Correlates and predictors of HIV risk among inner-city African American female teenagers.
OBJECTIVE
For human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related prevention initiatives to be most effective, they should be broad-based and incorporate multiple domains of influence. This study tested how several ecodevelopmental domains influenced HIV-risk related attitudes and behaviors in a community sample of African American female teens (N = 242).


METHODS
Outcome measures were number of partners, frequency of intercourse, number of pregnancies, abstinence/condom use, HIV/AIDS-related attitudes and behaviors, and HIV testing.


RESULTS
Structural Equation Modeling revealed many direct paths from ecodvelopmental domains to risky sexual behaviors. The findings include having more partners was associated with parental alcohol-related problems, more drug use, and a younger age at first intercourse. More frequent intercourse was associated with less cultural pride and more drug use. More pregnancies were related to a younger age at first intercourse and parental alcohol problems. HIV testing was associated with having experienced sexual abuse, an older age at first intercourse, and stronger self-efficacy.


CONCLUSIONS
Prevention programs that focus on risk reduction could expand their focus beyond sexual behavior to include a broad-range of psychosocial domains that are associated with HIV-risk. The effectiveness of prevention programs should be monitored carefully for appropriateness in different ethnic groups.
Locke
Thomas F
TF
Department of Psychology, University of California-Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. doclocke@adelphia.net
Newcomb
Michael D
MD
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D015141:Los Angeles; D012309:Risk-Taking; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population