Personal and social influences regarding oral sex among African American female adolescents

Objective: To identify personal and social factors associated with performing oral sex among female adolescents. Methods: Sexually active African American female adolescents (n=715) recruited from sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics were assessed for self-esteem, sexual sensation seeking, unprotected vaginal sex (UVS), self-efficacy to communicate about sex and to refuse sex, fear of negotiating condoms, relationship power, peer norms surrounding risky sexual behavior, ever having performed oral sex, and three vaginally acquired STIs. Results: Prevalence for at least one STI was 29%. More than half reported performing oral sex. Controlling for age, performing oral sex was associated with relatively higher sexual sensation seeking, any UVS in past 60 days, relatively lower self-efficacy to refuse sex, and having peer norms supportive of risky sexual behaviors. Conclusions: Given the potential for epidemic spread of orally acquired STIs to populations of female adolescents residing in communities with high rates of STI prevalence, this initial research provides guidance for intervention development and expanded research efforts.