Influences of sex-related information for STD prevention.
OBJECTIVE
Adolescents obtain information about sex from the media and friends and so on. This study explores the influence and needs of sex-related information from mass media and other resources.


METHODS
Thirteen Focus Group Interviews were conducted with 88 high school and university students (46 female/42 male) from August 2001 to February 2002.


RESULTS
Friends or seniors are the most important source of information, and adolescents felt much peer pressure by such information while they learned STD prevention and contraception. The participants were aware of the inconsistencies and biases of information they get through the media. They thought women's magazines seriously treated sex as a health issue concerning women, and provided useful information.


CONCLUSIONS
Influences the media has on the knowledge and awareness of young people are significant. It is crucial to fill the gap between the intention of the transmitter of information and the needs of the audience so that the media can be better utilized for sexual health promotion.
Nonoyama
Mikiko
M
Institute of Nursing Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tennodai Tsukuba Ibaraki, Japan. nonoyama@sakura.cc.tsukuba.ac.jp
Tsurugi
Yoko
Y
Shirai
Chika
C
Ishikawa
Yoko
Y
Horiguchi
Masako
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services; D008297:Male; D008402:Mass Media; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010379:Peer Group; D012307:Risk Factors; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*