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Versloot-Swildens MC, de Graaf H, Twisk JWR, Popma A, Nauta-Jansen LMC. Effectiveness of a Comprehensive School-Based Sex Education Program for Young Adolescents in the Netherlands. J Youth Adolesc 2024; 53:998-1014. [PMID: 38055133 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-023-01903-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Most sexual education programs traditionally focused on providing sexual information regarding the risks of sex. However, current studies on sexual behavior in youth show a need for truly comprehensive sex education approaches with a sex-positive focus on sexuality, that effectively improve sexual competence. Therefore, in the current study the effectiveness of "Love is…", a four lesson school-based program based on the Sexual Interactional Competence model and Attitude-Social-Influence-Self-Efficacy-model was studied. A cluster-randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of "Love is…" was conducted in 2018-2020. The sample consisted of 1160 adolescents in grades 8 and 9 from nine schools in the Netherlands. The sample was 48% female, 34% Dutch/Caucasian, 41% none-religious and 50% higher educated. They were randomized at class level into a program group [n = 32 classes; 567 students (Mage = 13.74 (SD = 0.74))] and a control group [n = 31 classes; 593 students (Mage = 13.86 (SD = 0.73))]. Results showed that "Love is…" increased sexual knowledge, that adolescents in the program group showed less cyber victim blaming attitudes and increased in communications skills after the program. In conclusion, the current study shows that "Love is…" was effective not only on the knowledge level, but also regarding sexual attitudes and competences. However, due to the developmental process of sexuality, there is a necessity to continue lessons in following grades through booster sessions by reinforcing competences as communicating comfortably about sexuality.On 12 November 2019 the study design and hypotheses were registered in the Dutch Trial Registration, number NL8150. ( https://onderzoekmetmensen.nl/nl/trial/26676 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Versloot-Swildens
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - H de Graaf
- Rutgers, Dutch Centre of Expertise on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - J W R Twisk
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - A Popma
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - L M C Nauta-Jansen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Mousavi ZS, Janighorban M, Noroozi M. Development, implementation, and evaluation of the effectiveness of an intervention program to improve the sexual competence of young adult women about to get married: a protocol study. Reprod Health 2024; 21:24. [PMID: 38365733 PMCID: PMC10874025 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-024-01754-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Having competence in initiating sexual interactions is one of the challenges of sexual health in any society. Given that the social, cultural, and religious background of some societies can prevent the acquisition of sexual competence in young women, this study will be done to design, implement, and determine the effectiveness of an intervention program to improve the sexual competence of young women on the eve of marriage. METHODS The current research is a mixed-method study in a qualitative-quantitative sequence. In the first phase, a qualitative study will be conducted to explore the needs of sexual competence in young adult women about to get married and ways to improve it. Then, after the literature review and combining it with the results of the qualitative study, a draft of the intervention program will be developed. After reviewing the content of the program and validating it in the panel of experts, the final program will be developed. In the second phase, the effect of the program to promote the sexual competence of adult women about to get married will be determined in a quantitative study with a two-group quasi-experimental method. DISCUSSION Providing a comprehensive and practical intervention program to promote sexual competence based on cultural, social, and religious background can help to improve the quality of sexual interactions of young women about to get married, reduce harm caused by lack of sexual competence, and ensure women's sexual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Sadat Mousavi
- Sexual and Reproductive Health, Student Research Committee, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mojgan Janighorban
- Reproductive Sciences and Sexual Health Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Mahnaz Noroozi
- Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Ahmmed F, Chowdhury MS, Helal SM. Sexual and reproductive health experiences of adolescent girls and women in marginalised communities in Bangladesh. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2022; 24:1035-1048. [PMID: 33941046 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2021.1909749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Participatory research was conducted with adolescent girls and women in three isolated rural communities of Bangladesh to assess their perspectives and the role of social and gender norms on the construction of knowledge regarding menstruation, pregnancy and abortion. Norms of privacy and silence, local beliefs and a culture of shame held that the human body is 'natural' and does not require formal sexual and reproductive health care. Instead, participants sought out traditional healers and used herbal plants as natural remedies. Participants reported being restricted in performing religious activities, cooking and food consumption during menstruation. Because sanitary protection was expensive, women used old cloths to soak up menstrual blood and used them repeatedly without washing with soap or drying in the open air, due to shame and the fear of evil spirits. The local incidence of child marriage was high, which also limited women's agency and voice. Contraceptive use was irregular and inappropriate; none of participants or their husbands used contraceptives, resulting in unwanted pregnancy often followed by unsafe abortion. Programmes and interventions are needed that engage with women's experiences within the sociocultural context of studied communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Ahmmed
- Department of Social Work, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh
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Bauman LJ, Watnick D, Silver EJ, Rivera A, Sclafane JH, Rodgers CRR, Leu CS. Reducing HIV/STI Risk Among Adolescents Aged 12 to 14 Years: a Randomized Controlled Trial of Project Prepared. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2021; 22:1023-1035. [PMID: 33606173 PMCID: PMC8541978 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-021-01203-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Despite calls for evidence-based HIV/STI prevention programs for youth aged 12 to 14 transitioning to adolescence, few effective programs exist. In a two-group intent-to-treat randomized trial in the Bronx, NY, 397 participants were randomly assigned to Project Prepared or an attention control, TEEN. Participants completed surveys at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Prepared had two components, an 11-session program and a 3-week internship. Content covered sexual risk behavior, social cognitions, gender norms, relationships, and resilience. TEEN built communication skills and had the same intensity and structure as Prepared but no sexual content. In both, boys and girls were trained together in mixed groups of ~ 11 teens. Primary outcomes were HIV knowledge, self-efficacy, condom outcome expectancy, and behavioral intentions. Secondary outcomes were relationship expectations and endorsement of risky gender norms. Generalized estimating equation analyses showed youth randomized to Prepared had significant improvements compared to TEEN at T2 in HIV knowledge, sexual self-efficacy, and outcome expectancy for condom use. At T3, there were significant differences favoring Prepared in outcome expectancy for condom use, sexual self-efficacy, and intention for partner communication about HIV/AIDS or STIs. Analyses by gender showed program effects in both boys (intention to talk to a partner about condom use, abstinence self-efficacy, sexual self-efficacy, and condom outcome expectancy) and girls (gender norms, and abstinence outcome expectancy). Prepared effectively reduced risk in young adolescents. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT01880450, Protocol ID: 2008-551.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie J Bauman
- Preventive Intervention Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue VE6B25, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA.
| | - Dana Watnick
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | | | - Angelic Rivera
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | | | - Caryn R R Rodgers
- Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Cheng-Shiun Leu
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
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Catalano RF, J. David H, Kosterman R, Bailey JA, Oesterle S, Cambron C, Farrington DP. Applying the Social Development Model in Middle Childhood to Promote Healthy Development: Effects From Primary School Through the 30s and Across Generations. JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL AND LIFE-COURSE CRIMINOLOGY 2021; 7:66-86. [PMID: 34150470 PMCID: PMC8210839 DOI: 10.1007/s40865-020-00152-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This paper describes the origins and application of a theory, the social development model (SDM), that seeks to explain causal processes that lead to the development of prosocial and problem behaviors. The SDM was used to guide the development of a multicomponent intervention in middle childhood called Raising Healthy Children (RHC) that seeks to promote prosocial development and prevent problem behaviors. This paper reviews and integrates the tests of the SDM and the impact of RHC. While the original results of both model and intervention tests have been published elsewhere, this paper provides a comprehensive review of these tests. As such this integrative paper provides one of the few examples of the power of theory-driven developmental preventive intervention to understand impact across generations and the power of embedding controlled tests of preventive intervention within longitudinal studies to understand causal mechanisms. METHODS Application of the SDM in the RHC intervention was tested in a quasi-experimental trial nested in the Seattle Social Development Project (SSDP). SSDP is a longitudinal study of 808 students who attended 18 public schools in Seattle, WA, and whose parents consented for their participation in longitudinal research when they were in Grade 5 (77% of the eligible population in participating schools). Students assented at each survey administration and consented to longitudinal follow-up when they turned 18. Panel subjects were followed and surveyed 15 times from Grade 5 through age 39, with most completion rates above 90%. RESULTS We describe effects of the full multicomponent RHC intervention delivered in Grades 1 through 6 by comparing outcomes of those children assigned to the full RHC intervention condition to controls from middle childhood through age 39. We also report the effects of the full RHC intervention on the firstborn children of participants compared with the firstborn children of controls. CONCLUSIONS We discuss use of the theory to guide development and testing of preventive interventions and the utility of nesting intervention tests within longitudinal studies for testing both theory and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard F. Catalano
- Social Development Research Group, School of Social Work, University of Washington. 9725 3rd Ave. NE, Suite 401, Seattle, WA 98115, USA
| | - Hawkins J. David
- Social Development Research Group, School of Social Work, University of Washington. 9725 3rd Ave. NE, Suite 401, Seattle, WA 98115, USA
| | - Rick Kosterman
- Social Development Research Group, School of Social Work, University of Washington. 9725 3rd Ave. NE, Suite 401, Seattle, WA 98115, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Bailey
- Social Development Research Group, School of Social Work, University of Washington. 9725 3rd Ave. NE, Suite 401, Seattle, WA 98115, USA
| | - Sabrina Oesterle
- Southwest Interdisciplinary Research Center, School of Social Work, Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions, Arizona State University, 201 North Central Avenue, 33rd Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
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Messer LC, Halladay C, Hofert G, Sheppard BK. Youth Assets and Associations With Adolescent Risk Taking. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2021; 91:37-49. [PMID: 33184837 DOI: 10.1111/josh.12973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Positive youth development emphasizes that adaptive features of adolescence may contribute to teenage pregnancy prevention. METHODS Using data from approximately 1300 seventh-ninth graders, we describe positive youth development assets (external and internal) and their association with sexual risk taking. School-, sex-, and race/ethnicity-stratified logistic or linear models assessed associations between developmental assets and 6 outcomes (continuous attitudes about teenage sex and marriage, abstinence intentions, and nonsexual risk-taking behavior; dichotomous high risk-dating behavior, friends' sexual activity, and prior sexual activity). RESULTS Associations between developmental assets and youth sexual behavior differed by school, sex, and race/ethnicity. White female respondents showed the most consistent associations between higher amounts of each of the positive youth development assets and attitudes and behaviors conducive to delaying sexual activity while black youth showed the fewest associations. CONCLUSION These results contribute to the positive youth development literature by identifying that relationships between assets and adolescent risk differs by race and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynne C Messer
- OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, 505 SW Mill Street, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Corrie Halladay
- Oregon Health & Science University, 5525 SE Milwaukie Avenue, Portland, OR, 97202, USA
| | - Gina Hofert
- TRAIL Project, 10215 Scotsway Drive, Huntersville, NC, 28078, USA
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Peterson AJ, Donze M, Allen E, Bonell C. Effects of Interventions Addressing School Environments or Educational Assets on Adolescent Sexual Health: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. PERSPECTIVES ON SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2019; 51:91-107. [PMID: 31108026 DOI: 10.1363/psrh.12102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT School-based interventions that aim to modify sexual health knowledge, attitudes and behaviors have mixed and often unsustained effects on adolescent sexual health outcomes. However, observational evidence suggests that broader school-related factors, such as school climate and academic attainment, can influence outcomes. METHODS Nine databases were searched in July 2017 for randomized and quasi-experimental evaluations of interventions addressing school-level environment or student-level educational assets, to examine whether such interventions can promote young people's sexual health. Searches were limited to studies published since 1990 but were not restricted by language. Studies were assessed for risk of bias and synthesized narratively and meta-analytically. RESULTS Searches yielded 11 evaluations, published from 1999 to 2016, of interventions related to school-level environment or student-level educational assets. Because of inconsistent reporting, the risk of bias was not clear for most studies, and meta-analysis was possible for only one outcome. The meta-analysis of three randomized trials provided some evidence that school-environment interventions may delay sexual debut (pooled odds ratio, 0.5). Narrative synthesis of the remaining outcomes found mixed results, but suggests that interventions addressing school-level environment may delay sexual debut and that those addressing student-level educational assets may reduce risk of pregnancy and STDs. CONCLUSIONS Additional and more rigorous evidence is needed to assess the probability that interventions addressing school-related factors are effective and to provide better understanding of the mechanisms by which they may work to improve adolescent sexual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy J Peterson
- Program Manager, ETR, Scotts Valley, CA
- Doctoral Degree Candidate, Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London
| | - Melissa Donze
- City Research Scientist, Division of Epidemiology, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York
| | - Elizabeth Allen
- Professor, Department of Medical Statistics, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London
| | - Chris Bonell
- Professor, Department of Public Health Sociology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London
- Head, Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London
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Leung H, Lin L. Adolescent Sexual Risk Behavior in Hong Kong: Prevalence, Protective Factors, and Sex Education Programs. J Adolesc Health 2019; 64:S52-S58. [PMID: 31122550 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Although Hong Kong is considered to be a relatively westernized Chinese society, sex remains to be a subject that is rarely discussed openly. This article provided a brief overview on the prevalence of sexual behaviors and attitudes among adolescents in Hong Kong. Compared with the West, Hong Kong adolescents are less sexually active; however, increasing rates and more liberal sexual attitudes have been reported over the decades. These worrying trends have caused great concern and begged the question of occurrences and the effectiveness of sex education programs. Endeavor has been made to identify protective factors for reducing adolescent risky sexual behaviors and promoting sexual health from a strength-based perspective, such as the positive youth development (PYD) approach. However, to date, there is little synthesis of empirical evidence in the literature on the relations between PYD and adolescent sexual behaviors. We attempted to fill in this gap by outlining empirical evidence on the protective roles of PYD attributes in youth sexual outcomes. We reviewed local sex education programs and outlined several observations regarding foci, implementation, and evaluation. To conclude, we provided suggestions to inform practice in the future development and implementation of sex education programs to promote sexual health among youths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hildie Leung
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, PR China.
