Peggy B. Smith

The Incremental Cost of Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Gonorrhea and Chlamydia in a Family Planning Clinic

A standard cost-finding methodology was used to estimate the incremental expenses associated with the provision of screening, diagnostic and treatment services for N. gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis in a family planning clinic serving high risk adolescents. The study included both the personnel and nonpersonnel costs accrued in administering screening and diagnostic tests, contacting patients with infection, treating patients with infection, and administering tests of cure. The cost per screening test averaged

AIDS: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Risk Characteristics of Teens

9.74 when part of a routine family planning visit. Diagnostic tests provided to drop-ins with symptoms averaged

Knowledge, Beliefs, and Behavioral Risk Factors for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Inner City Adolescent Females

19.92. Treatment-related costs per visit averaged

A comparison between a 1986 and 1989 cohort of inner-city adolescent females on knowledge, beliefs, and risk factors for AIDS

24.97. The total incremental cost of providing STD screening, diagnosis, and treatment services in the clinic represented 14% of the clinics overall budget during the study period.

The Use of Focus Groups to Identify Needs and Expectations of Young Fathers in a Male Involvement Program

Although teenagers are not among the highest-risk groups for contracting acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or for exposure to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), their sexual behavior and possible experimentation with drug use place them at risk. A survey of 207 sexually active teenagers attending a family planning clinic was made to assess knowledge, attitudes, and risk characteristics of this group. Results indicated that respondents were aware of the major modes of HIV transmission, but they had some misconceptions about the risk associated with casual contact. Nine percent of respondents reported engaging in behavior placing them at risk for HIV infection. A high level of interest in additional information on AIDS was reported. Education on AIDS should be provided to teenagers and family planning clinic patients, focusing on heterosexual transmission, the role of intravenous (IV) drug use, and risks associated with multiple sexual partners, along with methods of reducing risk of HIV infection.

Workforce Development as a Promising Approach to Improving Health Disparities Among Young Males

Five hundred and ten inner city adolescent girls requesting reproductive health services were surveyed about their knowledge and beliefs concerning human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Each patients survey responses were examined in relation to number of sexual partners and history of a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Adolescents with the greatest concerns and fears of contracting acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) were those with multiple sexual partners. Those with the joint effects of multiple sexual partners and a history of STD were the most likely to acknowledge their potential for HIV infection and have a behavioral basis for it. Sexual behaviors within this age group are highlighted and programmatic interventions are suggested.

The Behavioral Implications of Myths and Medical Knowledge About AIDS Among Indigent Female Adolescents

In order to assess changes from 1986 to 1989 in knowledge, beliefs, and risk factors for AIDS, the responses of inner-city adolescent girls were compared. Although 63% of the 1989 cohort received AIDS education in school, the base knowledge of the two cohorts was not markedly different. Between 1986 and 1989, the number of sexual partners increased for adolescents of all ethnic groups, yet concerns about AIDS showed a decline. Those adolescents who had the highest number of sexual partners were also those who had the most knowledge and most concerns about AIDS. Implications for preventive education focus on ethnic diversity and gaps between adolescent knowledge and behavior.

Cultural Implications for Public Health Policy for Pregnant Hispanic Adolescents.

A focus group was used to elicit information about the needs of young fathers who were interested in participating in a male involvement program to increase parenting responsibility. Seven focus groups were conducted with 17 young fathers in order to identify specific curricula components. The discussions were tape recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis. Young fathers identified the most needed curricula components to enable responsible fatherhood. This included human sexuality knowledge and skills as well as employment. Twelve of the fathers who subsequently enrolled in the program completed a behavioral risk assessment. Their behavioral profiles were consistent with the needs they identified. Involving young fathers in selecting curriculum content can be instrumental in tailoring educational programs to meet the unique needs of this group.

The Northeast Adolescent Project: A Collaborative Effort to Address Teen‐age Pregnancy in Houston, Texas

This study examined the impact of a workforce development program embedded in a health setting on subsequent risk behaviors and educational and employment outcomes among inner city males aged 16 to 28 years old. Health risk behaviors measured included subsequent fatherhood, substance use, and legal problems. Educational and employment outcomes included obtaining a high school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED), completion of a job-training program, and securing employment. The program provided medical care, job readiness training, and activities emphasizing personal and social competency. Major findings of this study indicate comprehensive workforce development activities can result in risk reduction, and educational and employment enhancement among young males.

Health Problems and Sexual Activity of Selected Inner City, Middle School Students

Although AIDS among adolescents accounts for only 1% of the total number of AIDS cases in the United States, these cases increased by 51% between 1988 and 1989. The current literature indicates that knowledge about AIDS remains poor among adolescents. This study examined the relationship between medical knowledge and myths about AIDS and risk behaviors and attitudes. A secondary analysis was conducted on data collected between 1988 and 1989. The sample consisted of 510 adolescent females at the Baylor College of Medicine, Teen Health Clinic. The findings indicated that those adolescents who expressed a lack of interest in educational programs about AIDS had the lowest scores on the Myth and Medical Knowledge Scales. This study will be helpful to health educators when identifying those adolescents at highest risk for HIV infection. Health educators should assess attitudes about AIDS education when working with high-risk adolescents.