Nativity Status and Risky Sexual Behaviors among Hispanic Young Adults

Ursula Keller, Florida State University
Kathryn H. Tillman, Florida State University

One important component of positive long-term health outcomes is the protection of sexual and reproductive health during the adolescent and early adult years. The literature, to date, remains vague as to the influence acculturation may exhibit on Hispanic youth’s reproductive and sexual behavior. Using data from the Miami-Dade area of South Florida to focus on the risky sexual behaviors of Hispanic residents between 18 and 23, we examine the association between nativity status and sexual behavior among Hispanic youth during the early adult period; how the relationship between nativity and sexual behavior is conditioned by age at immigration and gender; and lastly the extent to which the relationship between nativity and risky sexual behavior can be explained by differences in age, race/ ethnicity, and English language ability. The findings indicate that there are clear nativity and gender differences in the propensity to engage in risky sexual behavior.