowerment approaches (i.e., participatory action for maternal-child health; increase educational and economic resources, and modify norms to reduce child marriage). Two empowerment approaches had sufficient evidence to warrant scaling-up. Research is needed to assess promising approaches, particularly those that engage men and women to modify gender norms around communication and decision making between spouses. |
Dual use of condoms with other contraceptive methods among adolescents and young women in the United States
Tyler CP , Whiteman MK , Kraft JM , Zapata LB , Hillis SD , Curtis KM , Anderson J , Pazol K , Marchbanks PA . J Adolesc Health 2014 54 (2) 169-75 PURPOSE: To estimate the prevalence of and factors associated with dual method use (i.e., condom with hormonal contraception or an intrauterine device) among adolescents and young women in the United States. METHODS: We used 2006-2010 National Survey of Family Growth data from 2,093 unmarried females aged 15-24 years and at risk for unintended pregnancy. Using multivariable logistic regression, we estimated adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the associations between dual method use at last sex and sociodemographic, behavioral, reproductive history, and sexual behavior factors. RESULTS: At last sex, 20.7% of adolescents and young women used dual methods, 34.4% used condoms alone, 29.1% used hormonal contraception or an intrauterine device alone, and 15.8% used another method or no method. Factors associated with decreased odds of dual method use versus dual method nonuse included having a previous pregnancy (aOR = .44, 95% CI .27-.69), not having health insurance coverage over the past 12 months (aOR = .41, 95% CI .19-.91), and having sex prior to age 16 (aOR = .49, 95% CI .30-.78). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of dual method use is low among adolescents and young women. Adolescents and young women who may have a higher risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (e.g., those with a previous pregnancy) were less likely to use dual methods at last sex. Interventions are needed to increase the correct and consistent use of dual methods among adolescents and young women who may be at greater risk for unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. |
In their own words: romantic relationships and the sexual health of young African American women
Murray CC , Hatfield-Timajchy K , Kraft JM , Bergdall AR , Habel MA , Kottke M , Diclemente RJ . Public Health Rep 2013 128 Suppl 1 33-42 OBJECTIVE: We assessed young African American women's understanding of "dual protection" (DP) (i.e., strategies that simultaneously protect against unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases [STDs]) and how relationship factors influence their use of DP methods. METHODS: We conducted 10 focus groups with African American women (n=51) aged 15-24 years in Atlanta, Georgia, to identify barriers to and facilitators of their DP use. Focus group participants also completed a brief self-administered questionnaire that assessed demographics and sexual behaviors. We analyzed focus group data by theme: relationships, planning for sex, pregnancy intentions, STD worries, the trade-off between pregnancy and STDs, attitudes toward condoms and contraceptives, and understanding of DP. RESULTS: From the questionnaire, 51% of participants reported that an STD would be the "worst thing that could happen," and 26% reported that being pregnant would be "terrible." Focus group data suggested that most participants understood what DP was but thought it was not always feasible. Relationship factors (e.g., trust, intimacy, length of relationship, and centrality) affected pregnancy intentions, STD concerns, and use of DP. Social influences (e.g., parents) and pregnancy and STD history also affected attitudes about pregnancy, STDs, and relationships. CONCLUSIONS: Although participants identified risks associated with sex, a complex web of social and relationship factors influenced the extent to which they engaged in protective behavior. The extent to which relationship factors influence DP may reflect developmental tasks of adolescence and should be considered in any program promoting sexual health among young African American women. |
Orphaned and abused youth are vulnerable to pregnancy and suicide risk
Zapata LB , Kissin DM , Bogoliubova O , Yorick RV , Kraft JM , Jamieson DJ , Marchbanks PA , Hillis SD . Child Abuse Negl 2013 37 (5) 310-9 OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the magnitude and consequences of violence against children for those living outside family care. We sought to estimate the frequency of childhood abuse and examine its association with lifetime pregnancy involvement (LPI) and past year suicide ideation among orphaned youth. METHODS: We analyzed data collected via cross-sectional interviewer-administered surveys completed by 293 orphaned youth aged 16-23 years living outside of family care in St. Petersburg, Russia. We used multivariable logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) of LPI and past year suicide ideation associated with childhood physical and sexual abuse. Other risk factors were also examined (e.g., social vulnerability, sexual and substance use behaviors), and characteristics of orphaned youth with LPI and past year suicide ideation were described. RESULTS: The prevalence of childhood abuse was higher among females than among males (23.3% versus 15.6% for physical abuse, and 20.3% versus 5.6% for sexual abuse), as was the prevalence of LPI and past year suicide ideation among those with histories of abuse. Experiences of childhood abuse were strong risk factors for both LPI and past year