Richard A. Crosby|Ralph J. DiClemente|Gina M. Wingood|Catlainn Sionéan|Brenda K. Cobb|Kathy Harrington
Correlates of Unprotected Vaginal Sex Among African American Female Adolescents
Emory University|Emory University|Emory University|Emory University|University of Alabama at Birmingham
h3objectiveh3 determine associations frequency unprotected vaginal sex uvs female adolescents perceptions particularly perceptions relationship dynamics h3designh3 crosssectional study 522 african american female adolescents enrolled sexually transmitted disease std human immunodeficiency virus prevention intervention trial h3setting participantsh3 volunteer sample adolescents recruited neighborhoods characterized high rates unemployment substance abuse violence stds 28 tested positive stds assessed dna amplification culture h3main outcome measureh3 frequency uvs assessed interview using 6month recall period h3resultsh3 among adolescents steady relationships spending time boyfriends longer relationships reported significantly greater frequency uvs significant correlates included perception girlfriends using condoms history stds stronger normative beliefs favoring male decision making relationships greater pregnancy worry greater perceived invulnerability stds adolescents reporting casual relationships personal barriers condom use history stds reporting boyfriends typically decide sex associated frequent uvs h3conclusionsh3 adolescents perceptions particularly perceptions relationship dynamics played integral role explaining female adolescents frequency uvs steady casual partners female adolescents steady relationships differ casual relationships relative prevention needs findings implications clinic communitybased std human immunodeficiency virus prevention programs