Entertainment Venue Visiting and Commercial Sex in China

ABSTRACT

Entertainment venues in China play an important role in the sexually transmitted disease (STD)/HIV epidemic. Most previous studies have focused on sex workers working in entertainment venues, but little is known about their clients. This study investigated the perceptions and behavior of the patrons visiting entertainment venues. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted with 30 male market vendors who visited entertainment venues at least once in the past 3 months in an eastern city in China. Information about their risky behavior, attitude toward commercial sex, and STD/HIV prevention approaches was collected. Saunas, karaoke bars, and massage centers are the most frequently visited entertainment venues. Seventy-three percent of study participants reported purchasing commercial sex at these entertainment venues. Participants expressed a very liberal attitude toward commercial sex. Seeking commercial sex was perceived as a characteristic of a male's nature. The perceived risks of STD/HIV infection do not deter participants from engaging in commercial sex. Commercial sex clients reported irregular condom use and a number of other misperceptions and improper practices toward preventing STD/HIV infection. Venue-based intervention is urgently needed to target the population. The sex workers themselves could potentially serve as “health educators” to communicate prevention information to their clients and encourage safer sex behavior.     

Masturbation and Sexual Health

Abstract

In this study we applied research examining the hypothesized benefits of masturbation in dealing with sexual problems to the urgent health crisis posed by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. This is the first study to test the hypothesized relationship between masturbation and HIV risk as predicted by the Sexual Health Model, a sex-positive approach to sexual health developed in response to the need for a more explicit focus on sexuality and relationships in HIV prevention. This is also the first study to examine the relationship between several masturbation variables (i.e., masturbation guilt, lifetime masturbation, and current masturbation) and HIV-related sexual behaviors and attitudes in a sample of African American women (N =239). Data was collected using face-to-face structured interviews as part of the Women's Initiative for Sexual Health (WISH), a randomized, controlled trial of an HIV prevention intervention based on the Sexual Health Model, targeting low income, adult African American women. Contrary to expectations, results showed that participants who reported masturbating were more likely to report having multiple partners, being in a nonmonogamous relationship and engaging in high-risk sexual behaviors. There was no significant relationship between level of masturbation guilt and HIV risk nor between masturbation and consistent condom use or attitudes toward condoms. This study adds to the growing empirical support for associations between sexual health variables and safer sex and argues for a more explicit focus on sexuality in HIV prevention.     

Introduction to Dr. Walter Everaerd's Commentary

No abstract available for this article.     

Implementing condom distribution programs in the United States: Qualitative insights from program planners

With the growing number of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among young people (15–24) in the US, condom distribution programs (CDP) remain an integral part of prevention strategies. The objective of the study was to gather qualitative insights from CDP planners to inform effective CDP implementation. Ten semi-structured interviews with program planners were conducted via telephone (response rate of 58.8%). Condom distribution channels included site-based distribution (n = 6), web-based distribution (n = 4), and distribution via Uber (n = 1). Site-based distribution programs had distribution networks ranging from 100 to 3500 sites in a given jurisdiction. Planners of site-based CDPs experienced challenges with ensuring quality control at sites and supplying condoms to sites. Web-based CDPs allow individuals to order free condoms online. These CDP planners reported growing demand for this discreet service, particularly among young people. Web-based CDPs leveraged e-mail surveys to collect data on sexual behavior and behavior change, yielding response rates as high as 63%. All CDPs emphasized the importance of supplying a variety of products. Total supplies distributed (male condoms, internal condoms, lubricant sachets) ranged from 16,000 to 45 million per year. Novel channels of distribution should be explored to ensure reach to adolescents and young adults.     

弱势群体如何参与STD/AIDS的防治

社区艾滋病控制途径和关怀模式,就是要把传统社会中积累但在现代社会受到压抑的民间文化能量释放出来,即强调使用本民族语言文字,遵照当地习俗,用当地的文化艺术形式,最终使行为主体的内部自我调适机能得以激活,进而形成新的行为方式。     

Exploring chlamydia positivity among females on college campuses, 2008–2010

ABSTRACT

Objective: Describe chlamydia positivity among young women tested at college health centers by student characteristics: age, race/ethnicity, and institution type. Participants: During 2008–2010, colleges participating in a national infertility prevention program provided chlamydia testing data from females aged 18–24. Methods: Chlamydia positivity (number of positive tests divided by the number tested) among females stratified by college type (4-year versus 2-year and minority serving institutes [MSIs]) was determined. Results: Chlamydia testing data were provided by 148 colleges: 37 (26%) MSIs and 21 (15%) 2-year colleges. Of the 118,946 chlamydia tests, 6.5% were positive. Chlamydia positivity in females at 4-year colleges was 6.6% versus 5.3% at 2-year colleges (p = .0001). Positivity at MSIs was almost double of that at non-MSIs, 10.0% versus 5.4% (p = .0001). Conclusions: Chlamydia positivity may be higher among college females than previously thought. Higher positivity at MSIs suggests that targeted sexually transmitted infection prevention efforts may be useful for high-risk college populations.     

基于MATLAB语言仿真的自动舵模糊控制系统

论述了一种基于MATLAB语言的自动舵模糊控制仿真系统,通过MATLAB语言中SIMULINK模块和模糊控制工具箱实现自动舵模糊控制仿真。实践证明,该方法具有效率高、实用性强的特点。     

STD工控机在微波炉烹调控制器性能测试中的应用

本文介绍了 STD 工控机在微波炉烹调控制器性能测试中的应用以及硬件和软件,对其它开关量多点自动检测也具有一定的参考价值。     

Sexually Active Adults in the United States

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between demographics, behavioral factors, risk perceptions, and STDs in a U.S. general population. Data from 28,957 respondents with at least one sex partner 12 months prior to the survey completed the Sexual Behavior Module, as part of each state's annual BRFSS survey. Multiple sex partners, ethnicity and age were predictive of receiving treatment for an STD. Respondents who admitted driving while intoxicated and those with high HIV-risk perceptions were also more likely to report receiving treatment for an STD. Findings support the broadening of STD prevention targets, and the importance of highlighting the link between alcohol and STDs during STD and alcohol prevention or treatment visits.     

Chlamydia and gonorrhea screening and expedited partner therapy (EPT) practices of college student health centers

Objective: To examine college student health centers' (SHCs) practices related to sexually transmitted disease (STD) screening and treatment over a 5-year period. Participants: College SHCs that completed the ACHA Pap and STI Survey between 2010 and 2014. Methods: Chi-square tests were conducted with Cramer's V providing a measure of association. Results: Chlamydia screening of women under 25 years of age was a well-established practice. Almost one-third of SHCs did not report screening practices of men who have sex with men (MSM) consistent with current chlamydia and gonorrhea guidelines; however, there was improvement over time. Few college SHCs utilized expedited partner therapy (EPT), though fewer had blanket restrictions prohibiting its use in 2014 compared to 2010. Conclusions: Over the 5-year period, more SHCs followed current best practices. Improvement in compliance with guidelines related to MSM STD screening as well as increased usage of EPT is needed to best address the needs of the diverse college student population.