Developmental investigation of age at sexual debut and subsequent sexual risk behaviours: a study of high-risk young black males

Background The purpose of this study was to identify unmediated associations of early sexual debut (ESD) on the current safer sex practices of young Black men (YBM). Methods: A cross-sectional study of YBM (n = 697) attending clinics treating sexually transmissible diseases (STIs) in three cities was conducted. ESD was dichotomised at the age of 13 years and under. A series of regression models were used to test the moderating effects of ESD and perceived parental monitoring (PPM). A regression model also tested the effect of years of sexual experience (YSE) on sexual risk behaviours, while controlling for ESD. Results: Mean age of debut was 13.95 years. ESD results varied with significance for pregnancy (P