Joan R. Cates, MPH, School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 416 Nottingham Dr., Chapel Hill, NC 27517, 919-843-5793, joancates@unc.edu

Background: One of two U.S. youth will acquire a sexually transmitted disease (STD) by the age of 25. Parents, health care counselors, policymakers, and youth can help to shape policies to address this problem. Objective: Describe and analyze attitudes held by members of key groups on: (1) why the epidemic of STDs in youth has occurred, (2) what needs to change and which groups can effect change, and (3) what role the media have played and should play. Methods: Eight focus groups of 5-9 participants each (total N = 61) were conducted with key audiences: (1) youth 15-18 and 19-24 years old, (2) parents of youth 10-14 and 15-19 years old, (3) health care providers, youth counselors, and clergy, and (4) advocates working with national policymakers. Discussions explored the reasons for the spread of STDS in youth and recommendations for change at individual, family, community, and societal levels. Participants also reacted to current STD prevention media messages. Transcripts were coded to identify concepts and linkages.Results: The four audiences shared some, but not all, opinions about why the epidemic of STDs in youth has occurred and what policy solutions might help to reduce the risk of infection. Participants thought that the media are both helpful and hurtful in preventing the spread of STDs, and that parents are often conflicted about whether to seek more control over their children or ask for help.

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