Sexual Behavior, Reproductive Attitudes, and Perceptions of Risk: Sexually Transmitted Diseases among Young Adults in Uzbekistan

Cynthia Buckley, University of Texas at Austin
Yakov P. Asminkin, Tahlil Center for Social Research
Jennifer Barrett, University of Texas at Austin

Since 1991, contraceptive use has increased dramatically in Uzbekistan, and reliance on abortion has declined. Yet, in spite of improvements in reproductive health, UNAIDS reports identify Central Asia as the fastest growing region for HIV infection. Inadequate sexual education programs, heavy reliance on IUDs, traditional social norms discouraging condom use, substantial premarital and non-marital sexual activity, and growing rates of intravenous drug use in Uzbekistan provide a welcoming environment for the spread of HIV. Integrating state health statistics and reports, DHS data, and the focus groups results from 2002, we find little evidence that recent family planning campaigns have increased sexual education programs, changed attitudes towards condoms, or altered perceptions of risk among urban young adults. By advocating widespread IUD adoption among all women, regardless of STD risk, government programs may contribute to the transmission and severity of sexually transmitted diseases in the population.