bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
P2-S8.07 Keeping participants on board: optimising uptake by automated respondent reminders in an Internet-based Chlamydia Screening in the Netherlands
Authors: Koekenbier R , Dokkum N , Op de Coul E , van Bergen J , Brouwers E , Fennema H , Götz H , Hoebe C , Pars L , van Ravesteijn S 
Published: July 2011

BackgroundA register- and Internet-based chlamydia screening started in 2008 among 16–29 year olds in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and South-Limburg, aiming to reduce population prevalence of chlamydia infections. Automated respondent reminders by letter, email and SMS were used to encourage and optimise participation. The contribution of reminders on package request and sample return was examined in relation to characteristics of the target population.MethodsOn average, 280 000 persons were annually invited by means of a personal letter. Individuals who did not respond to the invitation letter received a reminder letter after 1 month. Email- and SMS reminders were sent to individuals who requested a test kit and did not return a sample or did not check their test results online. We evaluated the effect of reminders on response and participation rates in two screening rounds. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify determinants of providing a GSM number, late response (requesting a test package after a reminder letter), and late participation (returning a sample after email/SMS reminders).ResultsThe overall package request rate in the first round increased from 12% to 20% (see Abstract P2-S8.06 Figure 1) after the reminder letter (in round 2 from 8% to 14%). The proportion of individuals returning a sample increased from 10% to 16% after email/SMS reminders (in round 2 from 7% to 11%). Of all respondents, 99% provided an email address and 72% a GSM number. Factors associated with providing a GSM number were younger age (16–24 yrs), non-Dutch background, lower educational level, symptoms of an STI, and sexual risk behaviour in the past 6 months (p<0.05). Determinants for late response (requesting a test package after reminder letter) were male gender, young age (16–19 yrs), non-Dutch background, having a casual partner or ≥2 sex partners in ≤6 months. The email/SMS reminders resulted in more men returning a sample. Persons with a higher sexual risk more often returned their sample before these reminders.Abstract P2-S8.07 Figure 1Round 1time from invitation to test package request.ConclusionsRespondents’ willingness to provide an email address or GSM number for communication during the screening procedure was high. Factors associated with providing a GSM number were also related to chlamydia positivity. Automated respondents reminders by letter influenced response rates (package request) and resulted in reaching more people at higher risk. Email- and SMS reminders contributed substantially to participation rates (sample return).
P2-S8.08 Reducing the stigma of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection through brief publicly-generated videos
Authors: Shearer L S , Simmons L W , Mindel A , Stanberry L R , Rosenthal S L 
Published: July 2011

BackgroundHerpes simplex virus (HSV) is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections worldwide. The stigma associated with HSV infection remains problematic and may lead to negative psychological sequelae and delayed care-seeking. Media technology is an innovative tool for countering stigma. Publicly-produced media content is not well-studied in this context, but may offer key lessons on successful de-stigmatising strategies.MethodsThe Australian Herpes Management Forum and Novartis organised an online contest inviting the public to develop brief videos to de-stigmatise HSV. In the present study, content analysis was performed to identify de-stigmatising strategies employed in the videos. Two researchers independently coded each video and resolved discrepancies by consensus with a third coder.ResultsOf 113 videos, 11 were excluded from analysis because they did not mention HSV, provided inaccurate information, or had no identifiable strategy. Five de-stigmatising strategies emerged from review of the remaining videos: normalising through familiarity, providing knowledge or fostering knowledge-seeking, expressing moral indignation, promoting disclosure, and negating a negative perception. Despite employing one or more of these strategies, many videos did not successfully de-stigmatise HSV infection. Coders perceived just over half of the videos as de-stigmatising but the remainder as stigmatising, neutral, or mixed. Most de-stigmatising videos shared two important characteristics: 1) they employed familiarity“ as a strategy and 2) they acknowledged actual negative aspects of HSV infection but offered a successful positive counterpoint. Stigmatising videos did not offer sufficiently positive counterpoints. Neutral videos were primarily informational. Mixed videos had strong stigmatising and de-stigmatising messages. One barrier to success was communicating important negative information (such as symptomatology or transmissibility of HSV) without stigmatising the disease.ConclusionsThe results emphasise that de-stigmatising HSV infection is difficult. Simultaneously acknowledging negative aspects of HSV infection while providing a sufficiently strong positive counterpoint-especially by promoting familiarity-may represent a key element in developing effective media campaigns to counter HSV stigma. Future research should evaluate the hypotheses generated in this study in target audiences such as those infected with HSV and members of the public.
P2-S8.10 Measuring social media efforts: beyond click throughs
Authors: Kachur R , Richman L , Hable M , Verma R , Friedman A , Kapsimalis C , McFarlane M , Patel A 
Published: July 2011

