Forehand R, Miller KS, Armistead L, Kotchick BA; National HIV Prevention Conference (2003 : Atlanta, Ga.).

Abstr Book 2003 Natl HIV Prev Conf July 27 30 2003 Hyatt Regency Atlanta Hotel Atlanta Ga Natl HIV Prev Conf 2003 Atlanta Ga. 2003; abstract no. M3-A1203.

University of Vermont, Burlington, VT

BACKGROUND: Problem Behavior Theory postulates, and the data from studies testing the theory support, that adolescent drinking, smoking, using illicit drugs, committing delinquent behavior, and engaging in sexual intercourse are behaviors which co-exist and form a syndrome of risk taking behavior. Other data, based on the theory of Reasoned Action, have demonstrated that the best predictor of sexual initiation is sexual intentions (i.e., the intent of engaging in sexual intercourse in the near future).METHODS: The current study, which is drawn from the baseline assessment of a program to prevent adolescent sexual risk behavior, examines whether sexual intentions co-occur with other problem behaviors and are less likely to occur when conventional behavior (i.e., good school performance) is high among fourth and fifth graders who reported never engaging in sexual intercourse.RESULTS: Six hundred and seventy-six African American pre-teens and their primary caregivers served as reporters of pre-teen behavior and pre-teens reported their sexual intentions. Pre-teen reported alcohol use, tobacco use, having been in trouble with the police, and disruptive behavior in the home and school were positively associated with pre-teen reported intentions to engage in sexual intercourse in the next year (r's = .09 to .20, p < .05, in all cases) and pre-teen reported conventional behavior (positive school performance) was negatively associated with such intentions (r = .09, p < .05). A logistic regression analysis indicated that, when all problem behaviors and conventional behavior were considered simultaneously, alcohol use emerged as the primary predictor of sexual intentions (Odds Ratio = 2.19; c2 = 12.95, p < .01). Pre-teen gender did not qualify the findings. Based on mother report, having been in trouble with the police (r = .11, p < .01) and disruptive behavior in home and school (r = .14, p < .01) were positively associated with child sexual intentions whereas good school performance (r = -.16, p < .01) was negatively associated with such intentions. Logistic regression indicated good school performance, but only for girls (Odds Ratio = .50; c 2 = 6.67, p < .01), was the primary predictor of sexual intentions.CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the presence of problem behaviors and poor school performance may be early indicators of pre-teen initiation of sexual activity, signaling the need for early prevention efforts with fourth and fifth graders.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Adolescent
• African Americans
• Alcohol Drinking
• Association
• Child
• Coitus
• Female
• Humans
• Intention
• Poverty
• Sexual Behavior
• Smoking
• Substance-Related Disorders

Other ID:

• GWAIDS0022085

UI: 102261709

From Meeting Abstracts