Lisa Lindley | George Mason University (original) (raw)

Papers by Lisa Lindley

INTRODUCTION: After men who have sex with men (MSM), Black women infected through “heterosexual ... more INTRODUCTION: After men who have sex with men (MSM), Black women infected through “heterosexual contact” report the most cases of HIV in the U.S.1 Unlike men, however, women’s sexual identity (lesbian, gay, bisexual, etc.) or sex with female partners is not considered in STD surveillance.2-4  Yet, bisexual women and women who have sex with both men and women (WSMW) regardless of sexual identity have been shown to be at greater risk for STDs than heterosexual women and women who only have sex with men.5-7

Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 2017

A woman's happiness about a pregnancy and birth has implications for her child's health and her o... more A woman's happiness about a pregnancy and birth has implications for her child's health and her own well-being. Sexual orientation and, particularly, the extent of concordance across its dimensions (sexual identity, behavior and attraction) may be related to happiness about these events, but research on this relationship has been lacking. METHODS: Data on 5,744 pregnancies ending in births among women aged 15-44 in three waves of the National Survey of Family Growth (2006-2015) were examined. Weighted linear regression models examined the relationship between sexual orientation concordance and women's happiness about a birth. Analyses also explored whether birth intention and male partnership characteristics mediated the relationship, and whether it varied by intention status. RESULTS: Women who identifi ed as heterosexual but reported same-sex attraction or behavior (categorized as "heterosexual-identifi ed discordant") were less happy about their births than were women who were exclusively heterosexual (or "heterosexual-identifi ed concordant"). The diff erence was more than half a point on a scale of 0-10 (coeffi cient,-0.7). This association was partially explained by the fact that births were less likely to be intended, and that relationships with male partners were less favorable for births, among discordant than among concordant women. Moreover, the happiness gap between concordant and discordant women was larger when births were unwanted (predicted score, 4.9 vs. 4.1) than when they were intended (9.3 vs. 9.1). CONCLUSIONS: To help ensure optimal reproductive health care for all women, research should explore whether providers take into account all dimensions of individuals' sexual orientation.

Women's health issues : official publication of the Jacobs Institute of Women's Health, Jan 28, 2016

To date, no studies have investigated whether sexual minority women (SMW) are more likely to expe... more To date, no studies have investigated whether sexual minority women (SMW) are more likely to experience unintended pregnancies compared with their heterosexual peers. The aim of this study was to explore whether adult SMW were more likely to have unintended pregnancies compared with heterosexual women, to examine the role of identity-attraction congruence in unintended pregnancy risk, and to evaluate possible mediators. Data on pregnancies to women ages 18 to 44 were drawn from the 2006 through 2013 National Survey of Family Growth (n = 25,403). Weighted logistic regression models estimated the likelihood of reporting an unintended (rather than intended) pregnancy by identity-attraction congruence and the extent to which this association was mediated by sexual experiences with men, including age at first sex and number of sexual partners. Supplementary analyses addressed the issue of abortion underreporting. Pregnancies to SMW were more likely to be unintended compared with pregnanc...

Sexual minority (non-heterosexual) women are at risk for sexually transmitted infections that cou... more Sexual minority (non-heterosexual) women are at risk for sexually transmitted infections that could be detected during a routine gynecological exam. However, adult sexual minority women generally report lower rates of routine gynecological testing than heterosexual women. With regard to the receipt of routine gynecological exams among younger populations of sexual minority women, very little is known. Secondary analyses were conducted using data from the Spring 2006 National College Health Assessment to determine whether differences existed in having a routine gynecological exam during the past year based on sexual orientation and gender of sex partner(s) of sexually active female college students (n=29,952). Sexual minority college women were significantly less likely to have had a routine gynecological exam during the past year than their heterosexual counterparts. In particular, sexually active female college students who were lesbian (n=271) were 68% less likely (95% CI: 0.25, 0...

Background: Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence is highest among 15-24 year olds, which... more Background: Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence is highest among 15-24 year olds, which includes the majority of college students. The purpose of this study was to explore college students' knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors related to HPV and general sexual health to inform development of campus educational and communication approaches. Methods: Participants were college students enrolled in a first-year experience course. Participants voluntarily completed a web-based, self-report questionnaire developed by the research team. The questionnaire assessed HPV and sexual health knowledge and sexual history. Response rate was close to 50%. Results: Participants (n=1511) were 63% female; 77% Caucasian. More than half (62.5%) reported ever having sex while less than half (37.7%) reported using a condom at last sex. Participants' mean score was 7 on a 10-point HPV knowledge scale. Most questions (7) were answered correctly by more than 40% of participants. No significant ...

Most research on adolescent sexuality tends to focus on adolescents who have already initiated se... more Most research on adolescent sexuality tends to focus on adolescents who have already initiated sexual intercourse. Less research has been conducted to identify factors associated with non-initiation of sexual intercourse and what, if any, differences exist in these factors based on gender. In 2004, a cross-sectional survey was conducted with 744 African American 10th and 12th grade students attending three high schools in Columbia, South Carolina. Thirty-nine percent of female students and twenty-five percent of male students were consistent responders to two items indicating that they had not initiated sexual intercourse (or were virgins). A series of personal and family factors were analyzed to determine which, if any, were significantly associated with virginity among these youth. Personal factors associated with virginity were beliefs about when sexual intercourse was appropriate for girls and boys, perceived social norms regarding involvement in sexual intercourse among girls a...

Background: One hundred seventeen U.S. postsecondary institutions self-selected to participate in... more Background: One hundred seventeen U.S. postsecondary institutions self-selected to participate in the Spring 2006 National College Health Assessment and utilized a random sampling technique. A total of 94,806 surveys were completed by students on these campuses, of which 29,952 were non-international, sexually active, females of traditional college age (18-24 years). Objective: To determine risk for STDs (past school year) among sexually active, non-international, female college students based on sexual orientation and gender of sex partner(s). Method: Secondary data analyses (Chi-square; t-tests; analysis of variance, including Tukey post-hoc procedure; and risk calculations) using the Spring 2006 National College Health Assessment. Result: Sexually active female college students who identified as bisexual (n=1000) were 1.59 times (95% CI: 1.27 - 1.99) more likely than heterosexual (n=28261) and 4.24 times (95% CI: 1.83 - 9.79) more likely than gay/lesbian (n=271) identified studen...

One hundred seventeen U.S. postsecondary institutions self-selected to participate in the Spring ... more One hundred seventeen U.S. postsecondary institutions self-selected to participate in the Spring 2006 National College Health Assessment and utilized a random sampling technique. A total of 94,806 surveys were completed by students on these campuses, of which 29,952 were non-international, sexually active, females of traditional college age (18-24 years). Secondary data analyses were conducted to determine STI risk among these women based on their self-identified sexual orientation and gender of sex partner(s) during the past year. Sexually active female college students who identified as bisexual (n=1000) were 1.59 times (95% CI: 1.27-1.99) more likely than heterosexual (n=28,261) and 4.24 times (95% CI: 1.83-9.79) more likely than lesbian (n=271) students to be diagnosed with an STI during the past school year. Female students who had both male and female sex partners during the past year (n=609), regardless of sexual orientation, were 2.99 times (95% CI: 2.38-3.75) more likely th...

Limited information exists in popular LGBT media regarding STI or HIV risk among sexual minority ... more Limited information exists in popular LGBT media regarding STI or HIV risk among sexual minority (non-heterosexual) women (SMW). Conversely, breast cancer has been labeled the lesbian plague in popular LGBT media and prominent figures, such as Melissa Etheridge, have been visible in their struggle with the disease. In order to determine their perception of risk for HIV, STIs, and reproductive cancers, self-identified SMW (n=257) were recruited from a college student organization and two Pride Festivals in South Carolina to complete a sexual health survey. Univariate analyses were conducted and paired t-tests compared SMW's perceived risk for HIV, other STIs (bacterial vaginosis, Chlamydia, genital herpes, and HPV), and reproductive cancers (breast, cervical and ovarian). Twenty-four percent of SMW surveyed reported ever being diagnosed with HIV, an STI, and/or a reproductive cancer. When asked to report the extent to which they were at risk for each of these conditions, 23% - 30...

