title: Conceptualization of sexual partner relationship steadiness among ethnic minority adolescent women: implications for evidence-based behavioral sexual risk reduction interventions.
abstract: Cognitive behavioral interventions for sexual risk reduction have been less successful among ethnic minority adolescent women with histories of abuse and sexually transmitted infections (STI) than among other adolescent populations. African American and Mexican American adolescent women (ages 14-18 years, n = 548) self-reported sexual partner relationship steadiness and sexual risk behaviors via semi-structured interviews at study entry. Descriptive and bivariate analyses compared sexual risk behaviors by sexual partner relationship steadiness. Steady and unsteady relationships were conceptualized differently. Steady relationships included emotional or financial support, sexual communication, greater relationship importance, unintended pregnancy, and perceived monogamy during break-ups. Unsteady relationships were unpredictable, including sex with ex-steady partners and friends with benefits, lack of mutual respect, and poor sexual communication. Modification of sexual risk reduction interventions including conceptualizations of risk by context of sexual partner relationship status is recommended to enhance efficacy among minority adolescent women with STI or history of abuse.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Jane Dimmitt
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Champion
authors.forename: Jennifer L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Collins
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D017058:Mexican Americans / Q000523:psychology*; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000523:psychology; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012309:Risk-Taking; D057566:Self Report; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires