Sexual Behavior and Perceived Peer Norms: Comparing Perinatally HIV-Infected and HIV-Affected Youth

• NCJ Number: 227989
• Journal: Journal of Youth and Adolescence Volume: 38 Issue: 8 Dated: September 2009 Pages: 1110-1122
• Author(s): Jose A. Bauermeister; Katherine Elkington; Elizabeth Brackis-Cott; Curtis Dolezal; Claude Ann Mellins
• Date Published: September 2009
• Length: 13 pages
• Grant Number(s): T32 MH19139; R01-MH069133; P30 MH43520
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Mental Health
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study explored the prevalence of sexual behaviors in a sample of predominantly ethnic minority youths perinatally exposed to HIV (PHIV), testing the association between sexual behavior and HIV status.

Abstract

Findings suggest that PHIV youth were less likely to be sexually active. Peer norms exert an important influence on prenatally infected and perinatally exposed youths' sexual behaviors; the role of peer norms was more salient for girls than boys. Youths who reported that a greater number of their peers believed that sexually-active boys were popular and were more likely to report engaging in any sexual behavior, even after accounting for HIV status and sociodemographic characteristics. Gender moderated this relationship, with girls more likely to report engaging in oral sex based upon peer approval. The study found that the sample of PHIV may avoid penetrative sexual activity through delaying sexual onset or by engaging in more touching behavior as harm reduction strategies. Data was collected from the baseline interview of a longitudinal study on risk and resilience with PHIV youth, Project CASAH. Using logistic regression, the study tested the association between sexual behavior and HIV status, demographic characteristics, and peer influence regarding sexual behavior. Tables, figures, and references