TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2015//
TI  - Developmental investigation of age at sexual debut and subsequent sexual risk behaviours: a study of high-risk young black males
JO  - Sexual health
A1  - Crosby, Richard
A1  - Geter, Angelica
A1  - Ricks, JaNelle
A1  - Jones, Jamal
A1  - Salazar, Laura F.
SP  - 390
EP  - 396
VL  - 12
IS  - 5
N2  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to identify unmediated associations of early sexual debut (ESD) on the current safer sex practices of young Black men (YBM). <br><br>METHODS: A cross-sectional study of YBM (n = 697) attending clinics treating sexually transmissible diseases (STIs) in three cities was conducted. ESD was dichotomised at the age of 13 years and under. A series of regression models were used to test the moderating effects of ESD and perceived parental monitoring (PPM). A regression model also tested the effect of years of sexual experience (YSE) on sexual risk behaviours, while controlling for ESD. <br><br>RESULTS: Mean age of debut was 13.95 years. ESD results varied with significance for pregnancy (P < 0.001), sexual partners (P < 0.001), and ever having chlamydia (assessed by self report), but this final association was only found for older males (P = 0.03). PPM held no moderating effect on any of the sexual risk outcomes. YSE was correlated with an increase in recent unprotected vaginal sex (AOR = 1.19, 95%CI = 1.10-1.27) and having a pregnant partner at the time of enrolment (AOR = 1.30, 95%CI = 1.17-1.43). <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide mixed evidence for unmediated associations of ESD among young Black males. The study strongly posits that ESD may actually be a mediating variable rather than a causal explanation for sexual risk. The findings also suggest that advancing YSE foster diminishing vigilance in safer sex practices. These outcomes should be utilised to inform intervention development.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1448-5028
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/SH14074
ID  - ref1
ER  -