Assessing the Effects of a Sexually Transmitted Disease Educational Intervention on Fraternity & Sorority Members' Knowledge & Attitudes Toward Safe Sex Behaviors

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:

College years are a time young adults examine high-risk sexual behaviors, increasing their risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Fraternity/sorority membership has been identified as one factor contributing to increased risky sexual behavior in college students. This study measured the effectiveness of an educational intervention targeting STD prevention in fraternity and sorority members, and examined relationships between STD knowledge, attitudes, and demographics.

METHODS:

A descriptive, correlational design was used. Pre- and post test data were collected from fraternity and sorority members (N = 132). Instruments measured demographic characteristics, STD knowledge, and attitudes toward safe sex behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS:

There was a significant increase in STD knowledge from baseline (M = 13.03, SD = 6.5) to 1 week (M = 20.27, SD = 4.9) t (131) = -13.53, p = .000. Males were more likely to report attitudes toward risky sexual behavior rs(132) = .323, p = .000, and as knowledge increased, attitudes became more favorable to safe sex behaviors (pre-STD knowledge and pre-intervention attitudes, r(132) = -.249, p = .004; post-STD knowledge and post-intervention attitudes, rs(132) = -.307, p = .000).

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE:

Results support that brief STD educational interventions can increase STD knowledge. College health centers must aim to provide sexual health education to all students at every visit.

Purchase full article at:   http://goo.gl/N8b58T

By:  Goldsberry J1, Moore L1, MacMillan D1, Butler S1.

• 1School of Nursing, Georgia College & State University, Milledgeville, Georgia. 
• J Am Assoc Nurse Pract. 2016 Mar 16. doi: 10.1002/2327-6924.12353. 

More at:  https://twitter.com/hiv insight

And: http://twitter.com/Prison Health

Sexual Assault Supportive Attitudes: Rape Myth Acceptance and Token Resistance in Greek and Non-Greek College Students from Two University Samples in the United States

Colleges are rape-prone cultures with high rates of sexual victimization. Fraternities' and sororities' relationships with sexual assault are consistent themes in literature focusing on sexual violence among college students. Previous research suggests that fraternity men are more likely to endorse rape-supportive attitudes compared with non-Greek men or sorority women. 

The present study examines rape-supportive attitudes as well as rape and sexual assault victimization in college students with a focus on gender and Greek-life (i.e., involvement in fraternities or sororities) status variables. College students (N = 1,002) completed a survey including the Token Resistance to Sex Scale (TRSS), Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale-Short Form (IRMA-S), and items related to past experiences of nonconsensual sex. Two regression models tested predictors of token resistance and rape myth acceptance. Chi-square analyses tested between-group differences of experiencing rape and sexual assault. Gender (p < .001), Greek status (p < .001), and race/ethnicity (p < .001) were predictors for TRSS scores. 

For IRMA scores, gender (p < .001), Greek status (p < .001), and race/ethnicity variables (p < .001) were also significant. Interaction terms revealed that Greek men had higher token resistance and rape myth acceptance than any other group. Chi-square analyses indicate women more frequently report experiences of rape (χ² = 25.57, df = 1, p < .001) and sexual assault (χ² = 31.75, df = 1, p < .001). 

Men report high rates (40.8%) of experiencing sexual assault "because refusing was useless." No differences of victimization rates were found between Greeks and non-Greeks. Gender and sexual scripting theory can help explain gender differences in attitudes and experiences. Greater endorsement of rape myth acceptance and token resistance by Greeks, who influence college party culture, could be contributing to a culture conducive to rape. 

Findings demonstrate a continued need for interventions focused on shifting sociocultural dynamics (e.g., traditional roles and sexual scripting) on college campuses.

Purchase full article at:   http://goo.gl/ob68ZZ

By:  Canan SN1, Jozkowski KN2, Crawford BL3.

• 1University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, USA.
• 2University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, USA Indiana University, Bloomington, USA kjozkows@uark.edu.
• 3University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, USA University of Oklahoma, Norman, USA. 
• J Interpers Violence. 2016 Mar 3. pii: 0886260516636064.

More at:  https://twitter.com/hiv insight

And: http://twitter.com/Prison Health