Childhood experiences and psychosocial influences on HIV risk among adolescent Latinas in southern California

Cultur Divers Ethnic Minor Psychol. 2003 Aug;9(3):219-35. doi: 10.1037/1099-9809.9.3.219.

Abstract

This study determined how adverse childhood experiences influenced risky sexual behavior in a community sample of Latina adolescents in Los Angeles (N = 904) within a modified ecodevelopmental perspective. Psychosocial, sociocultural, and environmental mediators of the relations between childhood experiences and risky sexual behavior were tested. Many direct and mediated paths were revealed using structural equation modeling. Childhood maltreatment was associated with risk sexual practices, including more partners, less condom use, more frequent intercourse, and less HIV testing. Drug use and general self-efficacy mediated several relationships. Reducing childhood maltreatment reduced HIV risk and improved psychosocial functioning. Many factors tested did not influence HIV risk. Much of what is known about HIV risk among other populations may not apply to young Latina women.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / ethnology*
  • Adult
  • Child Abuse / psychology
  • Child of Impaired Parents / psychology
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • HIV Infections / psychology*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Hispanic or Latino / psychology*
  • Hispanic or Latino / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Life Change Events
  • Los Angeles
  • Mexico / ethnology
  • Models, Psychological
  • Risk Factors
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Sexual Behavior / ethnology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires