Sexually Transmitted Infections Among African American Women Who Have Sex With Women

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to determine the rates of sexually transmitted infections (STI) among a group of African American women who have sex with women (AA WSW). The first study hypothesis is that AA WSW are at risk for acquiring and transmitting STI, including the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The second study hypothesis is that AA WSW participate in multiple high-risk sexual activities that may facilitate transmission of STIs, including HIV.

Detailed Description
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Historically, women who have sex with women (WSW) have been thought to be at low risk for acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STI), presumably due to the absence of genital mucosal contact present during vaginal-penile sex or due to the assumption that the vaginal mucosa experiences a lesser degree of trauma during female sex than during heterosexual sex. This assumption has been challenged and debated over the past two decades. In addition, the sexual health risks of WSW are only beginning to be understood. To date the majority of research regarding STI in women has occurred in heterosexuals. National and local surveillance data that estimate the risk for STI transmission between WSW are limited, especially among African Americans. This is a group of women that may exhibit distinctive behavioral characteristics that may put them at higher risk for sexually transmitted infections STI and HIV than their Caucasian counterparts. This group of women has traditionally been reluctant to discuss their sexual orientation with physicians for fear of being stigmatized. The burden of STIs, including HIV, experienced by this group of women is largely unknown.

Official Title
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Prevalence Rates of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Sexual Risk Behaviors Among African American Women Who Have Sex With Women

Conditions
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Sexually Transmitted Infections, HIV Infections

Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Female Age 18 years or older African American race Sexual contact with another female within the past 6 months Ability to give written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: Male Age less than 18 years old Race other than African American No sexual contact with another woman within the past 6 months Pregnant Prior enrollment in this study Participants who, for any reason, in the opinion of the investigator, do not have the ability to give written informed consent or may not be expected to comply with the requirements of the protocol

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Prevalence rates of sexually transmitted infections |  | 18 Months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Associated sexual risk behaviors |  | 18 Months | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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African American women who have sex with women, Sexually transmitted infections, Homosexuality, Human papillomavirus, Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Trichomoniasis, Bacterial vaginosis, Syphilis, Human immunodeficiency virus