21. Familial Interdependence, Pregnancy, and Condom Use in Latino and Anglo Women.

Familial variables have been the key interest and are believed to be key predictors of high-risk behaviors in adolescents. In particular, we were interested in familial interdependence among young Latino and Anglo women and its influence on pregnancy and condom use. Relative to the Anglo population, Latinos have been noted to be more collectivistic and interdependent with family members and friends. Those characterized by a stronger sense of interdependence are more likely to experience the aspirations, achievements and emotions of family, and are likely to set aside personal needs and goals for family needs and goals. We believe that perceived sense of interdependence may moderate high-risk behaviors. Data from first wave of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (1994) reveal important cultural differences between Latino and Anglo women. High levels of parental interdependence reduced the chances of pregnancy to a greater extent among Latino (by 20%) compared to Anglo (by 10%) adolescent females. Condom use, however, is related to parental interdependence in Latino as it is in Anglo women. We surmise that Latino women are highly conscious of and conforming to parental expectations of chastity, but live in a culture where openly airing sexual issues (i.e. condom use) is considered inappropriate and disrespectful to many Latino women. Thus, interdependence makes a discernible difference in pregnancy rates, but not condom use in Latino women. These findings highlight the importance of examining cultural differences that can aid in the development of appropriate interventions to stem unwanted adolescent pregnancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]