Correlates and predictors of sexual health among adolescent Latinas in the United States: A systematic review of the literature, 2004–2015

Abstract

Adolescent Latinas in the United States (US) are disproportionately affected by early pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in comparison to their non-Hispanic white counterparts. However, only a few studies have sought to understand the multi-level factors associated with sexual health in adolescent Latinas. Adhering to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a systematic literature review to better understand the correlates and predictors of sexual health among adolescent Latinas in the US, identify gaps in the research, and suggest future directions for empirical studies and intervention efforts. Eleven studies were identified: five examined onset of sexual intercourse, nine examined determinants of sexual health/risk behaviors (e.g., number of sexual partners, condom use etc.), and three examined determinants of a biological sexual health outcome (i.e., STIs or pregnancy). Two types of variables/factors emerged as important influences on sexual health outcomes: proximal context-level variables (i.e., variables pertaining to the individual's family, sexual/romantic partner or peer group) and individual-level variables (i.e., characteristics of the individual). A majority of the studies reviewed (n=9) examined some aspect of acculturation or Latino/a cultural values in relation to sexual health. Results varied widely between studies suggesting that the relationship between individual and proximal contextual variables (including acculturation) and sexual health may be more complex than previously conceived. This review integrates the findings on correlates and predictors of sexual health among adolescent Latinas, and supports the need for strengths-based theoretically guided research on the mechanisms driving these associations.

Sexual behavioural differences and risk-taking differences among born-abroad and native university students in Italy

“…According to the literature, our findings confirm that early sexual debuts (Muindia et al, 2014;Santelli et al, 2000) and risk-taking personality profiles (Lee & Hahm, 2010;Morales-Alemán & Scarinci, 2016) are positively associated with sexual behaviours (RQ2). In particular, the use of drugs and alcohol is strongly related to sexual conduct (Bryan et al, 2012;Guo et al, 2002;Khan et al, 2012;Luk et al, 2016;Ritchwood et al, 2016;Tapert et al, 2001).…”

“…Research on the sexual behaviours of migrants is generally focused on the topics of sexual risk and health-related consequences (Gordillo, 2010;Hirsch, Wardlow, & Smith, 2009;Minian, 2018). Most research has largely focused on several specific communities (respectively, Latinos and Hispanic in the USA and Asiatics/Africans in specific European countries; see, among others, Coleman-Minahan, 2010; Gras, Weide, Langendam, Coutinho, & van den Hoek, 1999;Minnis & Padian, 2001;Morales-Alemán & Scarinci, 2016).…”

Culture Clash? Investigating constructions of sexual and reproductive health from the perspective of 1.5 generation migrants in Australia using Q methodology

“…These authors also note the importance and influence of acculturation processes and generation on migrants’ decision-making regarding SRH protective behaviours. A systematic review examining the correlates and predictors of sexual health among adolescent Latinas in the United States [24] discussed cross-generational research. The authors indicated that while some studies attempt to capture the construct of SRH in a multi-dimensional way the concept tends to be reduced to language preference or migrant generation without the exploration of more nuanced understandings.…”

https://researchopenworld.com/alcohol-and-hiv-barriers-and-opportunities-to-improving-womens-sexual-and-reproductive-health/#

“…use and that woman's power in the relationship was associated with lower risk of pregnancy [8]. Attitudes and expectancies with regards to sexual behavior informed by gender norms underlie some of the observed disparities in sexual and reproductive health risk; [4,13] for instance, overall, more equitable relationships are associated with sexual health [14].…”