Alcohol Use and Sexual Behavior Among Black Adolescents

• NCJ Number: 179029
• Journal: Substance Use & Misuse Volume: 34 Issue: 12 Dated: 1999 Pages: 1665-1687
• Author(s): Lee Strunin Ph.D
• Editor(s): Stanley Einstein Ph.D
• Date Published: 1999
• Length: 23 pages
• Grant Number(s): RO1-AA09315
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health and Human Services
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This paper reports on findings from a study designed to improve understanding of African-American adolescents' sexual behavior patterns and drinking behaviors that put them at potential risk for HIV/AIDS as well as other sexually transmitted diseases and unintended pregnancy.

Abstract

In order to determine the context in which adolescents from various racial and/or ethnic backgrounds construct their world view and hence their HIV-related behaviors, the study used qualitative research methods that allowed for more in-depth investigation of their beliefs and behaviors. The study used ethnographic interviewing in order to provide information about the norms, beliefs, context, and behaviors of Africa-American and Haitian adolescents. The public school system in which the study was conducted served over 50,000 students and included students from inner-city areas that had disproportionate racial and ethnic minority representation. To help ensure collection of comparable qualitative data, an interview guide listed specific questions and topics to be covered in a particular order in the interview with each student. The study sample consisted of 314 black adolescents (African-American and Haitian). Findings show that of those who had sex within the past 6 months and were current drinkers, 69 percent said they did not have sex after drinking. Although many of the adolescents believed that drinking has a disinhibitory effect and may be a factor in not using condoms, alcohol was but one element in a constellation of factors related to sexual intercourse and condom use. Irrespective of whether they had been drinking, the sexual behaviors of African-American and Haitian adolescents were closely tied to expectations they held about the individuals with whom they were having sex. Particular attributes of the sexual partner affected condom use. 2 tables and 78 references