The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #44039

Patti A. Murphey, MAE, Department of Health Science, The University of Alabama, Box 870311, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, Rachel L. Abbott, MS, The Department of Health Science, The University of Alabama, Box 870311, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0311, 205-348-2486, murph013@bama.ua.edu, and Stephen Nagy, PhD, Department of Health Science, University of Alabama, P.O. Box 870311, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487.

An important consideration in treatment for infectious disease is recognition of disease symptoms. Therefore knowledge of symptoms is important to move people from precontemplation to contemplation regarding medical care. The purpose of this study was to measure sexually transmitted infection (STI) symptom knowledge among fifteen and sixteen-year old adolescents. Data were collected over 13-years from five waves of surveys administered in 1988, 1990, 1993, 1998, and 2001. A sample of 8,339 fifteen and sixteen-year olds was utilized for the current study. Knowledge scores (0-7) were developed based on a scale comprised of yes or no responses to seven questions concerning symptoms of STIs. These symptoms included recognizable symptoms (abdominal pain, discharge, sore on the genitals, pain with urination) and flu-like symptoms (headache, cough, nausea). Comparisons (p < .01) of scores on age, gender, ethnicity, and age of sexual initiation were conducted. Results indicated that knowledge levels had increased from 1988 to 1998 and remained steady through the last reporting period. Comparisons on STI scores showed no significant differences based on the age of sexual initiation (intercourse) or the age of the respondent. Significant differences were found among gender and ethnicity; therefore, each symptom of the STI scale was individually examined by each wave of data collection. Overall, adolescents continue to show incorrect knowledge in those items reflecting flu-like symptoms. Health education programs targeting adolescents should concentrate on addressing symptoms of sexually transmitted infections to increase awareness, knowledge and treatment.

Learning Objectives:

• The learner will identify factors that influence knowledge of sexually transmitted infection symptoms.
• The learner will identify implications of study findings in the tailoring of health education programs for specific populations.

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Sex

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.