title: Cross-cultural differences and sexual risk behavior of emerging adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The authors examined population-specific risk factors that increase emerging adults' risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including the human papillomavirus (HPV).
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional sample of 335 diverse, emerging adults ages 18 to 24 years was recruited from a health center at a large university in the Southeastern United States. The mean age was 20.6 ± 1.9 years, majority were females (74.0%), and 61.0% were Hispanic.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Findings revealed inconsistent condom use, reasons for not using condoms, and a need for more culturally specific intervention strategies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Healthcare providers should identify culturally specific reasons for inconsistent condom use, examine cultural and geographic differences in sexual risk behaviors among groups and communities, and modify communication, educational programs, and interventions accordingly.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  By adopting a multicultural approach to the control of STIs, nurses can address specific cultural attitudes and behaviors that may influence exposure to STIs, including HPV.
authors.affiliation: Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA tami.thomas@emory.edu.
authors.forename: Tami L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.affiliation: Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.
authors.forename: Hossein N
authors.initials: HN
authors.lastname: Yarandi
authors.affiliation: Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
authors.forename: Safiya George
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Dalmida
authors.affiliation: Miami Dade College, Miami, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Frados
authors.affiliation: Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Klienert
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D018864:Cultural Diversity; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control; D015144:Southeastern United States; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: emerging adults/young adults; human papillomavirus; multicultural; nursing interventions; sexually transmitted infections; students