Protective factors associated with delayed sexual activity among urban African American females

Abstract

A disproportionate number of African American females are engaging in early sexual activity. This behavior has placed them at risk for consequences such as multiple partners, unplanned pregnancies, and sexually transmitted diseases. Literature suggests multiple risk and protective factors associated with this behavior. This study explored protective factors associated with delayed sexual activity among urban African American females. Informants were recruited and interviewed from Baltimore City. For this study qualitative interviews were conducted with ten key informants and fifteen general informants. Key informants were females who delayed their initial sexual intercourse until age sixteen or after. General informants were those who had a special knowledge about protective factors associated with delaying sexual activity in urban African American females. Study results revealed that protective factors helpful in delaying early sexual activity include: caring proximal social environment, positive individual attributes, positive parenting, and positive communication. These findings have implications for nursing education, research, practice and policy. Results of this study can be used to design and implement a developmentally and culturally appropriate intervention for this group.