Sexual Risk Taking Behaviors Among African American Adolescent Mothers: An Ecological Perspective
Briggs, Ernestine Cabady
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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/82279
Description
Title
Sexual Risk Taking Behaviors Among African American Adolescent Mothers: An Ecological Perspective
Author(s)
Briggs, Ernestine Cabady
Issue Date
1999
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Rhodes, Jean E.
Department of Study
Psychology
Discipline
Psychology
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Sociology, Ethnic and Racial Studies
Language
eng
Abstract
Young African American women of childbearing age are at high risk for Human Immunodeficency Virus (HIV) exposure and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Using an ecological perspective, this study examined the influence of several individual, familial, and neighborhood factors on the sexual risk behaviors of 137 African American adolescent mothers. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses revealed the complex pattern of interrelated factors associated with sexual risk behavior. More specifically, gaps in AIDS knowledge, as well as high levels of depression and stress were associated with engagement in risky sexual behavior. Additionally, relative isolation paired with economic strain and residence in urban neighborhoods marked by racial homogeneity and limited education were also associated with risky sexual behavior. Conversely, residence in neighborhoods marked by limited resources paired with high levels of maternal support was associated with lower levels of sexual risk-taking behavior. These findings when taken together highlight the importance of an ecological approach in understanding risky sexual behavior among African American adolescent mothers. Implications for AIDS related intervention and prevention programs are also discussed.
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