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The association between multiple youth assets and sexual behavior
Roy F Oman1, Sara K Vesely, Cheryl B Aspy
1Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, PO Box 26901, Room 369, Oklahoma City, OK 73190, USA. Roy-Oman@ouhsc.edu
American Journal of Health Promotion : AJHP
|October 6, 2004
Summary
Adolescents with more positive youth assets are more likely to delay sexual activity and use contraception. Promoting these assets can support healthier sexual behaviors in teenagers.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Adolescent Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Youth assets are crucial developmental resources.
- Understanding their impact on sexual behavior is vital for prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the cumulative effects of youth assets on adolescent sexual behaviors.
- To identify specific assets linked to positive sexual health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study with 1350 adolescents (mean age 15.2).
- In-home interviews collected data on demographics, youth assets, and sexual behaviors.
- Logistic regression analyzed the association between assets and sexual risk behaviors.
Main Results:
- Higher asset levels correlated with a lower likelihood of early sexual initiation (OR=1.32).
- Sexually active adolescents with more assets were more likely to delay intercourse until age 17 (OR=1.47) and use contraception (OR=1.18).
Conclusions:
- Findings support the positive influence of youth assets on sexual decision-making.
- Asset-based interventions can be effective in teenage pregnancy prevention programs.