| | - Li Lin
- Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, PR China
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9
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Rosenberg M, Pettifor A, Duta M, Demeyere N, Wagner RG, Selin A, MacPhail C, Laeyendecker O, Hughes JP, Stein A, Tollman S, Kahn K. Executive function associated with sexual risk in young South African women: Findings from the HPTN 068 cohort. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0195217. [PMID: 29608615 PMCID: PMC5880379 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0195217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Heightened sexual risk in adolescence and young adulthood may be partially explained by deficits in executive functioning, the set of cognitive processes used to make reasoned decisions. However, the association between executive function and sexual risk is understudied among adolescent girls and young women, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. METHODS In a cohort of 853 young women age 18-25 in rural Mpumalanga province, South Africa, we evaluated executive function with three non-verbal cognitive tests: I. a rule-finding test, II. a trail-making test, and III. a figure drawing test. Using log-binomial regression models, we estimated the association between lower executive function test scores and indicators of sexual risk (unprotected sex acts, concurrent partnerships, transactional sex, and recent HSV-2 infection). RESULTS In general, young women with lower executive function scores reported higher frequencies of sexual risk outcomes, though associations tended to be small with wide confidence intervals. Testing in the lowest quintile of Test I was associated with more unprotected sex [aPR (95% CI): 1.4 (1.0, 1.8)]. Testing in the lowest quintile of Test II was associated with more concurrent relationships and transactional sex [aPR (95% CI): 1.6 (1.1, 2.5) and 1.7 (1.3, 2.4), respectively], and testing in the lowest four quintiles of Test III was associated with more concurrent relationships [aPR (95% CI): 1.7 (1.0, 2.7)]. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate an association between low executive function and sexual risk in South African young women. Future work should seek to understand the nature of this association and whether there is promise in developing interventions to enhance executive function to reduce sexual risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Rosenberg
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, United States of America
| | - Audrey Pettifor
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Mihaela Duta
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nele Demeyere
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ryan G. Wagner
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana
- Umeå Centre for Global Health Research, Division of Epidemiology and Global Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Amanda Selin
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Catherine MacPhail
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
- Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Oliver Laeyendecker
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, NIAID, NIH, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - James P. Hughes
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Alan Stein
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Tollman
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana
- Umeå Centre for Global Health Research, Division of Epidemiology and Global Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Kathleen Kahn
- MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (Agincourt), School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
- INDEPTH Network, Accra, Ghana
- Umeå Centre for Global Health Research, Division of Epidemiology and Global Health, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Flanders CE, Ross LE, Dobinson C, Logie CH. Sexual health among young bisexual women: a qualitative, community-based study. PSYCHOLOGY & SEXUALITY 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/19419899.2017.1296486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Corey E. Flanders
- Department of Psychology and Education, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, USA
| | - Lori E. Ross
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cheryl Dobinson
- Director of Community Programming and Research, Planned Parenthood Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Carmen H. Logie
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Dudovitz RN, Chung PJ, Wong MD. Teachers and Coaches in Adolescent Social Networks Are Associated With Healthier Self-Concept and Decreased Substance Use. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2017; 87:12-20. [PMID: 27917487 PMCID: PMC5415305 DOI: 10.1111/josh.12462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor academic (eg, "I am a bad student") and behavioral (eg, "I am a troublemaker") self-concepts are strongly linked to adolescent substance use. Social networks likely influence self-concept. However, little is understood about the role teachers and athletic coaches play in shaping both academic and behavioral self-concepts. METHODS We analyzed cross-sectional surveys of 929 9th-12th grade low-income minority adolescents in Los Angeles assessing self-concept, social networks, and 30-day use of alcohol, marijuana and other drugs. We performed generalized estimating equations, accounting for clustering at the school level and controlling for family and peer influences and contextual factors. We also tested whether self-concept-mediated associations between relationships with teachers or coaches and 30-day substance use. RESULTS More perceived teacher support was associated with lower odds of marijuana and other drug use and better academic and behavioral self-concepts. Behavioral self-concept mediated the associations between teacher support and substance use. CONCLUSIONS By facilitating relationships with adults and improving teachers' capacity to build supportive environments, schools may positively shape how adolescents see themselves, which might help reduce adolescent substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca N Dudovitz
- Department of Pediatrics/Children's Discovery & Innovation Institute, University of California Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Ave., 12-358 CHS, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Paul J Chung
- Department of Pediatrics/Children's Discovery & Innovation Institute, Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, RAND, 10833 Le Conte Ave., 12-358 CHS, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Mitchell D Wong
- Department of Internal Medicine-General Internal Medicine & Health Services Research, University of California Los Angeles, 911 Broxton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024
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12
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Dodson NA, Corliss HL, Sarda V, Emans SJ, Field AE. Sense of Mission and Sexual Health Outcomes Among Young Adult Women. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2016; 29:567-570. [PMID: 28236423 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2015.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 01/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To examine the association between self-reported sense of mission and sexual health behaviors in a geographically diverse cohort of U.S. young adult females in the Growing Up Today Study (GUTS). DESIGN We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the 2007 wave of GUTS data from self-reported online or mailed surveys. Outcomes were early sex initiation and history of sexually transmitted infection (STI), which were analyzed as a binary outcome using logit link, and number of sex partners, which was analyzed as a continuous outcome. Models for number of sex partners and history of STIs were adjusted for age. PARTICIPANTS There were 5,624 young women aged 20 to 25 years who participate in GUTS and who answered the question on "sense of mission." MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Age at sexual initiation, history of STIs, and number of lifetime partners. RESULTS When asked whether they had a sense of mission in their life, 28.1% of women strongly agreed, 54.9% agreed, and 17% disagreed. Women with a low sense of mission had higher odds of reporting a history of STI (odds ratio 1.35, 95% confidence interval 1.08 to 1.70), and more lifetime sexual partners (β = .83, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Having a high sense of mission is associated with lower sexual risk in young women. Interventions to increase sense of mission among young women may improve sexual health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy A Dodson
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Heather L Corliss
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Science, San Diego State University Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Vishnudas Sarda
- Clinical Research Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S Jean Emans
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alison E Field
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Robinson WT, Seibold-Simpson SM, Crean HF, Spruille-White B. Randomized Trials of the Teen Outreach Program in Louisiana and Rochester, New York. Am J Public Health 2016; 106:S39-S44. [PMID: 27689491 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2016.303403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the Teen Outreach Program, a pregnancy prevention program, in 2 community-based settings. METHODS We evaluated the Teen Outreach Program, a 9-month positive youth development program, in 3 cohorts of youths from 2012 to 2015 in 2 states. In Louisiana, 7 agencies participated in an individualized randomized controlled trial, with youths randomly assigned to a treatment or control condition. Fourteen agencies in Rochester, New York, participated in a cluster randomized controlled trial. RESULTS We found no differences between the intervention and control youths on delay of sexual onset in Louisiana (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.62, 1.03) or in Rochester, New York (AOR = 0.89; 95% CI = 0.45, 1.77), or for sex with no effective means of birth control (Louisiana, AOR = 1.18; 95% CI = 0.78, 1.78; Rochester, AOR = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.13, 1.27) after controlling for relevant covariates. CONCLUSIONS We found no short-term effects for the offer of the intervention. Research might be needed for the long-term and intermediate impacts of youth development programs on these and other adolescent risk behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- William T Robinson
- William T. Robinson is with the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans School of Public Health, and the STD/HIV Program, Office of Public Health, Louisiana Department of Health, Baton Rouge. Susan M. Seibold-Simpson is with Binghamton University, State University of New York, Binghamton. Hugh F. Crean is with the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY. Briana Spruille-White is with the Office of Public Health, Louisiana Department of Health, Baton Rouge
| | - Susan M Seibold-Simpson
- William T. Robinson is with the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans School of Public Health, and the STD/HIV Program, Office of Public Health, Louisiana Department of Health, Baton Rouge. Susan M. Seibold-Simpson is with Binghamton University, State University of New York, Binghamton. Hugh F. Crean is with the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY. Briana Spruille-White is with the Office of Public Health, Louisiana Department of Health, Baton Rouge
| | - Hugh F Crean
- William T. Robinson is with the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans School of Public Health, and the STD/HIV Program, Office of Public Health, Louisiana Department of Health, Baton Rouge. Susan M. Seibold-Simpson is with Binghamton University, State University of New York, Binghamton. Hugh F. Crean is with the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY. Briana Spruille-White is with the Office of Public Health, Louisiana Department of Health, Baton Rouge
| | - Briana Spruille-White
- William T. Robinson is with the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans School of Public Health, and the STD/HIV Program, Office of Public Health, Louisiana Department of Health, Baton Rouge. Susan M. Seibold-Simpson is with Binghamton University, State University of New York, Binghamton. Hugh F. Crean is with the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY. Briana Spruille-White is with the Office of Public Health, Louisiana Department of Health, Baton Rouge
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Ghobadzadeh M, Sieving RE, Gloppen K. Positive Youth Development and Contraceptive Use Consistency. J Pediatr Health Care 2016; 30:308-16. [PMID: 26481270 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2015.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Revised: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Understanding protective factors associated with adolescent contraceptive use can guide strategies to prevent unprotected sex and its consequences. The current study investigated associations between a set of protective factors, specifically indicators of positive youth development, and consistency of contraceptive use. METHOD This cross-sectional study examined relationships between positive youth development indicators and consistency of contraceptive use among sexually active adolescent girls at elevated risk for pregnancy. Multivariate models assessed whether measures of individual attributes, social attachments, and social norms were associated with consistent condom and hormonal contraceptive use. RESULTS Adolescents with higher self-esteem and greater family connectedness reported more consistent hormonal contraceptive use. Two factors, stress management skills and perceived peer prosocial norms, were protective for consistent condom use. In contrast, steady partnership status was associated with less consistent condom use. DISCUSSION Findings suggest that interventions targeting protective factors may influence adolescents' contraceptive use, in addition to promoting their healthy development.
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Armstrong HL, Steiner RJ, Jayne PE, Beltran O. Individual-level protective factors for sexual health outcomes among sexual minority youth: a systematic review of the literature. Sex Health 2016; 13:SH15200. [PMID: 27306719 PMCID: PMC9125408 DOI: 10.1071/sh15200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Although factors associated with negative sexual health outcomes among sexual minority youth (SMY) have been well documented, protective factors have been less studied. This review summarises the current state of science on individual-level protective factors for SMY and identifies gaps to inform future research. A systematic search of non-intervention, empirical peer-reviewed research was conducted. Articles that examined an a priori-identified individual-level protective factor and at least one sexual health outcome in a sample or subsample of SMY aged 10-24 years in Western, industrialised countries were eligible for inclusion. A total of 21 articles that reported data from 13 unique studies met inclusion criteria. Only two studies described findings for young sexual minority women and thus the literature synthesis was limited to studies reporting on young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in the USA. A total of 11 individual-level protective factors were examined. Subjective peer norms and attitudes about condom use were repeatedly protective in cross-sectional analyses. Findings related to self-efficacy, self-esteem and clear and positive identity were more mixed. The findings of this review suggest that attitudes and subjective peer norms related to condom use are promising intervention targets for YMSM. There is a need, however, for longitudinal research to confirm these protective effects and to consider them among other SMY. Moreover, protective factors related to skills and competencies have been insufficiently studied among SMY. Addressing these gaps will help develop a robust body of evidence to inform interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Riley J. Steiner
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road MS E-75, Atlanta, GA 30329-4027, USA
| | - Paula E. Jayne
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road MS E-75, Atlanta, GA 30329-4027, USA
| | - Oscar Beltran
- CDC Foundation, 55 Park Place, Suite 400, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
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16
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Heron J, Low N, Lewis G, Macleod J, Ness A, Waylen A. Social factors associated with readiness for sexual activity in adolescents: a population-based cohort study. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2015; 44:669-678. [PMID: 23982565 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-013-0162-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2012] [Revised: 06/08/2013] [Accepted: 06/15/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Various factors are associated with sexual activity in adolescence and it is important to identify those that promote healthy and adaptive romantic and sexual development. The objectives of this study were to describe rates of early sexual intercourse (before 16 years) and sexual readiness in adolescence and to assess the extent to which these were social patterned. We prospectively studied nearly 5,000 15-year-olds from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, a UK birth cohort. Between 2006 and 2008, female and male participants answered a computer assisted interview about romantic and sexual behaviors in the last year. Predictors of sexual intercourse and readiness for sexual intercourse were examined across a range of sociodemographic measures. Overall, 17.7% (95% CI 16.7%, 18.9%) of participants reported having had sexual intercourse in the last year, with more girls than boys reporting sexual experience (risk ratio 1.30, 95% CI 1.15, 1.47). Of these, one-third of both male and female were classed as unready because they were unwilling, lacking in autonomy, felt regret or had not used contraception. There was strong evidence of social patterning for sexual activity with higher rates for young people from poorer homes, with lower social class, and with younger, less educated mothers. In contrast, among 860 young people who had had sexual intercourse, there was no clear evidence of associations between social factors and sexual readiness. The lack of social patterning in sexual readiness supports the provision of comprehensive education to develop life skills for adolescents across all social groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Heron
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2BN, UK,
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17
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Widman L, Noar SM, Choukas-Bradley S, Francis DB. Adolescent sexual health communication and condom use: a meta-analysis. Health Psychol 2014; 33:1113-24. [PMID: 25133828 DOI: 10.1037/hea0000112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Condom use is critical for the health of sexually active adolescents, and yet many adolescents fail to use condoms consistently. One interpersonal factor that may be key to condom use is sexual communication between sexual partners; however, the association between communication and condom use has varied considerably in prior studies of youth. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to synthesize the growing body of research linking adolescents' sexual communication to condom use, and to examine several moderators of this association. METHOD A total of 41 independent effect sizes from 34 studies with 15,046 adolescent participants (M(age) = 16.8, age range = 12-23) were meta-analyzed. RESULTS Results revealed a weighted mean effect size of the sexual communication-condom use relationship of r = .24, which was statistically heterogeneous (Q = 618.86, p < .001, I² = 93.54). Effect sizes did not differ significantly by gender, age, recruitment setting, country of study, or condom measurement timeframe; however, communication topic and communication format were statistically significant moderators (p < .001). Larger effect sizes were found for communication about condom use (r = .34) than communication about sexual history (r = .15) or general safer sex topics (r = .14). Effect sizes were also larger for communication behavior formats (r = .27) and self-efficacy formats (r = .28), than for fear/concern (r = .18), future intention (r = .15), or communication comfort (r = -.15) formats. CONCLUSIONS Results highlight the urgency of emphasizing communication skills, particularly about condom use, in HIV/STI prevention work for youth. Implications for the future study of sexual communication are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Widman
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina
| | - Seth M Noar
- School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of North Carolina
| | | | - Diane B Francis
- School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of North Carolina
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Perry RCW, Braun RA, Cantu M, Dudovitz RN, Sheoran B, Chung PJ. Associations among text messaging, academic performance, and sexual behaviors of adolescents. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2014; 84:33-39. [PMID: 24320150 DOI: 10.1111/josh.12115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2012] [Revised: 05/05/2013] [Accepted: 05/11/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Text messaging is an increasingly common mode of communication, especially among adolescents, and frequency of texting may be a measure of one's sociability. This study examined how text messaging ("texting") frequency and academic performance are associated with adolescent sexual behaviors. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was administered to students at a public charter high school in Los Angeles County, CA. Two hundred fifty-six high school students aged 14-20 years participated. Outcome measures were history of vaginal sex, condom use, and worries about pregnancy. The main predictors were text messaging frequency and self-reported academic performance. RESULTS In general, students with lower grades were more likely to have had vaginal sex. Greater texting frequency, however, was associated with vaginal sex only among students with higher grades. In addition, despite similar rates of condom use, sexually active students who both had good grades and texted frequently were more likely than others to have thought they or their partner might be pregnant. CONCLUSIONS The association between texting and sexual behaviors may vary based on adolescent's academic performance. Adolescent sexual health interventions may benefit from using a combination of sociability measures (such as texting frequency) and academic performance as risk predictors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond C W Perry
- Medical Director, , Los Angeles County Department of Health services, Juvenile Court Health Services,1925 Daly St., 1st floor, Los Angeles, CA 90031
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Khurana A, Romer D, Betancourt LM, Brodsky NL, Giannetta JM, Hurt H. Early adolescent sexual debut: the mediating role of working memory ability, sensation seeking, and impulsivity. Dev Psychol 2012; 48:1416-28. [PMID: 22369334 DOI: 10.1037/a0027491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Although deficits in working memory ability have been implicated in suboptimal decision making and risk taking among adolescents, its influence on early sexual initiation has so far not been examined. Analyzing 2 waves of panel data from a community sample of adolescents (N = 347; Mean age[baseline] = 13.4 years), assessed 1 year apart, the present study tested the hypothesis that weak working memory ability predicts early sexual initiation and explored whether this relationship is mediated by sensation seeking and 2 forms of impulsivity, namely acting-without-thinking and temporal discounting. The 2 forms of impulsivity were expected to be positively associated with early sexual initiation, whereas sensation seeking was hypothesized to be unrelated or to have a protective influence, due to its positive association with working memory. Results obtained from structural equation modeling procedures supported these predictions and in addition showed that the effects of 3 prominent risk factors (Black racial identity, low socioeconomic background, and early pubertal maturation) on early sexual initiation were entirely mediated by working memory and impulsivity. The findings are discussed in regard to their implications for preventing early sexual onset among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atika Khurana
- Annenberg Public Policy Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-3806, USA.
