Analyzed data from three national surveys of teenage sexual behavior. Defines sexually active teenager by frequency of sexual intercourse rather than one who has had intercourse. Found adolescents to be substantially less sexually active than has been previously reported. Uses finding to examine various policy decisions in areas of sex education,…

Examines ethnic differences in rates of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in female adolescents (N=205) receiving care at two family-planning clinics; new infection and reinfection rates were also examined. Black teens had a higher rate of past STDs than Hispanics or Whites; however, there were no differences in rates at the time of the clinic…

Examines the variables related to multiple episodes of sexually transmitted disease (STD) among adolescent females (n=88) and males (n=44). Results indicate that acquisition of an STD is related to the demographic characteristics of age and gender, as well as to the number of lifetime partners and attitudes about STD acquisition. (RJM)

Reports on interviews of 48 sexually active adolescents concerning the possible secondary consequences of taking measures to reduce the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Adolescents generated 134 consequences, suggesting that considering all the relevant consequences for a rational decision about STD prevention is not…

Reviews the literature on psychosocial correlates of contraceptive practices among sexually active late adolescents. Helps identify subgroups of adolescents who either do not use or misuse contraceptive means, putting them at risk for unwanted pregnancy, AIDS, and other sexually transmitted diseases. Promotes further research on those variables…

Evaluated Adventist lifestyle as a modification of popular American culture which reduces the risk of early sexual activity in adolescents and thus also reduces the risk for both STDs and teen pregnancy. Data analysis demonstrated a wide variety of behaviors were associated with premature sexual activity, including previously reported high-risk…

As part of a study on the impact of personal and family characteristics of adolescents' HIV risk and risk-reduction behavior, adolescents and mothers were asked to define terms related to sexual development. Mothers could not adequately define the terms, suggesting they may be unprepared to teach their children about sex or reinforce information…

Summarizes that sexual activity was strongly associated with age, knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases, and attitudes toward sexuality. Positive affective responsiveness in the family was associated with sexual activity and number of sexual partners. Use of contraceptives was negatively related to affective involvement between parents.…

Administered sex-education quiz to 163 rural area high school students who also described their sexual and contraceptive experiences and sex-education interests. Most (57 percent) wanted to learn more about contraceptives and venereal disease prevention, either as primary focus of sex-education curriculum or combined with topics of sexual values,…

Evaluates the efficacy of a school-based knowledge- and cognitive-behavioral skills-building prevention intervention. Results indicate that the intervention increased students' (N=513) knowledge of sexually transmitted disease and bolstered the skills related to prevention of risky sexual and drug-use behavior. Significant changes in risk…

Assessed adolescent females' perceptions of control over acquisition of a sexually transmitted disease (STD) and its emotional impact. No differences were found in coping strategies by age group or STD history. Subjects used numerous coping strategies--those viewing the future acquisition of a STD more negatively used more strategies. (RJM)

Reviewed records of 183 adolescents attending family planning clinic. Forty-one percent had first sexual experience between ages 12 and 13. Over 7 percent admitted having been sexually abused or raped; additional 19 percent described situations in home or exhibited symptoms associated with history of sexual abuse. Found evidence of family…

Studies family structure and function and their association with knowledge and attitudes toward sexuality, contraception, and sexually transmitted diseases (STD) in student and adolescent factory workers. Finds female workers at higher risk for unwanted pregnancies and STDs. Factors associated with knowledge and attitudes included age, schooling…

Attempts to determine which factors are most significantly associated with planned condom use by adolescents. Results indicate that intent to use condoms is associated with both past use and fear of HIV infection. Recommends that health education emphasize condom use from the onset of sexual activity. (Author/GCP)

Measured changes in AIDS-related attitudes/behaviors in adolescents (n=181) in the 13 months following Magic Johnson's disclosure that he was HIV positive. Tested whether gender, race, age, sexual experience, and preexisting HIV-avoidant behaviors would be significant dependent variables. Sixty percent of respondents reported the announcement…