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Teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections are leading public health problems in the United States. While abstaining from sexual intercourse is the best way to avoid these conditions, abstinence only education (AOE) programs in schools have been shown ineffective in delaying sexual initiation or decreasing the teen pregnancy rate. Conversely, comprehensive sex education (CSE) programs have demonstrated the ability to decrease teen pregnancy and delay initiation into sex. However, federal funding continues to primarily support AOE programs, and a majority of states favor AOE in schools, rather than CSE. The purpose of this review was to examine the role of policy on sexual health education, which can have an impact on the health and well-being of adolescents. The review provides school nurses with information to help them educate parents and administrators to the negative repercussions of AOE, so they can advocate for policy change.

This qualitative descriptive study identified factors that impact assigned female at birth (AFAB) cisgender and non-binary sexual minority individuals' decision to engage, or not engage, in health-seeking behaviors and receive preventative health care services. AFAB sexual minority individuals were asked to describe their health care experiences to determine modifiable factors that could improve their intention to seek care and improve their health care experiences. Purposive sampling was used to recruit AFAB sexual minority individuals between 18 and 30 years of age in the Chicago metropolitan area. Three main themes emerged from data acquired through individual interviews: (1) "ask the right questions"; main themes (2) lack of trust in health professionals; (3) the need for better sexual health education. An important finding was participants wanted to be asked about their sexual orientation, sexual behavior, and gender identity. Participants wanted to be able to share their sexual orientation and gender identity with health care professionals so they could receive appropriate care, accurate information, and feel comfortable sharing aspects about their life. Additionally, the results suggested that general and health sciences curricula should include content about diverse sexual and gender minority populations. Findings have important implications for health education and clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper outlines the development and initial testing of the READY intervention that was designed to enhance readiness for adherence among adults with a history of nonadherence to HIV treatment. Participants in this study were adults (n = 28) who ranged in age from 24 to 57: most were male (75%) and African American (64%). Participants had failed an average of four prior HIV treatment regimens due to nonadherence and were beginning a new regimen of protease inhibitor (PI)-based antiretroviral medications. The study was conducted from 2003 to 2006, prior to the standard use of boosted PI regimens. Results indicated that 50% of participants became adherent and had suppressed viral loads to less than 50 copies per milliliter at the 3-month postintervention follow-up time point. Of those who became adherent, 79% remained adherent at the 12-month postintervention follow-up time point. Implementation of the intervention was found to be feasible in a real-world setting and participants reported that they liked the intervention. A 6-session length of the intervention was found to have the same impact on adherence outcomes as a 12-session length. No differences were found in outcomes with regard to the intervention's start time: before or at the same time the new antiretroviral regimen was initiated. These results suggest that the READY intervention may have merit and that the 6-session length may be more acceptable. However, a larger controlled study is indicated to examine intervention efficacy further.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects all populations, regardless of race, education, or socioeconomic status, but Black women experience higher rates of IPV (43.7%) in comparison with White women (34.6%). Although evidence indicates that faith-based organizations and clergy play key roles in preventing and responding to IPV among Black women, limited research has been conducted in this area, and existing studies have focused on Black male clergy leaders' response to IPV. Using transcendental phenomenology, we interviewed 12 Black female clergy regarding their role as responders to IPV among Black women in their congregation. Each clergy leader participated in a face-to-face interview. Data analysis followed the modified Van Kaam seven-step process. One overarching theme emerged— We Are Our Sister's Keeper, as well as three primary themes: Support Advocate, Spiritual Advisor, and Roadblocked Leader. The themes indicated that Black female clergy respond to the emotional and spiritual needs of Black women despite barriers (e.g., few outside resources, limited support from the Black church). The themes also suggested that clergy lack knowledge and training for responding to IPV. However, Black female clergy are passionate about providing holistic, culturally centered care by bridging the gap between the church and the community to better serve Black women who have experienced IPV. Findings support the importance of incorporating spiritual and emotional healing among this population when providing care and services. Further research is needed to develop interventions, such as a faith-based toolkit that incorporates community resources and guidance to better support Black female clergy leaders' ability to respond to IPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]