Objective: To examine the association between African American adolescent females' membership in social organizations and their STD-risk behaviors. Methods: Sexually active African-American females (N=522) completed a questionnaire and structured interview. A portion of the questionnaire assessed whether adolescents were active in organizations and social groups. Just over one-half (55%) indicated that they were active in organizations/social groups. Sexual risk behaviors assessed included recent condom use, refusal of unwanted sex without a condom, and sex with a partner who is believed to have other sex partners in the past six months. A scale (a=.85) assessed communication with parents about sexuality-related issues, including STD prevention. Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, controlling for two observed covariates: social support and age. Results: Condom use did not differ between the two groups. However, adolescents not belonging to social organizations were more likely to report recent acquiescence to unwanted sex without a condom (OR=1.7) and were more likely to report their current sex partner had other partners (OR=1.9). Adolescents not belonging to social organizations were also more likely to score low on the measure of communication with parents (OR=1.9). Discussion: Belonging to social organizations is associated with increased parent-adolescent communication about sexuality-related issues and may be protective from specific STD-risk behaviors among African American adolescent females.
Learning Objectives: Audience members will be able to articulate study findings in the context of STD prevention programs for African American adolescent females. Audience members will be able to apply study findings in service and research programs serving African American adolescent females at-risk of STD infection
Keywords: Adolescents, Sexual Risk 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.