HIV risk-related attitudes, interpersonal influences, and intentions among at-risk urban, early adolescent girls.
OBJECTIVE
To examine correlates of sexual experimentation and risk among urban, early adolescent girls (N=236, 12.38+/-1.2 years).


METHODS
Measures of HIV risk-related attitudes, interpersonal influences, and intentions were compared based on girls' degree of sexual experimentation and risk.


RESULTS
Girls in high sexual experimentation and risk groups scored highest on deviant peer norms; endorsements of risky behaviors; and inability to refuse unprotected sex, offset negative partner influences, avoid intercourse, and assert sexual desires. Greater experimentation occurred among girls with older versus same-age or younger partners.


CONCLUSIONS
Risk correlates should be considered in designing HIV prevention programs.
Di Noia
Jennifer
J
Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, NY 10027, USA. jd201@columbia.edu
Schinke
Steven P
SP
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D010379:Peer Group; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology; D012945:Social Values; D014504:Urban Health