Communication About Sexually Transmitted Infections Among Rural and Urban Native American Youth

Abstract

This study explored an underserved population, Native American youth, regarding health communication about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS. Determining communication patterns of these youth, who markedly differ from the general population on access to health facilities and information, will inform public policy about lessening Native youth STI and HIV/AIDs morbidity, potentially leading to a reduction in health and human costs associated with these illnesses. Using information channel complementarity theory, this study examined sexual health information use by rural and urban Native American youth. Semistructured interviews in a community-participatory based research approach (CPBR) facilitated understanding these youth in their cultural contexts. Findings showed they preferred pamphlets as their sexual health information source. They trusted interpersonal more than mediated sources, yet noted a lack of confidentiality from health officials. Although knowledgeable about types of STIs and HIV/AIDS, participants did not demonstrate knowledge about symptoms and treatments and exhibited a false awareness of self-knowledge. They showed a strong sense of community, interested in helping younger people in health prevention. They engaged in sexual behaviors, frequently along with alcohol and drugs. Rural females associated alcohol with sex and violence more than rural males, although this was not found among urban females or males.

KEYTERMS:

• American Indians
• health communication
• Native Americans
• sexual health
• sexually transmitted diseases

Notes

¹This study will use the abbreviation “STI” when referring to sexually transmitted infections and diseases throughout for simplicity.

²Three of the authors of this article identify as Native American, and this term was approved for use by all authors. Identification of specific tribes and reservations associated with this project violates confidentiality guidelines of the university institutional review board, tribal health committees, and resolutions regarding this study.

³Native Americans, youth in particular, are not included in Pew Research Center statistics, given their small numbers, but other ethnocultural minority groups not as mired in poverty show numbers much less than the general population of 18–29-year-olds go online daily (e.g., 61% of Latinos[as] and 72% of Blacks).