PubMed · 2005 · 80 citations · 0 references
Public HealthHuman DevelopmentSexuality StudiesAdolescent DevelopmentAdolescent HealthHiv PreventionAdolescent Hiv PreventionParent InvolvementParentingPrevention Of Sexual TransmissionSexual HealthSexual Health PreventionAdolescent Sexually Transmitted InfectionsEarly Sexual InitiationFamilial StructuresHiv Risk ReductionParental Involvement In CounselingSexual ActivitySexual Risk Behavior PreventionYouth Sexual Risk Reduction
The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with early onset of sexual intercourse. Within an ecological system's conceptual framework, familial factors associated with early onset of sexual activity were identified in a sample of 425 adolescents from San Juan metro area schools. Measures included questions about sexual activity, sexual permissiveness, and such familial variables as: discipline, parental supervision, and parental support. Significant relationships were observed between early onset of sexual intercourse and parental supervision, discipline, parental support, and parents' marital status. Results suggest the key role of parents and family in prevention of HIV-risk behaviors among adolescents in terms of delaying sexual onset. Overall, the study described youths who postponed sexual activity as having greater support, supervision, and parental involvement.