BackgroundWith the rapid expansion of social media, public health organizations have been quick to adopt these new channels to reach target populations. Typically, however, these efforts are accompanied by minimal evaluation and results are not routinely used to inform and improve programs. The GYT: Get Yourself Tested campaign, a national, US campaign to increase STD testing and decrease stigma is a case study that illustrates the challenges and the importance of evaluating social media.MethodsBetween 1 April 2009 and 30 September 2010, metrics data for the GYT: Get Yourself Tested campaign were collected and evaluated from such social media venues as Facebook, Twitter, the GYTnow SMS code, and the GYTnow campaign website. Facebook and Twitter usage were indicators of user engagement with the campaign, and behavioural intentions were measured through use of a STD testing center locator from the GYT website and use of the GYT Short Message Service (SMS) code. A mobile phone user can send a zip code to the SMS service to receive information about local testing centers.ResultsEvaluation of the GYT social media efforts allowed campaign organisers to measure campaign reach and engagement, customer sentiment, and intentions to get tested for STDs. The campaign reached over one million people in five national, social media venues. The Facebook site recruited 4177 fans, and the Twitter account had 1719 followers. The testing center locator was used by 64 000 people; 51,000 people used the SMS code to locate services. Qualitative data provided additional information about campaign sentiment as well as barriers to participation in the campaign. Analysis of the various metrics also uncovered unexpected issues such as a significant dip in participation in April as a result of a lack of participation by one of the major phone carriers.ConclusionsEvaluating social media metrics can provide an in-depth understanding of how well target audiences are being reached, how information and messages resonate with them and how efforts can be improved or changed. Findings from this analysis help illustrate the need to adequately evaluate social media efforts, guide future social media evaluations, and understand audience behaviours when engaging in social media activities. Additional web analytic studies are needed to better understand the impact of social media use for STD prevention.
P2-S8.12 Feasibility of using cell phones for daily data collection within adolescent cohort studies
Authors: Malotte C , Cutting A , Huettner S , Matson P , Ellen J 
Published: July 2011

BackgroundIt is widely recognised that adolescents are a population who encounter frequent changes in their daily lives. In order to capture these important oscillations, daily data are needed to accurately record and track changes in STD associated perceptions and behaviours that adolescents experience.MethodsAdolescent females 16-19 were enrolled in the study from a reproductive healthcare clinic. They are assigned a Palm Centro smartphone, and instructed to make daily diary entries on the phones using Pendragon software continuously for up to 18 months. Field staff meet with the participants every 2 weeks to hot sync the diary data from the phones, which is then compiled into a master database.ResultsWe examined the number of data points collected over all participants as compared with the costs of the phones, service plans, and person-power needed to complete data collection as well as the subjective opinions of the participants. In an ongoing study, 107 participants have received a phone, and the overall retention rate is 70%. The cost of the cell phone, voice plan and study staff support is approximately $105 per month for each participant. Participants have completed an average of 14 diary entries per month, with a total of 9916 collected. All participants who have completed 18 months in the study reported that the diary entry software was somewhat or very easy to use and 63% indicated that the cell phone was a reason that they remained in the study. Of the 185 phones that were distributed, 84 were reported broken or lost.ConclusionsUtilising this method of data collection has yielded rich data, unlike any currently available in the literature. While the cost of the data collection process may be substantial, there are distinct advantages to the use of cell phones. These benefits include, participant satisfaction, date and time stamped data, an alarm prompt, reduced participant burden, as well as affording interactive and privacy advantages similar to ACASI technology. There are several ways to tailor the collection process so that it may be accessible to a wider variety of studies. Greater use of this technology should be an area of interest in further adolescent STD research.
P2-S9.02 Syphilis and pregnancy: social portrait of the disease in Belarus
Authors: Tsikhanouskaya I 
Published: July 2011

