Although adolescents' sexual health is generally better when parents and adolescents communicate about sex and sexuality, researchers have found parents can be reluctant to engage adolescents in conversations about those topics. To better understand why, we reviewed prior literature and identified four types of parent-based barriers to…

Relations between reckless behaviour and sexual practices of emerging adult women (ages 18-25) within a social cognitive theoretical perspective were examined. In addition, relations between self esteem, sexual attitudes and sexual behaviour were also examined. The Sexual Experience Inventory, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Hendrick Sexual Attitude…

Focuses on whether early onset of noncoital sexual interactions (EONSI) is best understood in the same paradigm as adolescent problem behavior. A longitudinal study (N=927) revealed that EONSI was related to problem behavior; the higher ordered the noncoital sexual interaction was, the more strongly it correlated with measure of problem behavior.…

Sexual behavioral risk factors were studied in 1,090 youth (mean age 14 years) in Moscow (Russia) using the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance survey. Only 26.3% of youth reported being taught about HIV/AIDS infection in school, and just 41.7% indicated discussion of HIV/AIDS with parents or other familial adults. Condoms were used in 41.7% of…

The diffusion and adoption of new knowledge is an important outcome of education. This study used the results of two annual cross sectional surveys in a largely rural state, Nebraska, one of school administrators and one of students. The purpose of the survey was to identify how widespread Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune…

Describes how young unmarried Canadians cope with sexuality in the era of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Responses of 1,775 Anglophone and 493 Francophone college students in Canada indicate that those who are most aware of the risks of AIDS are also the most careless in putting themselves at risk. (SLD)

Explores relationships between perceived control of life of 375 African-American college students and both specific and general fears of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). African-American students have relatively variable responses, but feeling in control is related to lower levels of specific and general fears of AIDS. (SLD)

Studies sexual behavior and condom use in 103 men attending an urban outpatient drug abuse treatment center in Seattle (Washington) before and after initiation of a condom giveaway program. Results indicate that male clients will take and use condoms when they are readily available. (SLD)

Studies the impact of educating teenage males about sex, drugs, and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Results of interviews with 1,880 males aged 15 to 19 years indicate that receiving instruction is associated with lower levels of sexual activity and increased condom use. Recommendations are made for prevention programs. (SLD)

Highlights difficulties inherent in applying existing models of attitude-behavior relationships to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) risk behavior of African Americans. The relevant determinants of African-American risk behaviors may not be captured by these social psychological models that may ignore uniquely African-American issues.…

There has been a widespread perception that Asian Americans are at lower risk for HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases than the population as a whole. This report assesses the knowledge of Asian American adolescents about AIDS and their sexual behaviors and explores whether there is a difference between a Cambodian group (half the…