US Latina age of sexual debut: long-term associations and implications for HIV and drug abuse prevention

Abstract

This cross-sectional study explored associations among (a) age of sexual debut; (b) drug abuse; and (c) sexual risk behaviors among an urban community-based sample of 158 predominantly immigrant, Latina adults. Time in the USA and having a mother who used drugs during the participants' childhood or adolescence were significantly related to age of sexual debut. In turn, younger ages of sexual debut were associated with drug abuse and more sexual risk behaviors (greater number of sexual partners, more frequent alcohol and drug use before or during sex, greater levels of intoxication from alcohol or drugs during sex). Implications for HIV/AIDS and drug abuse clinical services and future research with US Latina populations are discussed.

Keywords:

• sexual debut
• immigrant
• Latina
• Hispanic
• HIV risk
• drug abuse

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by award number P20MD002288 from the National Center for Minority and Health Disparity and award number R24DA014260 from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, or the National Institutes of Health.