Objective: This study examines the association between having a history of dating violence and adolescents' sexual risk behaviors, their perceived control over their sexuality, perceived peer norms regarding condom use and confidence in their ability to communicate about sex with a main partner. Methods: Sexually active African American adolescent females (N=522) completed a self-administered survey and in-depth private interview. The survey assessed whether adolescents had ever been physically abused by a boyfriend. Additionally, the survey assessed adolescents' self-efficacy to communicate with male partners about sex, STD and HIV, peer norms regarding condom use and, their perceived control over their sexuality. The interview assessed adolescents' STD/HIV-associated sexual behaviors. Results. A history of dating violence was reported by 18.4% (N=96) of adolescents. In multivariate analyses, controlling for age, adolescents with a history of dating violence were significantly more likely to have riskier sexual partners (OR=2.4; p=.001); perceived themselves as having less control over their sexuality (OR=1.9; p=.009); were more likely to have peer norms nonsupportive of using condoms (OR=2.1; p=.02) and, were less likely to communicate with their current sexual partner about pregnancy, STDs and HIV (OR=1.6; p=.04). Conclusions: These findings highlight the public health importance of understanding the consequences of dating violence for HIV/STD prevention with adolescents. Helping adolescent females deal with dating violence may be an essential element in reducing subsequent HIV/STD associated risk behaviors and attitudes. Social and behavioral interventions designed to address these health threats are critical.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to describe STD/HIV related factors that are associated with dating violence among African-American female adolescents. At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to discuss strategies to address dating violence in the design of STD/HIV prevention programs tailored to female adolescents
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.