Associations Between Sexual Risk-Related Behaviors and School-Based Education on HIV and Condom Use for Adolescent Sexual Minority Males and Their Non-Sexual-Minority Peers

Abstract

Differential reports of receiving HIV/AIDS education and differential associations between condom-related education and condom use in ASMM and non-ASMM suggest that sexual health education in schools may not be resonating with ASMM and non-ASMM in the same way.

Sexual Health Education for Adolescent Males Who Are Interested in Sex With Males: An Investigation of Experiences, Preferences, and Needs

“…AMSM are disproportionately impacted by HIV/STIs [1,2], and this health disparity may be partially attributable to inadequate access to sexual education content that is accurate and relevant to the men’s experiences [4,5]. Despite the importance of tailored sexual education [26], there is a dearth of research to inform program development for AMSM.…”

“…Two published studies assessing relations between formal HIV education in school and sexual risk behaviors among AMSM report equivocal findings [4,5]. Using data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, one study found that exposure to HIV education in school was associated with an increased odds of condom use at last sex among AMSM [5].…”

“…Using data from the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System, one study found that exposure to HIV education in school was associated with an increased odds of condom use at last sex among AMSM [5]. Alternatively, a study in eleven Florida high schools found that exposure to HIV education in school was not associated with condom use at last sex among AMSM [4]. Given that school-based sexual health education programs generally reduce sexual risk behaviors and increase condom use [29], one would hope that AMSM who received such programs would benefit from them similarly.…”

“…Adolescent and young adults (15–24 years old) account for approximately half of all new STIs, with AMSM experiencing disproportionately high rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis [2,3]. Despite increased risk, AMSM are less likely than their heterosexual peers to receive relevant sexual education in school [4,5] or from their parents [6]. AMSM who lack necessary sexual education may be more likely to engage in sexual risk behaviors [5].…”

Utility of a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) label indication for condoms for anal sex

“…low access to appropriate sexual health education among Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgendered youth). 10 Given that structural sexual stigma is associated with decreased use of HIV prevention methods, 11 it will be important to make structural changes optimise access to and the use of HIV prevention services. 12 Patient-reported outcomes are increasingly being used to inform FDA decision making.…”