%A Maria Catrina Jaime
%O mcdjaime1026@gmail.com
%T Exploring the relationships of masculinity and gender attitudes with sexual risk behaviors among young men involved in the juvenile justice system
%X The prevalence of sexually transmitted infections is higher among youth involved in the juvenile justice system (JJS) compared to those not involved. From a public health and primary prevention perspective, it is critical to understand the multiple factors that contribute to sexual risk behaviors among young men involved in the JJS. The literature suggests that gender inequitable attitudes are a potentially modifiable risk factor for poor sexual health among young men. Young men of color from low-socioeconomic backgrounds are overrepresented in the JJS and the intersections of gender, race, class, and sexuality need to be considered. The extent to which masculinity and gender attitudes are associated with sexual risk behaviors among juvenile justice-involved youth have not been assessed. This dissertation presents a systematic literature review and a mixed methods study to assess masculinity and gender attitudes related to sexual risk behaviors among young men involved in the JJS compared to those not involved. The study samples derive from a community-based randomized controlled trial of a sexual violence prevention program. The quantitative study uses existing data from a cross-sectional computer-based survey. Qualitative in-depth, face-to-face interviews are conducted with a sub-sample of participants. Systematic review findings show there is a significant gap in the literature about masculinity and gender attitudes related to sexual risk and sexual health outcomes among young men involved in the JJS. The quantitative study provides evidence that there is an association between gender attitudes, juvenile justice status, and sexual risk behaviors. The qualitative data indicate that young men involved in the JJS displayed less equitable gender attitudes. These results suggest there are complex and intersecting topics related to gender, race, and other sociocultural factors that shape masculinity, gender attitudes, and sexual risk behaviors among young men involved in the JJS. This small, yet substantive study lays the foundation for future work. A comprehensive understanding of these associations and the people who influence these attitudes and behaviors may better inform the development of new interventions and approaches to promote healthy masculinity and sexuality among young men involved in the JJS.
%D 2017
%K Young men, Juvenile justice, gender attitudes, sexual risk behaviors
%I University of Pittsburgh
%L pittir33086