According to the statistical data in Belarus pregnant women made of 8—17% of all women with confirmed syphilitic infection. About 15% women have primary syphilis, 30%—secondary, and 55%—latent syphilis. Aim of study. Study the social structure and concurrent pathology in pregnant women with confirmed syphilitic infection in Belarus.Methods95 case histories of pregnant women with confirmed diagnosis of syphilitic infection where analysed during 2003—2008. Middle age of women was 25.5±51 years.ResultsMiddle gestational period when syphilitic infection was registered was 21.5±20.4 weeks (in 1—12 weeks—in 10,5% of women; in 13—24 weeks—in 56.8%, in 25—36 weeks—in 30.5%, and in 37—40 weeks—in 2.2%). Concurrent STI where registered in 66.3% of women: trichomoniasis in 11.1%, urogenital candidiasis—in 25,4%, urogenital chlamydiasis—in 12.7%, mixed infection (chlamydia and ureoplasma) in 4.8%. Anaemia was registered in 25.1% of cases, fetoplacental insufficiency—in 7.1% of cases. From all women 67.3% where not officially married and their partners where not checked up as far as they where working outside Belarus. Only 8 women (8.4%) mentioned occasional sexual contacts. Unemployed women made of 52.6% of studied patients. Majority of employed women (64%) worked as unskilled workers. Others where academics—6.67%, medical professions—8.89%, students—8.89%, others—6.67%.ConclusionSyphilitic infection in Belarus is detected quite late (usually 13—36 weeks). High percentage of pregnant women in Belarus are women with low social status and poor education.
P1-S1.39 Azithromycin susceptibilities in CanadianNeisseria gonorrhoeaeisolates (2006–2010)
Authors: Sawatzky P , Martin I , Allen V , Hoang L , Lefebvre B , Lovgren M , Gilmour M 
Published: July 2011

