Risk taking behaviour

Documents that many lesbian and bisexual women believe only heterosexual women are likely to become infected with a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Finds that many of these women do not take protective measures with their female partners.

Explores young men's perceptions of sexual behaviours, roles, and responsibilities, and pinpoints obstacles and gaps in their sexual health decision-making. Provides a list of recommendations to policy makers and sexual health practitioners for improving HIV/AIDS prevention services for young men and women.

Describes a decline of 11% in students who had sex between 1991 and 1997, when comprehensive sexuality education was more prevalent. Finds that from 1999-2003, when funding for abstinence-only education increased, there was no significant decline.

Reviews the social context of women's health practices and self-reported health. (From Women's Health Surveillance Report: A Multidimensional Look at the Health of Canadian Women)

Assesses the influence of gender on drug users' injection initiation, sharing behaviour, and cleaning/disinfecting behaviour. Argues for the development of gender-sensitive education and prevention programs.

Studies the link between adolescent pregnancy and sexual abuse history. Concludes that teenage pregnancy risk is strongly linked to sexual abuse, especially for males and those who have experienced both incest and nonfamilial abuse.

Describes how and why cigarettes are harmful. Includes a list of harmful chemicals and poisonous gases found within cigarettes.

Examines factors affecting the health and assessemtn of women of colour, as well as issues related to improving the health of women of colour in the United States.

Examines problems and issues specific to women who are injection drug users. Urges physicans to educate themselves about the dynamics of injection drug use in women, particularly the importance of familial and social contexts and associated psychological factors to better achieve primary care outcomes. Includes references.

Synthesizes findings of the report, "Literature Review: Best Mechanisms to Influence Health Risk Behaviour," which identified effective ways to promote health and influence behaviours that put women at risk.