Abstract

Neighborhood context may influence youth sexual decision-making. We examined the association between neighborhood characteristics and condom use in a sample of African American youth followed across the high school years (N = 681; 51% female). Using a three-level hierarchical linear model, we modeled inconsistent condom use over time and then examined its association with youth's sexual risk trajectories (sexual intercourse frequency, number of partners, and pregnancy concerns) and individual-level characteristics (sex, age, SES, and household composition), and neighborhood disadvantage. While sexual intercourse frequency was associated with inconsistent condom use over time, youth reporting greater pregnancy concerns and number of partners reported more consistent condom use over time. Females were more likely to report more inconsistent condom use over time. Neighborhood disadvantage characteristics were associated with less baseline condom use, but did not have an association with changes in youth's condom use over the high school years. We discuss the implications for community-based HIV/AIDS prevention for youth.