Each+time+you+sleep+with+someone,+you're+also+sleeping+with+his+past

Name: Jiaxu Zhang Student Number: n7647409 Tutor: Abbey-Rose Hamilton


 * Artefact Analysis**

This artefact is a poster showing a naked man hugging intimately with an almost naked woman, with many pairs of arms wrapped around the woman. There is also scattered clothes on the floor, as if engaging in some sort of sexual behaviour. This poster is by One Life, a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) resource centre in Canada, to promote a HIV prevention campaign. This campaign featured a series of provocative advertisements to intrigue the audience on the impact of STIs as a result of risky sexual behaviour, and is particularly aimed at both women and gay men to engage in safe sexual behaviours for the prevention of spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as HIV.


 * Public Health Issue**

The key public health issue underlying this artefact is that there is a rapid increase in risky sexual behaviours in young adults, especially Generation Y, who are individuals born between 1980s to late 1990s (Goldghen, 2004) and as a result, causing a dramatic increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in recent years.

STIs are infections that are transmitted through intimate body contact or the exchange of bodily fluids (Australian Government, 2011). It is often a result of risky sexual behaviours such as unprotected sex (WHO, 2011), or transmission of injected blood through sharing of needles and other injection equipment in drug abuse (Hwang et al., 2000). STIs has a serious impact on public health globally and are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in both men and women (Coyne & Barton, 2007). In women, it can cause inflammation in female reproductive organs, leading to infertility, or even causing cancer, while in men, negative health consequences include blindness, brain damage and heart disease (Australian Government, 2011).

Most cases of STIs reported are among individuals of Generation Y, aged between 15-29 (Australian Government, 2011). These essay will discuss the social and cultural factors in modern society today that are causing this public health issue in this particular cohort of people:

- Changing perspectives towards sex and relationship - Substance abuse - Negative media influence - Increase in homosexuality behaviour


 * Literature Review**

According to the 2005 World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates, 448 million new cases of curable STIs occur annually in adults aged 15-49 years, on an international level. Although particularly rampant in developing countries, where STIs and its complications are ranked amongst the top five diseases in which adults seek health care for (WHO, 2011), these infections are also becoming a serious public health issues in developed countries such as Australia today.

An understanding of Australian’s sexual behaviours and perception of sex can predict can validate this sexual health issue. In 2001, Australian Study of Sexual Health and Relationships conducted a national telephone survey on males aged 16-59 years to understand the sexual health behaviours, attitudes and knowledge of Australians (La Trobe University, 2001). The results of the survey revealed that 22% of them had their first virginal intercourse by the age of 16, of which 50% with a steady partner and 42% with a casual partner (La Trobe University, 2001). This study also showed that unprotected sexual intercourse was also more common in heterosexual activity than in male homosexual activity among those who reported having casual partners (La Trobe University, 2001). In another study done on females aged 16-59, 70.8% of those surveyed reported using methods of contraception, however over 95% of them were at risk of pregnancy (Richters, Grulich, De Visser, Smith, & Rissel, 2003). It is evident from these statistics that the sexual health behaviour of Generation Y Australians is rather poor, allowing themselves a greater exposure to STIs as a consequence. Indeed in 2009, there were over 70,000 reported cases of STIs in Australia alone (Australian Government, 2011). The most dramatic increase was seen in this particular STI, Chlamydia, where rates have quadrupled in the last ten years and 80% of the reported cases occurred in individuals of Generation Y, aged 15-29 (Australian Goverment, 2010).

In the past decade, health authorities have been conducting surveys and doing research on current sexual behaviours to gain greater knowledge and understanding of risk behaviour among Australians, as well as to determine the direction and objectives of future education programs (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), 2003). For instance, information on the sexual knowledge and attitudes of the younger generation can be obtained from the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS) at La Trobe University (AIHW, 2003). The ARCSHS has conducted many research programs focused on the social, psychological and managerial aspects of sexual health issues, such as The Australian Longitudinal Study of Health and Relationships in 2003, Sexual Health and Relationships in Young Indigenous People, and many more (La Trobe University, 2011). Steps were also taken to create greater awareness of this serious rise in STI rates, such as the National STI Prevention Program launched by the Australian Government in May 2009. Media tools such as magazines, radio, internet and outdoor advertising to provide young people aged 15-29 about transmission, symptoms, treatment and prevention of STIs (Australian Government, 2011).


