Browsing by Author "Auerswald, Colette L."

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    Community Engagement and Venue-Based Sampling in Adolescent Male Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention Research
    (Elsevier, 2018-03) Ott, Mary A.; Moon, Julianne; Imburgia, Teresa M.; Yang, Ziyi; Tu, Wanzhu; Auerswald, Colette L.; Pediatrics, School of Medicine
    OBJECTIVES: Middle adolescent males are a difficult group to recruit for community sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention research. We describe a process of community engagement, and venue-based sampling of 14-17-year-old adolescent males, and compare rates of STIs and STI risk behaviors by venue. METHODS: Community engagement consisted of (1) informational meetings with organizations; (2) participation in community meetings and events; (3) hiring community members as study personnel; and (4) an adolescent advisory board recruited from the community. Venues were identified and assessed at different times of the day and days of the week using a structured tool. At selected venues, males ages 14-17 years were invited to participate in a brief survey and provide a urine sample and an optional anal swab for DNA-based STI testing. RESULTS: Venues were assessed (n = 249), and 31 were selected for recruitment, including parks, apartment complexes, community events, entertainment venues, a community school, and community programs for LGBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender) and adjudicated youth. We enrolled 667 participants, average age 15.7 years. Participants reported high rates of sexual and STI risk behaviors, but had low rates of STIs. These rates differed by venue, with more structured venues recruiting youth reporting fewer STI risk behaviors and less structured venues within the highest STI prevalence zip code recruiting youth reporting more STI risk behaviors. CONCLUSION: Venue-based sampling is a feasible mechanism to target recruitment and enrollment adolescent males with high STI risk behaviors in community settings, with risk profiles varying by setting.
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    Factors influencing abstinence, anticipation, and delay of sex among adolescent boys in high-STI prevalence communities
    (Elsevier, 2014-05) Cummings, Teresa; Auerswald, Colette L.; Ott, Mary A.; Department of Pediatrics, IU School of Medicine
    Purpose Abstinence is a core pregnancy and STI prevention strategy. We explore the attitudinal, behavioral, and family contexts relating to abstinence and the decision to delay sex among adolescent boys. Methods Adolescent boys ages 14–17 were recruited from community sites using a venue-based sampling method. All eligible boys at venues were invited to participate in an electronic survey. Question items included sexual behaviors, attitudes related to sex, relationships, masculine values, and family contextual items. Results We enrolled 667 participants, age 15.7 years, of diverse ethnicity. 252 (38%) were abstinent. Abstinent participants were younger, less likely to report non-coital behaviors, and reported lower conventional masculine values. Among abstinent participants, 62% planned to delay sex, while 38% anticipated sex in the next year. Participants with lower conventional masculine values, and more religious or moral motivations for abstinence were more likely to plan to delay sex. Discussion Abstinence among boys is common, even in high STI risk communities. For these boys, abstinence appears to be a complex behavioral decision, influenced by demographic, behavioral, attitudinal and contextual factors such as age, race, non-coital sexual behaviors and masculine values. Understanding the attitudes and contexts of abstinence, including plans to delay sex, can inform the development of public health programs for early fatherhood and STI prevention.
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    The Sexual Health Needs of Adolescent Boys Involved in a Pregnancy
    (Elsevier, 2019-01-14) Ott, Mary A.; Wells, Matthew; Imburgia, Teresa M.; Yang, Ziyi; Tu, Wanzhu; Auerswald, Colette L.; Pediatrics, School of Medicine
    Objectives: Little is known about fatherhood in middle adolescence. In order to better understand their sexual health needs, we describe relationship characteristics, perception of masculinity and associated STI risk behaviors in a community-based sample of urban middle adolescent boys who have fathered a child or been involved with a pregnancy. Methods: We employed venue-based sampling to recruit 339 boys (14-17 years old) in neighborhoods with high STI prevalence. We administered a brief survey on sexual, relationship and pregnancy history, STI risk, juvenile justice involvement, and masculinity. Results: Fifteen percent had either fathered a child or been involved with a pregnancy. In multivariate analysis, controlling for age and ethnicity, adolescent fathers were more likely to be involved with juvenile justice and engage in STI risk behaviors. These included condom non-use and partner checking a cell phone. Although of borderline significance, older partners, past STI testing, and drug or alcohol use at last sex improved model fit. Conclusion: Adolescent fathers have distinct relational and sexual health needs. Their specific needs should be targeted by prevention programs. Implications and Contribution: Most research on young men involved in pregnancy is with older adolescents/young adults, and in clinical or institutional settings. Using community engagement and venue-based sampling, this study describes sexual behaviors, masculinity, and relationship characteristics among 14-17 year old boys who have caused a pregnancy. Findings identify their distinct sexual health needs.