Introduction Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are among the most commonly reported infectious diseases and affect all population groups in the United States (Paschal, Oler-Manske & Hsiao, 2011). Approximately nineteen million new STD cases occur annually, resulting in a spectrum of potential health consequences ranging from mild acute illness to serious long-term complications such as cervical, liver and other cancers (Paschal et al, 2011). The situation may be even more serious in rural locations, as some rural areas experience higher than national averages for STDs (Paschal et al, 2011). Frequently, STD cases go undiagnosed and untreated, putting individuals at risk for severe and often irreversible health consequences, including infertility,
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Per this theory, there are five stages of change; precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action & finally maintenance (Pender, 2015).
I. Precontemplation stage: there is no intention to change behavior within the next six months (no intention to act) (Pender, 2015); the person may not be aware of the risks or believes their behaviors do not put them at risk. “I know I have lots of sexual partners, but I don’t need to be checked for STDs because we live in a small community and I’m not at risk.”
II. Contemplation stage: indicates that the individual recognizes that the behavior puts them at risk and is thinking of changing their behaviors in the next six months but is not committed yet to making that change (aware of the problem & intends to change) (Pender, 2015). “I know that not being checked for STDs and not using a condom every time might put me at risk for STDs, but I trust my partner and sex just isn’t the same with a …show more content…
Objective 1 information could be gathered from comprehensive sexual histories during screening till March 31st, 2017 from the local free/low cost STD clinics to determine the number of young adults that were utilizing the clinics. This information would be compared to 2015’s data. Objective 2 would take the same information through June 30th and compare it to 2015 data of 36% condom use in screened young adults. Finally, Objective 3 information could be gathered through December 31st, 2017 and compared to data gathered by the WDH regarding statewide chlamydia infection
Per this theory, there are five stages of change; precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action & finally maintenance (Pender, 2015).
I. Precontemplation stage: there is no intention to change behavior within the next six months (no intention to act) (Pender, 2015); the person may not be aware of the risks or believes their behaviors do not put them at risk. “I know I have lots of sexual partners, but I don’t need to be checked for STDs because we live in a small community and I’m not at risk.”
II. Contemplation stage: indicates that the individual recognizes that the behavior puts them at risk and is thinking of changing their behaviors in the next six months but is not committed yet to making that change (aware of the problem & intends to change) (Pender, 2015). “I know that not being checked for STDs and not using a condom every time might put me at risk for STDs, but I trust my partner and sex just isn’t the same with a …show more content…
Objective 1 information could be gathered from comprehensive sexual histories during screening till March 31st, 2017 from the local free/low cost STD clinics to determine the number of young adults that were utilizing the clinics. This information would be compared to 2015’s data. Objective 2 would take the same information through June 30th and compare it to 2015 data of 36% condom use in screened young adults. Finally, Objective 3 information could be gathered through December 31st, 2017 and compared to data gathered by the WDH regarding statewide chlamydia infection