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Berezin MN, Javdani S, Godfrey E. Predictors of Sexual and Reproductive Health Among Girls Involved in the Juvenile Legal System: the Influence of Resources, Race, and Ethnicity. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2022; 136:106426. [PMID: 35370335 PMCID: PMC8975126 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2022.106426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Girls involved in the juvenile legal system are at among the highest risk for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges. Yet, few studies focus on girls or examine multiple predictors of their SRH in tandem. In addition to individual and familial-level risk factors (e.g., trauma, substance use, parental monitoring), this study also examines the influence of structural disadvantage on girls' SRH by assessing the degree to which girls' self-identified resource needs and access challenges across multiple areas (e.g., housing, employment, healthcare) predict SRH risk. Cross-sectional data collected from 269 girls involved in the legal system and their caregivers were analyzed using hierarchical regression analyses. Findings suggest that, over and above individual and familial level predictors, resource access challenges significantly predict girls' SRH, while high resource needs and access challenges predict Black girls' SRH specifically. Implications for programming, policy, and research are delineated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shabnam Javdani
- New York University, Department of Applied Psychology
- Corresponding Author: 246 Greene Street, New York, NY 10012; ; 212 992 9739
| | - Erin Godfrey
- New York University, Department of Applied Psychology
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Kovensky R, Khurana A, Guyer S, Leve LD. Childhood Adversity, Impulsivity, and HIV Knowledge as Predictors of Sexual Risk Outcomes in At-Risk Female Youth. ADOLESCENTS 2021; 1:56-69. [PMID: 33954297 DOI: 10.3390/adolescents1010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Sexual risk behavior in adolescence can lead to adverse health consequences, particularly for female youth. Most interventions focus on imparting knowledge about the consequences of such behaviors, even though little research has examined whether increasing such knowledge results in desired behavioral changes. Further, individual factors such as impulsivity and childhood adversity might moderate this relationship. We examined associations between HIV knowledge and sexual risk behavior and condom use efficacy in a sample of 122 at-risk females, aged 13-18. HIV knowledge was unrelated to sexual risk behavior, but positively related to condom use efficacy. Impulsivity and childhood adversity had direct effects, with no interaction effects. Increasing HIV knowledge may play an important role in promoting proximal predictors of safer sex practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Kovensky
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Human Services, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Atika Khurana
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Human Services, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
- Prevention Science Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Sally Guyer
- Prevention Science Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Leslie D Leve
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Human Services, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
- Prevention Science Institute, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
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Selitsky L, Markowitz N, Baxa DM, Kaljee L, Miree CA, Islam N, Burse C, Newaz R, Dankerlui D, Jacobsen G, Joseph C. Self-report of domestic violence and forced sex are related to sexual risk behaviors in a sample of juvenile detainees. HEALTH & JUSTICE 2020; 8:15. [PMID: 32577955 PMCID: PMC7313184 DOI: 10.1186/s40352-020-00116-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Justice-involved youth have higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and a higher prevalence of the associated sexual risk behaviors. Sexual risk behaviors are also associated with alcohol and drug use. Research suggests that a history of trauma is an important predictor of alcohol and drug use in youth offenders, and therefore is a likely contributor to sexual risk behavior in this population. The objective of this analysis is to determine the association of trauma, specifically, domestic violence and forced sex, to six sexual risk behaviors and a history of chlamydia among detained youth. METHODS The analysis uses data from a convenience sample of detainees assenting to HIV testing conducted December 2016 - August 2017 using the state-certified Voluntary Counseling Testing and Referral (VCTR) process. RESULTS Of the 379 youth that received VCTR at the facility, 308 (81.3%) were used in this analysis. Report of domestic violence was significantly associated with sex under the influence of alcohol and was also significantly associated with sex under the influence of marijuana. Forced sex was associated with a sexual partner of unknown HIV status. CONCLUSIONS Traumatic experiences were related to sexual risk behaviors in this analysis, and substance use was strongly implicated in the association. Trauma is known to be a catalyst to sexual risk behaviors, substance use, and delinquency in adolescence. Results support the findings of other investigators and re-iterate the need for trauma-informed interventions that can improve the life trajectories of detained youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Selitsky
- Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, USA
| | - Norman Markowitz
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Henry Ford Health System and School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, USA
| | - Dwayne M. Baxa
- William Beaumont School of Medicine, Oakland University, Rochester, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, USA
| | - Linda Kaljee
- Global Health Initiative, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, USA
| | - Cheryl A. Miree
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health System, 1 Ford Place, Detroit, Michigan USA
| | - Nishat Islam
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health System, 1 Ford Place, Detroit, Michigan USA
| | - Chez Burse
- Global Health Initiative, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, USA
| | - Rehnuma Newaz
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health System, 1 Ford Place, Detroit, Michigan USA
| | - Doreen Dankerlui
- Global Health Initiative, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, USA
| | - Gordon Jacobsen
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health System, 1 Ford Place, Detroit, Michigan USA
| | - Christine Joseph
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health System, 1 Ford Place, Detroit, Michigan USA