Background: Research suggests lesbians rely on the Internet for sexual health information. Howeve... more Background: Research suggests lesbians rely on the Internet for sexual health information. However, few studies have examined the content of online sexual health information, especially for this population. Objectives: (1) To examine Web-based sexual health content for lesbians, and (2) To evaluate readability of these sexual health messages. Methods: Three search engines (Google, Yahoo!, MSN) were used to identify popular websites using the search term lesbian sexual health. Of the top 100 sites listed across search engines, those specifically for lesbians were studied. Up to four webpages per site containing sexual health content were analyzed. Readability was assessed using Flesch-Kincaid (F-K) and Flesch Reading Ease (FRE). Results: Twenty-five websites were included; 46 webpages were analyzed. Nearly 25% of websites were for-profit organizations (.com). Webpages identified lesbians as being at high risk for human papillomavirus (76%), chlamydia (68%), genital herpes (68%), and ...

Faith-based HIV prevention programs are complex and inextricably intertwined with the context in ... more Faith-based HIV prevention programs are complex and inextricably intertwined with the context in which they operate. Faith-based settings provide an environment for prevention programs with unique challenges and opportunities; settings that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has given increased attention to in recent years for HIV prevention. Project FAITH (Fostering AIDS Initiatives that Heal) is a state-wide demonstration project of the South Carolina HIV/AIDS Council designed to reduce HIV-related stigma in African American communities through the provision of HIV/AIDS programs and services in faith-based settings. This exploratory study used qualitative methods to understand how faith-based programs as part of Project FAITH operated at multiple levels. Methods included focus groups with a sample of care teams, focus groups with technical assistance providers, and in-depth interviews with a sample of pastors and program champions. Focus groups and interviews explored ...

Background: The objective of this study was to assess organizational-level facilitators for and b... more Background: The objective of this study was to assess organizational-level facilitators for and barriers to implementing HIV prevention interventions in faith-based organizations (FBOs). Methods: This qualitative study included focus groups with a stratified sample of care team members and semi-structured in-depth interviews with religious leaders from FBOs that participated in Project FAITH (Fostering AIDS Initiatives that Heal), a statewide demonstration project designed to provide HIV prevention and HIV-related stigma reduction in South Carolina. Additionally, interviews were conducted with technical assistance providers for the project. Focus groups and interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. All transcripts were imported into NVivo 8, a qualitative software program, for analysis. Analysis was conducted using grounded theory methodology to allow codes and concepts to emerge from the data. Results: Data analysis revealed distinct facilitators for and barriers to ...

Rates of unintended pregnancy among older teens (aged 18-19 years) and young adults (aged 20-24 y... more Rates of unintended pregnancy among older teens (aged 18-19 years) and young adults (aged 20-24 years) in the United States have increased or remained unchanged over the past several decades. However, little research has investigated unintended pregnancies among unmarried sexually active female college students in the U.S. or compared unintended pregnancy rates between women attending 2-year versus 4-year institutions. Cross-sectional data from the Spring 2007 National College Health Assessment were utilized to identify factors associated with an unintended pregnancy (past year) among 6,165 unmarried sexually active females of traditional college age (18-24 years) attending 2-year (n=1,433) and 4-year (n=4,732) institutions in the West region of the United States. Bivariate comparisons were examined and more sophisticated associations were assessed in multivariate logistic regression models. Unmarried sexually active female college students attending 2-year institutions were signifi...

College students are often overlooked when it comes to HIV/STI and pregnancy prevention. Accordin... more College students are often overlooked when it comes to HIV/STI and pregnancy prevention. According to data collected from 1258 students at the University of South Carolina (USC) during the spring of 2006, 74% reported having one or more sex partners during the past year; 27% had two or more partners. However, significantly fewer students used a condom the last time they engaged in vaginal (51%) or anal (25%) sex. The rise in use of technology, especially YouTube and online social networking sites, as well as living in an entertainment driven youth society has required college health professionals to find new strategies for making education programs more accessible, exciting and marketable to the MySpace (Y) and Google (Z) generations. In order to increase condom use and promote responsible sexual behaviors among USC students, Project CONDOM, an educational program/condom fashion show based on the popular reality television show Project RUNWAY was created. Student teams competed on t...

