Cohort data collected from 1133 high school students involved in a longitudinal study were used to identify predictors of first sexual intercourse by 9th and 11th grades. Predictors of first intercourse by the beginning of 9th grade and by the end of 11th grade were estimated separately for males, females, Whites, and Non-whites using logistic regression. Robust predictors of early (9th grade) and later (11th grade) initiations for all groups included: 1) being in a relationship (OR: 2.1 - 4.8, p<0.05) and 2) believing it was not important to postpone sex until older (OR: 1.6 - 2.5, p<0.01). Perceiving that many peers had sex (OR: 1.58-2.05, p<0.01) and excessive alcohol use (OR: 1.4-2.77, p<0.01) were associated with early initiation for all groups. Older age was a risk factor for early initiation for all groups except non-Whites (OR: 1.8-2.5, p<0.01). Lower grade point average was a significant risk factor for later initiation for all groups except non-Whites (OR: 1.28-1.4, p<0.01). Among 11th grade males, being a "high sensation seeker"(OR=2.15, p=0.03) increased risk of sexual intercourse, living with both parents reduced risk of sexual intercourse(OR=0.31, p=0.02). Findings suggest that variables associated with increased risk of early intercourse include alcohol use, relationship status, perception of peers and beliefs. Later initiations were associated with broader familial, contextual and personality characteristics. Interventions should target curriculum to subgroups at risk for early or later initiation and should modify peer perceptions and beliefs to prevent early sexual initiation.
Learning Objectives: 1. Understand key predictors of early and later initiation of sexual intercourse among adolescents. 2. Be able to understand how interventions to reduce HIV risk behaviors should target specific subpopulations who initiate sexual intercourse early in their development and those who initiate later
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Sexual Behavior
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.