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Kovensky R, Anderson D, Leve LD. Early Adversity and Sexual Risk in Adolescence: Externalizing Behaviors as a Mediator. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2020; 13:173-184. [PMID: 32549929 PMCID: PMC7289910 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-019-00278-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Sexual risk behavior in adolescence can result in serious health consequences that persist across the lifespan, particularly for female youth. While adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to engagement in sexual risk behavior later in life, little research has examined pathways that may help explain this association. To address this gap, the present study examined whether internalizing and externalizing behaviors mediated the link between (ACEs) and sexual risk behavior in female youth. We examined data from 122 adolescent girls, ages 13-18, who were involved in the juvenile justice system or receiving social supports from local agencies and schools. Girls were asked to report their exposure to ACEs and engagement in sexual risk behavior and caregivers were asked to report on girls' internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Regression analyses indicated that girls who experienced more ACEs and exhibited more externalizing behaviors demonstrated higher rates of sexual risk. Further, externalizing behaviors partially mediated the association between ACEs and sexual risk behavior. Findings suggest that increased exposure to ACEs and higher incidence of externalizing behaviors may place girls at heightened risk for sexual risk behavior. Interventions aimed at decreasing externalizing behaviors may be particularly important in reducing sexual risk behavior among at-risk female youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Kovensky
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Human Services, University of Oregon, 1215 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1215 USA
| | - Daniel Anderson
- Behavioral Research and Teaching, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR USA
| | - Leslie D. Leve
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Human Services, University of Oregon, 1215 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1215 USA
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Parrish DE. Achieving Justice for Girls in the Juvenile Justice System. SOCIAL WORK 2020; 65:149-158. [PMID: 32280972 DOI: 10.1093/sw/swaa005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Female involvement in the juvenile justice system has steadily increased in the United States over the past three decades. During this time, as male arrests have declined, female arrests have increased. Although many social workers have responded to these trends with a national call to identify and address the unique needs of these girls, we lack much high-quality research, including empirically supported interventions or programming to serve the needs of female youths involved in the justice system. This article provides a summary of the extant research that helps document the unique needs of these female youths and national policy efforts and practice considerations for social work practitioners. These needs and policy initiatives offer important opportunities for social workers to conduct research to improve the understanding of this population and also ways in which to provide services that address these youths' complex needs. The article concludes that these female youths-most of whom are not a danger to society-need services instead of involvement in the justice system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle E Parrish
- School of Social Work, Baylor University, 4100 S. Main Street, Houston, TX 77002
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Cheng Y, McGeechan K, Bateson D, Ritter T, Weisberg E, Stewart M. Age differences in attitudes toward safer sex practices in heterosexual men using an Australian Internet dating service. Sex Health 2019; 15:223-231. [PMID: 29262985 DOI: 10.1071/sh17074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background This cross-sectional study investigated sexually transmissible infection (STI) knowledge, safer sex attitudes and behaviours of sexually active, heterosexual men using an Internet dating service, and explored factors associated with protective attitudes. METHODS An anonymous online survey was sent to men who had logged onto an Internet dating service within the previous year. Factors associated with discussing STIs before sex and condom use intention with a new partner were analysed. RESULTS In total, 2339 responses were analysed. Men had lower STI knowledge scores, lower use of condoms and greater beliefs that condoms reduced interest in sex as age increased. Younger men (aged 18-29 years) were more likely to report intentions of only having sex with a new partner if a condom was used compared with older men aged over 60 years. Predictors of having a discussion about STIs with a new partner were older age, better knowledge of STIs, greater distress at a potential diagnosis of an STI and stronger future condom use intention. Intention to only have sex with a new female partner if a condom was used was associated with higher STI knowledge, discussing STIs with a new partner and distress at a diagnosis of an STI. Men with a higher number of sexual partners in the last year were less likely to have an STI discussion with new partners or intend to use a condom with a new partner. CONCLUSIONS Older Internet-dating, heterosexual men are vulnerable to STIs. Health promotion interventions to increase STI awareness, condom use and STI testing in older men are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Cheng
- Family Planning NSW, 328-336 Liverpool Road, Ashfield, NSW 2131, Australia
| | - Kevin McGeechan
- Family Planning NSW, 328-336 Liverpool Road, Ashfield, NSW 2131, Australia
| | - Deborah Bateson
- Family Planning NSW, 328-336 Liverpool Road, Ashfield, NSW 2131, Australia
| | - Todd Ritter
- Family Planning NSW, 328-336 Liverpool Road, Ashfield, NSW 2131, Australia
| | - Edith Weisberg
- Family Planning NSW, 328-336 Liverpool Road, Ashfield, NSW 2131, Australia
| | - Mary Stewart
- Family Planning NSW, 328-336 Liverpool Road, Ashfield, NSW 2131, Australia
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Luquine Júnior CD, Howat-Rodrigues ABC, Izar P. Relationship between childhood (un)predictability and life milestones in young Brazilians. INTERPERSONA: AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL ON PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS 2017. [DOI: 10.5964/ijpr.v11i1.252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study sought to investigate whether perceived family unpredictability affects the development of life history strategies in both the reproductive and somatic domains by evaluating the ages at which life milestones occurred. In this study 211 young Brazilians answered a 10-item instrument that contained future milestones, the Family Unpredictability in Childhood, and a sociodemographic questionnaire. Not all participants had already achieved the milestones. Earlier ages of giving birth to the first child, marrying, starting a family, and at first formal employment were correlated with greater unpredictability scores. Significant correlations were found more frequently for the participants who had already met the milestones. Data support the importance of the childhood environment for later development. Results suggest that data obtained based on the ages at which milestones occurred and ages at which milestones are expected to occur may present important differences with regard to the influence of environmental factors.
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Abstract
Adolescents involved with the juvenile justice system have higher rates of risky sexual behaviors, resulting in high rates of sexually transmitted infections and increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus, early or complicated pregnancy, and parenting issues. Comorbid substance abuse, gang association, mental health issues, and history of having been abused as children result in further elevated rates. Girls and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youths represent growing subpopulations with special risks. Increasingly diverted to community-based alternatives, juvenile justice-involved teens obtain most of their medical care from community providers, who need to understand their risks to provide appropriate, optimal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann L Sattler
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.
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