Interventions appear to effectively reduce sexual infections

 

As rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) continue to rise, healthcare officials and physicians are constantly searching for the most effective ways to educate the general public on the dangers of these infections. Unfortunately, determining which methods are best has proven to be a struggle, and the number of young people developing HIV, chlamydia and gonorrhea continues to be alarming.

Recently, however, there has been some positive news regarding effective STD education programs. Researchers from The Miriam Hospital's Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine in Rhode Island have found that HIV-related behavioral interventions increase condom use and reduce STD rates for up to four years after they take place. These programs include HIV education and skills training for how to negotiate safer sex practices with a partner.

"HIV infections cost the United States billions of dollars annually," said researcher Lori Scott-Sheldon, Ph.D. "In the absence of an effective HIV vaccine, safer sexual practices and expanded prevention efforts are required to prevent new infections and reduce the burden of HIV."

The scientists came to their conclusion after examining behavioral intervention programs in North American, Asia, Africa, Europe and South America. Participants were chosen to be either a part of the intervention or a control group that did not receive counseling. Researchers found that the most successful programs openly discussed the social, economic and cultural barriers that sometimes impede condom use.

Importantly, scientists found that these programs were effective at reducing HIV rates among Latinos, a group that is being disproportionally affected by this disease and needs to be a priority target for prevention efforts.

These findings suggest that the key to reducing STD rates is open and frank discussion about safer sex practices that includes acknowledgement of the reasons why people be engaging in risky sexual activity.