Sexually Transmissable Infections (STI's)

Close All | Expand All

Edit   Delete - Last Modified By: ALO at 13/08/2013 10:16:02 AM

A. Defining STI/HIV
      These discussion questions help students define STI/HIV and provide a rationale for learning about STI/HIV through class discussion.

      With the class, discuss answers to the following questions. Discussion notes are provided.

1. Why is it important to learn about STI/HIV?
      - It helps one to be able to take care of one's own body.
      - Untreated STI can jeopardize a person's health and future ability to have children.
      - It helps a person to discuss STI with a boy or girlfriend.
      - It helps us recognize myths like ''It's easy to tell if a person has a STI/HIV because he/she will look sick" that could prevent a person from using effective prevention methods or seeking needed treatments.

2. When you hear the words STI or HIV, what do you think?
      - Encourage students to share feelings and reactions.
      - Common student responses may be that these words are "disgusting", or that it makes them think about death.
      - Identify common themes throughout the discussion.

3. What is the definition for STI, or sexually trasmitted infection?
      - STI are infections spread primarily by close sexual contact and sexual intercourse.

4. What are some STI you have heard of?
      - List student suggestions on the board.

5. STI can be viral, or bacterial/parasitic. What do those words mean?
      - Viral: if a virus causes a disease, it is possible for it to remain "asymptomatic" for periods of time (meaning there are no symptons). It is possible to have the virus and not know it, and it is possible to pass it to another person without either person knowing it. Viral STIs can be treated with medications, but not cured. STI that are viral include genital warts (HPV), HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and genital herpes.

      - Baterial/Parasitic: If bacteria or a parasite causes a disease, it needs to be treated with antibiotic or antimicrobial medication. STIs that are bacterial/parasitic include gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, pubic lice, scabies and vaginitis.

6. How do HIV and AIDS and Hepatitis B and C differ from other STI?
      - Because they are blood borne diseases, they can be spread by close sexual contact and sexual intercourse as well as other means such as blood transfusions, sharing needles, or body piercing or tattooing equipment.

7. If you want to find out about STI, what sources can provide accurate information?
      - Doctor or public health clinics (such as the Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic or STI Clinic)
      - Teachers, counsellors, or school nurse
      - Fact Sheets from a reliable source (Health Services/Agency)

Edit   Delete - Last Modified By: ALO at 23/08/2013 12:45:59 PM

B. Studying STI'S

1. Distribute the STI Chart.

2. Divide the class into small groups. Assign each group a specific STI by giving each group a different STI Fact Sheet.

3. Ask each group to complete the appropriate section in the STI Chart using the information on the STI Fact Sheet, or by researching on the internet.

4. Have groups share their finding with other groups, while students fill in all sections of the chart.

5. Debrief this activity using the following questions using the STI Chart Answer Key:
      - What are some symptons of STs?
      - How would you know if you had an STI?
      - Who would tell you if you had an STI?
      - What does a person with an STI look like? ( Stress that anyone can get an STI. You can't tell by looking at someone if they have an STI).
      - What are the best ways to prevent STIs? (Abstinence, limiting number of sexual partners, use condoms correctly, communication with partner, not having sex if you see a sore, etc. Regular STI testing - annually or as recommended by a doctor).

Edit   Delete - Last Modified By: ALO at 26/08/2013 6:34:25 PM
C. Health Services Detective - Start in class, if not finished set for homework.

Students identify community-based resources where they could go to get testing and information about STI/HIV.

      1. Distribute the handout: Be A Health Services Detective. Review it with students.
      2. Invite students to complete this assignment at home.
      3. Be sure to debrief this activity next class.