 * Cultural and Social Analysis**

Generation Y is the group of individuals that are most pertinent to this serious sexual health issue. This is largely due to the technological advancements and the change in social norms that occurred during their time, influencing their behaviour and consumption patterns (Meier & Crocker, 2010).

Firstly, the change in perspective towards sex and relationship in the Generation Y can be strongly linked to the dramatic rise in STI rates in recent years. In the Australian Study of Health and Relationships conducted in 2001, it was found that the average age of first sexual intercourse has dropped from age 19-18 in Generation X to age 16 in Generation Y (La Trobe University, 2001). Individuals who have their first sexual intercourse at age thirteen or younger are more likely to have multiple lifetime sexual partners, engaging in frequent sexual intercourse and risky sexual behaviours (Escobar-Chaves & Anderson, 2008). This phenomenon reflects the increase in risky sexual behaviours of this particular generation and clearly explains why individuals as research has shown that the early initiation of sexual intercourse increases the probability of having an STI (Kaestle, Halpern, Miller, & Ford, 2004).

Abuse of substances such as alcohol and drugs are also highly linked to the rise in STI rates, as it interferes with proper judgement and causes one to lose the ability to make rational decisions, often resulting risky sexual behaviours. According to the National Alcohol Strategy 2006, it was researched that Gen Y Australians aged 20–29, are the most likely of all age groups to drink at levels that are risky or at high risk of harm in the short-term (Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy, 2006). This ties in with supporting research which shows that people with higher levels of alcohol consumption or symptoms of alcohol abuse more likely to be diagnosed with STI (Boden & Fergusson, 2010). Blood-borne STIs can also be transmitted by sharing needles and other injection equipment because infected blood can be injected directly into the bloodstream of another person unknowingly (Kanno & Zenilman, 2002).

The ubiquity of media in today’s society has also impacted on Generation Y’s mindset about sex. Most sexual education, both good and bad, comes from the media and with the sheer volume of sexual content in the media today (Brannon, Fisher, Foster, & Moskowitz, 2010), it is no wonder why the sexual health of our younger generation is declining. By featuring heavy sexual content in television shows, movies, music and the Internet, individuals perception of sex are being distorted by mainstream media to have a casual attitude towards sex and normalizing sexual behaviours (Pinkleton et al., 2008). While the media might also have a potential positive role in educating responsible sexual behaviour, research findings proved that it served more of a negative role in causing an increase in unhealthy sexual behaviour than a positive role (Rich, 2005).

According to the 2001 census conducted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), it was found that the number of same-sex couples had risen from approximately 10,000 to 20,000 from 1996 to 2001. Generation Y individuals are more liberal and tolerant towards same-gender relationships than their predecessors, as polls were conducted and it was found that 53% of Generation Y, as compared to 48% of Generation X and 38% of Baby Boomers were supportive of same-gender marriages (ABS, 2005). The increase in acceptance of homosexuality affects this sexual health issue as research revealed that homosexual men were significantly more likely than heterosexual men to develop STIs (Mayans & Escriba, 2003), hence it is highly likely one of the reasons contributing to the rise in STI rates.

The awareness of the rise of STIs is important as such risky sexual health behaviours are not only going to compromise the present and future health of Generation Y, but their education and employment prospects are also likely to be impaired, which may eventually lead to them committing crime, placing great risks on their health and well-being in all aspects (Escobar-Chaves & Anderson, 2008). Public health experts should aim to focus on improving prevention programs and creating greater awareness of STIs, as STI imposes a considerable health and economic burden (Chesson, 2007).


 * Analysis of artefact and own learning reflections**

The sexual health issue of rapidly rising STI rates can be depicted by undesirable sexual behaviour as seen in the artefact. The act of engaging in sexual intercourse with somebody places one at risk of developing an STI that may have been transmitted by previous partners, explained by the many pairs of arms around the female subject, despite having only a male subject in the poster.

