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Adolescents in Scotland: Challenges and Opportunities for Sexual Risk Reduction

Morrison-Beedy, Dianne; Martin, Caroline Hollins; Pow, Janette; Elliott, Lawrie

Authors

Dianne Morrison-Beedy

Lawrie Elliott



Abstract

Sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and unplanned pregnancy challenge the health of Scottish teens. We conducted focus groups with teens (ages 16-19 years) recruited from an urban youth cafe in Edinburgh and assessed sexual risk-taking and protective behaviors. A trained facilitator, using a semi-structured interview guide, led the groups. We taped and transcribed data verbatim for coding and theming. The teens revealed similar concerns despite differences in gender and/or sexual histories. Despite school-based sex education, sex was rarely discussed with peers or adults outside classrooms; the ability to practice communication and negotiation skills was minimal. Much risky behavior occurred in public spaces and was often linked to drug or alcohol intake. There was a glaring lack of teen planning for, or contemplating, future adult lives. Findings highlight the challenges these teens faced in practicing safer sex and limited opportunities to tailor intervention strategies to address the cultural realities of their lives.

Citation

Morrison-Beedy, D., Martin, C. H., Pow, J., & Elliott, L. (2019). Adolescents in Scotland: Challenges and Opportunities for Sexual Risk Reduction. Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care, 30(6), 619-629. https://doi.org/10.1097/jnc.0000000000000095

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Mar 28, 2019
Publication Date 2019-11
Deposit Date Oct 24, 2019
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Journal of the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care
Print ISSN 1055-3290
Electronic ISSN 1552-6917
Publisher Elsevier
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 30
Issue 6
Pages 619-629
DOI https://doi.org/10.1097/jnc.0000000000000095
Keywords adolescents, focus groups, HIV prevention, Scotland, sexual risk reduction, sexually transmitted infection prevention
Public URL http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2251605

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