Project Title
Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Prevention/Screening Strategies: How College Aged Women Access STI Prevention Methods and Screening Services
Faculty Mentor(s) Name(s)
Dr. Johnny Moore
Abstract
Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are continuously on the rise among college students. In 2018, there were 26 million new STI infections in the United States, about half of these were people ages 15 to 24. Young women’s bodies are biologically more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections creating a specific need for research regarding how women can keep themselves safe sexually. Purpose: To examine studies that use the Health Belief Model to assess STI prevention and screening methods among college women to determine best evidence-based practices and recommendations for future studies. Methods: Articles were obtained using Galileo and EBSCO. A logic model was used to align theory with practical application. Keywords included: STI prevention, college women, women’s sexual health, and STI screening, and health belief model. Results: Studies have shown that misinformation and degree of sex education are major contributors in young adult women participating in risky sexual behavior. Poor sexual health due to lack of education, prevention measures, and adequate healthcare are influential when assessing how STIs continuously spread among young adults in college and how they perceive the threat of STIs. Perceived barriers led many young women to fear seeking help from professionals and the stigma that surrounded the diagnosis regardless of the perceived benefits. Conclusions: Women’s perceived ability to access sex education and screenings are crucial components in the promotion and avoidance of STIs in a college setting. All elements of sexual health in students connect to the aspects we must assess to control the spread of STIs such as social pressure, physical health, prevention accessibility, and screening strategies. As a result, professionals must prioritize the promotion of STI screening and prevention measures among this high-risk community to ensure that they are equipped with the tools they need to be safe while sexually active.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Prevention/Screening Strategies: How College Aged Women Access STI Prevention Methods and Screening Services
Background: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are continuously on the rise among college students. In 2018, there were 26 million new STI infections in the United States, about half of these were people ages 15 to 24. Young women’s bodies are biologically more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections creating a specific need for research regarding how women can keep themselves safe sexually. Purpose: To examine studies that use the Health Belief Model to assess STI prevention and screening methods among college women to determine best evidence-based practices and recommendations for future studies. Methods: Articles were obtained using Galileo and EBSCO. A logic model was used to align theory with practical application. Keywords included: STI prevention, college women, women’s sexual health, and STI screening, and health belief model. Results: Studies have shown that misinformation and degree of sex education are major contributors in young adult women participating in risky sexual behavior. Poor sexual health due to lack of education, prevention measures, and adequate healthcare are influential when assessing how STIs continuously spread among young adults in college and how they perceive the threat of STIs. Perceived barriers led many young women to fear seeking help from professionals and the stigma that surrounded the diagnosis regardless of the perceived benefits. Conclusions: Women’s perceived ability to access sex education and screenings are crucial components in the promotion and avoidance of STIs in a college setting. All elements of sexual health in students connect to the aspects we must assess to control the spread of STIs such as social pressure, physical health, prevention accessibility, and screening strategies. As a result, professionals must prioritize the promotion of STI screening and prevention measures among this high-risk community to ensure that they are equipped with the tools they need to be safe while sexually active.