Enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assays to detect chlamydial cervicitis were performed on samples from 1,320 sexually active university women. Seventy-five had positive tests. Demographic, history, symptom, and physical examination variables were insufficient to predict infection accurately. Concludes that screening during routine visits with this…

Explores issues surrounding the revision of criteria used to conduct Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) surveillance in the United States. Current AIDS surveillance is not meeting public health needs to describe the number and characteristics of infected persons. Proposed revisions would increase the number of reported AIDS cases…

Ten observational studies indicate that condoms help prevent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, but research on barriers and spermicides is lacking. Given the effectiveness of female-controlled methods in preventing other sexually transmitted diseases, more research into protection from HIV infection by use of diaphragms and spermicides…

Assessed the relationship of socioeconomic status (SES), family structure, and race/ethnicity to adolescent sexual behaviors that are key determinants of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Data from the 1992 Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicated that differences in adolescent sexual behavior by race and SES were not large enough to…

To assess the need, interest in, and benefits of contraception services, 516 women at high risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) were surveyed. Forty-six percent were not using contraception, but 62 percent expressed interest in contraception. Provision of the services may address the dual need for preventing unwanted pregnancies and STDs.…

Outlines public policy goals regarding substance abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, unintended pregnancies, and violence. Concludes that the nation will continue to be high-risk until reforms are implemented that will equalize access to the opportunity structure. (DM)

The double-bind message given women about preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection suggests that, if a partner will not use a condom, the woman should use a spermicide. The debate about the protection offered by spermicides is reviewed, and research on prevention effectiveness is urged. (SLD)

Argues that current data regarding the absolute protection of spermicides against the human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted diseases are not conclusive. Urges condom use, with female barriers in a fall-back position to protect against bacterial sexually transmitted disease. (SLD)

Examined HIV transmission behaviors and health practices among HIV-infected youths over 15 months following participation in a preventive intervention that emphasized coping with HIV and reducing risky behaviors. The intervention resulted in increases in social support coping and reductions in risky sexual and lifestyle behaviors specifically…

Although evidence indicates that people know how the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is spread, many are not changing risky sexual behavior patterns. Reasons for this lack of change are explored, and a four-point program for containing the epidemic is offered. Age- and gender-specific programs are essential. (SLD)

Studies sexual behavior and condom use in 103 men attending an urban outpatient drug abuse treatment center in Seattle (Washington) before and after initiation of a condom giveaway program. Results indicate that male clients will take and use condoms when they are readily available. (SLD)

Analyzes the variation in the risk of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in U.S. Blacks, Hispanics, and other racial/ethnic minorities relative to that in Whites by geographic area and mode of infection. Uses data reported to the Centers for Disease Control, and 1980 U.S. Census Data. (FMW)