Bridging Disciplinary Boundaries (January 11 - 14, 2007)

Purpose: The leading cause of HIV infection in young women is heterosexual sex (CDC, 2005). Despite the fact that African Americans comprise only 14% of American young women aged 13 to 24, they account for 60% of AIDS cases among young women in this cohort (Advocates for Youth, 2006). African American girls are also overrepresented in the juvenile justice system. Past research has suggested that juvenile justice involvement is associated with increased risk for HIV/AIDS, because, compared with youth in the general population, incarcerated youth have intercourse at younger ages, higher rates of anal intercourse, more sexual partners, and lower rates of condom use (Bryan, Aiken, & West, 2004). The purpose of this study is to examine the correlates of heterosexual HIV risk behavior among girls involved or at risk of involvement with juvenile justice, with particular attention to race.

Methods: Data for this analysis come from an OJJDP-funded study of program-involved girls aged 11 through 21. All girls involved with three types of programs – home-based, community-based open residential, and closed residential juvenile justice – were surveyed. The present analysis includes 100 girls with a mean age of 15.85, 78% of whom were African American and 22% White. OLS regression analysis was conducted on heterosexual HIV risk behavior, controlling for age, race, and program type. Predictors included past sexual abuse, church importance, positive and negative peer involvement, substance use, delinquency, suicidal ideation, and intimate partner violence.

Results: Girls involved with closed residential programs had higher levels of heterosexual HIV risk behavior. In addition, substance use, suicidal ideations, and intimate partner violence were positively related to heterosexual HIV risk behavior. Positive peer involvement was associated with less heterosexual HIV risk behavior. Contrary to the literature, we did not find associations between heterosexual HIV risk behavior and past sexual abuse, church involvement, negative peer involvement, or delinquency. However, as suggested by population statistics, regression analyses revealed a significant relationship with race, despite a lack of bivariate association; controlling for other factors, African American girls were more likely than White girls to engage in heterosexual HIV risk behavior.

Implications for Research, Policy, and Practice: This analysis highlights the need for further research, to better understand why African American girls are engaging in more heterosexual HIV risk behavior. Further, we need culturally-relevant HIV prevention and intervention that simultaneously addresses substance use, mental health, and intimate partner violence. Finally, social workers who work with young people must be trained to deal candidly with young people and their families about heterosexual HIV risk behavior.