The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #64762

Roy F. Oman, PhD¹, Sara K. Vesely, PhD², Cheryl Aspy, PhD³, Kenneth R. McLeroy, PhD⁴, and Christi Luby¹. (1) Department of Health Promotion Sciences, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, P.O. Box 26901, Rm. 369, Oklahoma City, OK 73190, 405-271-2017 x46752, Roy-Oman@ouhsc.edu, (2) Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, PO Box 26901, CHB, Room 309, Oklahoma City, OK 73190, (3) Department of Family & Preventive Medicine, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, 900 NE 10th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, (4) School of Rural Public Health, 3000 Briarcrest Drive, Suite 310, Bryan, TX 77802

Youth development research typically investigates the association between just one asset (e.g., constructive use of time, role models, or communication skills) and one risk behavior. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible cumulative effects that youth assets (up to nine) may have on youth sexual behavior. Data were collected from inner-city youth and their parents using in-home, in-person interviews (N=1,350 youth/parent paired interviews). Logistic regression analyses were conducted, including only youth who were sexually active, and controlling several demographic variables, with the number of youth assets as a potential predictor variable and two outcome variables: 1) delaying first sexual intercourse until at least 17 years of age (n=126); and 2) contraceptive use (n=356). For delaying first sexual intercourse: The OR (odds ratio) for number of assets (ranging from 0 to 9) was 1.47 (95% CI 1.07-2.03), indicating the odds of delaying first sexual intercourse until at least 17 years of age was 1.47 times higher compared to youth with one less asset. For contraceptive use: The OR for number of assets (ranging from 0 to 9) was 1.18 (95% CI 1.04-1.34), indicating the odds of contraceptive use was 1.18 times higher compared to youth with one less asset. The results support the notion that the more assets youth possess the more likely they are to engage in positive behavior. Teen pregnancy prevention programs that promote multiple assets may be most effective in delaying first sexual intercourse and in increasing contraceptive use for those who are sexually active.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the positive relationship between the presence of multiple youth assets and positive youth behavior.
• Develop informed programming to delay first sexual activity and to promote contraceptive use for those who are sexually active.

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Sexual Behavior

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.