By looking at this artefact, it became clear to me that this sexual health issue of rising STI rates is often a consequence of irresponsible sexual behaviour engaged by individuals. By succumbing to sexual temptations, or by the mere consumption of alcohol and drugs that may lower inhibition and loss of self-control in making rational decisions, one places himself at risk of developing a serious sexual infection simply for the act of sexual pleasure. The perception of sex as something pleasurable and desirable, and not something sacred and valuable to an individual, is unfortunately becoming more commonplace in society today. With many social and cultural factors causing a shift in this phenomenon, individuals should be more aware and understand the impact and consequences to protect their health and well-being. From this assessment, I have learnt the importance of taking a matured and responsible perspective towards sex as a Generation Y individual. With negative influences coming from different sources of social and cultural media, I have learnt to practice caution in taking in information and displaying certain actions and behaviours. It is not worth risking the contraction of STI simply for sexual pleasure, as there are serious repercussions involved in even just one foolish act.


 * References**

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2005). Year book australia, 2005. Retrieved from h ttp:www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Previousproducts/1301.0Feature%20Article82005?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=1301.0&issue=2005&num=&view=

Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2010). Year book australia, 2009-10. Retrieved from http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/abs@.nsf/Lookup/E4277318BCD03B96CA25773700169C89

Australian Government. (2005). What are stis? Retrieved from http://www.sti.health.gov.au/internet/sti/publishing.nsf/content/resources4

Australian Government. (2005). About the campaign. Retrieved from http://www.sti.health.gov.au/internet/sti/publishing.nsf/content/campaign

Australian Government. (2005). Young people and stis. Retrieved from http://www.health.gov.au/internet/sti/publishing.nsf/content/resources1/$file/young_people_stis.pdf

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2003). Australia's young people 2003: their health and wellbeing. Retrieved from http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=6442467534

Boden, J. M. & Fergusson. D. M. (2010). Alcohol and STi risk: evidence from a new zealand longitudinal birth cohort. //Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 113//(2-3), 200-206. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2010.08.005

Brannon, M., Fisher, S. L., Foster, M. & Moskowitz, A. (2010). Physician council faults media’s portrayal of sex. //Infectious Diseases in Children, 23//(10). Retrieved from http://gateway.library.qut.edu.au/login?url=http:search.proquest.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/docview/759012690?accountid=13380

Chesson, H. W. (2007). Cost effectiveness of one to one STI prevention interventions. Sexually //Transmitted Infections, 83//(6), 423-424. doi: 10.1136/sti.2007.026641

Coyne, K. M. & Barton, S. E. (2007). Epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections. Expert Review of //Obstetrics & Gynecology, 2//(6), 803-816. doi: 10.1586/17474108.2.6.803

Escobar-Chaves, S. L. & Anderson, C. A. (2008). Media and risky behaviors. //The Future of Children, 18//(1), 147-180. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/stable/20053123

Goldghen, L. A. (2004). Generation who, what, y? what you need to know about generation y. //International Jounral of Educational Advancement, 5//(1), 24-34. Retrieved from http://gateway.library.qut.edu.au/login?url=http://search.proquest.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/docview/881467163?accountid=13380//

Hwang, L., Ross, M. W., Zack, C., Bull, L., Rickman, K., & Holleman, M. (2000). Prevalence of sexually transmitted infections and associated risk factors among populations of drug abusers. //Clinical Infectious Diseases, 31//(4), 920-926. doi: 10.1086/318131

Kaestle, C. E., Halpern, C. T., Miller, W. C., & Ford, C. A. (2004). Young age at first sexual intercourse and sexually transmitted infections in adolescents and young adults. //American Journal of Epidemiology, 161//(8), 774-780. doi: 10.1093/aje/kwi095

Kanno, M. B. & Zenilman, J. (2002). Sexually transmitted diseases in injection drug users. //Infectious Disease Clinic of North America, 16//(3), 771-780. doi: 10.1016/S0891-5520%2802%2900011-9

La Trobe University. (2011). ARCSHS: research programs. Retrieved from http://www.latrobe.edu.au/arcshs/research-programs

La Trobe University. (2001). Sex in australia: summary findings of the australian study of health and relationships. Retrieved from http://www.latrobe.edu.au/ashr/papers/Sex%20In%20Australia%20Summary.pdf

Mayans, M. V. & Escriba, J. M. (2003). Previous STI and risk of HIV infection in men. //International Journal of STD & AIDS, 14//(5), 341

Meier, J., & Crocker, M. (2010). Generation Y in the workforce: Managerial challenges. //The Journal of Human Resource and Adult Learning, 6//(1), 68-78.

