No abstract

The results of this study indicate that many individuals are relying on partner attributes and relationship characteristics when assessing the STI/HIV status of a sexual partner, and that this reliance is associated with a decreased perception of personal STI/HIV risk. Prevention campaigns need to acknowledge that people are likely to evaluate sexual partners whom they know and trust as safe. Dispelling erroneous beliefs about the ability to select safe partners is needed to promote safer sexual behavior.

BackgroundTo understand real-world human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine impact, continuous evaluation using population-based data is critical. We evaluated the early impact of the school-based HPV immunization program on cervical dysplasia in women in British Columbia, Canada.MethodsData linkage was performed using records from provincial cervical screening and immunization registries. Precancerous outcomes were compared between unvaccinated and HPV-vaccinated women born 1994–2005. Incidence rate, relative rate (RR), and vaccine effectiveness (VE), using unadjusted and adjusted Poisson regression of cytology (HSIL) and histopathology (CIN2, CIN3, and CIN2+) outcomes, were compared across vaccination status groups.ResultsWomen who received a complete series of vaccine on schedule between age 9 and 14 years had an adjusted RR = 0.42 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31–0.57) for CIN2+ over 7 years of follow-up compared to unvaccinated women, resulting in a VE of 57.9% (95% CI, 43.2%–69.0%). Adjusted RR for HSIL was 0.53 (95% CI, .43–.64), resulting in a VE of 47.1% (95% CI, 35.6%–56.7%).ConclusionWomen vaccinated against HPV have a lower incidence of cervical dysplasia compared to unvaccinated women. Immunization between 9 and 14 years of age should be encouraged. Continued program evaluation is important for measuring long-term population impact.

Sexually transmitted infection nursing practice needs to be understood and investigated beyond health education and testing practices. The scope of practice is comprehensive and incorporates a full spectrum of care. Public health nurses are a critical entry point into the healthcare system and provide primary and preventative care and healthcare referrals. Models of nursing care need to support nurses working to their full scope, and associated barriers warrant further investigation.