title: Associations between youth assets and sexual intercourse by household income.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Evaluate youth assets or potential strengths and sexual intercourse associations by household income.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data consisted of youth and parent responses from randomly selected households from a cross-sectional study and wave one of a longitudinal extension of that study. Youth assets and sexual intercourse were compared for four income categories.
  
  
  METHODS
  Midwestern racially diverse, inner-city neighborhoods.
  
  
  METHODS
  One adolescent (12-19 years) and one parent (2335 pairs).
  
  
  METHODS
  Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using logistic regression. Variables assessed included parent and youth demographics, youth sexual intercourse, and youth assets (adult and peer role models, family communication, use of time [religion or sports], community involvement, future aspirations, responsible choices, and health practices).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Youths' mean age was 14.9 (± 1.8) years, and 52% were female; 44% of respondents were white. Use of time (religion) was significantly associated with never having sex for all but the lowest income youth (OR range=1.79-2.64). The variable peer role models was significant for the lowest income (O =2.01) and two upper income groups (ORs=2.52 and 4.27, respectively). The variable future aspirations was significant for the lowest income youth (OR=1.77).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The youth asset variable future aspirations was critical for the lowest income households. Other asset variables, such as peer role models and use of time (religion) were critical regardless of income.
authors.affiliation: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
authors.forename: Diana M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Bensyl
authors.forename: Sara K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Vesely
authors.forename: Eleni L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Tolma
authors.forename: Roy F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Oman
authors.forename: Cheryl
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Aspy
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003075:Coitus; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010290:Parents; D010379:Peer Group; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012931:Social Environment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult