Untangling the Web: An exploratory look at the impact of Parental Discipline and Primary Caregiver Support on High-Risk Taking behavior

Background: African-American females are at greater risk of contracting an STI during adolescence as compared to other ethnic groups. Caregiver support and discipline have been associated with decreased adolescent risk behaviors. The interaction of these parental factors may also be important. The objective of this study was to test the interaction of familial factors as they relate to adolescent risk behaviors.

Methods: Sociodemographic, family, and self-reported behavioral data were obtained from 701 African-American adolescent females (ages 14-20 years) seeking services at reproductive health clinics. Data were obtained at baseline, prior to randomization and participation in an HIV prevention trial. Analyses were performed to test associations between caregiver support and parental discipline, and behavioral outcomes (e.g. substance use and risky sexual behavior). Interaction effects were also explored.

Results: Logistic regression revealed that support was associated with a reduction in the odds of choosing risky sexual partners, having multiple sexual partners, and having drunk alcohol. Discipline was associated with a reduction in the odds of smoking. The interaction between support and discipline was significantly associated with the odds of having drunk alcohol: at low discipline, the mean probability of having drunk alcohol ranged between approximately .70 and .95 while at high discipline the mean probability decreased steadily with increases in support.

Conclusions: Caregiver support and discipline are important protective factors that may decrease the likelihood of adolescent participation in high-risk sex and substance use behaviors. Preventive interventions that incorporate parents may be an important strategy influencing adolescents' avoidance of adverse health behaviors.