Background: The practice of communicating with sex partners about the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy may be important health protective behavior for adolescent females. Objective: This study of 522 African-American adolescent females, ages 14-18, investigated associations between condom use and infrequently communicating with sex partners about STD and pregnancy prevention. Correlates of infrequent communication were also identified. Methods: Sexually active females were recruited from schools and adolescent medicine clinics in low-income neighborhoods of Birmingham, Alabama. Adolescents completed a self-administered survey and face-to-face interview. Communication frequency was assessed using a 5-item scale (a=.80). Results: Infrequent communication was significantly associated with lower odds of condom use during the most recent and the five most recent sexual episodes. A multivariate model identified several correlates of infrequent communication: less frequent communication with parents about STD/pregnancy prevention, recent sex with a non-steady partner, low perceived ability to negotiate condom use and fear of this negotiation, and low motivation to use condoms. Discussion: Given the importance of partner communication in promoting the adoption and maintenance of safer sex behaviors, STD and pregnancy prevention programs may benefit adolescent females by addressing the identified psychosocial correlates of infrequent communication with their partners.
Learning Objectives: Session participants will be able to identify and describe the importance of the observed correlates of infrequent communication with sex partners about STD and pregnancy prevention.
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Communication
Awards: - Honorable MentionPresenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: none
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.