Oral

Theorists disagree about adolescent girls’ sexual experiences and perception. Some suggest that it is a multidimensional construct because adolescence is fraught with ambivalence. This session focuses on distinct adolescent and young women’s health concerns. The first presentation describes the context of persistent gender inequality that surrounds the narrative of dating and sexual activity among young girls. Ambivalence is reflected in the use of demeaning language as a way to acknowledge that sexual empowerment is a complicated social and individual experience. The second presentation examines body objectification and the use of protective barriers during sexual encounters. Among young college women body image is associated with sexual risk behaviors. Body objectification differs by race and sexual orientation, suggesting that women may either avoid sexual activity or engage in risky behaviors that pose a threat to sexual health and well-being. Vaccines that protect against infection with the most common disease-causing human papillomavirus (HPV) types can prevent thousands of cases of cervical cancer. Among Latino cultures, personal acceptability towards sexual health prevention is more favorable with recent immigrant populations than with more acculturated Latinos. Latinos with strong ties to collective cultures and who are less acculturated have stronger attitudes than those from an individualist culture that are more acculturated. The next presentation examines gender-specific adolescent access to comprehensive reproductive and sexual health care via an innovative advocacy model. Collaboration among various agencies serving adolescent girls in African and Latin American countries can be strengthened by grassroots organizations that include adolescent girls. The final presentation addresses pelvic floor disorders, a condition that affects a substantial proportion of women with increasing age. Participants who have little knowledge of the personal and embarrassing symptoms would benefit from knowledge-based educational interventions to reduce the burden of these disorders.

Session Objectives: At the completion of the session, participants will be able to: Explain why addressing the “slut” narrative has the potential to improve adolescent girls’ sexual health and overall well-being; Discuss how body image influences sexual risk among female college students. Describe the implication of acculturation and self-construal for health promotion campaigns on human papillomavirus among Latinas; Identify an innovative model to strengthen African and Latin American leaders’ capacity to advocate for the health and rights of adolescent girls and young women; and Discuss gaps in knowledge among urban adolescent youth and their pelvic health.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH) , Masters Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES)