A cross-national study to compare the knowledge, attitudes, perceptions of sexually transmitted diseases and the sexual risk behaviors of Latino adolescents.
BACKGROUND
Adolescents are at high risk of acquiring sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). However, little is known about differences in knowledge and risk behaviors across nationalities. The objective of this study was to assess and compare the knowledge and perceptions of STDs and the sexual risk behaviors in Latino adolescents in the United States (US) and the Dominican Republic (DR).


METHODS
A survey was administered to 364 high school students after obtaining parental consent. The questionnaire asked about demographics, sources of STD information, risk behaviors, and knowledge of syphilis, gonorrhea, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Mean percentage scores were calculated to compare correct responses by nationality, gender, and sexual activity. Predictors of self-reported high risk sexual behavior were identified by multivariable logistic regression analysis.


RESULTS
In all, 242 (66%) US and 122 (34%) DR students were interviewed. Of these, 52% were males. Median age was 15 years (range, 13-18). Sexual activity was reported by 40% of the participants and did not differ by gender (p=0.43) or national origin (p=0.53), although it was greater for adolescents older than 15 years of age (60% vs. 35%, p<0.001). US students identified abstinence as an effective STD prevention method more often than their counterparts (p=<0.001). Knowledge of specific STDs was higher in girls (p=0.002) and Dominicans (p=0.003). Predictors of high risk behavior were male gender (OR<uni-003D;2.50, 95% CI 1.35-4.63) and being sexually active (OR<uni-003D;3.09, 95% CI 1.71-5.59).


CONCLUSIONS
Sexual activity at an early age was prevalent, and knowledge of STDs low in these two groups of high school students. Males and sexually active individuals were more likely to engage in high risk behaviors. Girls and Dominican students exhibited greater knowledge of specific STDs.
Maximo O
MO
Brito
Melinda
M
Davis
Anindita
A
Chakrabarti
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004293:Dominican Republic / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology