CDC Analyzes Trends in HIV-Related Sexual Risk Behavior in High School Students
October 29, 1999
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently analyzed data from Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (YRBS) conducted between 1991 and 1997 to determine whether the prevalence of HIV-related sexual risk behaviors among high school students in urban areas decreased in recent years. The findings were published in the September issue of the Journal of School Health.
Researchers analyzed data collected from self-report questionnaires given to high school students in Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Jersey City, NJ; Miami, FL; and San Diego, CA during 1991, 93, 95, and 97. Data from respondents in Boston, MA was not available for 1991, but is included for each of the other years. Similarly, data from respondents in Philadelphia, PA was included for each year excluding 1993.
Students in all but one of these eight U.S. cities demonstrated a significant improvement in at least one HIV-related sexual risk behavior.
The findings suggest that the behavior of urban students parallels recent national trends that show decreases in sexual experience and multiple sexual partners as well as an increase in condom use among students. The CDC states that, "despite the reductions in risk for HIV infection among urban adolescents, many remain at risk." The CDC suggests community interventions to reinforce school-based HIV-prevention education and provide additional services to adolescents in urban communities.
For more information:
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Trends in HIV-Related Sexual Risk Behaviors Among High School Students-Selected U.S. Cities, 1991-1997," Journal of School Health, September 1999, V. 69 n. 7, pp. 255-57.
This article was provided by Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States. It is a part of the publication SHOP Talk: School Health Opportunities and Progress Bulletin.