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PubMed1988

Parents' behavioral norms as predictors of adolescent sexual activity and contraceptive use.

The influence of parental factors on adolescent sexual behavior and contraceptive use has been examined previously, and findings have been contradictory. Previous studies, which found little relationship between parental norms and adolescent sexual activity, have been limited by their failure to recognize developmental differences in the relative weight of parent and peer influences between younger and older teens and by use of selected samples, resulting in a restriction of range. The current study differs in that it utilizes a clustered sample household survey of 329 males and females, aged 14 to 17, and 470 of their parents. Using multiple regression analysis, it was found that parents' reported behavioral norms account for 5% of the variance in whether adolescents have had intercourse, and for 33% of the variance in use of contraception at last intercourse. The study suggests that while parents' normative beliefs have limited effect in the decision to become sexually active, they have considerable impact on later contraceptive use.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Sexual debut and predictors of condom use among secondary school students in Arusha, Tanzania.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted using interviews among 852 students attending seven secondary schools in the Arusha region, Northern Tanzania, to predict determinants of sexual debut and recent condom use among students. Schools were sampled according to location, school size and ownership criteria. Subjects were randomly sampled within grade-level and gender through use of class registers. Altogether, 528 students were sexually active. Males were more likely than females to report their sexual debut status (82.0% versus 33.3%; OR = 8.78; 95% CI: 6.17-12.49). Among males, incidence of sexual debut increased with grade-level, but decreased according to religious affiliation. None of the socio-demographic predictor variables used in this study had a significant association with sexual debut among females when age was controlled for. Of the sexually active students, 26.8% reported having ever used a condom and 21.5% reported use of condoms during their most recent sexual encounter. Late sexual debut, prolonged duration of dating before intercourse and having only one sex partner were significantly associated with increased condom use during the most recent occasion. Condom use increased with levels of education, but gender was not significantly linked to increased condom use. Condom use was particularly infrequent among casual sex partners. We observed a marked gender difference among students with respect to their sexual debut status, but no such difference was found in relation to condom use.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

Prevalence and correlates of AIDS-related behavioral intentions among urban minority high school students.

Using data from a cross-sectional survey of 926 predominantly black and Hispanic ninth through twelfth graders in three New York City public high schools, the explanatory power of theoretically and empirically derived predictors (i.e., demographic, contextual, and cognitive) of intentions to engage in sexual intercourse, to be sexually monogamous, to use condoms during intercourse, and to ascertain intercourse partners' sexual and drug-use histories was compared. One-third of sampled students "definitely" intended to have sexual intercourse in the next year, one-half "definitely" intended to be sexually monogamous, two-thirds "definitely" intended to use condoms during intercourse, and three-quarters "definitely" intended to ascertain intercourse partners' sexual and drug-use histories. In a predictive model including all investigated variables, those variables derived from the cognitive set (i.e., beliefs about susceptibility to getting AIDS, and beliefs about barriers, self-efficacy, norms, and values pertaining to AIDS-preventive actions) were most strongly associated with the four investigated behavioral intentions. However, certain variables derived from the demographic set (i.e., age, gender, race/ethnicity) and contextual set (i.e., previous behavioral involvement, cues, academic failure, substance use) also contributed explained variance to all four intentions.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Teenage pregnancy in the United States.

One out of every 10 women aged 15-19 becomes pregnant each year in the United States. Of these pregnancies, five out of every six are unintended--92 percent of those conceived premaritally, and half of those conceived in marriage. The teenage pregnancy rate is high because only a minority (one in three) of sexually active young women always use contraceptives, and only one in two of these women rely on the most effective methods. The two most common reasons given by adolescents for not using contraceptives are believing that the risk of pregnancy is small, and failing to anticipate intercourse. Experience in other developed countries clearly shows that the incidence of adolescent pregnancy can be reduced if effective contraceptives are made widely available. Although high quality sex education programs that include information about contraception, reproductive biology and responsible sexual behavior can enhance the effectiveness of contraceptive delivery systems, they are not a substitute for the actual provision of services and supplies. However, there is formidable political opposition to the provision of such services by a vocal minority who believe that the crux of the problem is premarital sexual activity, and that lowering the cost of such behavior by reducing the risk of pregnancy will both legitimize adolescent sex and increase its prevalence. Consequently, there is a political impasse that guarantees a continuing large number of adolescent pregnancies. Further, even if contraceptives and sex education were readily available to all adolescents, there would still be a pool of teenagers who would see little benefit in postponing parenthood. This pool would be composed overwhelmingly of the poor and of blacks and Hispanics. Increasing the demand for pregnancy prevention among young women and men in this hard-core, high-risk group will be extremely hard to achieve without a fundamental restructuring of society.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

