Cultural influences on the sexual attitudes, beliefs, and norms of young Latina adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the influence of cultural values famillism, gender-role expectations, and religion on sexual attitudes, beliefs, and norms of young Latina adolescents.


METHODS
Ethnography, focus group interviews.


METHODS
Community-based agencies in two urban cities.


METHODS
Puerto Rican and Mexican-American adolescents (10-15 years) and their mothers.


METHODS
Ethnographic interview guide.


RESULTS
The importance of family and the role of the extended network, dimensions of famillism, were evident in such patterns as respect for self and family, protection of self, child, and family. The protectiveness of families toward girls, gender differences in rules, value of virginity, and the importance of having a family, were findings consistent with Latino gender roles. However, there were also some important deviations from these roles. For example, virginity, although important, was not associated with religious doctrine of practice. The necessity of preventing pregnancy was also considered important.


CONCLUSIONS
Latino cultural values need to be incorporated in primary and secondary prevention efforts to decrease the risk associated with early and unprotected sexual activity.
School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA. VILLARR@POBOX.UPENN.EDU
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Villarruel
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005190:Family / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008800:Mexico / Q000208:ethnology; D008824:Michigan; D015143:Philadelphia; D011247:Pregnancy; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D011647:Puerto Rico / Q000208:ethnology; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D012945:Social Values / Q000208:ethnology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires