NCJ Number
129916
Journal
Journal of Counseling and Development Volume: 68 Issue: 3 Dated: (January/February 1990) Pages: 293-298
Date Published
1990
Length
6 pages
Annotation
A survey was conducted to examine high-risk sexual behavior in 212 adolescents who were involved with the Dane County, Wisconsin, juvenile justice system through juvenile detention, sheltered homes, group homes, or an alternative school program for dropouts.
Abstract
The data were collected as part of a sexuality education program that was offered to 26 different groups of white, black, Hispanic, American Indian, and Asian participants. The findings showed these youths to be at high risk for unintended pregnancy and AIDS. Compared to national norms, the sample reported a very early mean age (12.5 years) at first intercourse and a high rate of pregnancy (27 percent). Most participants reported an extremely unreliable use of birth control which was associated strongly with espousal of high-risk attitudes but generally was unassociated with factual knowledge about pregnancy and contraception. The findings provide support for expanding the scope of traditional sex education and initiating sexuality education programs earlier. 26 references and 5 tables (Author abstract modified)