Issues: Recently faith-based organizations (FBOs) have taken a more proactive role in providing H... more Issues: Recently faith-based organizations (FBOs) have taken a more proactive role in providing HIV prevention services within local communities. As FBOs implement HIV prevention programs, new challenges arise across administrative, programmatic, and community levels. This session focuses on lessons learned from Project FAITH, an HIV prevention and stigma reduction intervention for African American FBOs in South Carolina. Description: Project FAITH is a demonstration project of the South Carolina HIV/AIDS Council (SCHAC), funded through a state legislative initiative. Each year, FBOs from across South Carolina apply for funding to implement HIV prevention programs within their congregations and local communities. SCHAC provides on-going technical support and guidance for each FBO and conducts an evaluation of the project. Lessons Learned: The purpose of this presentation is to share lessons learned in the first four years of Project FAITH at both the project and FBO levels. At the p...

The number of unintended pregnancies has declined drastically over the past two decades among U.S... more The number of unintended pregnancies has declined drastically over the past two decades among U.S. teens, but has slightly increased among women in their 20s, especially women aged 20-24 years. Moreover, while risk and protective factors for unintended pregnancy are known for U.S. teens, little research has investigated these factors among college women. Cross-sectional data from the Spring 2006 National College Health Assessment were utilized to identify factors associated with an unintended pregnancy (during the past year) among 24,726 unmarried, non-international, sexually active females of traditional college age (18-24 years). Bivariate comparisons were examined and more sophisticated associations were assessed in multivariate logistic regression models. Significant differences in the percent of unintended pregnancies were reported among sub-groups of college women. For example, the percentage of unintended pregnancies was 1.4% among students who used a condom the last time the...

Objective: To examine HIV testing uptake among post-reproductive age women. Background: Many wome... more Objective: To examine HIV testing uptake among post-reproductive age women. Background: Many women are routinely tested for HIV during pregnancy. Disproportionate numbers of women beyond reproductive age are diagnosed HIV-positive late in the disease course. Some older women and healthcare providers have dismissed early AIDS symptoms as signs of aging. This has resulted in missed opportunities for early initiation of effective antiretroviral therapy. Methods: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2008 data were analyzed for non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic black women (50-64 years) from six Deep South states. Logistic regression models examined associations between uptake of HIV testing and population/behavioral characteristics. Results: More than half (n=1,091) of our sample (n=2,027) had an HIV test during their post-reproductive years (>45 years old). Women 50-54 years old (AOR=0.64, 95% CI 0.46-0.88) were less likely to have been tested for HIV during their post-repro...

INTRODUCTION: After men who have sex with men (MSM), Black women infected through “heterosexual ... more INTRODUCTION: After men who have sex with men (MSM), Black women infected through “heterosexual contact” report the most cases of HIV in the U.S.1 Unlike men, however, women’s sexual identity (lesbian, gay, bisexual, etc.) or sex with female partners is not considered in STD surveillance.2-4  Yet, bisexual women and women who have sex with both men and women (WSMW) regardless of sexual identity have been shown to be at greater risk for STDs than heterosexual women and women who only have sex with men.5-7

Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 2017

A woman's happiness about a pregnancy and birth has implications for her child's health and her o... more A woman's happiness about a pregnancy and birth has implications for her child's health and her own well-being. Sexual orientation and, particularly, the extent of concordance across its dimensions (sexual identity, behavior and attraction) may be related to happiness about these events, but research on this relationship has been lacking. METHODS: Data on 5,744 pregnancies ending in births among women aged 15-44 in three waves of the National Survey of Family Growth (2006-2015) were examined. Weighted linear regression models examined the relationship between sexual orientation concordance and women's happiness about a birth. Analyses also explored whether birth intention and male partnership characteristics mediated the relationship, and whether it varied by intention status. RESULTS: Women who identifi ed as heterosexual but reported same-sex attraction or behavior (categorized as "heterosexual-identifi ed discordant") were less happy about their births than were women who were exclusively heterosexual (or "heterosexual-identifi ed concordant"). The diff erence was more than half a point on a scale of 0-10 (coeffi cient,-0.7). This association was partially explained by the fact that births were less likely to be intended, and that relationships with male partners were less favorable for births, among discordant than among concordant women. Moreover, the happiness gap between concordant and discordant women was larger when births were unwanted (predicted score, 4.9 vs. 4.1) than when they were intended (9.3 vs. 9.1). CONCLUSIONS: To help ensure optimal reproductive health care for all women, research should explore whether providers take into account all dimensions of individuals' sexual orientation.

