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Sexual Behavior and Perceived Peer Norms: Comparing Perinatally Hiv-infected and Hiv-affected Youth

  • Empirical Research
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Abstract

A large proportion of perinatally HIV-infected (PHIV) children are becoming adolescents and exploring their sexuality. This study explored the prevalence of sexual behaviors (kissing, touching, engaging in oral sex, or having vaginal/anal intercourse) in a sample of predominantly ethnic minority youths (N = 339; 54.1% Black and 30.4% Latino; 51% female; ages 9–16) perinatally exposed to HIV (61% HIV+). Using logistic regression, we tested the association between sexual behavior and HIV status, demographic characteristics, and peer influences regarding sexual behavior. PHIV youth were less likely to be sexually active. Among sexually active youth, PHIV youth were more likely to engage in touching behavior than HIV-negative youth and were less likely to engage in penetrative sex. Youths reporting that a greater number of their peers believed that sexually active boys were “cool” or “popular” were more likely to report sexual behavior. The association between sexual behavior and peers believing sexually active girls were “cool” or “popular” varied by age, gender, and HIV status. Furthermore, friends’ sexual activity was associated with sexual intercourse. Prevention programs should strengthen messages addressing peer norms regarding sexuality, as well as address specific issues related to adolescent HIV.

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Abbreviations

HIV:

Human immunodeficiency virus

HIV+:

HIV infected

HIV−:

HIV negative

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Acknowledgments

Drs. Bauermeister and Elkington are supported by a NIMH training grant (Behavioral Research in HIV Infection; T32 MH19139 Behavioral Sciences Research in HIV Infection; PI: Anke A Ehrhardt, Ph.D.). This research was supported by a grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (R01-MH069133; PI: Claude Ann Mellins, Ph.D.), and a center grant from the National Institute of Mental Health to the HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies at NY State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University (P30 MH43520; Center PI: Anke A. Ehrhardt, Ph.D.).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, New York State Psychiatric Institute, and Columbia University, Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032, USA

    Jose A. Bauermeister, Katherine Elkington & Curtis Dolezal

  2. Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, and Columbia University, P.O. Box 15, 1051, Riverside Drive, New York, NY, 10032, USA

    Elizabeth Brackis-Cott & Claude Ann Mellins

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  1. Jose A. Bauermeister
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  2. Katherine Elkington
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  3. Elizabeth Brackis-Cott
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  4. Curtis Dolezal
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  5. Claude Ann Mellins
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Correspondence to Claude Ann Mellins.

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Bauermeister, J.A., Elkington, K., Brackis-Cott, E. et al. Sexual Behavior and Perceived Peer Norms: Comparing Perinatally Hiv-infected and Hiv-affected Youth. J Youth Adolescence 38, 1110–1122 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-008-9315-6

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