ABSTRACT
A survey of Anglo and Hispanic adolescent males' sources of sexual information and their attitudes and practices was conducted. A comparison of attitudes and behaviors revealed little difference by ethnicity; however, a more detailed analysis of sources of information resulted in some interesting findings. The relationship between completing a sex education class and condom use was statistically significant in a positive direction. In addition, this relationship was much stronger for Hispanic youth. The important implications of this finding are discussed.
PIP: This exploratory study examined the self-reported sexual attitudes and behavior of 28 Anglo and 69 Hispanic adolescent males from urban and rural areas of Colorado in 1987. 64.3% of the Anglos and 60.3% of the Hispanics were from urban areas. The mean age was 15.6 years for Anglos and 16.1 years for Hispanics. The education level was lower for Anglos. 29.6% of Anglos and 31.1% of Hispanics lived in 1-parent households. The results showed that sexual knowledge was learned from a variety of sources in both groups, with no statistical difference between groups. Of interest, however,is that sex education was ranked 1st by Anglos and 3rd by Hispanics. Statistical differences were found in the desire to postpone sex until marriage, i.e., 39.3% of Anglos vs. 20.9% of Hispanics desired postponement. There were no differences in actual engagement in sexual intercourse, i.e., 64.3% of Anglos and 70.8% of Hispanics with mean ages of 13.2 years and 13.6 years, respectively. Condom use was also similar with 38.9% of Anglos and 31.8% of Hispanics indicating use of condoms sometimes. 27.8% of Anglos and 20.5% of Hispanics reported no use ever. The most important finding was the effect of sex education classes. 53.6% reported sex education classes as a source of knowledge (60.7% of Anglos and 50.7% of Hispanics). An additional analysis showed that there was a very strong relationship between learning about sexuality in a sex education class and reports of condom use among those sexually active. 71.4% of those reporting condom use had learned about sexuality through a sex education class, while only 21.45 of those never having used a condom had attended a sex education class. It was also statistically significant that those who had learned about sexuality from sex education classes would choose sex education classes as a source of further information, both for Anglos and Hispanics. What is not answered is whether sex education was result of choice or access, i.e., considered important in light of the association between condom use and sex education. Timing of sex education is also important, and may explain the lack of association between age at 1st intercourse and sex classes. The study points out the cultural value of Hispanic "machismo" which also means accepting responsibility for contraception and providing for one's family, but in traditional households youth may not ask about sexuality. This study addresses cultural expectations, the nature of information desired by youth, and the multiple sources influencing knowledge and attitudes.
