The Context of Risky Behaviors for Latino Youth

Abstract

Background and significance: Alarming numbers of Latino teens continue to engage in behaviors that place them at risk for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections including HIV. Design: This study includes data from six focus groups with 38 Latinas. The primary purpose of the focus groups was to elicit antecedents to unsafe sex to guide the development of an HIV-prevention intervention for adult Latinas. The data were reanalyzed using the rich content that had been elicited about community teens. Findings: Six major themes were identified surrounding teen issues and concerns. These are (a) the culture of risky behaviors; (b) romance: illusion and reality; (c) parental involvement: a protective factor; (d) HIV: knowledge versus ignorance; (e) HIV among youth: fear, stigma, and anger; and (f) saving our youth. Implications: A multimodal approach is required to help teens adopt healthy life styles, remain in school, and have a positive relationship with their parents.

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