APHA
Back to Annual Meeting Page
 		 
American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
 APHA 2005
 
3248.0: Monday, December 12, 2005 - Board 2

Abstract #113836

Internet use and related STI risk for inner city youth

Sheana Bull, PhD, MPH, Charlene Ortiz, Sally Watson, MPH, Katherine A. Pratte, BS, and Stephanie L. Phibbs, MPH. Colorado Health Outcomes Program, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, PO Box 6508, Mail Stop F-443, Aurora, CO 80045-0508, 303-724-1238, sheana.bull@uchsc.edu

Background: Online sex partner solicitation is an independent risk factor for STIs among white higher income populations. The rate of online sex solicitation and associated risk for STIs among a lower income racially/ethnically diverse youth population is not known.

Methods: Baseline data were collected in four clinics to study the efficacy of an online STI prevention intervention developed for youth.

Results: 477 youth (18-24 years) were enrolled and received either a tailored or standard Internet-based STI prevention message. Participants were 50% white, 25% multiracial/multiethnic, 13% Black/African American, and 11% Latino/Hispanic. Most (58%) reported a monthly income £$800.

Among participants, 94% used the Internet, 83% used it weekly, and 56% accessed it from home. Seventeen percent had sex with a partner they met online, with 24% of males and 9% of females doing so. Men sought male and female sex partners in equal proportions online; females only sought male partners. There were no differences in STI rates among youth with and without online sex partners (~40%). Compared to youth without Internet partners, youth with Internet partners were less likely to use a condom with their main partner (25% vs. 31%), and their non-main partner (49% vs. 54%).

Conclusions: In the context of the diminishing digital divide, this study characterizes the risks for STIs and opportunities for online prevention messages among lower income and racially/ethnically diverse youth. Compared to youth without online partners, youth with online sex partners may be at increased risk for STIs.

Learning Objectives:

  • At the conclusion of the session, participants in the session will be able to

    Keywords: Sexual Risk Behavior, Internet

    Related Web page: www.uchsc.edu/coho/

    Presenting author's disclosure statement:

    I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

    Best Practices and Knowledge Management in Reproductive Health Services: Tools, Interventions and Outcomes

    The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA