The influence of neighborhood composition on condom use among young adults

Citation

Driver, Nichola (2014). The influence of neighborhood composition on condom use among young adults. 2014 Add Health Users Conference. Bethesda, MD.

Abstract

Rates of STDs remain widespread among adolescents in the U.S., with nearly half of annual new infections occurring among minorities (CDC, 2009). Condom use is one of the most effective ways of preventing STD transmission, yet very little is known about the complex factors contributing to condom use among minorities. An ecological framework suggests that neighborhood factors, including shared norms, values, and behaviors, can be influential on adolescent sexual risk behaviors, including the use of contraceptives (Cubbin et al, 2005). The present study examines the relationship between neighborhood immigrant composition and condom use and the extent to which this relationship varies by race/ethnicity. Data from the Add Health Waves I and III In-Home Questionnaires were used. Multilevel mixed-effects ordinal regression was employed to predict condom use consistency among Wave III respondents who are not married. Preliminary findings suggest that family closeness, gender, religious attendance, and parental communication about birth control were all significantly associated with consistency in condom use. Interaction effects revealed that neighborhood proportion of non-English speakers was significant, but only for Hispanics. Therefore, living in a non-English speaking, immigrant community has an effect on condom use that varies by race/ethnicity.

URL

https://addhealth.cpc.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/docs/events/20140613_Add_Health_Users_Conference_Abstracts.pdf

Reference Type

Conference proceeding

Book Title

2014 Add Health Users Conference

Author(s)

Driver, Nichola

Year Published

2014

City of Publication

Bethesda, MD

Reference ID

6239