title: Correlates of sexually transmitted infection prevention knowledge among African American girls.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify significant factors that distinguish African American girls who have high sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention knowledge from those lacking such knowledge.
  
  
  METHODS
  We recruited a sample of 715 African American girls from three public health clinics in downtown Atlanta. Using audio computer-assisted self-interviewing (A-CASI) technology, we assessed for age, self-mastery, employment status, attendance at sex education classes, socioeconomic status, and STI prevention knowledge.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Slightly more than one-third of the girls did not know that females are more susceptible to STI infections than males; and that having an STI increases the risk of contracting HIV. Almost half of the girls did not know if a man has an STI he will not have noticeable symptoms; and that most people who have AIDS look healthy. Logistic regression findings indicated that being older, having greater self-mastery, and being employed significantly predicted high STI knowledge.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Health educators may especially target African American girls who are younger, unemployed, and experiencing low self-mastery for more tailored STI heath education.
authors: School of Social Service Administration, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA. d-voisin@uchicago.edu
authors: Dexter R
authors: DR
authors: Voisin
authors: Kevin
authors: K
authors: Tan
authors: Laura F
authors: LF
authors: Salazar
authors: Richard
authors: R
authors: Crosby
authors: Ralph J
authors: RJ
authors: DiClemente
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D003625:Data Collection; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D005260:Female; D005845:Georgia; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept; D012736:Sex Education; D012737:Sex Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D012923:Social Class; D055815:Young Adult