NCJ Number
114312
Journal
Adolescence Volume: 23 Issue: 91 Dated: (Fall 1988) Pages: 667-688
Date Published
1988
Length
22 pages
Annotation
Popular beliefs and level of scientific knowledge regarding sexuality and contraception were elicited from black and Hispanic inner-city adolescents.
Abstract
Significant differences were found: Hispanic males were the most knowledgeable, Hispanic females the least, and black males and females were intermediate. A cultural basis for the dramatic difference between Hispanic male and female scores is suggested and the need to design culturally appropriate sexuality education classes is discussed. In addition, the data depicted two conflicting beliefs that were held simultaneously by many of the adolescents: Contraception is 'good' because it prevents pregnancy, and it is 'bad' because the various birth control methods carry serious health hazards for users. (Author abstract)