Women's health issues : official publication of the Jacobs Institute of Women's Health, Jan 28, 2016

To date, no studies have investigated whether sexual minority women (SMW) are more likely to expe... more To date, no studies have investigated whether sexual minority women (SMW) are more likely to experience unintended pregnancies compared with their heterosexual peers. The aim of this study was to explore whether adult SMW were more likely to have unintended pregnancies compared with heterosexual women, to examine the role of identity-attraction congruence in unintended pregnancy risk, and to evaluate possible mediators. Data on pregnancies to women ages 18 to 44 were drawn from the 2006 through 2013 National Survey of Family Growth (n = 25,403). Weighted logistic regression models estimated the likelihood of reporting an unintended (rather than intended) pregnancy by identity-attraction congruence and the extent to which this association was mediated by sexual experiences with men, including age at first sex and number of sexual partners. Supplementary analyses addressed the issue of abortion underreporting. Pregnancies to SMW were more likely to be unintended compared with pregnanc...

Sexual minority (non-heterosexual) women are at risk for sexually transmitted infections that cou... more Sexual minority (non-heterosexual) women are at risk for sexually transmitted infections that could be detected during a routine gynecological exam. However, adult sexual minority women generally report lower rates of routine gynecological testing than heterosexual women. With regard to the receipt of routine gynecological exams among younger populations of sexual minority women, very little is known. Secondary analyses were conducted using data from the Spring 2006 National College Health Assessment to determine whether differences existed in having a routine gynecological exam during the past year based on sexual orientation and gender of sex partner(s) of sexually active female college students (n=29,952). Sexual minority college women were significantly less likely to have had a routine gynecological exam during the past year than their heterosexual counterparts. In particular, sexually active female college students who were lesbian (n=271) were 68% less likely (95% CI: 0.25, 0...

Background: Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence is highest among 15-24 year olds, which... more Background: Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence is highest among 15-24 year olds, which includes the majority of college students. The purpose of this study was to explore college students' knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors related to HPV and general sexual health to inform development of campus educational and communication approaches. Methods: Participants were college students enrolled in a first-year experience course. Participants voluntarily completed a web-based, self-report questionnaire developed by the research team. The questionnaire assessed HPV and sexual health knowledge and sexual history. Response rate was close to 50%. Results: Participants (n=1511) were 63% female; 77% Caucasian. More than half (62.5%) reported ever having sex while less than half (37.7%) reported using a condom at last sex. Participants' mean score was 7 on a 10-point HPV knowledge scale. Most questions (7) were answered correctly by more than 40% of participants. No significant ...

Most research on adolescent sexuality tends to focus on adolescents who have already initiated se... more Most research on adolescent sexuality tends to focus on adolescents who have already initiated sexual intercourse. Less research has been conducted to identify factors associated with non-initiation of sexual intercourse and what, if any, differences exist in these factors based on gender. In 2004, a cross-sectional survey was conducted with 744 African American 10th and 12th grade students attending three high schools in Columbia, South Carolina. Thirty-nine percent of female students and twenty-five percent of male students were consistent responders to two items indicating that they had not initiated sexual intercourse (or were virgins). A series of personal and family factors were analyzed to determine which, if any, were significantly associated with virginity among these youth. Personal factors associated with virginity were beliefs about when sexual intercourse was appropriate for girls and boys, perceived social norms regarding involvement in sexual intercourse among girls a...

Background: One hundred seventeen U.S. postsecondary institutions self-selected to participate in... more Background: One hundred seventeen U.S. postsecondary institutions self-selected to participate in the Spring 2006 National College Health Assessment and utilized a random sampling technique. A total of 94,806 surveys were completed by students on these campuses, of which 29,952 were non-international, sexually active, females of traditional college age (18-24 years). Objective: To determine risk for STDs (past school year) among sexually active, non-international, female college students based on sexual orientation and gender of sex partner(s). Method: Secondary data analyses (Chi-square; t-tests; analysis of variance, including Tukey post-hoc procedure; and risk calculations) using the Spring 2006 National College Health Assessment. Result: Sexually active female college students who identified as bisexual (n=1000) were 1.59 times (95% CI: 1.27 - 1.99) more likely than heterosexual (n=28261) and 4.24 times (95% CI: 1.83 - 9.79) more likely than gay/lesbian (n=271) identified studen...

