Reducing the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancies is one objective of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). HHS provides funding to states and organizations that provide abstinence-until-marriage education as one approach to address this objective. GAO was asked to describe the oversight of federally…

An 18-year longitudinal study of 520 New Zealand women found that those reporting childhood sexual abuse, particularly severe abuse involving intercourse, had significantly higher rates of early onset consensual sexual activity, teenage pregnancy, multiple sexual partners, unprotected intercourse, sexually transmitted disease, and sexual assault…

Surveys examining the long-term implementation of the "Understanding Sexuality" curriculum by trained teachers in 30 school corporations indicated that most school corporations with trained teachers still used the curriculum, though its use was limited by insufficient time and assignment of trained teachers to other areas. (SM)

Surveyed 5,939 men entering gay bars in 16 American cities to determine predictors of risky sexual practices. Excluding individuals in long-term exclusive relationships, 27 percent of respondents reported engaging in high-risk sex in the past 2 months. Findings indicate an urgent need for HIV prevention efforts for gay men in smaller cities. (RJM)

Studied verbal disclosure of abuse in a sample of 28 children who presented with purely physical complaints later diagnosed as a sexually transmitted disease. Only 43 percent gave any verbal confirmation of sexual contact. Disclosure was strongly associated with the attitude taken by the child's caretaker toward the possibility of abuse. (RJM)

Reports on a survey of 393 heterosexual University of California (Los Angeles) students (180 males and 213 females) for their attitudes toward many aspects of condom use. Students were mildly positive about condoms, believing they offer effective protection but detract from sexual sensation. Gender differences regarding preference and use emerged.…

Epidemiological data on patterns of infection among adolescents, including data on ethnic, racial, and gender differences, are reviewed. Comparisons to patterns of adult infection are made. Patterns of risky behavior that leave youth at risk for HIV infection are discussed. Implications for prevention and treatment are considered. (BC)

Discusses the need for sex education and the inclusion of accurate information in materials produced for young people. Materials that address sexual reproduction, puberty, teenage pregnancy, AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases are reviewed, and recommended titles for print and nonprint materials are listed together with resources for…

Used data from the National Child Development Study of Great Britain to examine the sex education lessons reported at age 16 and subjects' report of teenage motherhood at age 23. Results showed that sex education may be associated with teenage motherhood positively or negatively, depending on the topic and the individual's marital status when she…

A nationwide survey of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) project directors for state and local education agencies examined the status of middle school HIV/STD (sexually transmitted disease) programs. Results indicated that instruction about HIV prevention tended to decline after seventh grade. The decrease related to lack of opportunities for an…

Investigated characteristics of students voluntarily seeking human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody testing at a university health center. Data from student surveys indicated that: 59% were women; reported rates of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases were low; nearly one-third had had previous HIV testing; 40% reported…

Attempts to determine which factors are most significantly associated with planned condom use by adolescents. Results indicate that intent to use condoms is associated with both past use and fear of HIV infection. Recommends that health education emphasize condom use from the onset of sexual activity. (Author/GCP)

Investigated the effectiveness of strategies to maximize cohort retention in a longitudinal evaluation of a middle school human immunodeficiency virus/sexually transmitted disease prevention intervention. Retention rates of 80 percent at 6 months and 73 percent at 18 months were achieved. This required joint, proactive problem solving at the…

The past 2 decades have shown that HIV prevention can work. Evidence worldwide indicates that concerted national HIV prevention efforts have resulted in maintenance of low seroprevalence rates or decline in rates where they would have otherwise risen. The best efforts are based on sound scientific research. Advances in, challenges to, and future…

The sociocultural aspects of infertility among members of the matrilineal ethnic group Macua are studied. Strategies applied by infertile women, the use of traditional healers versus modern hospital, and explanations given for infertility are presented. Solutions attempted, social consequences of infertility, and recommendations for culturally…