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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Cheryl Aspy, PhD1, Roy Oman, PhD2, Sara K Vesely, PhD3, Kenneth R. McLeroy, PhD4, Michelle C. Kegler, DrPH5, Sharon Rodine, MEd6, LaDonna Marshall6, and Vicki H. Wyatt, PhD7. (1) Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 900 NE 10th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, 405/271-8000, cheryl-aspy@ouhsc.edu, (2) Health Promotion Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, P.O. Box 26901 Room 369, Oklahoma City, OK 73190, (3) Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, PO Box 26901, CHB, Room 309, Oklahoma City, OK 73190, (4) School of Rural Public Health, 260 Centeq Building, College Station, TX 77843, (5) Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, (6) HEART of OKC Project, Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, 420 N.W. 13th St., #101, Oklahoma City, OK 73103, (7) Department of Health Promotion Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, P.O. Bx. 26901, Rm. 369, Oklahoma City, OK 73190
The purpose of this study was to identify instructional interventions and parental communication factors associated with youth decisions not to have sexual intercourse. Data were collected using in-home, in-person interviews of youth and parents residing in randomly selected households (N=1,253) in inner-city neighborhoods. The sample was 52% female, averaged 15.5 years of age; and racial/ethnic diversity reflected 23% African-Americans, 10% Native-Americans,49% Caucasians, and 18% Hispanics. Youth were asked about specific instructional interventions and parental conversations related to sexual activity (e.g., "Been taught about saying no," or "Have you talked to your parents about delaying your sexual activity?). Data were analyzed using logistic regression for each instructional intervention or parental communication and the outcome "never had sexual intercourse." Demographic factors including youth age, sex, and race; parent income and education; and family structure were included in the analyses. Adjusted odds ratios indicated that teens who had been taught about the menstrual cycle, birth control, and how to say no were significantly more likely (p<.05) to report never having had sexual intercourse. Teens who talked with their parents about birth control and how to prevent sexually transmitted diseases were significantly more likely (p<.05) to report never having had sexual intercourse as were youth who disagreed that many of their friends had already had sexual intercourse. Further research is necessary to discover the methods and process of both the instructional interventions and parental conversations to more fully understand how these factors relate to youth decision not to have sexual intercourse.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to
Keywords: Adolescents, Sexual Behavior
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.