Understanding motivations for sex among detained youth: implications for HIV prevention programs.

This investigation examined reasons for having sex among a sample of 369 African-American and White adolescent detainees, aged 14-18. Using A-CASI technology, sociodemographic variables and motivations for having sex were assessed among this population. Findings indicated that adolescents hold underlying motivations for having sex and that these differ to some degree by gender, SES, but less by race. For programs to be optimally effective, program goals should address gender and SES differentials for having sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]