Objective: To identify psychosocial predictors of having a risky sex partner among sexually active African-American female teenagers. Methods: African-American females (ages 14-18) were recruited from school health classes, health department clinics and adolescent health clinics. Participants completed a survey and interview to assess psychosocial and behavioral issues related to various adolescent behaviors. Having a risky sex partner was defined as believing that a steady partner or boyfriend had other sex partners in the past six months. Multiple logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratio (AOR) for predictors of having a risky sex partner. Results: There were 136 (30.6%) adolescent females who believed that they had a risky sex partner. Female adolescents who believed their boyfriends had other sex partners were more likely to have poor communication with their parents (AOR=2.347, P < .001), more afraid that their boyfriend would ignore them when the subject of pregnancy was brought up (AOR=4.131, P < .001), and were more concerned that they might be losing control of their lives (AOR=2.092, P=.002). Discussion: Diverse measures were associated with female adolescents having a risky sex partner. Programs aimed at African-American female adolescents who are involved with risky sex partners may wish to address issues involving improved parent-adolescent communication and increased control in one's life.
Learning Objectives: Session participants will be able to identify and discuss the factors that predict exposure to risky sex defined as having a boyfriend or steady partner who has multiple sex partners.
Keywords: Sexual Risk Behavior, Adolescent Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.