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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Eleni Tolma, PhD¹, Sara Vesely, PhD¹, Roy Oman, PhD¹, Cheryl Aspy, PhD¹, and Sharon Rodine². (1) College of Public Health, Oklahoma University Health Sciences Center, 900 NE 10th St., Oklahoma City, OK 73104, 405-271-2370, eleni-tolma@ouhsc.edu, (2) OICA, 420 NW 13th, Oklahoma City, OK 73103

Race/ethnicity has been associated with the prevalence of sexual activity among youth as well as with youth assets. Research has also shown than youth assets are associated with youth abstinence. However, no previous studies have examined whether the relationship between youth assets and sexual activity might differ based on race/ethnicity. The study sample consisted of youth (Mean age=14.9 ±1.8 years; 52% Female; 49% White; 26% Hispanic; 25% Black) and their parents ( N=2144 youth/parent pairs) living in two Midwest cities. Univariate logistic regression analyses were conducted for three major ethnic groups (White, Black and Hispanic) controlling for age, parental education and income as well as family structure. Nine youth assets served as the independent variables and “never had sexual intercourse” as the dependent variable. Thirty -seven percent of Black youth, 29% of White youth and 27 % of Hispanic youth have reported being sexually active. Within the White subgroup all but one asset, Good Health Practices (exercise/nutrition), were significantly associated with never having had sexual intercourse. Within the Black subgroup only two assets (Non-Parental Adult Role Models and Aspirations for the Future) were associated with never having had sexual intercourse. Finally, within the Hispanic subgroup only four assets (Peer-Role Models, Family Communication, Use of Time (Religion) and Responsible Choices) were associated with never having had sexual intercourse. The results indicate that the asset/sexual relationship may vary by race/ethnicity. Thus, culturally relevant interventions that include a focus on increasing specific youth assets may hold potential for reducing teen sexual behavior.

Learning Objectives:

• 1) Identify specific youth assets associated with the reduction in youth sexual behavior for youth from different racial/ethnic backgrounds.
• 2) Discuss commonalities and differences among the three major racial/ethnic groups regarding the association of the specific youth assets and sexual behavior.

Keywords: Sexual Behavior, Youth

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation