Heterogeneity in patterns of sexual risk behaviors among african‐american youth: Associations with general and race‐specific factors

This descriptive study employed a within‐groups analytic approach to examine patterns of sexual risk behavior and co‐occurring general and race/ethnicity‐specific risk and protective factors in a community sample of African‐American youth (n = 436). Cluster analysis was used to classify young adults by levels of self‐reported past year sexual risk behaviors. MANOVA, ANOVA, and chi‐square analyses indicated significant associations between cluster membership and (a) lifetime psychiatric diagnoses, (b) peer substance use behaviors, and (c) self‐reported past year alcohol and marijuana use. Cluster membership was not associated with several race/ethnicity‐specific variables: racial/ethnic orientation, cultural mistrust, and perceived discrimination. The results of the current study can inform the development of HIV/STI prevention strategies for vulnerable African‐American youth.