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Latino Youths’ Sexual Values and Condom Negotiation Strategies

Julianna Deardorff Jeanne M. Tschann Elena Flores Cynthia L. de Groat Julia R. Steinberg, University of Maryland, College Park Emily J. Ozer

First published online:

| DOI: https://doi.org/10.1363/4518213
Abstract / Summary

CONTEXT: Young Latinos in the United States are at high risk for STDs and are less likely than other youth to use condoms. To our knowledge, no studies have examined the relationship between sexual values and condom negotiation strategies among young Latinos.

METHODS: Cross-sectional data collected in 2003–2006 from 571 Latino women and men aged 16–22 in the San Francisco Bay Area were used to examine associations between sexual values (e.g., considering sexual talk disrespectful or female virginity important) and use of strategies to engender or avoid condom use. Linear regression analyses were used to identify such associations while adjusting for potential covariates and gender interactions.

RESULTS: Among women, sexual comfort and comfort with sexual communication were positively associated with frequency of direct communication to foster condom use; the importance of female premarital virginity and levels of sexual self-acceptance were positively associated with expressing dislike of condoms to avoid using them; and levels of sexual self-acceptance were negatively associated with expressing dislike of condoms to avoid using them. Moreover, the degrees to which women considered sexual talk disrespectful and female virginity important were positively associated with the frequency with which they shared risk information as a condom use strategy. Among both sexes, the importance that respondents placed on premarital female virginity was negatively associated with use of direct communication strategies.

CONCLUSION: Researchers designing interventions to influence Latino youths’ sexual decision making and behaviors should consider including program components that address sexual values.

Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 2013, 45(4):182–190, doi: 10.1363/4518213

Author's Affiliations

Julianna Deardorff is assistant professor, and Emily J. Ozer is associate professor, Division of Community Health and Human Behavior, School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley. Jeanne M. Tschann is adjunct professor, and Julia R. Steinberg is assistant professor, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine; and Cynthia L. de Groat is statistician, Department of Health Psychology—all at the University of California, San Francisco. Elena Flores is professor, Depart- ment of Counseling Psychology, School of Education, University of San Francisco.

Disclaimer

The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the Guttmacher Institute.