Virginity pledges and initiation of sexual intercourse: The Youth Asset Survey

Virginity pledges, commitments to remain a virgin until marriage, are advocated by certain adolescent pregnancy-prevention programs. Few studies have examined virginity pledges. This study prospectively examined associations between pledges and self-reported initiation of sexual intercourse (ISI). The Youth Assets Survey is a 5-wave, 4-year longitudinal study of youth-parent pairs to investigate youth risk behaviors and assets. Youth who reported no ISI at baseline or in wave 2 (N=627; mean age=13.7 years; 53% female; 44% white, 18% black, and 28% Hispanic) were included in the analysis. ISI was assessed to determine if statistically significant differences existed among youth taking a virginity pledge and ISI during waves 3�5. Data were stratified by youth age (13�14, 15�16, and 17�19 years). Logistic regression analysis was conducted controlling for gender, race, parental education, parental income, and family structure. Sixty percent of youth (n=378) reported taking a virginity pledge. Fifty-five percent (n=344) reported ISI in waves 3-5. Youth aged 15�16 years who pledged were significantly more likely to report no ISI (odds ratio=3.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.7�5.9) during waves 3�5 versus youth aged 15�16 who did not pledge. Youth aged 13�14 and 17�19 years who pledged demonstrated no significant differences in ISI, compared with youth who did not pledge. Virginity pledges were associated with decreased reporting of ISI for youth aged 15�16, although not for other age groups. Understanding the role of virginity pledges in adolescent pregnancy prevention will help ensure programs include best practices.