title: "Is this normal? Is this not normal? There's no set example": Sexual Health Intervention Preferences of LGBT Youth in Romantic Relationships.
abstract: Limited research has examined the romantic relationships of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth (LGBT) despite evidence of relationship-oriented risks, including STI/HIV infection, unplanned pregnancy, and interpersonal violence. In efforts to inform future dyadic sexual health interventions for LGBT youth, this couples-based study aimed to identify the most salient sexual and relationships concerns of young same-sex couples and to assess their preferences for intervention content and format. Participants were a subset 36 young, racially and ethnically diverse, same-sex couples (N= 72 individuals) recruited from two on-going longitudinal studies. Interviews were coded using a constant comparison method and a process of inductive and deductive thematic analysis was used to interpret the data. The analysis yielded the following intervention themes: addressing sexual risk and protective behaviors, improving communication, coping with family and relationship violence, and identifying role models and sources of support. The couples reported a clear preference for small group interventions and many recommended a mixed format approach for intervention delivery (i.e., including dyadic and online sessions). Additionally, recommendations for participant recruitment included a combination of Internet-based and social network referrals.
authors: Northwestern University.
authors: George J
authors: GJ
authors: Greene
authors: Center on Halsted, Chicago, IL.
authors: Kimberly A
authors: KA
authors: Fisher
authors: University of Illinois at Chicago.
authors: Laura
authors: L
authors: Kuper
authors: Rebecca
authors: R
authors: Andrews
authors: Northwestern University.
authors: Brian
authors: B
authors: Mustanski
keywords: Couples; HIV; Health Promotion; Health Status Disparities; Homosexuality; Qualitative Research; Sexual Health