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Comparative Study
. 2009 Sep;38(8):1110-22.
doi: 10.1007/s10964-008-9315-6. Epub 2008 Aug 5.

Sexual behavior and perceived peer norms: comparing perinatally HIV-infected and HIV-affected youth

Jose A Bauermeister  1 , Katherine Elkington, Elizabeth Brackis-Cott, Curtis Dolezal, Claude Ann Mellins
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Sexual behavior and perceived peer norms: comparing perinatally HIV-infected and HIV-affected youth

Jose A Bauermeister et al. J Youth Adolesc. 2009 Sep.

Abstract

A large proportion of perinatally HIV-infected (PHIV) children are becoming adolescents and exploring their sexuality. This study explored the prevalence of sexual behaviors (kissing, touching, engaging in oral sex, or having vaginal/anal intercourse) in a sample of predominantly ethnic minority youths (N = 339; 54.1% Black and 30.4% Latino; 51% female; ages 9-16) perinatally exposed to HIV (61% HIV+). Using logistic regression, we tested the association between sexual behavior and HIV status, demographic characteristics, and peer influences regarding sexual behavior. PHIV youth were less likely to be sexually active. Among sexually active youth, PHIV youth were more likely to engage in touching behavior than HIV-negative youth and were less likely to engage in penetrative sex. Youths reporting that a greater number of their peers believed that sexually active boys were "cool" or "popular" were more likely to report sexual behavior. The association between sexual behavior and peers believing sexually active girls were "cool" or "popular" varied by age, gender, and HIV status. Furthermore, friends' sexual activity was associated with sexual intercourse. Prevention programs should strengthen messages addressing peer norms regarding sexuality, as well as address specific issues related to adolescent HIV.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Interaction Effects of Gender by Number of Peers who Think that Sexually Active Girls are Popular on Likelihood of Engaging in Oral Sex.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Interaction Effects of Gender by Number of Peers who Think that Sexually Active Boys are Popular on Likelihood of Engaging in Penetrative Sex.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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