Sexual attitudes and behaviors among adolescents

J Prev Interv Community. 2011;39(4):277-88. doi: 10.1080/10852352.2011.606399.

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to examine the self-reported sexual attitudes and behaviors of adolescents living in the Midwest. A survey was administered to 463 African American youths ages 11-19. The results indicate that intent to have sexual intercourse, reported likelihood toward having sexual intercourse, and whether participants felt that they would have sex in the next 3 months were predictors of whether they had sexual intercourse at the 3-month follow-up. The results also revealed that the opinions of referent others did not predict sexual intercourse at 3 months. Negative attitudes toward condoms did predict condom use at 3 months and the opinions of referent others also predicted condom use at 3 months. Limitations as well as future research are also discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior*
  • Adolescent Development
  • Black or African American / statistics & numerical data*
  • Child
  • Condoms / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control*
  • HIV Infections / psychology
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Male
  • Psychological Theory
  • Psychometrics
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Self Report
  • Sexual Behavior*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States
  • Young Adult