Interventions to decrease the risk of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases among high-risk heterosexual adolescents

Differentiating Between Precursor and Control Variables When Analyzing Reasoned Action Theories

“…Structural equation modeling (SEM) is appropriate in this context because it models sequential systems of background, mediator, and outcome variables and estimates the relationships among them (Kline, 2005; Schumacker and Lomax, 2004) and this is essential when psychosocial processes that produce behavioral change are transmitted through short-term mediators (Bryan, Schmiege and Broaddus, 2006; Short and Hennessy, 1994; Yzer, Fishbein and Hennessy, 2008). Thus, the combination of program theory and SEM can provide the bases for the theoretical work of program design (Balassone et al, 1993; Fishbein and Yzer, 2003; Middlestadt et al, 1996) and the empirical work of estimating program impacts (Hennessy and Greenberg, 1999). As Sobel (2008) states:…”

Young women's condom use: The influence of acceptance of sexuality, control over the sexual encounter, and perceived susceptibility to common STDs.

“…Rosenthal, Hall, & Moore, 1992). In contrast, the prevalence of other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea is extremely high in young women (Balassone, Baker, Gillmore, Morrison, & Dickstein, 1993; Hobfoll, Jackson, Lavin, Britton, & Shepherd, 1993; Ickovics & Rodin, 1992; MacDonald et al, 1990). STDs present an immediate health threat in terms of severe sequelae such as pelvic inflammatory disease and sterility (Baldwin, Whiteley, & Baldwin, 1990; Masters, Johnson, & Kolodny, 1992; Scholes et al, 1996).…”

Impact of Socio-Medical Factors on the Prevention and Treatment of HIV/AIDS Among Specific Subpopulations

“…Initiation of sexual activity often begins in mid adolescences (13-17) (Earl, 1993). Additionally, rates of STD infections are highest for sexually active persons between the ages of 15-24 (Balassone et al, 1993). Findings indicate that a majority of sexually active adolescents do not consistently take precautions to avoid contracting HIV/AIDS and other STDs (Balassone et al, 1993).…”

“…Additionally, rates of STD infections are highest for sexually active persons between the ages of 15-24 (Balassone et al, 1993). Findings indicate that a majority of sexually active adolescents do not consistently take precautions to avoid contracting HIV/AIDS and other STDs (Balassone et al, 1993). Adolescence represents a developmental period characterized by risk taking behaviors prefaced on denial, invulnerability, and succumbing to peer influence (Garvie et al, 2009).…”