One hundred seventeen U.S. postsecondary institutions self-selected to participate in the Spring ... more One hundred seventeen U.S. postsecondary institutions self-selected to participate in the Spring 2006 National College Health Assessment and utilized a random sampling technique. A total of 94,806 surveys were completed by students on these campuses, of which 29,952 were non-international, sexually active, females of traditional college age (18-24 years). Secondary data analyses were conducted to determine STI risk among these women based on their self-identified sexual orientation and gender of sex partner(s) during the past year. Sexually active female college students who identified as bisexual (n=1000) were 1.59 times (95% CI: 1.27-1.99) more likely than heterosexual (n=28,261) and 4.24 times (95% CI: 1.83-9.79) more likely than lesbian (n=271) students to be diagnosed with an STI during the past school year. Female students who had both male and female sex partners during the past year (n=609), regardless of sexual orientation, were 2.99 times (95% CI: 2.38-3.75) more likely th...

Limited information exists in popular LGBT media regarding STI or HIV risk among sexual minority ... more Limited information exists in popular LGBT media regarding STI or HIV risk among sexual minority (non-heterosexual) women (SMW). Conversely, breast cancer has been labeled the lesbian plague in popular LGBT media and prominent figures, such as Melissa Etheridge, have been visible in their struggle with the disease. In order to determine their perception of risk for HIV, STIs, and reproductive cancers, self-identified SMW (n=257) were recruited from a college student organization and two Pride Festivals in South Carolina to complete a sexual health survey. Univariate analyses were conducted and paired t-tests compared SMW's perceived risk for HIV, other STIs (bacterial vaginosis, Chlamydia, genital herpes, and HPV), and reproductive cancers (breast, cervical and ovarian). Twenty-four percent of SMW surveyed reported ever being diagnosed with HIV, an STI, and/or a reproductive cancer. When asked to report the extent to which they were at risk for each of these conditions, 23% - 30...

Background: Research suggests lesbians rely on the Internet for sexual health information. Howeve... more Background: Research suggests lesbians rely on the Internet for sexual health information. However, few studies have examined the content of online sexual health information, especially for this population. Objectives: (1) To examine Web-based sexual health content for lesbians, and (2) To evaluate readability of these sexual health messages. Methods: Three search engines (Google, Yahoo!, MSN) were used to identify popular websites using the search term lesbian sexual health. Of the top 100 sites listed across search engines, those specifically for lesbians were studied. Up to four webpages per site containing sexual health content were analyzed. Readability was assessed using Flesch-Kincaid (F-K) and Flesch Reading Ease (FRE). Results: Twenty-five websites were included; 46 webpages were analyzed. Nearly 25% of websites were for-profit organizations (.com). Webpages identified lesbians as being at high risk for human papillomavirus (76%), chlamydia (68%), genital herpes (68%), and ...

Faith-based HIV prevention programs are complex and inextricably intertwined with the context in ... more Faith-based HIV prevention programs are complex and inextricably intertwined with the context in which they operate. Faith-based settings provide an environment for prevention programs with unique challenges and opportunities; settings that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has given increased attention to in recent years for HIV prevention. Project FAITH (Fostering AIDS Initiatives that Heal) is a state-wide demonstration project of the South Carolina HIV/AIDS Council designed to reduce HIV-related stigma in African American communities through the provision of HIV/AIDS programs and services in faith-based settings. This exploratory study used qualitative methods to understand how faith-based programs as part of Project FAITH operated at multiple levels. Methods included focus groups with a sample of care teams, focus groups with technical assistance providers, and in-depth interviews with a sample of pastors and program champions. Focus groups and interviews explored ...

Background: The objective of this study was to assess organizational-level facilitators for and b... more Background: The objective of this study was to assess organizational-level facilitators for and barriers to implementing HIV prevention interventions in faith-based organizations (FBOs). Methods: This qualitative study included focus groups with a stratified sample of care team members and semi-structured in-depth interviews with religious leaders from FBOs that participated in Project FAITH (Fostering AIDS Initiatives that Heal), a statewide demonstration project designed to provide HIV prevention and HIV-related stigma reduction in South Carolina. Additionally, interviews were conducted with technical assistance providers for the project. Focus groups and interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. All transcripts were imported into NVivo 8, a qualitative software program, for analysis. Analysis was conducted using grounded theory methodology to allow codes and concepts to emerge from the data. Results: Data analysis revealed distinct facilitators for and barriers to ...

