title: The sexual safety of adolescents.
abstract: In this article, the authors review issues that affect the sexual safety of adolescents. First and foremost, these issues include risks for unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Clinicians also need to understand other critical issues that affect sexual safety. These include adolescent dating patterns, decision making, communication and negotiation skills, social and environmental influences, and risks related to violence. Suggestions for clinical interventions to promote sexual safety are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Boston College, William F. Connell School of Nursing in Chestnut Hill, MA, USA. heidi.collins.1@bc.edu
authors.forename: Heidi Collins
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Fantasia
authors.forename: Holly B
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Fontenot
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003142:Communication; D003380:Courtship; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011902:Rape / Q000517:prevention & control*; D021841:Safe Sex; D012736:Sex Education; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014481:United States