Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infection in Juveniles - Essay Example

Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infection in Juveniles 06-02-12 Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infection in Juveniles Abstract: The paper attempts to present a design to change in practice for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases in juveniles. The paper also provides evidence based solutions on the preventive measures and ramifications of implementation of the proposed change. The Problem: In today’s modern society, a critical public health care problem is the alarming rise in the incidence of sexually transmitted infection in teenagers (Healthy children 2000). The effects associated with the acquisition of STIs are not only limited to medical and psychological aspects but have other devastating implications on the infected teenagers including the cost and sequelae of STIs. In order to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, a diverse range of barrier methods are available, such as condoms to ensure safety of both partners during coitus. In modern society, one of the major problems faced by the health care system is the prevention of sexually transmitted infections in juveniles (Steele et al 2005). Preventive Measures: Abstinence from sexual relations is one of the most efficacious means of reducing the risk of acquiring AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections. On the other hand, maintaining a mutual monogamous sexual relationship with an uninfected partner is another way of minimizing the risk of acquiring STIs through sexual contact. The risk of infection with HIV and other STIs can also be significantly reduced by using barrier methods such as latex condoms or by using spermicides. In heterosexual partners, the prevalence of HIV infection is quite high. In accordance with a recent research, the percentage of heterosexual partners having HIV infection is as high as 11% and about 60% of HIV infected heterosexual partners’ exhibit seropositive results (McGlynn et al 2000). The need for Diverse Interventions: In order to reduce the initial acquisition, further transmission and sequelae of sexually transmitted infections, there is an urgent need to formulate and strictly implement a diverse range of interventions. Interventions such as fostering the use of condoms, development of new biomedical methods, school-college based educational programs and routine screening have simply not been able to cause a sharp decrease in the incidence of sexually transmitted infections in sexually active young individuals. It is a fact that these interventions have significantly increased the awareness about STIs but the rapid increase in the number of cases reported each year mirrors their inefficacy. The alarming rise in the number of teenagers having STIs reflects the failure of the government in the implementation of effective and diverse interventions at every level. Therefore, the need for drawing up and strictly enforcing effective projects for the prevention of STIs is the greatest now than ever before (Steele et al 2005). Design for Change in Practice: To ensure effective outcomes, it is a prerequisite for the interventions mentioned in this section to be implemented comprehensively and at different societal levels. The new design for change in practice will address the following areas of concern. The most effective way of sharply decreasing the percentage of new STI cases is to convey the importance of sexual abstinence to young individuals. The advent of new biomedical approaches, such as vaccines, has been assumed to provide easy and instant solution to the critical problem of rise in STIs in juveniles. However, it is quite unrealistic to believe that such approaches will provide fast and instant solution. The realistic approach is to couple these biomedical approaches with behavioral approaches in order to increase their effectiveness and efficacy. Thirdly, it is quite important to realize that teenagers need to be informed about how to properly use condoms during sexual intercourse. Unfortunately, a large number of community or school based programs and parent interventions solely focus on increasing awareness about the availability of barrier methods. Ironically, they fail to appropriately educate our younger generation about how to accurately use condoms. Finally, it is essential to empower the youth about the importance of regular screening for STIs because the earlier the infection is detected the better the prognosis. A recent study conducted in Singapore revealed that an astonishingly large number of sexually active teenagers had little idea about correctly using latex condoms or other barrier methods (Steele et al 2005). Another approach in the prevention of STIs is to utilize the services of integrated sexual health care in young males and females. Recent studies indicate that the rise in STIs amongst young males could be the fact that men’s sexual health care is usually not met (Aral et al 2007). Therefore, the project will also include educational programs informing men about various aspects of sexual health and about the importance of having a monogamous relationship with an uninfected individual. Predicted Outcomes: By addressing the areas of concern mentioned earlier it is quite possible to reduce the accelerated rise in the number of teenagers having STIs. It is possible to decrease the rate of STIs by empowering our youth about the importance of abstinence, having a monogamous relationship with an uninfected individual, proper use of condoms and providing information about sexual health through various educational programs which will be frequently conducted at every societal level. Plans for Evaluation: The objectives of the project will be achieved by conducting frequent workshops through which teenagers will be informed about the importance of safe sex and the desperate need for a decrease in the accelerated incidence of STIs in the society. The number of teenagers turning up for screening together with a decreased rate of STIs in the specific locality will provide information about the effectiveness of the project. The incidence of STIs will be evaluated by regularly circulating questionnaires both in the community and in schools. Rosswurm and Larrabee’s Model for evidence based change: The project follows the principles of Rosswurm and Larrabee’s Model (1999) for evidence based change. Therefore, the project first assesses the need for change in practice by outlining the problem of accelerated incidence of STIs amongst teenagers. Secondly, the project links the problem with the interventions by explaining their inefficacies and throwing at neglected aspects of sexual awareness programs. Thirdly, the project provides a design for the practice change and finally evaluates the effectiveness of the design (Hoeman et al 2008). References: McGlynn, E. A., Rand Corporation., & United States. (2000). Quality of care for children and adolescents: A review of selected clinical conditions and quality indicators. Santa Monica, CA: Rand. Steele, R. G., & Roberts, M. C. (2005). Handbook of mental health services for children, adolescents, and families. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers. Aral, S. O., Douglas, J. M., & Lipshutz, J. A. (2007). Behavioral interventions for prevention and control of sexuall transmitted diseases. New York: Springer. United States, & United States. (1992). Healthy children 2000: National health promotion and disease prevention objectives related to mothers, infants, children, adolescents, and youth. Boston: Jones and Bartlett. Hoeman, S. P. (2008). Rehabilitation nursing: Prevention, intervention, and outcomes. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby/Elsevier. Read More