Condom use, frequency of sex, and number of partners: multidimensional characterization of adolescent sexual risk-taking.
Sexual health research often relies on single risk indicators. However multi-variable composites may better capture the underlying construct of risk-taking. Latent Profile Analysis identified subgroups based on condom use consistency, partner numbers, and sex frequency among 605 adolescents. Three profiles were identified for each of grades 8 to 10 (Condom Users, Few Partners, and Risk-Takers) and 4 in grades 11 and 12 (Condom Users, One Partner Two Partners, and Risk-Takers). Inconsistent condom use groups reported more non-condom (and often less effective) birth control use and STD and pregnancy histories. Females had greater representation in the Few Partners, One Partners, and Two Partners groups, which also contained increasing proportions of participants in each subsequent year. Males had greater representation in the Risk-Takers group. A profile approach to measurement has methodological advantages, can add to substantive knowledge, and can inform content, timing, and targets of sexual health interventions.
Beadnell
Blair
B
University of Washington School of Social Work, Seattle, WA 98105, USA. blairb@u.washington.edu
Morrison
Diane M
DM
Wilsdon
Anthony
A
Wells
Elizabeth A
EA
Murowchick
Elise
E
Hoppe
Marilyn
M
Gillmore
Mary Rogers
MR
Nahom
Deborah
D
D000293:Adolescent; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012736:Sex Education; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology / Q000635:transmission; D047568:Unsafe Sex / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D014600:Utilization Review