Cultural Influences on the Sexual Attitudes, Beliefs, and Norms of Young Latina Adolescents

PURPOSE: To describe the influence of cultural values famillism, gender-role expectations, and religion on sexual attitudes, beliefs, and norms of young Latina adolescents. DESIGN: Ethnography, focus group interviews. SETTING: Community-based agencies in two urban cities. PARTICIPANTS: Puerto Rican and Mexican-American adolescents (10-15 years) and their mothers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ethnographic interview guide. RESULTS: The importance of family and the role of the extended network, dimensions of famillism, were evident in such patterns as respect for self and family, protection of self, child, and family. The protectiveness of families toward girls, gender differences in rules, value of virginity, and the importance of having a family, were findings consistent with Latino gender roles. However, there were also some important deviations from these roles. For example, virginity, although important, was not associated with religious doctrine of practice. The necessity of preventing pregnancy was also considered important. CONCLUSION: Latino cultural values need to be incorporated in primary and secondary prevention efforts to decrease the risk associated with early and unprotected sexual activity.