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Predictors Of Early Onset Of Sexual Intercourse In Male And Female Residents Of The United States, Brianna Michele Magnusson Jan 2005

Predictors Of Early Onset Of Sexual Intercourse In Male And Female Residents Of The United States, Brianna Michele Magnusson

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract Purpose: The United States has the highest rate of teen pregnancy of any industrialized nation. Adolescents who have their first sexual intercourse at a young age are at increased risk for teen pregnancies and acquiring a sexually transmitted disease. This study examines predictors of early onset sexual intercourse in male and female residents of the United States. Methods: A nationally representative sample of N=7,643 females and N=4.928 males ages 15-44 was procured from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG), Cycle 6. Age at first sexual intercourse was used to define early onset of sexual debut(<18 years). Socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics of the respondents, demographic and selected reproductive characteristics of the respondent's parents were examined using multiple logistic regression modeling. Results: Non-fispanic black, being raised without both parents, having a mother less than 18 years old at the age of first birth and age difference between partners were significant predictors of early onset of sexual intercourse for both males and females. Maternal education less than high school was a significant protective factor for female respondents [OR=0.72 (95%CI=0.58- 0.90)] and paternal education completed high school only [OR=1.4 (95% CI=l. 1-1.7)] was a significant risk factor for male respondents. Conclusions: Racelethnicity, age difference between partners, not being raised by both parents, having a mother who had her first birth before the age of 18 and parental education are important predictor variables. Further study should be conducted to investigate the protective effect of lack of maternal education for female respondents. Intervention programs for teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection prevention should target these at risk groups.


Psychosocial Predictors Of Women's Physical Health In Middle Adulthood, Sandra Thomas Jan 1992

Psychosocial Predictors Of Women's Physical Health In Middle Adulthood, Sandra Thomas

Faculty Publications and Other Works -- Nursing

Although health is a key element in one's experience of middle adulthood as a time of productivity and personal fulfillment, research on psychosocial factors predictive of mid-life health is sparse, especially for women. Psychosocial variables are not only highly salient to health, but also are potentially modifiable by women themselves. This study employed a multivariate, multitheoretical approach to the study of health, examining a variety of psychosocial predictors (locus of control/mastery, psychological well-being, role quality, social network ties, optimism, and demographic variables) in a secondary analysis of data collected by Baruch and Barnett on 238 women. Subjects were divided into …


Psychosocial Predictors Of Women's Physical Health In Middle Adulthood, Sandra Thomas Jan 1992

Psychosocial Predictors Of Women's Physical Health In Middle Adulthood, Sandra Thomas

Sandra Thomas

Although health is a key element in one's experience of middle adulthood as a time of productivity and personal fulfillment, research on psychosocial factors predictive of mid-life health is sparse, especially for women. Psychosocial variables are not only highly salient to health, but also are potentially modifiable by women themselves. This study employed a multivariate, multitheoretical approach to the study of health, examining a variety of psychosocial predictors (locus of control/mastery, psychological well-being, role quality, social network ties, optimism, and demographic variables) in a secondary analysis of data collected by Baruch and Barnett on 238 women. Subjects were divided into …


Anger Symptomatology, Stress Reactivity, And Health Status Of Mid-Life Women, Sandra Thomas Jan 1989

Anger Symptomatology, Stress Reactivity, And Health Status Of Mid-Life Women, Sandra Thomas

Faculty Publications and Other Works -- Nursing

This study examined psychological, behavioral, environmental, and sociodemographic predictors of health status in 87 mid-life women participating in a longitudinal investigation. Correlates of good health were found to be an optimistic disposition, internal locus of control, education, income, employment outside the home, moderate exercise, and adequate sleep. Variables negatively related to health were stress, external locus of control, packyears of smoking, post-menopausal status, body mass index, and anger symptomatology. Age and social support variables were not related to health status, nor were the anger-in, anger-out, and anger-discuss modes of expressing anger. The regression model accounted for 56% of the variance …


Anger Symptomatology, Stress Reactivity, And Health Status Of Mid-Life Women, Sandra Thomas Jan 1989

Anger Symptomatology, Stress Reactivity, And Health Status Of Mid-Life Women, Sandra Thomas

Sandra Thomas

This study examined psychological, behavioral, environmental, and sociodemographic predictors of health status in 87 mid-life women participating in a longitudinal investigation. Correlates of good health were found to be an optimistic disposition, internal locus of control, education, income, employment outside the home, moderate exercise, and adequate sleep. Variables negatively related to health were stress, external locus of control, packyears of smoking, post-menopausal status, body mass index, and anger symptomatology. Age and social support variables were not related to health status, nor were the anger-in, anger-out, and anger-discuss modes of expressing anger. The regression model accounted for 56% of the variance …


Predictors Of Health In Middle Adulthood, Sandra Thomas Jan 1985

Predictors Of Health In Middle Adulthood, Sandra Thomas

Faculty Publications and Other Works -- Nursing

There is increasing acceptance of the premise that growth and development continue throughout adult life and, as life expectancy has lengthened, there is a much expanded mid-life period. Yet, middle adulthood has been neglected as an area of theoretical and empirical examination. Adults (N=251) in middle adulthood (age 35-55) completed instruments measuring current health status, health locus of control, health value, health habits, self-management effectiveness, stressful life events, social support, genetic predisposition, gender, level of education, and income. The results indicated that internal locus of control was positively related to total self-management, health self-management, and health habits, while chance locus …


Predictors Of Health In Middle Adulthood, Sandra Thomas Jan 1985

Predictors Of Health In Middle Adulthood, Sandra Thomas

Sandra Thomas

There is increasing acceptance of the premise that growth and development continue throughout adult life and, as life expectancy has lengthened, there is a much expanded mid-life period. Yet, middle adulthood has been neglected as an area of theoretical and empirical examination. Adults (N=251) in middle adulthood (age 35-55) completed instruments measuring current health status, health locus of control, health value, health habits, self-management effectiveness, stressful life events, social support, genetic predisposition, gender, level of education, and income. The results indicated that internal locus of control was positively related to total self-management, health self-management, and health habits, while chance locus …