suicide ideation, with significant variation by gender. While both types of abuse were significantly associated with LPI and past year suicide ideation among females, physical abuse was significantly associated with LPI and sexual abuse was associated with suicide ideation for males. Of the other characteristics examined, strong modifiable risk factors included having no one to turn to for help and no involvement in activities outside of class. Among those with LPI (n=36), nearly 20% had been pregnant or gotten someone pregnant ≥2 times, most (61.8%) reported at least one induced abortion, and current use of effective contraception was nearly non-existent. Among those with past year suicide ideation (n=30), nearly half (44.8%) reported attempting suicide. CONCLUSIONS: There is an urgent need for interventions to prevent and mitigate the negative influence of childhood abuse experiences. Programs providing services to orphaned youth should increase access to sexual education, effective contraceptives, and mental health counseling. |
Love and hooking up in the new millennium: communication technology and relationships among urban African American and Puerto Rican young adults
Bergdall AR , Kraft JM , Andes K , Carter M , Hatfield-Timajchy K , Hock-Long L . J Sex Res 2012 49 (6) 570-82 Communication technology is a central feature of young people's lives, but its role in romantic and sexual relationships has not been thoroughly examined. This article describes how young adults use communication technology for partnering across relationship stages (formation, maintenance, and dissolution) and types (serious/casual), and proposes implications of usage in relationships. This study analyzed qualitative data from a five-week, prospective, coital diary method with related debriefing interviews (N=70) of African American and Puerto Rican men and women aged 18 to 25 years in Hartford and Philadelphia. Cell phones, including calls, text messaging, and mobile Internet, were the most common forms of communication technology used for partnering goals. Participants reported using cell phones to pursue partnering goals across all relationship stages, including formation (meeting, screening, and getting to know new partners), maintaining existing relationships, and breaking up. Cell phone uses depended on the type of relationship (serious/casual) and the participants' intentions and desires. Results indicated that cell phones are an important element of communication among young adults in romantic and sexual relationships. Specific features of cell phone communication shape the process and context of partnering. Future research should explore emerging communication technologies and implications for psychosocial development, dating violence, and sexual behavior. |
Effects of the Gama Cuulu radio serial drama on HIV-related behavior change in Zambia
Kraft JM , Hill Z , Membe I , Zhang Y , Meassick EO , Monsour M , Maumbi M , Ndubani P , Manengu JM , Mwinga A . J Health Commun 2012 17 (8) 929-45 The Gama Cuulu radio serial drama is written and produced in Zambia's Southern Province. It promotes behavior change and service use to prevent HIV transmission. The authors evaluated the effects of Gama Cuulu on intermediate outcomes (e.g., perceived norms), as well as number of sexual partners, condom use, and HIV testing in the past year among adults between 18 and 49 years of age. The authors used a pretest/posttest assessment with a comparison group design, with Southern Province as the intervention area and Western Province as the comparison area. Approximately 1,500 in-person interviews were conducted in both provinces in 2006 (pretest), 2007, and 2008. Regression models included terms for province, time, and the interaction of the two. Outcomes improved in both provinces (e.g., by 2008, 37.6% of participants in Southern Province and 28.3% participants in Western Province tested for HIV in the past year). Pretest-to-posttest changes in condom use (from 20.2% to 29.4% in Southern Province) and 5 intermediate outcomes were significantly different in the 2 provinces. However, changes in condom use were not associated with listening to Gama Cuulu and changes in other outcomes were similar in both provinces. Weak intervention effects might be attributable to implementation challenges or the saturation of HIV programs in Zambia. |
The effectiveness of group-based comprehensive risk-reduction and abstinence education interventions to prevent or reduce the risk of adolescent pregnancy, human immunodeficiency virus, and sexually transmitted infections: two systematic reviews for the Guide to Community Preventive Services
Chin HB , Sipe TA , Elder R , Mercer SL , Chattopadhyay SK , Jacob V , Wethington HR , Kirby D , Elliston DB , Griffith M , Chuke SO , Briss SC , Ericksen I , Galbraith JS , Herbst JH , Johnson RL , Kraft JM , Noar SM , Romero LM , Santelli J , Community Preventive Services Task Force . Am J Prev Med 2012 42 (3) 272-94 CONTEXT: Adolescent pregnancy, HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are major public health problems in the U.S. Implementing group-based interventions that address the sexual behavior of adolescents may reduce the incidence of pregnancy, HIV, and other STIs in this group. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Methods for conducting systematic reviews from the Guide to Community Preventive Services were used to synthesize scientific evidence on the effectiveness of two strategies for group-based behavioral interventions for adolescents: (1) comprehensive risk reduction and (2) abstinence education on preventing pregnancy, HIV, and other STIs. Effectiveness of these interventions was determined by reductions in sexual risk behaviors, pregnancy, HIV, and other STIs and increases in protective sexual behaviors. The literature search identified 6579 citations for comprehensive risk reduction and abstinence education. Of these, 66 studies of comprehensive risk reduction and 23 studies of abstinence education assessed the effects of group-based interventions that address the sexual behavior of adolescents, and were included in the respective reviews. