Interpersonal Partner Relationships, Bonds to Children, and Informal Social Control among Persistent Male Offenders

This qualitative study applied a life course framework to characterize the nature of interpersonal partner relationships of Mexican American young adult men affiliated with street gangs during their adolescence. Data come from a 15-year longitudinal mixed-method cohort study conducted in San Antonio, Texas. We analyzed semi-structured interviews conducted with a subsample (n = 40) during the course of three face-to-face sessions to explore the men's motivations, aspirations, and goals to lead conventional lives, despite their criminal justice involvement. Specifically, we focus on the complex nature of maintaining ties to children, the navigation of complicated family structures, the processes of seeking partners with economic resources, and on partnerships with criminal and delinquent partners. We document the complex interpersonal nature of these relationships as men contend with serial incarceration and their desires and motivations to desist from criminal behavior.

Using qualitative inquiry and participatory research approaches to develop prevention research: validating a life course perspective

Application of life course theory (LCT) holds promise for advancing knowledge toward the elimination of health disparities. This article validates the usefulness of employing a life course perspective when conducting health disparities research. We provide an overview of LCT as it applies to our research program in prevention of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among Latino teen parents. We illustrate the goodness-of-fit of our research with the basic premises of LCT. Though early adverse life experiences impact health over the lifespan, strength-based HIV prevention programs designed for Latino teen parents that recognize the reality of their lives may alter their health trajectory.

Coparenting and sexual partner concurrency among white, black, and Hispanic men in the United States

BACKGROUND

Concurrent sexual partnerships (partnerships that overlap in time) increase the spread of infection through a network. Different patterns of concurrent partnerships may be associated with varying sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk depending on the partnership type (primary vs. nonprimary) and the likelihood of condom use with each concurrent partner. We sought to evaluate coparenting concurrency, overlapping partnerships in which at least 1 concurrent partner is a coparent with the respondent, which may promote the spread of STIs.

METHODS

We examined sexual partnership dates and fertility history of 4928 male respondents in the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth. We calculated coparenting concurrency prevalence and examined correlates using Poisson regression.

RESULTS

Among men with ≤ 1 pair of concurrent partnerships, 18% involved a coparent. 33% of black men involved in coparenting concurrency were <25 years, compared to 23% of Hispanics and 6% of whites. Young black men (age, 15-24 years) were more likely to engage in coparenting concurrency than white men, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, sexual and other high-risk behaviors, and relationship quality. Compared to white men aged 15 to 24 years, black and Hispanic men were 4.60 (95% confidence interval: 1.10, 19.25) and 3.45 (95% confidence interval: 0.64, 18.43) times as likely to engage in coparenting concurrency.

CONCLUSION

Almost 1 in 5 men engaging in concurrent sexual partnerships in the past year was a coparent with at least one of the concurrent partners. Understanding the context in which different types of concurrency occur will provide a foundation on which to develop interventions to prevent STIs.

Latino adolescent mothers and fathers in south Texas managing violence

During the course of this study young Latino parents living in San Antonio, TX shared their stories. Their stories draw attention to the multiple forms of violence they experienced in the past, continue to experience, and are forced to manage. Their lives occur within the context of enduring social disparities and exposure to violence. At a young age they develop strategies to manage violence, but new challenges with violence manifest themselves as they enter into intimate partner relationships. For some of these youth, parenthood is perceived as a transforming experience that offers an opportunity for a positive change in their life trajectory. They recognize the need to find non-violent ways to manage their relationships with their intimate partner and their children. Culturally-appropriate intervention strategies that focus on developing relationships of equality and balance are needed.

Condom attitudes, perceived vulnerability, and sexual risk behaviors of young Latino male urban street gang members: implications for HIV prevention

We examined condom attitudes, perceived vulnerability to HIV, HIV testing experiences, and sexual and substance use risk behaviors of 161 active Latino male gang members, aged 18-26 years old, living in Los Angeles, California. Gang members reported negative condom attitudes and a perceived vulnerability to HIV. The majority (53%) of gang members reported unprotected vaginal intercourse (UVI) in the previous 12 months. Multivariate analyses indicated that participants who engaged in the following behaviors were more likely to report UVI: had sex with someone they just met (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.66), received money or drugs for sex (AOR = 5.05), or had sex with someone who had a sexually transmitted disease (AOR = 4.99). Participants with a higher perceived vulnerability to HIV were less likely to report UVI (AOR = 0.82). Our findings offer implications for development of an HIV prevention intervention for Latino male gang members.