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20
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Hammen C, Brennan PA, Le Brocque R. Youth depression and early childrearing: stress generation and intergenerational transmission of depression. J Consult Clin Psychol 2012; 79:353-63. [PMID: 21517152 DOI: 10.1037/a0023536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Broadening the concept of stress generation beyond acute life events, the current study explores predictors of the creation of stressful environments-specifically, selection into early childrearing by age 20. It was predicted that youth with early onset depressive disorders would be at higher risk for early childrearing accompanied by greater depression and parenting maladjustment. Additional analyses tested hypotheses about the roles of interpersonal vulnerability and intergenerational transmission of depression and examined gender differences. METHOD A community sample of 706 adolescents and their mothers were studied at ages 15 and 20. The sample was originally selected to oversample families with depressed mothers. RESULTS Results confirmed the hypotheses for women but not men: Young women with depression by age 15 were at greater risk for interpersonal difficulties at age 15 and early childrearing, accompanied by further depression and parenting dysfunction at age 20. The effects of (grand)maternal depression were evident in predicting youth early onset depression and interpersonal difficulties, as well as higher rates of depression among their daughters who had children by age 20. CONCLUSIONS The study expands the definition of stress generation to include the role of past depression and other risk factors as predictors of selection into a stressful childrearing environment. The findings also describe aspects of the intergenerational transmission of depression. The results highlight potentially important targets for interventions in young women to prevent recurrence of major depression and parenting dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance Hammen
- Department of Psychology, University of California-Los Angeles, CA 90095-1563, USA.
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21
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Galinsky AM, Sonenstein FL. The association between developmental assets and sexual enjoyment among emerging adults. J Adolesc Health 2011; 48:610-5. [PMID: 21575822 PMCID: PMC3096843 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2010.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2010] [Revised: 09/15/2010] [Accepted: 09/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the associations between three key developmental assets and an aspect of sexual health, sexual enjoyment, which has rarely been studied in young adults, although its importance is stressed in all recent sexual health policy statements. METHODS Using data from wave III (2001-2002) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, and multiple logistic and ordered logistic regression, we explored the associations between sexual pleasure and autonomy, self-esteem, and empathy among 3,237 respondents aged 18-26 years in heterosexual relationships of ≥ 3-month duration. We also examined the distribution of sexual pleasure across various socio-demographic groups. RESULTS Compared with young women, young men reported more regular orgasms and more enjoyment of two kinds of partnered sexual behavior. Sexual enjoyment was not associated with age, race/ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. Among women, autonomy, self-esteem, and empathy co-varied positively with all three sexual enjoyment measures. Among men, all associations were in the same direction, but not all were statistically significant. CONCLUSION A substantial gender difference in enjoyment of partnered sexual behavior exists among emerging adults in the United States. This study is the first to use a representative population sample to find a relationship between developmental assets and a positive aspect of sexual health - sexual pleasure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adena M Galinsky
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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22
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Katz
- Prostate Centre of CancerCare in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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23
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Adolescent sexuality and positive well-being: a group-norms approach. J Youth Adolesc 2011; 40:931-44. [PMID: 21274608 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-011-9629-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2010] [Accepted: 01/17/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The link between adolescent sexual activity and psychological well-being is a controversial issue in developmental psychology. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between three aspects of teenage sexuality (genital sexual experience, age of sexual onset, and number of sex partners) and positive well-being (hedonic, eudaimonic, and overall) in a sample of 475 high school seniors (48% female; 89% White) from a single school district in a rural upstate New York community. Based on a group-norms perspective, we expected higher well-being in adolescents whose sexual behaviors followed group-normative patterns. As expected, sexually experienced and on-time (at age 16) students reported higher well-being than sexually inexperienced or late-onset (17 or older) students. Contrary to expectations, a high number of sex partners and an early sexual onset (15 or younger) were not related to lower well-being. Early-onset girls reported higher levels of well-being than normative-onset peers. Findings are discussed in relationship to theoretical perspectives and past empirical findings of teenage sexuality as a developmental asset versus risk.
