Ralph J. DiClemente|Gina M. Wingood|Richard A. Crosby|Catlainn Sionéan|Larry K. Brown|Barbara O. Rothbaum|Elana Zimand|Brenda K. Cobb|Kathy Harrington|Susan L. Davies
A Prospective Study of Psychological Distress and Sexual Risk Behavior Among Black Adolescent Females
Emory University|Emory University|Emory University|Emory University|Brown University|Providence College|Emory University|Emory University|Emory University|University of Alabama|University of Alabama
purpose study examine association adolescents psychological distress sexually transmitted diseasehuman immunodeficiency virus stdhivassociated sexual behaviors attitudessexually active black adolescent females n 522 completed baseline 6 months later selfadministered questionnaire assessed sexual health attitudes emotional distress symptoms using standardized measures alpha 84 structured interview assessed stdhivassociated sexual risk behaviors urine screen pregnancyin multivariate analyses controlling observed covariates adolescents significant distress baseline likely peers 6 months pregnant adjusted odds ratio aor 20 unprotected vaginal sex aor 21 nonmonogamous sex partners aor 17 use form contraception aor 15 additionally also likely perceive barriers condom use aor 22 fearful adverse consequences negotiating condom use aor 20 perceive less control relationship aor 20 experienced dating violence aor 24 feel less efficacious negotiating condom use new sex partner aor 16 norms nonsupportive healthy sexual relationship aor 17the findings suggest psychological distress predictive 6month period spectrum stdhivassociated sexual behaviors highrisk attitudes brief screening detect distress depressive symptoms among adolescent females alert clinician need conduct sexual health history initiate stdhivpreventive counseling refer comprehensive psychological assessment appropriate treatment among adolescents receiving std treatment even moderate emotional distress may heightened risk unhealthy outcomes stdhiv interventions also consider psychological distress one potential risk factor may impact program efficacy