MUSC's Erin M. Swanson, MD, receives 2011-2012 Donald F. Richardson Memorial Prize Paper award
May 15, 2012
SAN DIEGO, CA – May 8, 2012 – Erin M. Swanson, MD presented her award-winning research paper during the 60th Annual Clinical Meeting of The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (The College).
Dr. Swanson received the 2011-2012 Donald F. Richardson Memorial Prize Paper Award, an award given to two Junior Fellows of The College for papers presented at a College district meeting in the preceding year. Dr. Swanson and received $1,000.
Sexual Perceptions and Behaviors in Obese and Overweight Adolescent Females
Dr. Erin M. Swanson, a fourth-year ob-gyn resident at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, presented her winning paper, “Sexual Perceptions and Behaviors in Obese and Overweight Adolescent Females.” Her research shows that overweight and obese adolescent females are more likely to engage in riskier sexual behaviors compared with their normal-weight female peers. Motivations for these behaviors are unclear, although peer influence may be a factor.
Dr. Swanson used the In-Home Questionnaire of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, which interviewed 7–12th graders in 1995. A total of 3,356 were included in Dr. Swanson’s study. Fifteen percent were overweight, and 8 percent were obese.
Compared with their normal-weight female peers, the obese and overweight girls in the study were more likely to have intercourse before age 13 and less likely to use contraceptives regularly. Their rates of pregnancy were also higher. These differences remained after controlling for race and self-esteem.
“Overweight and obese adolescent females are a vulnerable population,” Dr. Swanson said. “We as ob-gyns have a unique opportunity and responsibility to counsel and educate this group of patients. We need to spend time exploring their thoughts about themselves, their peers, and their decisions to engage in sexual activity. By giving accurate information, appropriately screening for and treating sexually transmitted infections, providing effective contraception, and, if needed, giving good prenatal care, we can improve their sexual and overall health.” Hear more with Dr. Swanson.
