HIV/STIs among Hispanic Adolescents and Young Adults: Variations by Ethnicity, Acculturation and Gender

Sarah M. Kendig, University of Maryland
Brittany S. McGill, University of Maryland

The sexual and reproductive health of adolescents and young adults continues to be an interest to researchers and policymakers, especially given recent evidence that one in four adolescent girls is infected with an STI or HIV (CDC 2008). However, previous studies have rarely examined differences in HIV/STIs within the Hispanic population. Given the diversity and growth of Hispanics in the U.S. and the high risk for negative sexual and reproductive health outcomes for Hispanic youth, it is necessary to consider differences by ethnicity and acculturation in STI/HIV prevalence among Hispanics. Utilizing the restricted-use Add Health dataset, we will conduct separate analyses by ethnicity and gender among Hispanic adolescents and young adults to examine variations in STI/HIV indicators and to determine the explanatory role of various factors, such as sexual behavior and acculturation. Preliminary analyses indicate that differences may be evident by ethnicity and acculturation in STI/HIV prevalence among Hispanic youth.