Risk assessment for human immunodeficiency virus among pregnant Hispanic adolescents
Berger, D.K.; Rivera, M.; Perez, G.; Fierman, A.
Adolescence 28(111): 597-607
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-8449 PMID: 8237546 Document Number: 332364
Blacks and Hispanics have disproportionately higher rates of AIDS than do Whites, and they have the highest rates of heterosexually acquired AIDS. Inner-city teens' high-risk behaviors particularly predispose them to the risk of HIV infection. This paper presents findings from an assessment of HIV risk status of 87 pregnant Hispanic adolescents presenting for prenatal care at an inner-city municipal outpatient clinic in New York city. Participants were aged 13-19 years, of mean age 17.3 years, and evaluated and interviewed from May 1989 through November 1990. Their sexual partners were of average age 20.9 years. 57 (66%) reported never having used any form of contraception; only 3 of the remaining 30 girls used condoms. Only 29 of the 87 girls (33%) were, however, deemed to be at increased risk of HIV infection. It should be noted that lack of some respondent knowledge on partners' past substance use and sex history may result in the overall level of risk being understated. Nobody reported symptoms suggestive of AIDS, had had a transfusion, or reported use of IV drugs or crack cocaine. Sexual risk-taking behavior was the most common factor increasing HIV risk in the sample. 16 girls were at increased risk exclusively due to the presence of sexually transmitted diseases (STD), while 7 others reported an STD with at least one other risk factor. Further, 86% reported risk-taking substance use by themselves or partners, but only 4 were at increased risk due exclusively to this factor. Birthplace and nationality interacted to be significantly associated with the risk of HIV infection. Non-Puerto Rican Hispanics born in the US were more likely to be at increased risk for HIV than were those born in their native land. It is stressed in closing that while none of the girls had previously thought of themselves as being at increased risk for infection, and the majority at increased risk of infection declined referral for further counseling or testing, pregnant Hispanic adolescents should nonetheless be assessed for HIV risk and receive risk reduction counseling as part of their general health care.