CORRELATES OF HIV RISK AMONG YOUNG ADOLESCENTS IN A LARGE METROPOLITAN MIDWESTERN EPICENTER

This paper examines levels of participation in and correlates of AIDS- related risk behavior for young adolescents in high-risk communities a s determined by proxy indicators such as rates of reported STDs and ad olescent pregnancies. Seventh and eighth grade students from two middl e schools and ninth grade students from the receiving high school were surveyed. Descriptive and inferential techniques examined grade, raci al, behavioral, and gender differences in participation in risk (subst ance use and sexual activity) and protective (use of condoms and use o f condoms and foam) behaviors. Grade, race, and sexual activity were s ignificant correlates of both licit and illicit drug use. Gender, grad e, race, and licit and illicit drug use were significant correlates of sexual activity. Results demonstrate that not only are adults and old er teens at risk in these communities, but younger adolescents also ar e at risk. Findings indicate a need for comprehensive HIV prevention p rograms at younger ages.