Mills, S., Saidel, T., Magnani, R., & Brown, T. (2004). Surveillance and modelling of HIV, STI, and risk behaviours in concentrated HIV epidemics. //Sexually Transmitted Infections, 80//(Suppl II), ii57-ii62. doi: 10.1136/sti.2004.011916

Ministerial Council on Drug Strategy. (2006). National Alcohol Strategy 2006-2009. Retrieved from http://www.health.gov.au/internet/alcohol/publishing.nsf/Content/B83AD1F91AA632ADCA25718E0081F1C3/$File/nas-06-09.pdf

Pinkleton, B. E., Austin. E. W., Cohen. M., Chen, Y. Y., & Fitzgerald, E. (2008). Effects of peer-led media literacy curriculum on adolescents knowledge and attitudes towards sexual behaviour and media portrayals of sex. //Health Communication, 23//(5), 462-472. doi: 10.1080/10410230802342135

Rich, M. (2005). Sex screen: the dilemma of media exposure and sexual behaviour. //Pediatrics, 116//(1), 329-331. doi: 10.1542/peds.2005-0355F

Richters, J., Grulich, A. E., De Visser, R. O., Smith, A. M. A., & Rissel C. Sex in australia: contraceptive practices among a representative sample of women. //Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 27//(2), 210-216. Retrieved from http://search.informit.com.au.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/fullText;dn=200304256;res=APAFT

Stephenson, J. (2006). Contraception and sexually transmitted infections. //Women’s Health Medicine, 3//(6), 269-271. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com.ezp01.library.qut.edu.au/science?_ob=MiamiImageURL&_cid=273571&_user=62921&_pii=S1744187007700070&_check=y&_origin=browse&_zone=rslt_list_item&_coverDate=2006-11-01&wchp=dGLbVlS-zSkWb&md5=1f6aeee87072a33cfe2b8cd593afbaa2/1-s2.0-S1744187007700070-main.pdf

World Health Organisation. (2011). Sexually transmitted infections. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs110/en/


 * Comments on other Wikis**

__1. CAGED WITHIN BODY AND MIND – An observation and discussion of the contrasting challenges faced by each nation in tackling mental health and its associated issues __

http://healthculturesociety.wikispaces.com/CAGED+WITHIN+BODY+AND+MIND+%E2%80%93+An+observation+and+discussion+of+the+contrasting+challenges+faced+by+each+nation+in+tackling+mental+health+and+its+associated+issues

By Mark Ogden

Comment: //Great piece of work! Totally provoked my thoughts about the human rights of the mentally ill. It was also interesting to see the perspectives of some communities and countries towards mental illness. // //It is so disheartening to see images like that, and at the same time knowing that such things are actually happening around the world and yet it just can't be helped sometimes. There are just too many conflicting priorities towards this public health issue, like how can developing communities understand the importance of human rights when they think that the mental illness is caused by the evil wrong doings of that sufferer? //

__2. Is your risk factor on your sleeve? 'Jeremy' and the issue of youth suicide __

http://healthculturesociety.wikispaces.com/Is+your+risk+factor+on+your+sleeve%3F+%27Jeremy%27+and+the+issue+of+youth+suicide

By Bec Andrews

Comments: //Great choice of artefact – really could feel the anger and the hurt of Jeremy when listening to the song. // //It is unfortunate how the progression and development of the modern society has led to so many complications in the realm of public health issues today, especially for youths when they have such a bright future ahead of them. Why are the health of humans getting poorer, when standard of living, technology advancement and globalisation are supposed to make lives better? // //It was also interesting to know that “males are more likely to commit suicide than females,” because I had simply assumed females were of weaker emotional security and hence would be more prone to developing suicidal thoughts. // //The essay also reminded me of a school mate who committed suicide at the age of 12, when I was 12 too, and I clearly remembered how I couldn’t understand at that point in time what happened or why he wanted to take his life. But at this age when I’ve came to understand more about suicide and mental health, I remembered how that school mate of mine have been teased often as a ‘sissy’ simply because of his not-so-masculine actions and behaviour, which was probably why he had felt the lack of acceptance as a growing child, causing emotional distress and hence suicidal thoughts. Really felt this whole episode coming back when listening to the song on Jeremy. // //Nonetheless, great essay //// J //