Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #115948

Enbal Shacham, MEd¹, Bryant Paul, PhD², and Michael Reece, PhD, MPH¹. (1) Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University, HPER Building 116, 1025 E. Seventh Street, Bloomington, IN 47405-7109, 812-855-0068, eshacham@indiana.edu, (2) Department of Telecommunications, Indiana University, Radio-TV Center 333, Bloomington, IN 47404

Background: Much of the negative secondary effects of adult businesses have been based on the assumptions of increased crime rates and a decrease in status of public health measures within the community these businesses reside. There are few empirical studies that have been conducted to serve as a basis for these regulatory practices. Previously empirical studies have measured crime rates to determine whether a relationship exists between adult erotic dance clubs and negative secondary effects in the areas surrounding the club. Increased incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) has also been associated with the presence of adult businesses; which has not had supportive empirical studies conducted. Methods: In addition to assessing crime rates within a case-control design, the association of STI incidence and adult businesses was conducted. Comparisons across counties that have both regulations associated with adult businesses and the businesses themselves; and those counties that did not were conducted. Predictive factors that have been associated with higher rates of STIs and crime were controlled for within these comparisons. Results: The public health secondary negative effects that may result due to the presence of adult businesses were unfounded in this study. Conclusions: The impact of adult businesses on public health in communities has been assumed to be negative. These findings suggest that empirical evidence does not support these assumptions. This study would suggest that a revision to the policy development process that claims public health effects should utilize data-driven studies to support policy making decisions.

Learning Objectives:

• -Participants will have examined the empirical basis of regulatory practices associated with the public health impact of adult businesses
• -Participants will have analyzed the public health outcomes of incidence of crime and sexually transmitted infections that are associated with the presence of adult businesses

Keywords: Sexuality, Community Planning

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.

Recorded presentation