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Early Sexual Initiation among Urban African American Male Middle School Youth in Baltimore City.

Year: 2010

Type: article

Abstract: Data regarding the etiology of problem-based child and adolescent outcomes indicates neighborhood socioeconomic status, land use mix, traffic danger, availability of drugs and alcohol and collective socialization are factors that influence or confound behavior among youth in urban areas. With socio-ecological models in mind, this study examined associations between early sexual initiation and neighborhood condition, externalizing behavior, drug use and perceived peer acceptance of drug use. One hundred and fifteen African American male adolescents (ages 11 to 15) enrolled in a randomized control trial provided the data for analysis. Logistic regression models showed older age, perceived peer acceptance of drug use and externalizing behavior were predictors of early sex initiation. Although physical and social hazards as well as resource depletion in urban centers creates increased risk for poor health and social outcomes among adolescents, no neighborhood effects were found in this study. Interventions to delay sexual initiation among urban African American male adolescents may benefit from focus on both socially, and ecologically, relevant influences.

Source: PubMed

Authors: Damiya E Whitaker, Carolyn D Furr-Holden, Leah Floyd, Pritika Chatterjee, William W Latimer

Institution: Johns Hopkins University

Language: English

Topic: Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institute on Drug Abuse

Awards: NEUROLOGICAL INFLUENCES ON DRUG PREVENTION INTERVENTION, Environmental Strategies for Violence and AOD Prevention, NIDA Epidemiology Training Program