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Reis M, Ramiro L, Matos MGD, Diniz JA. The effects of sex education in promoting sexual and reproductive health in Portuguese university students. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.sbspro.2011.11.266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Schwartz SJ, Phelps E, Lerner JV, Huang S, Brown CH, Lewin-Bizan S, Li Y, Lerner RM. Promotion as Prevention: Positive Youth Development as Protective against Tobacco, Alcohol, Illicit Drug, and Sex Initiation. APPLIED DEVELOPMENTAL SCIENCE 2010. [DOI: 10.1080/10888691.2010.516186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Gavin LE, Catalano RF, Markham CM. Positive youth development as a strategy to promote adolescent sexual and reproductive health. J Adolesc Health 2010; 46:S1-6. [PMID: 20172457 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2009.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2009] [Accepted: 12/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Gloppen KM, David-Ferdon C, Bates J. Confidence as a predictor of sexual and reproductive health outcomes for youth. J Adolesc Health 2010; 46:S42-58. [PMID: 20172459 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2009.11.216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2009] [Revised: 11/21/2009] [Accepted: 11/21/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To assess the association between four positive youth development (PYD) constructs of confidence and adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) outcomes. METHODS We searched nine online databases to locate behavioral research that examined the association between four constructs of confidence (belief in the future, self-determination, clear and positive identity, and self-efficacy) and ASRH outcomes (e.g., ever had sex, condom use, contraception use, number of partners, pregnancy/birth, and sexually transmitted infection). Findings were coded as "protective," "risk," or "no association." The presence of at least two longitudinal studies reporting consistent significant associations for at least one ASRH outcome indicated evidence for a protective or risk association. RESULTS We found evidence to support two of the four PYD constructs of confidence (belief in the future and self-determination) as protective factors for ASRH outcomes. Evidence was insufficient to draw conclusions about clear and positive identity as a protective factor, and was mixed for self-efficacy. Measures of confidence varied considerably across the studies reviewed, reflecting varying definitions; often, the measures used had limited information on reliability. Few longitudinal investigations were identified, and available studies were inconsistent in how they examined the association between the PYD constructs and ASRH outcomes. Evidence for most constructs was insufficient to identify their influence on specific sub-groups of youth. CONCLUSIONS Despite the need for additional research, this review suggests that belief in the future and self-determination are promising protective factors. Further research is needed to better understand the potential for self-efficacy and clear and positive identity as protective factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari M Gloppen
- Division of Adolescent and School Health, CDC, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA.
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House LD, Mueller T, Reininger B, Brown K, Markham CM. Character as a predictor of reproductive health outcomes for youth: a systematic review. J Adolesc Health 2010; 46:S59-74. [PMID: 20172460 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2009.11.218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2009] [Revised: 11/25/2009] [Accepted: 11/26/2009] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
To review research examining the influence of character on adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH). We defined character as comprising two positive youth development constructs: prosocial norms and spirituality. We conducted a systematic review of behavioral research published from 1985 through 2007 that examined the association between two character constructs (prosocial norms and spirituality) and ASRH outcomes. We coded results as showing a protective association, risk association, or no association, and as longitudinal, or cross-sectional. We considered consistent associations from at least two longitudinal studies for a given outcome to be sufficient evidence for a protective or risk association. There is sufficient evidence to indicate that prosocial norms and spirituality can be protective factors for some ASRH outcomes including intention to have sex, early sex or ever having sex, contraceptive and condom use, frequency of sex, and pregnancy. The generalizability of findings by age, race/ethnicity, and gender was unclear. Findings suggest that some character sub-constructs are associated with a reduced likelihood of several adverse ASRH outcomes and with an increased likelihood of using contraceptives and intending to use condoms. Further research is needed to better understand mixed results and results showing some character sub-constructs, such as religious affiliation, to be associated with adverse ASRH outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence Duane House
- Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA.
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Connectedness as a predictor of sexual and reproductive health outcomes for youth. J Adolesc Health 2010; 46:S23-41. [PMID: 20172458 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2009.11.214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2009] [Revised: 11/21/2009] [Accepted: 11/23/2009] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
To review research examining the influence of "connectedness" on adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH). Connectedness, or bonding, refers to the emotional attachment and commitment a child makes to social relationships in the family, peer group, school, community, or culture. A systematic review of behavioral research (1985-2007) was conducted. Inclusion criteria included examination of the association between a connectedness sub-construct and an ASRH outcome, use of multivariate analyses, sample size of >or=100, and publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Results were coded as protective, risk, or no association, and as longitudinal, or cross sectional. Findings from at least two longitudinal studies for a given outcome with consistent associations were considered sufficient evidence for a protective or risk association. Eight connectedness sub-constructs were reviewed: family connectedness (90 studies), parent-adolescent general communication (16 studies), parent-adolescent sexuality communication (58 studies), parental monitoring (61 studies), peer connectedness (nine studies), partner connectedness (12 studies), school connectedness (18 studies), and community connectedness (four studies). There was sufficient evidence to support a protective association with ASRH outcomes for family connectedness, general and sexuality-specific parent-adolescent communication, parental monitoring, partner connectedness, and school connectedness. Sufficient evidence of a risk association was identified for the parent overcontrol sub-construct of parental monitoring. Connectedness can be a protective factor for ASRH outcomes, and efforts to strengthen young people's pro-social relationships are a promising target for approaches to promote ASRH. Further study regarding specific sub-constructs as well as their combined influence is needed.
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