Associations between youth assets and sexual intercourse by household income

Abstract

Purpose: Evaluate youth assets or potential strengths and sexual intercourse associations by household income.

Design: Data consisted of youth and parent responses from randomly selected households from a cross-sectional study and wave one of a longitudinal extension of that study. Youth assets and sexual intercourse were compared for four income categories.

Setting: Midwestern racially diverse, inner-city neighborhoods.

Subjects: One adolescent (12-19 years) and one parent (2335 pairs).

Measures: Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using logistic regression. Variables assessed included parent and youth demographics, youth sexual intercourse, and youth assets (adult and peer role models, family communication, use of time [religion or sports], community involvement, future aspirations, responsible choices, and health practices).

Results: Youths' mean age was 14.9 (± 1.8) years, and 52% were female; 44% of respondents were white. Use of time (religion) was significantly associated with never having sex for all but the lowest income youth (OR range=1.79-2.64). The variable peer role models was significant for the lowest income (O =2.01) and two upper income groups (ORs=2.52 and 4.27, respectively). The variable future aspirations was significant for the lowest income youth (OR=1.77).

Conclusion: The youth asset variable future aspirations was critical for the lowest income households. Other asset variables, such as peer role models and use of time (religion) were critical regardless of income.