BackgroundCanada conducts surveillance of antimicrobial susceptibilities inNeisseria gonorrhoeaestrains to support development of treatment guidelines.MethodsN gonorrhoeaestrains were isolated or collected by Canadian provincial public health and reference laboratories. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined by agar dilution for penicillin, spectinomycin, tetracycline, erythromycin (ery), ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin (cip), cefixime, and azithromycin (az) at the provincial laboratories or the National Microbiology Laboratory (NML). Sequence types (ST), auxotypes, and plasmid profiles were also determined at the NML.ResultsThirty-nine strains from British Columbia (n=18), Alberta (n=2), Ontario (n=9) and Quebec (n=10) were found to be az resistant (R) (MIC≥2 μg/ml) by either a provincial laboratory or NML between 2006 and 2010. Ten different resistance profiles were represented by the 39 strains. Twenty or 51.3% were Chromosomally-Mediated ResistantN gonorrhoeae/azR/cipR (CMRNG/azR/cipR), 4 (10.3%) were Probable CMRNG/azR/cipR and 3 (7.7%) were Penicillinase-ProducingN gonorrhoeae/Tetracycline-ResistantN gonorrhoeae/azR/cipR/eryR (PPNG/TRNG/azR/cipR/eryR). One strain was CMRNG/azR/cipR with reduced susceptibility to cefixime. Twenty-one different sequence types were determined, the most common being ST-1407 with 20.5% (8/39), ST-225 and ST-4815 with 10.3% (4/39) each. Although the estimated rate of azithromycin resistance between 2006 and 2009 is very low at 0.2% of all isolates tested across Canada (31/15 487), the MICs for azithromycin are gradually increasing. In 2001, the majority of strains (27.8%) had an azithromycin MIC=0.25 μg/ml which increased to 51.5% by 2006. In 2007, the majority of strains (55.9%) had azithromycin MIC=0.5 μg/ml. The highest azithromycin MIC found was ≥64 μg/ml (n=2).ConclusionsA shift in azithromycin MICs has definitely occurred and may continue to increase. Although azithromycin is not recommended as the primary treatment for gonorrhoea, it is listed as an alternative treatment. With the increasing reduced susceptibility of our primary treatments for gonorrhoea (cefixime and ceftriaxone), azithromycin may be required to treat gonorrhoea either on its own or in combination with third generation cephalosporins. Therefore, it is imperative that azithromycin susceptibilities inN gonorrhoeaecontinue to be monitored.
P2-S9.04 Condom non-use is associated with low perception of risk for STIs in young sexually active women
Authors: Boyer C , Pollack L , Shafer M A 
Published: July 2011

BackgroundResearch indicates perception of risk is necessary for adoption of health protective behaviour. Many studies report optimistic bias in risk perceptions, ie, actual risk exceeds perceived risk. This study assessed the relationship between sexual risk behaviours and perceived risk for acquisition of an STI in a cohort of sexually experienced young women.MethodsFemale Marine Corps recruits volunteered to participate in a cognitive-behavioural intervention to decrease STIs and unintended pregnancies that took place during Recruit Training (RT). Data are from the follow-up questionnaire (median=9.8 months post RT) for women who reported vaginal/anal sex since RT (N=1192). Perceived risk was assessed by, I think my chance of getting an STI during my next 6 months in the Corps is about." (0%, 1%, 5%, then 10%–100% in 10% jumps). Sexual risk behaviours since completing RT included # sex partners (1/2/3/4/5+), # casual partners (0/1/2/3+), % of time used condoms during sex (100/90–99/60–80/50/10–40/0), frequency of sex after drinking alcohol/using drugs (never/almost never/sometimes/usually or always), and whether any partner had an STI or was having sex with others (no/possible/yes). Bivariate relationships between sexual risk behaviour and perceived risk were evaluated using negative binomial regression.ResultsPerceived risk was low (mean=6.05). All risk behaviours were significantly associated with perceived risk (p<0.001). In general, perceived risk increased as behavioural risk increased except for condom use. Pairwise comparisons show the 0% group mean (2.41) is higher than for the 100% group (1.47, p<0.05), but lower than the 90–99% group (3.96, p<0.05), and much lower than the 60-80%, 50%, and 10-40% groups (9.03, 8.88, and 11.05 respectively; all p<0.001). Restricting the analysis to participants with multiple partners or to unmarried women yielded the same results. Associations between sexual risk behaviour and two other measures of perceived risk (own risk relative to other female Marines, risk of behaviour for getting an STI; not shown) parallel the results described here.ConclusionsThere is a major disconnect between women's perception of risk and their condom use, the most effective means for preventing common STIs. Since women must negotiate with and rely on male sexual partner(s) for condom use, future research should further examine social and contextual factors that influence young women's perceptions of risk in relation to condom use.
P2-S9.05 Qualitative assessment of anal intercourse and rectal lubricant use among women in Los Angeles
Authors: Javanbakht M , Brown J , Amani B , Stahlman S , Gorbach P , Brown S , Murphy C , Hezareh M 
Published: July 2011

