Contextual Influences on Young People's Sexual Behavior in Two Latin American countries

Prior studies conducted in Africa have shown that community-level characteristics can play an important role in shaping sexual behavior among young people. In Latin America, little is known about the effect of community contextual factors on young people's sexual behavior. Using Demographic Health Survey Data for Bolivia and the Dominican Republic, we examine the individual, household and community level factors associated with the reporting of recent sexual behavior among young people (ages 15-24). Preliminary results indicate that the mechanisms through which the community environments shape sexual behavior vary by outcome, country and between genders. Of particular significance is the importance of the community environment on the behaviors of young men and women in each of these countries. This indicates that a thorough analysis of sexual risk among young people in Latin America depends not only on individual level characteristics, but also on prevailing cultural, demographic and economic conditions. These results support community focused initiatives as important intervention points in future behavioral change programs.