Parental protectiveness and unprotected sexual activity among Latino adolescent mothers and fathers

Latino pregnant and parenting adolescents living in inner cities are one of the populations at risk for acquiring HIV. Although teen parenthood has been predominantly looked at with a focus on potential adverse physical, emotional, and socioeconomic outcomes for the mother and child; a growing body of literature has documented the strengths and resiliency of young parents. Respeto/Proteger: Respecting and Protecting Our Relationships is a culturally rooted couple-focused and asset-based HIV prevention program developed for young Latino parents. In this program, parental protectiveness (defined as the parent-child emotional attachment that positively influences parental behavior) is viewed as an intrinsic and developing critical factor that supports resiliency and motivates behavioral change. The primary purpose of this article is to describe the longitudinal randomized study evaluating the effect of this intervention on unprotected vaginal sex 6 months post intervention and to determine whether parental protectiveness had a moderating effect on the intervention. The unique features of our database allow for examination of both individual and couple outcomes.

Young parents' relationship characteristics, shared sexual behaviors, perception of partner risks, and dyadic influences

Rising rates of heterosexually transmitted HIV among youth and young adults, particularly from ethnic minorities, create an urgent need to understand risk factors and perceptions of risk within the context of couple relationships. This study examined reports of young mothers and fathers (predominantly Latino) about background characteristics, relationship quality and length, HIV-related risk factors, and perceptions of partners' behaviors and personal history. Higher concordance was found for relationship characteristics and partners' personal history (e.g., incarceration) than on shared sexual behaviors. Most males and females stated that they were monogamous; however, those whose partners reported concurrency were unaware of this. Many were unaware of their partners' HIV testing status. Relationship quality was higher when females accurately perceived their partners' self-reported HIV-related risk behaviors. Length of the relationship did not influence concordance. Findings support the need for HIV prevention programs to promote open discussion about condom use and HIV testing within sexual partnerships.

"Changing for my kid": fatherhood experiences of Mexican-origin teen fathers involved in the justice system

A descriptive phenomenological study was conducted with six adolescent fathers of Mexican origin on juvenile probation for a variety of serious offenses. All participants successfully completed a parenting program designed especially for teen fathers. In a series of consecutive in-depth interviews, teen fathers were asked to discuss their experiences as fathers. Four phenomena were identified from the data: (a) not giving up and deciding to be a dad, (b) figuring out my relationships after becoming a father, (c) wanting to be a good father, and (d) wanting to be Brown and a father. Findings challenge negative stereotypes associated with Mexican-origin teen fathers engaged in delinquent behaviors and describe the ways in which fatherhood became an important positive motivator in the lives of participants.

Detained adolescents' attitudes about pregnancy and parenthood

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to examine attitudes and behaviors associated with parenthood and pregnancy among adolescents in the juvenile justice system.

METHOD

A cross-sectional survey of attitudes and behaviors about parenthood was conducted with 300 adolescents residing in three juvenile detention centers.

RESULTS

Data revealed high rates of risky behaviors that resulted in parenthood/pregnancy and generally positive attitudes about being an adolescent parent. Positive attitudes about parenthood (P = .000) and lower self-efficacy to not have sex (P = .021) were significantly correlated with having been pregnant or having fathered a child. Logistic regression showed positive attitudes about parenthood and the combination of drinking and driving together were significant predictors of pregnancy (P < or = .05).

DISCUSSION

Pediatric nurse practitioners working with adolescents in the juvenile justice system who routinely provide prevention counseling and implement health promotion programs must take into account the reality that many adolescents in this population are or will become parents and do not consider pregnancy as an outcome to be necessarily avoided. Moving beyond primary and secondary prevention strategies to implement programs to prevent second pregnancies and enhance parenting skills will provide needed health benefits to these adolescent parents.

