Risky sexual behaviors among substance-abusing adolescents: Assessing the effect of decision-making and avoidance motives

Abstract

Findings are presented in an endeavor to extend the scope of understanding of HIV-related risky sexual behaviors among a multi-ethnic sample of youth in treatment for substance abuse. Cross-sectional data were collected in face-to-face interviews from 120 substance abusing adolescents undergoing treatment. Three separate multiple regression models were tested, one using a general measure of risky sexual behavior and the others using measures of substance use and condom use during sex. Consistent with our theoretical model, three variables—rational decision-making, avoidance motives for drinking with sex, and substance use—were identified as significant predictors of risky sexual behaviors. Since HIV/AIDS knowledge was not found to be a predictor of more or less risky sexual behavior, these factors may work in tandem to reduce the effect of information about risk on actual behavior. Study data indicate that it would be worthwhile to focus future research efforts that target high-risk adolescents on how this group assesses their health risks in light of their particular decision-making style, peer influence, drug use, and underlying motives for their behavior. © Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.