November 13, 2013 - Hopefully this comic makes sense, the initial draft had ghost Vanessa which I think was overkill. Dr. Gregory's been through a lot.
Meanwhile young people are using condoms less frequently and sexually transmitted diseases are becoming more common. This article seems to attribute this trend to diminishing concern over the seriousness of sexually transmitted diseases among the youth now that HIV/AIDS has become more treatable, but I'm not sure I agree with this element of their hypothesis. I did find information indicating young people use condoms more frequently than older age demographics, and African-American women (followed closely by African-American men) were found to be the ethnic group most likely to use condoms despite growing concerns over the spread of HIV among this group, all of which seems to conflict with the data that the spread of sexually transmitted diseases is highest amongst the youth. The article does indicate that most likely compared to everyone else, the youth that are engaging in risky sexual behvaior are less open with their partners about potential concerns over stds, so an environment encouraging discussion would be most useful. I also worry that the youth are more likely to use condoms incorrectly, leading to the spread of disease. Education is probably a big element of helping the youth, but constructing an easier to use condom may also have benefits (yes, they are already pretty damn easy to use, but its the element I'd probably focus on the most if trying to participate in Bill Gates efforts to make a "better" condom. there are plenty of "better" condoms, but when you're young and stupid and don't realize you have to make sure it stays with you the whole time, a hands-free condom is probably a better idea). I think many people who are sexually inexperienced are scared to talk about sex which leads them to undertaking riskier behavior due to a societal perception that it's better to take a risk than embarrass oneself or miss an opportunity due to lack of comfort with contraception. Saying "no" should always be emphasized as a reasonable alternative too, though I strongly oppose abstinence only education.
-D
Meanwhile young people are using condoms less frequently and sexually transmitted diseases are becoming more common. This article seems to attribute this trend to diminishing concern over the seriousness of sexually transmitted diseases among the youth now that HIV/AIDS has become more treatable, but I'm not sure I agree with this element of their hypothesis. I did find information indicating young people use condoms more frequently than older age demographics, and African-American women (followed closely by African-American men) were found to be the ethnic group most likely to use condoms despite growing concerns over the spread of HIV among this group, all of which seems to conflict with the data that the spread of sexually transmitted diseases is highest amongst the youth. The article does indicate that most likely compared to everyone else, the youth that are engaging in risky sexual behvaior are less open with their partners about potential concerns over stds, so an environment encouraging discussion would be most useful. I also worry that the youth are more likely to use condoms incorrectly, leading to the spread of disease. Education is probably a big element of helping the youth, but constructing an easier to use condom may also have benefits (yes, they are already pretty damn easy to use, but its the element I'd probably focus on the most if trying to participate in Bill Gates efforts to make a "better" condom. there are plenty of "better" condoms, but when you're young and stupid and don't realize you have to make sure it stays with you the whole time, a hands-free condom is probably a better idea). I think many people who are sexually inexperienced are scared to talk about sex which leads them to undertaking riskier behavior due to a societal perception that it's better to take a risk than embarrass oneself or miss an opportunity due to lack of comfort with contraception. Saying "no" should always be emphasized as a reasonable alternative too, though I strongly oppose abstinence only education.
-D
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