Teen sexuality. Reaching out in the malls.
BACKGROUND
Existing sexual health programs have not significantly reduced teen pregnancies or sexually transmitted diseases. A more creative approach is needed.


METHODS
An assessment of 539 teens in one Ontario city was conducted to identify knowledge about and use of birth control, comfort in discussing sexual health, and preferred sites, providers and methods of service delivery.


RESULTS
Knowledge of, and comfort discussing, birth control was not associated with frequency of use but was associated with grade. Adolescents were less comfortable discussing sexual health with teachers than health professionals. Over time, comfort increased with health professionals, but not teachers. Sexually active teens reported willingness to attend mall-based clinics.


CONCLUSIONS
Using birth control appears to be maturational given its association with grade. Since teens were consistently less comfortable with teachers, providing sexual health services in schools is likely ineffective. Teens may respond to clinics in creative settings such as malls.
Evans
Sheila J
SJ
School of Nursing, University of Western Ontario. evans@ucalgary.ca
Wright
Bonnie L
BL
Goodbrand
Lauren
L
Kilbreath
Jeff P
JP
Young
Jennifer
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D016497:Adolescent Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D000328:Adult; D003153:Community Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009864:Ontario; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012736:Sex Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population