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A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents
Published on: July 10, 2017
Using the information-motivation behavioral model to predict sexual behavior among underserved minority youth
Mohsen Bazargan1, Judith A Stein, Shahrzad Bazargan-Hejazi
1Department of Family Medicine, Charles Drew University of Medicine & Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA. mobazarg@cdrewu.edu
The Journal of School Health
|June 25, 2010
Summary
This study found that older age and negative attitudes toward sex reduce risky sexual behaviors in minority youth. Behavioral refusal skills, influenced by knowledge and peer pressure, are key to preventing risky sexual activity.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Reducing adolescent sexual risk behaviors requires tailored theoretical approaches.
- The Information-Motivation-Behavior (IMB) model's components and their relation to sexual behaviors in underage minority youth are understudied.
- This study investigates predictors of risky sexual behavior among underserved Hispanic and African-American youth using the IMB model.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the predictors of risky sexual behavior among underserved Hispanic and African-American youth.
- To apply the Information-Motivation-Behavior (IMB) model to understand sexual risk behaviors in adolescents.
- To identify key factors influencing sexual risk behaviors in a vulnerable youth population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 380 youths aged 11-17 in Los Angeles, California.
- Latent variable models were used to analyze interrelationships and predictive pathways among IMB variables.
- Focus on variables associated with risky sexual behavior.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of sexual activity was high (60% for 15-17 year olds, 10% for 11-12 year olds).
- Among sexually active youth, over half engaged in unprotected sex, and 11% had multiple partners.
- Older age and negative attitudes toward sex directly reduced risky sexual behavior; behavioral refusal skills mediated these effects.
Conclusions:
- Disadvantaged urban minority youth exhibit high rates of risky sexual behaviors.
- Interventions should prioritize developing behavioral skills, especially for preadolescents, to counter peer pressure and normative influences.
- The IMB model provides a valuable framework for designing effective interventions to reduce adolescent sexual risk.
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