Differences in sexual risk behaviors between lower and higher frequency alcohol-using African-American adolescent females.

Background: To examine differences between lower and higher frequency alcohol users in sexual behaviors and psychosocial correlates of risk for HIV among young African-American females.

Methods: Data were collected from sexually active African-American females aged 15-20 years, seeking services at a STD clinic in Atlanta, GA, to assess sexual behavior, correlates of risk, and a non-disease biological marker of unprotected vaginal sex.

Results: Number of drinking occasions was significantly related to three of four psychosocial correlates and with all self-reporting sexual behavior measures. Also, heavier drinking per occasion was associated with the presence of semen in vaginal fluid.

Conclusion: Non-abuse levels of drinking were related to increased sexual risk-taking in this sample of young African- American females. Incorporating messages about the intersection of alcohol use and sexual decision making into HIV/STD prevention programs would strengthen STD prevention messaging in this vulnerable population.