Project Title
An application of the Social Cognitive Theory to examine STD rates among African American female teenagers aged 14-19.
Faculty Mentor(s) Name(s)
Johnny Moore
Abstract
Background: Data from the CDC displays that one in four adolescent girls aged 14-19 in the United States are infected with a STD yearly and African American females are the most affected population. In 2018, African American females aged 14-19 rates for chlamydia was 4.5 times higher than white females of the same age group. Health outcomes associated with STDs include certain cancers, infertility in both men and women, pregnancy complications, and if left untreated some STDs can even lead to death. Purpose: To examine studies that use the Social Cognitive Theory to analyze factors contributing to STD rates and sexual behaviors in African American teenagers ages 14-19 to determine best evidence-based practices and recommendations for future studies. Methods: Articles and data were obtained using Galileo, BMC Public Health, The National Institute of Health, the CDC. Results and practical application were organized using a logic model. Keywords include adolescents, sexual behaviors, African American, STD risk, STD rates, Social Cognitive Theory, and condom use. Results: Studies show that the Social Cognitive Theory is useful in explaining various factors associated with sexual behaviors. The constructs that were most influential in explaining sexual health are knowledge, self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, and outcome expectations. Implications: Initiatives to improve sexual health in teens should start with a quality education on sexual health and behaviors. Sexual education will also increase an individual’s self-efficacy because they will understand why they should engage in safer sexual behaviors. Most African American female teenagers do not know the risk of obtaining an STD and do not how to practice safe sex, so with an education they will understand the value and know what to expect when engaging in any form of sex.
An application of the Social Cognitive Theory to examine STD rates among African American female teenagers aged 14-19.
Background: Data from the CDC displays that one in four adolescent girls aged 14-19 in the United States are infected with a STD yearly and African American females are the most affected population. In 2018, African American females aged 14-19 rates for chlamydia was 4.5 times higher than white females of the same age group. Health outcomes associated with STDs include certain cancers, infertility in both men and women, pregnancy complications, and if left untreated some STDs can even lead to death. Purpose: To examine studies that use the Social Cognitive Theory to analyze factors contributing to STD rates and sexual behaviors in African American teenagers ages 14-19 to determine best evidence-based practices and recommendations for future studies. Methods: Articles and data were obtained using Galileo, BMC Public Health, The National Institute of Health, the CDC. Results and practical application were organized using a logic model. Keywords include adolescents, sexual behaviors, African American, STD risk, STD rates, Social Cognitive Theory, and condom use. Results: Studies show that the Social Cognitive Theory is useful in explaining various factors associated with sexual behaviors. The constructs that were most influential in explaining sexual health are knowledge, self-efficacy, outcome expectancies, and outcome expectations. Implications: Initiatives to improve sexual health in teens should start with a quality education on sexual health and behaviors. Sexual education will also increase an individual’s self-efficacy because they will understand why they should engage in safer sexual behaviors. Most African American female teenagers do not know the risk of obtaining an STD and do not how to practice safe sex, so with an education they will understand the value and know what to expect when engaging in any form of sex.