BackgroundThere is increasing evidence that anal intercourse (AI) is a relatively common sexual practice among women. Although AI has a high probability of transmission of STIs/HIV, circumstances surrounding AI and the potential risk context among women are not well understood.MethodsBetween May and August 2008, we recruited 30 racially and ethnically diverse women (10 African American, 10 Latina, and 10 White) age 18 years and older through community outreach efforts in Los Angeles, CA. Women underwent an in-depth interview that examined their intravaginal and anal practices. In this analysis we focus on identifying differing contextual meanings associated with AI through emergent themes and explore differences in these themes by race/ethnicity.ResultsThe majority of women reported experience with anal intercourse with a substantial number reporting recent experience with AI (ie, in the past year). While there were discussions of AI from women describing casual or transactional sexual partnerships, most women reported AI in the context of serious relationships. AI had varied meanings for women such as an expression of deeper intimacy, a representation of partner's pleasure, and a method for increased sexual gratification. In terms of what AI means in relation to other sexual acts, very few women reported having only AI and in fact it was considered going all out" and generally followed oral and vaginal sex. It is unclear if the women associated STI risk with AI practices since consistent condom use with AI was rare and those who reported condom use noted it as a strategy to improve “cleanliness” (unrelated to STIs) and reduce discomfort so that AI was “not so rough.” Lubricant use for AI, including saliva, petroleum jelly, and baby oil was common and at least one woman specifically reported on the use of “spermicide jelly.” Each of the race/ethnic groups provided support for the themes identified suggesting that the groups may not differ much regarding some of the contextual factors surrounding anal intercourse.ConclusionsThese findings highlight that AI is common among women, particularly among those in serious relationships suggesting a need to reframe AI as not just risk behaviour but as a sexual health issue. While condom use with AI is not common, the use of anal lubricating products not specifically designed for intercourse is common. The frequency and potential health effects of AI lubricants warrant further study.
P2-S9.08 Baby daddy sex as a risk factor for HIV/STDs
Authors: Padgett P , Risser J 
Published: July 2011

BackgroundConcurrent sexual relationships increase the likelihood of exposure to HIV/STDs. Sexual patterns among poor urban African-American (AA) women may help to explain the disproportionate incidence of HIV/STDs seen in this population. Single women with children by multiple fathers may engage in unprotected sex with the fathers of their children; these men are called Baby Daddies. Baby Daddy sex as a risk factor is complicated and based in a sexual reality grounded in poverty and power. This analysis focused on women who have continued sexual relationships with the father of their children in addition to other sexual relationships. We explored the psychosocial factors surrounding women who engage in unprotected Baby Daddy sex.MethodsWe conducted in-depth interviews with AA women living in low-income housing projects in Houston, TX. Study participants were at least 18 years old and involved in multiple sexual relationships. Interviews were conducted in participants' homes and lasted 1½ h. Each interview was digitally-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Participants were paid $20 US for their time. Qualitative analysis was conducted using MAXQDA10 software. We identified and organised codes, categories, and themes to form a comprehensive picture of the behaviours of our sample.ResultsOur sample included 26 AA women aged 21 to 40 years. Themes that emerged illustrated the contextual environment of women's sexual decisions and included: financial insecurity, parenting, relationship ideals, loneliness, and baby daddy sex. Participants characterised their choice to have unprotected baby daddy sex through the following categories: trust/bond based on shared child, love, compensation for financial support of children, pleasure, and longing for past relationship. These findings identified the importance and implied intimacy of the baby daddy relationships and suggested reasons for unprotected sex.ConclusionsThese findings indicate risk implications because they add concurrent sexual relationships with unprotected sex, thus increasing the potential for exposure and transmission of HIV/STDs. More importantly, this study reflects the lasting importance of a relationship resulting in children and how that relationship influences sexual health. Interventions that focus on poor urban AA women in Houston should acknowledge the cultural constructions of both sexuality and relationships in this population, both related to socioeconomic and power inequalities.