Dataset Information

Emerging Adults' Discussion of Substance Use and Sexual Behavior with Providers.

ABSTRACT: Emerging adulthood (ages 18-25) is a time of increased autonomy and associated with a high rate of risky substance use and sexual behavior. As emerging adults (EA) increasingly have more independence, they have the ability to make health decisions, including whether to see a provider (primary care (PCP) and/or gynecologist (GYN)) and whether to discuss substance use and sexual behavior. The current study aimed to determine: (1) factors associated with PCP and GYN health-care seeking by sexually active EA who use alcohol and/or marijuana; (2) gender differences in substance use and sexual risk topics initiated by providers; (3) whether PCPs compared to GYNs discuss different topics with women. Alcohol and/or marijuana-using, sexually active EA (n = 500) were recruited as part of a health behaviors study. Among participants, 39% did not see a PCP in the previous year. Women, White individuals, and EA with health insurance were most likely to attend a PCP appointment. Even among participants who saw a provider, many participants reported that providers did not initiate a discussion about substance use (approximately half discussed substance use) and sexual behavior (about half discussed STI history, two-thirds discussed condom use, and three-quarters discussed sexual partners). Among women with a PCP and GYN provider, discussions on substance use were more likely to be initiated by a PCP while sexual issues were more likely to be initiated by a GYN. Thus, even among sexually active, substance-using EA, central topics - specifically substance use and sexual behavior - are not routinely brought up by providers.

SUBMITTER: Blevins CE

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6459691 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Emerging Adults' Discussion of Substance Use and Sexual Behavior with Providers.

Blevins Claire E CE Anderson Bradley J BJ Caviness Celeste M CM Herman Debra S DS Stein Michael D MD

Journal of health communication 20190226 2

Emerging adulthood (ages 18-25) is a time of increased autonomy and associated with a high rate of risky substance use and sexual behavior. As emerging adults (EA) increasingly have more independence, they have the ability to make health decisions, including whether to see a provider (primary care (PCP) and/or gynecologist (GYN)) and whether to discuss substance use and sexual behavior. The current study aimed to determine: (1) factors associated with PCP and GYN health-care seeking by sexually ...[more]

PMID: 30806172

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Project description:BACKGROUND:To describe sexual risk behavior, alcohol (and other substance) use, and perceived health promotion needs among young adult women seeking care from an urban reproductive health care clinic in the Northeastern United States, and to examine if these needs differ by race and ethnicity. METHODS:Women 18-29?years old presenting for a routine medical visit were invited to participate. Of 486 eligible women, 466 (96%) agreed to participate and completed a brief survey on a tablet computer. Most of the sample (53%) identified as non-Hispanic White. One-quarter (25%) identified as Hispanic/Latina. A smaller proportion of women identified as African American (19%). RESULTS:One-third (31%) of women reported a history of sexually transmitted infection (STI), and women reported infrequent condom use with recent sexual partners. Regarding behavioral health needs, nearly three-quarters of women (72%) reported regular alcohol use, approximately one-third had used marijuana (37%) or tobacco (33%) in the last month, and 19% reported clinically significant depressive symptoms in the last two weeks. Women reported moderate-to-strong interest in receiving information about relationships and sexual health; however, the majority were not interested in information about their substance use. Hispanic and African-American women were more likely to report STI history despite reporting fewer sexual partners than non-Hispanic White women. Minority women also reported significantly less alcohol and cigarette use, but more water pipe tobacco use, and reported significantly greater interest in interventions to promote sexual health. Hispanic women also evidenced significantly elevated rates of depressive symptoms, with 26% of Hispanic women reporting a clinically significant level of depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS:Reproductive health centers are opportune settings to address a broad range of healthcare needs, including sexual health, substance use, and mental health. These centers engage a diverse group of women, which is important given observed disparities in health outcomes based on race/ethnicity. Young women, particularly racial and ethnic minority women, report the most interest in services addressing sexual and relationship health.

Project description:Background This study focuses on sexual orientation and gender-based differences among Israeli young adult substance use behaviors. In addition, it evaluates young adult perception of substance use and acceptance of substances use by close friends. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study. A self-reported anonymous questionnaire was distributed to a convenience sample of 496 young-adults (age: M?=?23.14, SD?=?2.48), which included 126 heterosexual males, 128 heterosexual females, 131 gay men, and 111 lesbians. Results This study revealed significant sexual orientation and gender differences in all outcomes examined. Significant substance usage differences were found for same-sex orientation as 52% reported cannabis use and 24% reported using other illegal substances during the past 12?months compared to 34 and 6% (respectively) among heterosexuals. Significant gender differences were found, as male participants reported 50% cannabis use and 19% reported other illegal substance use in the past 12?months compared to 35 and 11% (respectively) among females. Additionally, compared with heterosexuals, gay men and lesbians perceived/assessed significantly higher substance usage rates among their close friends and higher levels of substance use acceptance by close friends. Regression models indicated the important role of respondent perceived and acceptance of substance use among close friends. Binge drinking, cannabis use, and other illegal substance use were positively associated with participants’ perceived substance use and substance use acceptance level by close friends, after controlling for gender, sexual orientation, age, and level of education. Conclusions Close friends and community norms can play an important role in shaping substance usage among young adults, especially among gay men and lesbians. The results of the current study highlight the need for developing prevention and harm reduction drug policies for Israeli young adults, especially for gay men and lesbians. Interventions should also focus on young adult peers and community norms related to substance use by professionals in educational, policy-making, and therapeutic contexts.

Dataset Information

Emerging Adults' Discussion of Substance Use and Sexual Behavior with Providers.

Publications

Emerging Adults' Discussion of Substance Use and Sexual Behavior with Providers.

Similar Datasets

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