Social influences on the sexual behaviors of adolescent girls in at-risk circumstances.
OBJECTIVE
To describe social influences on girls' sexual behaviors.


METHODS
Descriptive, exploratory study using interviews with five focus groups.


METHODS
48 adolescent girls, ages 12 to 16 years, who were confined in a juvenile detention center for a variety of charges.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Girls' perceptions of influences on their sexual behaviors.


RESULTS
The analysis revealed three themes: the influence of traditional gender roles, a lack of power in heterosexual relationships, and an ongoing search for romance.


CONCLUSIONS
The social context of adolescent girls' lives can promote sexual activity and unprotected sex. Effective prevention efforts must acknowledge the context within which sexual risk occurs and address motivations and barriers in the target population.
Kelly
P J
PJ
Department of Family Nursing Care, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, 78229-3900, USA. Kellyp@uthscsa.edu
Morgan-Kidd
J
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D016497:Adolescent Health Services; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D011584:Psychology; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior