HIV risk-related attitudes, interpersonal influences, and intentions among at-risk urban, early adolescent girls
Di Noia, J.; Schinke, S.P.
American Journal of Health Behavior 32(5): 497-507
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 1087-3244 PMID: 18241134 Document Number: 198700
To examine correlates of sexual experimentation and risk among urban, early adolescent girls (N=236, 12.38+/-1.2 years). Measures of HIV risk-related attitudes, interpersonal influences, and intentions were compared based on girls' degree of sexual experimentation and risk. Girls in high sexual experimentation and risk groups scored highest on deviant peer norms; endorsements of risky behaviors; and inability to refuse unprotected sex, offset negative partner influences, avoid intercourse, and assert sexual desires. Greater experimentation occurred among girls with older versus same-age or younger partners. Risk correlates should be considered in designing HIV prevention programs.