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HIV/sexually transmitted infection prevention messaging: Targeting root causes of sexual risk behavior

Author(s): Lisa E. Manhart, Marina Epstein, Jennifer A. Bailey, Karl G. Hill, Kevin P. Haggerty, & Richard F. Catalano

Publication: 2016. "Sexually Transmitted Diseases" 43, 2 (February): 71-7.

Identifier(s): PubMed ID: 26760178; ISSN: 1537-4521; Citation Key: 8080

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/OLQ.0000000000000402

Publication type: Journal Article

Access: Google Scholar | Tagged | XML

Abstract:

INTRODUCTION: Sexual risk behaviors (SRBs) often lead to sexually transmitted infections (STI), yet little is known about what drives SRB and whether this differs by sex.

METHOD: Participants (n = 920; 75% white) were drawn from the Raising Healthy Children study, enrolled in 1993 and 1994 in grades 1 to 2, and followed up through age 24/25 years. Lifetime STI diagnosis was defined by self-report or seropositivity for Chlamydia trachomatis or herpes simplex virus 2. Multivariable models assessed individual (social skills, behavioral disinhibition) and environmental factors (family involvement, school bonding, antisocial friends) predictive of STI diagnosis as mediated by 3 proximal SRB (sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol, condom use, lifetime number of sex partners).

RESULTS: Twenty-five percent of participants had ever had an STI. All SRBs differed by sex (P

CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent environmental influences and individual characteristics drive some SRB and may be more effective targets for STI/HIV prevention interventions than proximal risk behaviors.