Delay in seeking screening and obtaining treatment for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) presents a significant public health problem. Individuals who delay medical care are more likely to transmit the infection to others, are at increased risk for HIV and a have a greater probability of adverse sequelae. One of a few studies that examined adolescents' STD-related care seeking behavior revealed that symptomatic females delayed seeking STD-related care significantly longer than both asymptomatic females and symptomatic males. The objective of this study is to examine the individual, relational and environmental factors associated with STD-related care seeking behavior among young women ages 15-24 in Baltimore, Maryland.
The specific aims are to: 1) explore the factors associated with young women's ability to detect symptoms and the terms they employ to describe these symptoms; 2) determine the types of actions young women typically take to address STD symptoms and the factors that influence young women's STD-related care seeking behavior; and 3) determine the factors that influence young women's decision to discuss STD symptoms and/or diagnoses with their sexual partners. Both qualitative and quantitative methods will be used to answer the study aims.
For Aim 1, in-depth interviews will be held with female adolescents who are the partners of males who have tested positive for gonorrhea or chlamydia.
For Aims 2 and 3, a longitudinal household based survey among a representative sample of adolescents residing in Baltimore city, Maryland will be conducted. A greater understanding of these processes will assist program planners in the development of more effective prevention and control services.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31MH068168-03
Application #
6896442
Study Section
Social Sciences, Nursing, Epidemiology and Methods 4 (SNEM)
Program Officer
Stoff, David M
Project Start
2003-06-01
Project End
2007-05-31
Budget Start
2005-06-01
Budget End
2006-05-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$42,504
Indirect Cost
Name
Johns Hopkins University
Department
Public Health & Prev Medicine
Type
Schools of Public Health
DUNS #
001910777
City
Baltimore
State
MD
Country
United States
Zip Code
21218