Rates of unintended pregnancy among older teens (aged 18-19 years) and young adults (aged 20-24 y... more Rates of unintended pregnancy among older teens (aged 18-19 years) and young adults (aged 20-24 years) in the United States have increased or remained unchanged over the past several decades. However, little research has investigated unintended pregnancies among unmarried sexually active female college students in the U.S. or compared unintended pregnancy rates between women attending 2-year versus 4-year institutions. Cross-sectional data from the Spring 2007 National College Health Assessment were utilized to identify factors associated with an unintended pregnancy (past year) among 6,165 unmarried sexually active females of traditional college age (18-24 years) attending 2-year (n=1,433) and 4-year (n=4,732) institutions in the West region of the United States. Bivariate comparisons were examined and more sophisticated associations were assessed in multivariate logistic regression models. Unmarried sexually active female college students attending 2-year institutions were signifi...

College students are often overlooked when it comes to HIV/STI and pregnancy prevention. Accordin... more College students are often overlooked when it comes to HIV/STI and pregnancy prevention. According to data collected from 1258 students at the University of South Carolina (USC) during the spring of 2006, 74% reported having one or more sex partners during the past year; 27% had two or more partners. However, significantly fewer students used a condom the last time they engaged in vaginal (51%) or anal (25%) sex. The rise in use of technology, especially YouTube and online social networking sites, as well as living in an entertainment driven youth society has required college health professionals to find new strategies for making education programs more accessible, exciting and marketable to the MySpace (Y) and Google (Z) generations. In order to increase condom use and promote responsible sexual behaviors among USC students, Project CONDOM, an educational program/condom fashion show based on the popular reality television show Project RUNWAY was created. Student teams competed on t...

Issues: Recently faith-based organizations (FBOs) have taken a more proactive role in providing H... more Issues: Recently faith-based organizations (FBOs) have taken a more proactive role in providing HIV prevention services within local communities. As FBOs implement HIV prevention programs, new challenges arise across administrative, programmatic, and community levels. This session focuses on lessons learned from Project FAITH, an HIV prevention and stigma reduction intervention for African American FBOs in South Carolina. Description: Project FAITH is a demonstration project of the South Carolina HIV/AIDS Council (SCHAC), funded through a state legislative initiative. Each year, FBOs from across South Carolina apply for funding to implement HIV prevention programs within their congregations and local communities. SCHAC provides on-going technical support and guidance for each FBO and conducts an evaluation of the project. Lessons Learned: The purpose of this presentation is to share lessons learned in the first four years of Project FAITH at both the project and FBO levels. At the p...

The number of unintended pregnancies has declined drastically over the past two decades among U.S... more The number of unintended pregnancies has declined drastically over the past two decades among U.S. teens, but has slightly increased among women in their 20s, especially women aged 20-24 years. Moreover, while risk and protective factors for unintended pregnancy are known for U.S. teens, little research has investigated these factors among college women. Cross-sectional data from the Spring 2006 National College Health Assessment were utilized to identify factors associated with an unintended pregnancy (during the past year) among 24,726 unmarried, non-international, sexually active females of traditional college age (18-24 years). Bivariate comparisons were examined and more sophisticated associations were assessed in multivariate logistic regression models. Significant differences in the percent of unintended pregnancies were reported among sub-groups of college women. For example, the percentage of unintended pregnancies was 1.4% among students who used a condom the last time the...

Objective: To examine HIV testing uptake among post-reproductive age women. Background: Many wome... more Objective: To examine HIV testing uptake among post-reproductive age women. Background: Many women are routinely tested for HIV during pregnancy. Disproportionate numbers of women beyond reproductive age are diagnosed HIV-positive late in the disease course. Some older women and healthcare providers have dismissed early AIDS symptoms as signs of aging. This has resulted in missed opportunities for early initiation of effective antiretroviral therapy. Methods: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2008 data were analyzed for non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic black women (50-64 years) from six Deep South states. Logistic regression models examined associations between uptake of HIV testing and population/behavioral characteristics. Results: More than half (n=1,091) of our sample (n=2,027) had an HIV test during their post-reproductive years (>45 years old). Women 50-54 years old (AOR=0.64, 95% CI 0.46-0.88) were less likely to have been tested for HIV during their post-repro...