Sexually transmitted infections among Black young people in south-east London: Results of a rapid ethnographic assessment

Epidemiological research has found a 10-fold ethnic disparity in rates of sexually transmitted infections among young people in south-east London. A rapid ethnographic assessment was conducted as part of a first phase of work to reduce the risk of bacterial sexually transmitted infections among heterosexual youth of Black Caribbean and African extraction. Methods included secondary data-collection, semi-structured street and group observations, interviews with key informants and group discussions with young people. Key informants attributed high rates of sexually transmitted infections to young people's "natural" risk-taking, reluctance to use condoms, gender issues in intimate relationships, poverty and statutory services' shortcomings in addressing the needs of Black and young people. The rapid ethnographic assessment acquainted people with the project, highlighted aspects of the local context that may affect the development of potential interventions, and helped in focus group recruitment and the development of survey questionnaires. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2003 APA, all rights reserved)