Search

Sexually transmitted infections spread through skin-to-skin contact represent unique prevention challenges. This study examines how college students perceive safer sex practices with respect to human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes. Qualitative and quantitative data (n = 275) were collected using an online questionnaire. College students' responses indicated that they believe sexually transmitted infection prevention strategies offer more protection against HPV and herpes than is evident in the literature. Students' misunderstandings negatively impact coping and increases stigma. Educational strategies designed to highlight the nuances of safer sex with respect to skin-to-skin transmission of HPV and herpes are discussed.

The Illinois-Rape Myth Acceptance-Short Form (IRMA-SF) is a widely used scale measuring people's endorsement of rape myths. However, it uses heavily gendered wording and makes gender-based assumptions that may affect its generalizability to various subgroups of people, including sexual and gender minorities who may view gender constructs outside of the heteronormative gender binary. This study validates the psychometric properties of a modified form of the IRMA-SF that is gender inclusive. Participants were adults with a range of sexual orientations and gender identities. Two sets of data were merged and then the sample was randomly split with a 20/80 weight. Data in the 20% split were used for exploratory factor analyses. Data in the 80% split were used for confirmatory factor analyses. According to the exploratory factor analysis, we found a theoretically predicted one-factor model was best (41% variance explained). Further, we found acceptable absolute model fit according to the confirmatory factor analysis (RMSEA =.07, p <.001; SRMR =.06) but unsatisfactory incremental fit (CFI =.82). These model issues were likely due to a floor-effect of low item variability which may call into question the utility of this scale in determining differences in rape myth acceptance overall. Overwhelmingly, participants in this study rejected rape myths. Researchers should explore the use of gender inclusive wording with an updated rape myth scale for use with sexual and gender minorities and, perhaps the general population, as some of these statements may be lacking in cultural relevance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that individuals with genital herpes tell partners about carrying the herpes virus prior to sexual initiation. However, the limited research on genital herpes disclosure timing indicates that disclosure often occurs after sexual initiation and is prompted by other relationship milestones, such as establishing an exclusive partnership. The purpose of this study was to describe genital herpes disclosure timing with respect to both sexual and romantic relationship milestones using a quantitative methodology to understand which milestones are associated with disclosure. Data were collected through an online survey. To be included in the present analysis, participants (n = 92) had to indicate they were 18 years of age or older, had genital herpes, and had oral, anal, or vaginal sex since their diagnosis. Eighty percent (n = 74) disclosed their status to their last sexual partner. Among individuals who performed the following activities, 59% disclosed prior to having oral or vaginal sex and 56% prior to anal sex. With the progression of relationship milestones, higher levels of disclosure occurred: 14% disclosed before a first date whereas 73% disclosed before marriage. Disclosure was significantly associated (p <.05) with romantic relationship milestones, but not sexual milestones with the exclusion of anal sex. Disclosure often occurred after potential exposure to the genital herpes virus through sexual contact. Preliminary findings suggest that individuals with genital herpes may disclose their status more commonly in response to romantic relationship milestones, as opposed to sexual milestones as the CDC recommendation suggests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]