Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2005. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
|
|
MSNBC.com (04.19.05) - Friday, April 22, 2005
Terry Wynn
President Bush's 2006 budget contains a $39 million increase in federal funding for abstinence-until-marriage education, bringing its total to nearly $193 million per year. But such programs, often run by faith-based organizations, are frequently criticized for omitting information on condoms, masturbation, abortion, and sexual orientation.
"Safer sex programs not only include the message that abstinence is the more effective strategy, but also talk about self-management strategies and personal skills. In contrast, sexual abstinence programs do not cover these issues," said Dr. Michael Carey, who runs the Center for Health and Behavior at Syracuse University.
In longer relationships, Carey said, people tend to assume that both they and their partner are invulnerable to STDs. "People see being in love with their partner as making sex less risky, but microorganisms don't respect love," he said. Dr. Peter Vanable, whose Syracuse University research on HIV/AIDS is funded by the National Institutes of Health, said trust and relationship length are the key determinants of risky behavior and condom use.
Substance abuse can also lead people to make bad choices that put them at risk of STDs. Dr. Paul Chambliss, a general practitioner and HIV/AIDS expert in New York, said new theories suggest that people take drugs like crystal meth purposely to impair their judgment and suppress the guilt of unsafe sex. "You take the drug that will allow you to do the things you want to do," he said.
"You have to understand how all of these issues work together," said Tony Morris, director of AIDS in Minorities in Alabama. "Without addressing the social issues associated with risky behavior, individuals will continue to act irresponsibly."
050422
AD050769
Copyright © 2005 - Information, Inc., Bethesda, MD. The CDC National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention provides the following information as a public service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis does not constitute CDC endorsement. This daily update also includes information from CDC and other government agencies, such as background on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, fact sheets, press releases and announcements. Reproduction of this text is encouraged; however, copies may not be sold, and the CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update should be cited as the source of the information. Contact the sources of the articles abstracted below for full texts of the articles.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, AIDS Walk of Orange County, and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2005. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2005. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.
.