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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Valerie A. Feldman¹, Daniel E. Falk, PhD¹, and Kendall J. Bryant, PhD². (1) Alcohol Epidemiologic Data System, NIAAA/NIH, CSR, Incorporated, 2107 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 1000, Arlington, VA 22201, 703-312-5220, danfalk35@hotmail.com, (2) National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, 5635 Fishers Lane, MSC 9304, Bethesda, MD 20892-9304

Background: Approximately 3 million new cases of sexually transmitted diseases are estimated each year among U.S. adolescents. Numerous studies have reported relationships between personality characteristics [i.e. sensation seeking (SS) and impulsive decision making (IDM)], alcohol use and high-risk sex in adolescents, yet the underlying pattern of these associations remains unclear. The present study tests whether alcohol use mediates the relationship between personality characteristics and HIV-risk behaviors in a nationally-representative adolescent sample. Methods: The study included 4,786 adolescents (ages 12-18) who completed both Waves I and III of the AddHealth survey. Two structural equation models were estimated to test the effects of SS and IDM as mediated by alcohol use. Model A examined drunkenness and condom use at last intercourse, as mediation and outcome variables, respectively; Model B examined frequency of feeling drunk and number of sexual partners (past 15 months). Results: In Model A, the effect of IDM on condom use was fully mediated by drunkenness at last intercourse among males (p<0.10), but not among females. In Model B, the effects of both SS and IDM on number of partners was fully mediated by the frequency of feeling drunk among males (p<0.05). Among females, the effect of IDM on number of partners was fully mediated by frequency of feeling drunk (p<0.10), but the effect of SS on number of partners was partially mediated (p<0.05). Conclusions: HIV prevention efforts for adolescents should target high-risk personality characteristics, like sensation seeking and impulsive decision making, and focus on limiting underage drinking.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, participants will be able to

(
• Describe the prevalence and co-occurrence of risky sexual behaviors and alcohol use patterns in the national adolescent population. (
• Understand the impact of personality characteristics on these co-occurring risk behaviors. (
• Evaluate the role of alcohol use in mediating the relationship between sensation seeking/impulsive decision making and risky sexual behaviors.

Keywords: Alcohol Use, Risky Behaviors

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered