Objective: To prospectively identify predictors of not reporting unprotected vaginal sex (UVS) among sexually active African-American adolescent females residing in a high-risk environment. Methods: African-American females 14-18 years of age were recruited from schools and health clinics. Adolescents completed an in-depth survey and interview at baseline and again 6 months later. The study achieved an 85.7% baseline participation rate (N=522) and 92% (N=482) returned at 6-month follow-up. Analyses were limited to adolescents with steady partners who were sexually active between assessments (N=366). 52% of these adolescents reported no episodes of UVS between assessments. Logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (AOR) for predictors of reporting no UVS between assessments. Results: The final model explained 40% of the variance in UVS. After controlling for UVS at baseline, adolescents who spent less than 9 hours each week with their boyfriends, in the 6 months between assessments, were twice as likely to report no UVS at follow-up (AOR=2.04, P<.01). Adolescents who scored high on a baseline measure of egalitarian relationship norms were more than twice as likely to report no UVS at FU (AOR=2.25, P<.004). Discussion: Adolescents who spend less time with their boyfriends may have less trust for them, perhaps fostering a need to avoid perceived risky sex. Adolescents having liberal relationship norms may be more likely to insist on abstinence from sex or the use of condoms if sex occurs. The effect of HIV prevention programs may be enhanced by focusing on these two factors.
Learning Objectives: Audience members will be able to identify key predictors of not having unprotected vaginal sex and explain why these findings are important to the design of HIV prevention programs.
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Sexual Risk Behavior
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.