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Meta-analyses were conducted for each strategy on the seven key outcomes identified by the coordination team-current sexual activity; frequency of sexual activity; number of sex partners; frequency of unprotected sexual activity; use of protection (condoms and/or hormonal contraception); pregnancy; and STIs. The results of these meta-analyses for comprehensive risk reduction showed favorable effects for all of the outcomes reviewed. For abstinence education, the meta-analysis showed a small number of studies, with inconsistent findings across studies that varied by study design and follow-up time, leading to considerable uncertainty around effect estimates. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these findings, group-based comprehensive risk reduction was found to be an effective strategy to reduce adolescent pregnancy, HIV, and STIs. No conclusions could be drawn on the effectiveness of group-based abstinence education. |
Strategies for managing the dual risk of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy among Puerto Rican and African American young adults
Carter MW , Hock-Long L , Kraft JM , Henry-Moss D , Hatfield-Timajchy K , Singer M . Am J Public Health 2012 102 (3) 449-456 Although young adults in the United States are at increased risk for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancy, they do not report high rates of dual-method use (condoms plus other contraception) for prevention. We used prospective qualitative data from 69 urban Puerto Rican and African American individuals aged 18 to 25 years to determine how they managed these risks in their heterosexual relationships during a 4- to 8-week period. Hormonal or long-acting contraceptive use, condoms, and withdrawal were the most common unintended pregnancy prevention strategies; condoms, STI testing, and perceived fidelity were dominant among STI prevention strategies. We need to shift the focus from dual-method use toward a broader concept of dual protection to be more responsive to young adults' concerns, perceptions, and priorities. |
Sex education and adolescent sexual behavior: do community characteristics matter?
Kraft JM , Kulkarni A , Hsia J , Jamieson DJ , Warner L . Contraception 2012 86 (3) 276-80 BACKGROUND: Studies point to variation in the effects of formal sex education on sexual behavior and contraceptive use by individual and community characteristics. STUDY DESIGN: Using the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth, we explored associations between receipt of sex education and intercourse by age 15, intercourse by the time of the interview and use of effective contraception at first sex among 15-19-year-olds, stratified by quartiles of three community characteristics and adjusted for demographics. RESULTS: Across all quartiles of community characteristics, sex education reduced the odds of having sex by age 15. Sex education resulted in reduced odds of having sex by the date of the interview and increased odds of using contraception in the middle quartiles of community characteristics. CONCLUSION: Variation in the effects of sex education should be explored. Research might focus on programmatic differences by community type and programmatic needs in various types of communities. |
STD and HIV testing behaviors among black and Puerto Rican young adults
Carter MW , Kraft JM , Hatfield-Timajchy K , Hock-Long L , Hogben M . Perspect Sex Reprod Health 2011 43 (4) 238-46 CONTEXT: Given the high rates of infection among urban young adults, STD and HIV testing promotion is a public health priority. To inform future testing efforts, lifetime and recent testing behaviors of this population within casual and serious relationships should be better understood. METHODS: Data from a 2007-2008 study conducted in select neighborhoods in Hartford and Philadelphia were used to examine self-reported STD and HIV testing behaviors and attitudes among 483 sexually active black and Puerto Rican young adults aged 18-25. Multivariate ordered logit regression analyses were conducted to assess characteristics associated with lifetime number of STD tests. RESULTS: More than eight in 10 participants reported having been tested for STDs, and a similar proportion for HIV, most of them multiple times. Nineteen percent had ever had an STD diagnosis. A majority-86%-perceived their risk of STD infection in the next year as "not at all likely." Sixty-one percent of those in serious relationships reported that both partners had been tested, compared with 25% of those in casual relationships. Characteristics associated with higher lifetime number of STD tests were being female (odds ratio, 2.2), being from Philadelphia (2.5), being black (1.5), having lived with two or more serious partners (1.7) and having ever received an STD diagnosis (2.3). DISCUSSION: Despite their risks, participants did not perceive themselves to be at risk of STDs. However, they did report testing repeatedly. Testing was highly acceptable, particularly within serious relationships. Questions about the timing of testing initiation and repeat testing merit attention for the benefits of widespread testing to be fully realized. |
Pregnancy motivations and contraceptive use: hers, his, or theirs?
