Improvements in Risky Sexual Behaviors Not Experienced Among Hispanic Youth

6/10/2008

Improvements in Risky Sexual Behaviors Not Experienced Among Hispanic Youth 

According to a new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while progress was made among Hispanic youth for some health risk behaviors between 1991 and 2007, such as wearing seat belts, using condoms, consuming drugs and alcohol, and riding with a driver who has consumed alcohol, this group has not experienced the improvements in risky sexual behavior observed among their African-American and White counterparts. The portion of both African-American and White youth having ever had sex decreased significantly between 1991 and 2007, from 82% to 66% and from 50% to 44%, respectively. Likewise, the portion having had sex with four or more people in their lifetime also decreased among these same two groups during this time, from 43% to 28% and from 15% to 12%, respectively. However, no improvement was made among Hispanic youth in either of these categories during this time (p <> ortion ever having sex: from 53% to 52%; and portion having had sex with four or more people: 17% in both 1991 and 2007). Additionally, the portion of Hispanic high school students who were taught about HIV/AIDS in school did not change significantly between 1991 and 2007 (from 82% to 85%), while it did among both African-American and White youth (from 84% to 90%, and from 83% to 91%, respectively).

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]. (2008). Press Release: "Nation's High School Students Showing Overall Improvements in Health-Related Behaviors: However, Hispanic Students Not Showing Progress in Some Key Areas." U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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