Making sexuality education and prevention programs relevant for African-American youth
Pittman, K.J.; Wilson, P.M.; Adams-Taylor, S.; Randolph, S.
Journal of School Health 62(7): 339-344
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-4391 PMID: 1434563 DOI: 10.1111/j.1746-1561.1992.tb01253.xDocument Number: 323961
By the year 2030, 18% of all American youths will be of African-American descent. Statistics indicate that young black women are more likely to be sexually active and twice as likely as while women to become pregnant. Young black males tend to have sex earlier, with more partners, and are less likely to contracept at first intercourse. Younger teens are at particular risk; Blacks constitute 52% of youths under age 14 with AIDS. Available statistics disaggregated by ethnic group are, however, suspect due to the confounding relationship between socioeconomic status and ethnicity; early sexual intercourse, early parenthood, and infection with sexually transmitted diseases are more common among those of lower socioeconomic status. Black youths are, overall, disproportionately poor with few life options to encourage them to protect against pregnancy. Early childbearing therefore has few perceived costs to counterbalance perceived benefits. Working under these assumptions, program planners must reassess the extent to which their programs are appropriate and effective. Broadly speaking, programs should not simply promote abstinence, but should also offer risk reduction strategies to youths who will be sexually active. This paper reviews culturally based differences in decision making, then describes attitudes and cultural values related to identify and self-image, gender role socialization, contraception, marriage and parenthood, homosexuality, and HIV/AIDS. Recommendations and strategies are also provided on how to make sexuality education and pregnancy prevention programs relevant to black youths.