The Relationship Between Minority Communities, Health Care, and Sexual Literacy
Abstract
Within the medical field, there is evidence of disparities related to the race/ethnicity of individuals, specifically in minority communities (Guzzo & Hayford, 2012). This issue is highly prevalent, and multiple studies have been conducted attempting to find the root cause (Richardson & Norris, 2010; Guzzo & Hayford, 2012). This study aimed to not only understand the background between minority communities, sexual literacy knowledge, and healthcare access but to also conduct a pilot project that spread information about reproductive health to a predominantly Latinx community in Sarasota, Florida. Additionally, the values and culture of those communities were investigated to identify the spread of misinformation. This health literacy project began in the Fall of 2022 which included a literature review focusing on the background, beliefs, and barriers associated with this issue. The literature review indicates that many individuals receive information about sexual health from their community leaders (maternal figures, religious institutions, school) or on their own, leading to deeply rooted misunderstandings. There were also indications of hesitancy to discuss sexual topics which decreased the likelihood of using established resources for their sexual health. An infographic has been developed and will be distributed soon to the patients at the clinic about contraception and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). An anonymous survey will then be distributed to gauge the impact of the infographics and the understanding of healthcare disparities in this at-risk population, pending IRB approval. The results will then be analyzed and formally presented.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Mark Jaffe
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-5-2023 12:00 PM
End Date
4-6-2023 4:00 PM
The Relationship Between Minority Communities, Health Care, and Sexual Literacy
Alvin Sherman Library
Within the medical field, there is evidence of disparities related to the race/ethnicity of individuals, specifically in minority communities (Guzzo & Hayford, 2012). This issue is highly prevalent, and multiple studies have been conducted attempting to find the root cause (Richardson & Norris, 2010; Guzzo & Hayford, 2012). This study aimed to not only understand the background between minority communities, sexual literacy knowledge, and healthcare access but to also conduct a pilot project that spread information about reproductive health to a predominantly Latinx community in Sarasota, Florida. Additionally, the values and culture of those communities were investigated to identify the spread of misinformation. This health literacy project began in the Fall of 2022 which included a literature review focusing on the background, beliefs, and barriers associated with this issue. The literature review indicates that many individuals receive information about sexual health from their community leaders (maternal figures, religious institutions, school) or on their own, leading to deeply rooted misunderstandings. There were also indications of hesitancy to discuss sexual topics which decreased the likelihood of using established resources for their sexual health. An infographic has been developed and will be distributed soon to the patients at the clinic about contraception and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). An anonymous survey will then be distributed to gauge the impact of the infographics and the understanding of healthcare disparities in this at-risk population, pending IRB approval. The results will then be analyzed and formally presented.
