A New Framework of Sexual Health Disparities among Minority Women: “Ecological Theory” and “Theory of Fundamental Social Causes”

초록

Previous research findings consistently indicate the adverse outcomes of sexual risk behaviors among racial/ethnic minority adolescent and young adult women in the United States. The purpose of this study is to advance the state of multicultural knowledge about sexual risk behaviors among racial/ethnic minority women including African Americans, Hispanics, and Asian American and Pacific Islanders (API). Using a framework based on "ecological theory" and "the theory of fundamental social causes," this study illustrates pathways by which racial/ethnic disparities may impact sexual health status. A rationale for the framework is provided, along with identification of factors associated with sexual activities across individual, familial, and extra- familial levels. This study suggests further attention to sexual health of these populations in order to develop adequate strategies for reducing the adverse impact of the risky behaviors.

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