HIV risk behaviors: a comparison of U.S. Hispanic and Dominican Republic youth

Sexual behaviors of adolescents place them at a high risk for HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases. International comparisons of sexual risk-taking among youth employing a common set of survey items are rare. Moreover, such studies can assist in explaining observed differences in disease rates, or predicting future trends in transmission, and identifying health educational needs unique to a particular population or setting. To assess variations in risk-taking patterns, a comparison of HIV behavioral risk factors was made between U.S. Hispanic and Dominican Republic (D.R.) youth. The Spanish version of the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance (YRBS) survey was administered to 1,175 D.R. high school students. Responses were compared to those in the U.S. from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 1990 YRBS data tape for 2285 Hispanic youth. Frequency and cross-tabulation data were compared by country and gender. There were significant differences in AIDS education at school, discussions about AIDS conducted in the home, age of first sexual experience, condom use, and past experience with STDs. Results show that adolescents in both countries are at risk, but with different mediating factors. Inadequate condom use and early initiation of sex place the D.R. youth at risk, while more U.S. youth are engaging in sexual intercourse and using alcohol or other drugs in conjunction with sexual episodes. Some implications for prevention education are discussed.