The correlates of the initiation of sexual intercourse among young urban black females

We explored the factors associated with the initiation of early sexual activity among a group of black urban young female adolescents (N=53) considered at-risk by virtue of their residence in poor urban communities with high rates of infant mortality and adolescent pregnancy. Six of the adolescents were nonvirgins at the pretest; 12 young women made the transition from virginity to nonvirginity between the pretest and posttest (Spring 1984 to Spring 1985). Using multivariable logistic regression, we found the three most important correlates of the initiation of early sexual intercourse to be mother's educational level, being the daughter of a teenage mother, and the school attended by the adolescent. While each of these factors might be considered markers of socioeconomic status, their independent relationship to the initiation of early sexual intercourse implies that each represents a unique phenomenon. These factors may reflect particular experiences and values maintained by individual families and communities and may distinguish a high-risk subgroup within an at-risk population.Received Dr.P.H. from the University of Illinois School of Public Health. Her major interest is in maternal and child health status and service utilization.