Alcohol use as a situational influence on young women's pregnancy risk-taking behaviors.

Recent studies have found that many young women just beginning their sexual lives use alcohol prior to intercourse. A large number appear to drink heavily enough prior to sex to compromise their ability to use contraceptives. The question emerges whether there is a relationship between drinking before intercourse, the nonuse of birth control methods, and unplanned pregnancies. The present research describes 43 instances of intercourse which resulted in unplanned pregnancies in 14- to 21-year-olds. Variables examined included alcohol use prior to sex, amount of alcohol consumed, the use of other drugs, the planning of intercourse, respondents' stated reasons for nonuse of contraceptives, and other general demographic data.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1980

Effects of ethnic, age, and bereavement on complete denture patients.

Geriatric patients in prosthodontics require neverending patience and a unique consideration of the "healing" concept. Old people may act helplessly and hopelessly, and even though they are cooperative during treatment, they may lack the capacity to verbalize their distress. The dentist must look for unspoken clues instead, keeping an eye open for various possible factors which might explain a patient's behavior. Many elderly people have experienced the loss of a spouse or other relative. Usually such experiences are associated with increased rate of disease and death and certainly qualify as a severe psychological trauma. Because the effects of bereavement in the prosthodontic patient are often inconspicuous, they pose a diagnostic challenge. The most important direct conclusion to be drawn from this study is the overwhelming importance of patients' ethnoclutural background which shapes the basic characteristics of their response. People of Oriental origin tended to increase their (indirect) expression of emotional distress after bereavement, while Ashkenazis reacted to bereavement with decreasing complaints. Maximum results can be attained in treating prosthodontic patients when their ethnocultural and socioeconomic behavioral determinants of their therapeutic response are based upon these data.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1995

Factors associated with Hispanic women's HIV-related communication and condom use with male partners.

To determine factors influencing Hispanic women's HIV-related communication and condom use with their primary male partner, 189 Dominican, Puerto Rican, and Mexican women were interviewed regarding sexual behaviour and condom use, relationship characteristics, perceived risk for HIV, and HIV-related communication with the primary male partner. Level of HIV-related communication with the primary male partner was associated with the woman's perceived risk for HIV and her rating of the openness with which she could communicate with her primary partner. Mexican women were less likely than Puerto Rican or Dominican women and women with multiple partners were less likely than those with one partner to communicate about HIV-related issues with their primary partner. Women reporting more condom use with their primary partner were younger, had discussed HIV-related issues more with the primary partner, and were less likely to expect negative reactions to requests for condom use than those reporting less condom use. These results suggest that prevention programmes that increase both general and HIV-specific communication between members of a couple may facilitate safer sex practices by the couple. Prevention programmes that encourage women to insist on condom use should consider the woman's expectations about her partner's reaction as a potential barrier to the initiation of safer sex practices.

Acculturation↗
PubMed1996

Risk factors for intravenous drug use and sharing equipment among young male drug users in Longchuan County, south-west China.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the risk factors for intravenous drug use and sharing of equipment in Longchuan County in south-west China. METHODS: Demographic information and sexual and drug-use-related behavior between 1 January 1991 and 1 August 1994 were collected retrospectively from a cohort of young male drug users aged 18-29 years in 82 villages. RESULTS: A total of 433 drug users were identified. The cumulative incidence of intravenous drug use was 40.0% during the 3.7-year study period. The annual incidence increased from 10% in 1991 to over 30% in 1994. Risk factors for intravenous drug use among drug users, according to the multivariate model, included having had premarital/extramarital sex [odds ratio (OR), 1.5; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01-2.3], having a family member who used drugs in 1991 (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1-2.9), and currently not married (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 0.98-2.7). Being Buddhist protected against intravenous drug use (OR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2-0.9). The population attributable fraction was 30% for not being currently married, 17% for having had premarital/extramarital sex and 14% for having a family member who used drugs. The risk factor for sharing of equipment was being of Jingpo ethnicity (OR, 5.8; 95% CI, 2.5-13.8). The average incidence of sharing equipment was 19.6% per year. The population attributable fraction for sharing equipment was 58.5% for being Jingpo. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of intravenous drug use and sharing equipment is increasing. Therefore, it is urgent that vigorous, effective intervention programs be initiated in southern Yunnan. Unmarried, sexually promiscuous Jingpo drug users with a family history of drug use should be especially targeted. Given the problems of transport and communication in this remote area of China, intervention programs which use existing social, governmental and community networks should be implemented.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Crack, sex, and STD.

Increasing rates of syphilis, gonorrhea, chancroid, and sexually transmitted human immunodeficiency virus infection appear to be related to crack cocaine use. This article critically reviews 16 epidemiologic studies that examine drug use, sexual behavior, and sexually transmitted disease (STD). Eight studies found an association between crack and STD, one study found no association between crack and STD, and seven studies found STD to be related to other drugs or methods of cocaine use. The exchange of sex for money or drugs was associated with STD in seven studies. Publications that were reviewed have numerous methodologic weaknesses: broader sampling, uninfected comparison groups, and greater specification of drug use and sexual risk behaviors are needed. Further research should compare different drugs and associated sexual behavior and STD to assess the unique risk conferred by crack. Designing effective interventions will require investigation of risk behavior determinants and barriers to health care.

Chancroid↗
PubMed1992

Adolescents and sexually transmitted diseases.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a serious health problem for adolescents, occurring in an estimated one-quarter of sexually active teen-agers. Many of the health problems--including STDs--result from specific risk-taking behaviors. Determinants of STD risks among adolescents include behavioral, psychological, social, biological, institutional factors. Education is an important component in STD control in adolescents. The goal of education is to increase adolescent self-efficiency in practicing STD prevention and risk-reduction. A comprehensive approach including quality, theory-based education, accessible and effective health clinics, and improved social and economic conditions has the most promise of controlling STDs in adolescents.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1977

Newborn dopamine-beta-hydroxylase, minor physical anomalies, and infant temperament.

The authors examined newborn anomaly scores for 193 normal infants in relation to obstetrical history, newborn dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH), and 5-month (N=185) and 1-year (N=123) infant behavior, determined by a questionnaire completed by their mothers. There was no significant relationship between anomaly score and obstetrical history or 5-month infant temperament; low significant correlations were found between newborn DBH and 1) infant irritability and unsociable response and 2) 1-year anomaly scores and reported activity levels. The authors discuss the possible importance of these findings.

Child Behavior↗
PubMed1997

Determinants of high-risk sexual behaviour and condom use among adults in the Arusha region, Tanzania.

Determinants of multiple sexual partners and condom use among adults were assessed through a population-based survey in one urban, one semi-urban and one rural community in the Arusha region, northern Tanzania. The study samples were obtained by randomly selecting clusters of 10 households from the 3 communities. Informed verbal consent was sought from each respondent for participation in the study. High-risk sexual behaviours and condom use were assessed using a structured questionnaire. It was observed that significantly more men than women reported having multiple sexual partners (49% vs 25.2%; OR = 1.69; 95% CI = 1.51-1.90) and urban men were significantly more likely to report having multiple sexual partners than men in rural areas. In both men and women, early sexual debut was associated with having multiple sexual partners while travel, alcohol use, and sex under the influence of alcohol were significantly associated with multiple sexual partners in men only. AIDS-related discussion was significantly associated with having fewer sexual partners in both men and women. Of the 1551 respondents, 320 (20.6%) reported having ever used a condom and of the 320 respondents who had ever used a condom, 34 (10.6%) reported having used it at the last sexual intercourse. Significantly more men than women reported having ever used a condom (34.1% vs 14.1%; OR = 1.77; 95% CI = 1.56-2.01). In both men and women, early sexual debut and being young, unmarried, travelling out of the Arusha region and having multiple sexual partners were associated with increased condom use. For both men and women, frequent discussion of AIDS with family members or friends was associated with increased condom use. These data suggest that interventions targeting adolescents and young adults may be effective for control of HIV transmission in Tanzania. In particular, creation of opportunities for people to come together and discuss AIDS might be an important strategy.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1981

Is homosexuality hormonally determined?

This paper suggest there is insufficient evidence to conclude that homosexuality has endocrine bases. The search for hormonal correlates occurs within a model that views homosexuality as a medical problem requiring biological explanations and a program of treatment or prevention. This search is heavily rooted in popular conceptions of gender-appropriate behavior, as well as in naive concepts of the significance of hormonal changes. Two kinds of hormonal study are considered here. Researchers may either (a) investigate hormone levels in adult populations or (b) investigate hypotheses of behavioral determination by prenatal hormones. Much of the latter information derives from animal studies, commonly on the laboratory rat. This paper questions the validity of assumptions underlying these studies--assumptions about the behavior of the laboratory rat itself and, more importantly, about the legitimacy of this animal as a model for human behavior. It is suggested that, although such hypotheses are naive, their current popularity arises from their potential role in "controlling" homosexuality.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Condom knowledge, attitudes and use among patients attending the public STD clinic in Singapore.

Three hundred patients (255 males and 45 females) attending the public STD clinic in Singapore were interviewed regarding their frequency of condom use, attitudes towards condoms, problems related to condom use and places of purchase of the condoms. Among respondents with regular partners, 55.2% of males and 48.8% of females never used condoms, only 12.4% of males and 16.3% of females used condoms consistently. Among respondents with non-regular partners, only 2.2% of males used condoms consistently. The commonest reasons why male respondents did not use condoms consistently were that condoms decreased sensation, condoms made sex mechanical, the use of other forms of contraception, no condoms were available, and the perception that there was no risk of contracting STD/AIDS. Condoms were most commonly obtained from sex partners, supermarkets, roadside sundry shops and the Maternal & Child Health Clinics (MCHCs). About 8% of both males and females had experienced some problems with condoms before. Greater efforts to promote the practice of protected intercourse among the STD patient population as well as in the general population are required in order to control the spread of STD and AIDS in Singapore.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

AIDS-relevant condom use by gay and bisexual men: the role of person variables and the interpersonal situation.

This study examined the relative ability of selected person variables (interpersonal self-efficacy, self-control, attitudes about the effect of condoms on sex, normative beliefs) and interpersonal-situational variables (partner preference, partner serostatus) to explain gay and bisexual males' (N = 267) condom use during insertive and receptive intercourse. Partner preference accounted for a large amount of variance in condom use by itself and when controlling for the effects of the remaining variables. Exploratory hierarchical regression analyses suggested that the receptive partner's preference influenced condom use decisions to a greater extent than did the insertive partner's. Partner serostatus alone explained little variance in condom use. However, partners serostatus interacted with subject serostatus such that dyads with concordance serostatus (i.e., both partners HIV positive or both HIV negative) used condoms the least, and dyads with discordant serostatus used condoms the most. Results suggest that the interpersonal situation plays an important role in condom use decisions.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1995

Factors related to condom use with casual partners among urban African-American and Hispanic males.

Constructs from the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Reasoned Action were tested for their relationship to condom use with casual partners in a probability sample of urban African-American and Hispanic males aged 15-24. The results indicate the importance of 1) promoting a sense of male responsibility regarding condom use; 2) promoting the belief that condoms should be used with all partners; 3) developing skills for condom use and partner communication; and 4) increasing perceived susceptibility to HIV infection in design of intervention programs.

Adolescent↗