Predictors of Risk for Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Ninth Grade Urban High School Students

• NCJ Number: 181572
• Journal: Journal of Adolescent Research Volume: 14 Issue: 4 Dated: October 1999 Pages: 448-465
• Author(s): Cherrie B. Boyer; Jeanne M. Tschann; Mary-Ann Shafer
• Date Published: October 1999
• Length: 18 pages
• Grant Number(s): CCR02728; R88SF127; MCJ000978
• Sponsoring Agency: Ctr's for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); US Dept of Health and Human Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Data from 985 adolescent students in 4 urban high schools formed the basis of an analysis of risk factors associated with the acquisition of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.

Abstract

The research used the AIDS Risk Reduction Model. The participants were 54 percent females, were ethnically and racially diverse, and had an average age of 14.7 years. Seventy-four percent were 9th graders. The study used logistic regression to predict sexual experience and linear regression to predict risky sexual behaviors and condom use within the previous month. Results indicated that demographic factors are associated with being sexually experienced, but few demographics are associated with specific risk behaviors related to sexually transmitted diseases. Knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS was not associated with any risk behaviors. However, the use of alcohol and drugs was significantly associated with being sexually experienced and sexual risk. Results also indicated that peer affiliation, perceptions of peer norms, perceptions of risk perceptions of self-efficacy, and social support were associated with risk related to sexually transmitted diseases among sexually experienced youths. Tables and 45 references (Author abstract modified)