Effects were examined of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention program for adolescent mothers offered in pregnant minor and parenting programs in Los Angeles County. The sample included young women (N = 497) of predominantly poor, Latina backgrounds who had complete data from baseline to the one-year follow-up. The treatment group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in AIDS knowledge and intentions to use condoms, and fewer sex partners at the six-month follow-up as compared to the control group. Findings related to the effects of the intervention on theoretical variables provide some support for selected concepts from Social Cognitive Theory and the Theory of Reasoned Action.

The EIP improved in selected areas of infant and maternal health, and these improvements were sustained for a period of 1 year following program termination. These findings have important implications for healthcare services.

Abstract:The sexual behaviors and attitudes toward condom use of adolescent mothers (N ¼ 572) from ethnic minority groups were examined. Constructs from social cognitive theory (SCT), the theory of reasoned action (TRA), and the theory of planned behavior (TPB; e.g., intentions to use condoms, self-efficacy, outcome expectancies) were measured with questionnaires. Measures of AIDS and condom-use knowledge and selected psychosocial, behavioral, and demographic variables were included. Many adolescents reported early onset of sexual activity, multiple lifetime sexual partners, substance use, and childhood sexual or physical abuse. Only 18% stated a condom was used at last intercourse. Using hierarchical regression analysis, 13% of the variance for factors associated with unprotected sex was accounted for by TRA constructs. Other variables contributed an additional 17% of the variance. Unprotected sex was associated with behavioral intentions to use condoms, pregnancy, having a steady partner, more frequent church service attendance, and ever having anal sex. Findings support the urgent need for broad-based HIV prevention efforts for adolescent mothers that build on theoretical concepts and address the realities of their lives.

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The increasing rates of violence committed against homeless women living with serious mental illness (SMI) have been well documented. These increasing rates of violence need attention as they are a serious public health concern. The purpose of this qualitative study is to increase our understanding of victimization among this population as perceived by those who have lived the experience. The study sample consists of 15 homeless adult women who self-reported having been diagnosed with a SMI. The findings highlight the reality that, provided with the right type of resources, positive growth can occur among these women despite lifelong events of trauma, victimization, and loss.

The findings of this study indicate that for some adolescents, pregnancy implies a desire and an opportunity to heal childhood wounds if relevant psychotherapeutic interventions can be provided. Nurses can identify pregnant teens who are already suffering with depression and encourage them to seek counseling prior to the birth of their baby before they are experiencing the added stressors inherent in new motherhood.

This study explored young Latino fathers’ feelings about their fathering role and perceptions of risk for HIV. Many teen parents have engaged in activities that place them at risk for exposure to HIV. Compared with young mothers, little is know about teen fathers. Young Latino fathers (N = 45) living in the inner-city participated in focus group interviews; 10 also completed individual interviews. Participants provide an account of the influence of lifelong poverty/social oppression on their worldviews and life choices, describing experiences with community violence, substance abuse, and risky sexual activity. Findings illustrate the profound change that some young men make after becoming fathers, including an understanding of the importance of relationships based on equality. Because of these youths’ ability to make difficult behavioral changes for the sake of their children, young Latino fathers are excellent candidates for intervention programs, such as HIV prevention.

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