Document 0025
 DOCN  M94A0025
 TI    STD prevention and the challenge of gender and cultural diversity:
       knowledge, attitudes, and risk behaviors among black and Hispanic
       inner-city STD clinic patients.
 DT    9412
 AU    O'Donnell L; San Doval A; Vornfett R; O'Donnell CR; Education
       Development Center, Inc., Newton, Massachusetts 02160.
 SO    Sex Transm Dis. 1994 May-Jun;21(3):137-48. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE
       MED/94353299
 AB    BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study describes gender and cultural
       differences in sex-related risk behaviors, knowledge, and attitudes
       among black and Hispanic men and women seeking services at an STD clinic
       in the South Bronx. STUDY DESIGN: Survey instruments were administered
       to 3,348 men and women selected as a proportionate random sample of
       clinic patients registered from January through December 1992. RESULTS:
       There were significant differences in risk behaviors, knowledge about
       AIDS and STDs, and attitudes related to condom use among men and women
       who sought services at this large inner-city clinic. Across groups, the
       majority of subjects had a history of prior STDs and previously had been
       treated at a STD clinic. Overall levels of knowledge were high, with the
       exception of specific issues related to condom use and STD symptoms.
       Gender and cultural differences were most apparent in sex practices,
       experience with condoms, and attitudes concerning the use of condoms in
       relationships. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate the need to design
       clinic prevention programs that reflect the diversity of gender and
       culturally based attitudes, knowledge, and behaviors within inner-city
       populations. Minority men and women who seek services at STD clinics are
       known to be at high risk of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted
       diseases. Yet providing all members of this patient population with the
       same prevention messages is not sufficient; differences in sex
       practices, educational needs, and concerns about adopting safer sex
       behaviors must be taken into account. This study underscores how
       important it is for clinics to develop the multiple interventions
       necessary to provide patients with the specific information and skills
       they need--beyond admonishments to avoid risky sex and use condoms--and
       for clinic staff to be trained in providing education that is gender and
       culturally appropriate.
 DE    Adult  *Blacks  *Cultural Characteristics  Female  *Hispanic Americans
       Human  Male  Risk Factors  *Sex Behavior  Sex Education  Sex Factors
       Sexually Transmitted Diseases/EPIDEMIOLOGY/*PREVENTION & CONTROL
       Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.  *Urban Population  JOURNAL ARTICLE

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).