242326 Marijuana Use and Sexual Risk Among African-American Adolescent Females

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Jennifer L. Brown, PhD , Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA
Jessica M. 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
Teaniese P. Latham, MPH , Rollins School of Public Health Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Andrea Swartzendruber, MPH , Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Eve S. Rose, MSPH , Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Behavioral Science and Health Education, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
Background: African-American adolescents are at elevated risk for STDs. While substance use is typically associated with greater risk behavior engagement among this population, little is known about the association between psychological factors and marijuana use frequency. Additionally, few studies have examined differences in STDs and sexual risk behaviors based on marijuana use frequency. Methods: 701 African-American adolescent females (aged 14-20 years) completed ACASI interviews with measures of substance use, psychological functioning, and sexual behaviors prior to participating in an STD/HIV prevention trial. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses examined: (a) factors associated with more frequent marijuana use (=>5 days in prior 90 days); and (b) the association between more frequent marijuana use and sexual behaviors. Results: Less social support (AOR = .94, p = .022) and drinking alcohol more often (AOR = 1.09, p = .001) were associated with more frequent marijuana use. Frequent marijuana users had greater prevalence of trichomoniasis (p = .035), more male sexual partners in the past 90 days (p = .005), had a previously incarcerated sexual partner (p = .016), and more sexual encounters under the influence of substances (p = .001). Discussion: Results suggest more frequent marijuana users may have a limited support network and also drink alcohol more often. In addition, sexual risk behavior engagement differed based on marijuana use frequency. Interventions are needed to reduce marijuana use and also provide adolescents with skills to reduce sexual risk behavior, especially as it relates to substance use.

Learning Areas:
Public health or related education

Learning Objectives:
1. Examine factors associated with marijuana use among African American adolescent women. 2. Examine the relationship between marijuana use and sexual risk. 3. Discuss suggestions for addressing substance use in STD risk reduction interventions.

Keywords: Marijuana, Adolescents

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: Dr. Brown received her Masters and Doctoral Degrees in Clinical Psychology at Syracuse University. Dr. Brown has extensive research experience in the design, implementation, and evaluation of HIV/STD risk reduction interventions. Her research also investigates factors that contribute to risky sexual behavior among adolescents and adults who are at risk for HIV infection. In addition, her research examines measurement issues related to the assessment of health behaviors. Dr. Brown's graduate and post-doctoral training in clinical health psychology focused on the provision of psychological services to individuals infected with HIV/AIDS.
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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