Contextual and behavioural risk factors for sexually transmissible infections in young Aboriginal people in central Australia: a qualitative study

Rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in remote central Australian Aboriginal communities have been persistently high for over two decades yet risk factors for STIs in these communities are not well understood. This qualitative study explored behavioural and contextual risk factors for STIs in young Aboriginal people in central Australia. The study identified that casual relationships between young people are common and a strong association between travel, alcohol and casual sex, highlighting the ongoing need for comprehensive sexual health programs which are tailored to the specific social, cultural and interpersonal circumstances of young people in this setting.