209083 Strengthening risk reduction: Discontinuation of sex among sexually experienced African-American adolescent females

Monday, November 9, 2009

Erin Bradley, MPH , Rollins School of Public Health Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Jessica Sales, PhD , Rollins School of Public Health Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Ralph J. DiClemente, PhD , Rollins School of Public Health and Center for AIDS Research, Emory Univeristy, Atlanta, GA
Background: Sexually active teens have a higher risk of acquiring STIs than adults. Among teens, African-American females are disproportionately affected by STIs, increasing their susceptibility to HIV. Reducing exposure risk is an integral part of comprehensive programs designed to eliminate disparities. However, comprehensive programs focus mainly on correct and consistent condom use so little is known about additional risk reduction strategies, such as discontinuing sex for varying periods of time.

Methods: Correlates of discontinuing sex were explored in a sample of sexually experienced African-American adolescent females, ages 14-20, participating in an HIV-risk reduction intervention (N=526). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to test associations.

Results: At six month follow-up, more frequent communication about sex with parents (OR=1.04, p<.05), ever having an STI (OR=1.81, p<.01), younger age (OR=.86, p<.01), and interest in becoming abstinent at baseline (OR=3.34, p<.001) were associated with the likelihood of discontinuing sex for two or more months consecutively.

Conclusions: Although findings from this exploratory study are modest, further investigations should be conducted regarding this practice among this population, as periods of discontinuing sex reduce opportunities for STI/HIV infection.

Learning Objectives:
Identify correlates of discontinuing sex among African-American adolescent females

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I received my MPH in Behavioral Sciences and Health Education and am pursuing my PhD in the same area. I have worked in HIV prevention as a researcher or health educator for several years.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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