HIV prevention for Latino adolescent mothers and their partners

This study evaluates the outcomes of a theory-based, couple-focused HIV prevention program for Latino adolescent mothers and their male partners. The sample includes 49 couples (98 individuals) who receive either the intervention or only an HIV information session (comparison). The six-session, culturally appropriate intervention was developed through a community-academic partnership. Findings at the 6-month evaluation show that the probability of unprotected sex is significantly reduced and intentions to use condoms increase over time for participants in the experimental group, compared with the comparison group (p < .001), although AIDS knowledge improves for participants in both groups. Females in both groups have higher intentions of using condoms (p < .01) and lower probability of unsafe sex (p < .05) at baseline and over time, compared with their male partners. The intervention is well accepted by the inner-city adolescents and is realistic for implementation in a community setting.

Childhood abuse history and risk behaviors among teen parents in a culturally rooted, couple-focused HIV prevention program

Pregnant and parenting adolescents living in inner cities are at risk for acquiring HIV through unprotected sexual activity. In addition to individual risk behaviors, a lack of socioeconomic and other environmental resources create risk environments that make certain communities vulnerable to both adolescent pregnancy and HIV/AIDS. Research indicates that adolescent parents, many who have histories of childhood trauma, may use their experience of young parenthood and the concomitant feelings of parental protectiveness as a source of renewed hope for their future. The purpose of this report is to explore the relationship between history of childhood abuse and high risk behaviors in adolescent Latino mothers and fathers enrolled in a randomized clinical trial of a culturally rooted, couple-focused HIV prevention program. In addition, this report describes the HIV prevention program that was designed specifically for young Latino parents wherein maternal and paternal protectiveness are viewed as intrinsic and developing critical factors that promote resiliency and motivate behavioral change.

Social norms and beliefs regarding sexual risk and pregnancy involvement among adolescent males treated for dating violence perpetration

The present study explored perceived sexual norms and behaviors related to sexual risk and pregnancy involvement among adolescent males (ages 13 to 20) participating in programs for perpetrators of dating violence. The purpose of this study was to generate hypotheses regarding the contexts and mechanisms underlying the intersection of adolescent dating violence, sexual risk and pregnancy. Six focus groups were conducted (N = 34 participants). A number of major themes emerged: 1) male norm of multiple partnering, 2) perceived gain of male social status from claims of sexual activity, 3) perception that rape is uncommon combined with belief that girls claiming to be raped are liars, 4) perception that men rationalize rapes to avoid responsibility, 5) condom non-use in the context of rape and sex involving substance use, 6) beliefs that girls lie and manipulate boys in order to become pregnant and trap them into relationships, and 7) male avoidance of responsibility and negative responses to pregnancy. The combination of peer-supported norms of male multiple partnering and adversarial sexual beliefs appear to support increased male sexual risk, lack of accountability for sexual risk, and rationalization of rape and negative responses to pregnancy. Further research focused on the context of male sexual risk and abusive relationship behaviors is needed to inform intervention with young men to promote sexual health and prevent rape, dating violence, and adolescent pregnancy.

"Wanting to be a good father": experiences of adolescent fathers of Mexican descent in a teen fathers program

Adolescent fatherhood has received limited attention in research and clinical practice. This article describes the design and implementation of a parenting program for adolescent fathers, largely minority, involved in the juvenile justice system. In the teen fathers groups, adolescent fathers were exposed to therapeutic (e.g., family-of-origin) as well as psychoeducational (e.g., child development and parenting) interventions. Findings from a descriptive phenomenological study with six former group participants indicate that the program is an effective way of assisting teen fathers in increasing their commitment as fathers as well as their involvement with their children.

Respecting and protecting our relationships: a community research HIV prevention program for teen fathers and mothers

This article describes a two-phase community and academic collaboration funded by the California Collaborative Research Initiative to develop and test the feasibility of an innovative HIV prevention program relevant to the needs of the population of inner-city Latino teen parenting couples and realistic for implementation in community settings. The article describes (a) the identification of special issues that needed to be addressed before formation of a productive academic-community-based organization research partnership, including integrating a dominant theoretical model used in health education with principles of practice derived from clinical experience; (b) the first phase of the project that helped to inform the development of the HIV prevention program for couples; (c) examples from the intervention pilot study (Phase 2) that illustrate both the intervention strategies and the young participants' responses to the curriculum; and (d) the feasibility of program implementation and evaluation in a community setting.