US Latina age of sexual debut: long-term associations and implications for HIV and drug abuse prevention.
This cross-sectional study explored associations among (a) age of sexual debut; (b) drug abuse; and (c) sexual risk behaviors among an urban community-based sample of 158 predominantly immigrant, Latina adults. Time in the USA and having a mother who used drugs during the participants' childhood or adolescence were significantly related to age of sexual debut. In turn, younger ages of sexual debut were associated with drug abuse and more sexual risk behaviors (greater number of sexual partners, more frequent alcohol and drug use before or during sex, greater levels of intoxication from alcohol or drugs during sex). Implications for HIV/AIDS and drug abuse clinical services and future research with US Latina populations are discussed.
Center for Research on US Latino HIV/AIDS & Drug Abuse, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33199, USA. fdillon@fiu.edu
Frank R
FR
Dillon
Mario
M
De La Rosa
Seth J
SJ
Schwartz
Patria
P
Rojas
Rui
R
Duan
Robert M
RM
Malow
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D003075:Coitus; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D015233:Models, Statistical; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D014505:Urban Population; D055815:Young Adult