Youth Assets and Delayed Coitarche Across Developmental Age Groups

Abstract

Cross-sectional studies suggest that assets are associated with youth abstinence, but whether these relationships are constant across developmental age groups has not been shown. Data for this study were obtained from two independent datasets collected across a 2-year period using in-person, in-home interviews of youth (52% female; 44% Caucasian, 23% Hispanic, 23% African-American, 10% other) and their parents (N = 2163 youth/parent pairs). Eighty-eight percent of teens aged 12-14 and 58% of teens aged 15-17 reported no sexual intercourse. Individual logistic regression models for assets and abstinence found 5 youth assets with significant adjusted odds ratios for both age groups: Non-Parental Adult Role models; Family Communication; Use of Time (Religion); Responsible Choices; and Peer Role Models. Community Involvement was associated with abstinence for young teens only and Aspirations for the Future and Good Health Practices only for middle teens. These findings can inform policies and programs targeting youth sexual decision-making.