Kraft JM , Harvey SM , Hatfield-Timajchy K , Beckman L , Farr SL , Jamieson DJ , Thorburn S . Womens Health Issues 2010 20 (4) 234-41 CONTEXT: Studies increasingly consider the role of pregnancy motivations on contraceptive use. Few studies include measures of men's pregnancy motivations. METHODS: We used baseline data (from a couples-intervention study) to examine the contribution of women's and men's pregnancy motivations and participation in decision making to contraceptive use by women in relatively stable relationships who were not trying to get pregnant. In addition to conducting multivariate analyses, we assessed agreement between a woman's perceptions of and her partner's reports of his pregnancy motivations. RESULTS: We observed moderate agreement between men's pregnancy motivations and their partners' perceptions of those motivations. Levels of agreement about participation in decision making were somewhat lower. In bivariate analyses, effective contraceptive use was significantly associated with two measures of pregnancy motivation for men and women. In multivariate analyses, only women not wanting a child in 2 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.73), women's (aOR, 1.80) and men's (aOR, 0.78) participation in decision making, women believing their partners favored contraceptive use (aOR, 2.01), relationships lasting 2 or more years (aOR, 1.98), and ethnicity/race (Latina aOR, 0.27; other race aOR , 0.45) were associated with effective contraceptive use. CONCLUSION: Providers and those developing interventions must recognize that some women who are "not trying to get pregnant" have weak motivations to avoid pregnancy, and so should help women to clarify their motivations and seek support from their partners for contraceptive use. To understand the role of pregnancy motivations, future research may include both qualitative and longitudinal quantitative studies. |
Use of dual protection in Botswana
Kraft JM , Galavotti C , Carter M , Jamieson DJ , Busang L , Fleming D , Kilmarx PH . Stud Fam Plann 2009 40 (4) 319-328 High rates of unintended pregnancy and of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections prompt calls for use of "dual-protection" strategies, including consistent condom use or dual-method use. This study examines the use of dual-protection strategies in a sample of 15-49-year-old men and women in Botswana in 2003. Half of sexually active respondents reported consistent condom use in the past year; 2.5 percent reported dual-method use. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that urban residence, less than a ten-year age difference between partners, discussing HIV and contraception with one's partner, not intending to have a child in the next year, having no children, being in a relationship where one or both partners have additional concurrent partners, and supportive condom norms were associated with dual protection - that is, with consistent condom or dual-method use. In the context of high HIV prevalence, concerns about disease prevention likely influence contraception, and interventions should address childbearing desires and sexual risk simultaneously. |
The integration of STD/HIV services with contraceptive services for young women in the United States
Farr SL , Kraft JM , Warner L , Anderson JE , Jamieson DJ . Am J Obstet Gynecol 2009 201 (2) 142 e1-8 OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to estimate the national prevalence and predictors of sexually transmitted disease/human immunodeficiency virus (STD/HIV) service receipt in the preceding year among young women who received contraceptive services. STUDY DESIGN: Weighted self-reported data from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth was used to estimate the prevalence and multivariable odds ratios for the receipt of STD/HIV services among 1009 unmarried, sexually active 15- to 24-year-old women who received contraceptive services. RESULTS: Of the women who received contraceptive services, 35% (2.7 million) did not receive STD/HIV services. Predictors of the receipt of STD/HIV services included younger age at first sexual intercourse (< or = 14 years; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.0; 15-17 years; aOR, 1.7), having ever been pregnant (aOR, 2.2); having had > or = 2 partners in the past year (aOR, 2.6), receipt of a pregnancy test or abortion in the past year (aOR, 2.3), and having visited a Title X clinic in the last 12 months (aOR, 3.3). CONCLUSION: Interventions are needed to help integrate contraceptive and STD/HIV services. |
- Page last reviewed:Feb 1, 2024
- Page last updated:Nov 11, 2024
- Content source:
- Powered by CDC PHGKB Infrastructure