A comparative study of indicators of sexual behaviors of Filipinos ages 18 to 25 in two countries: The United States and the Philippines

• Main Author: Tuason, Ivy C
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01.01.2016
• Subjects: Epidemiology; Nursing; Pacific Rim Studies; Public health
• ISBN: 136903671X; 9781369036718

Purpose: While HIV and AIDS rates in many parts of the world are decreasing, the AIDS epidemic in the Philippines continues at an alarming rate, especially among young people. As one of the largest ethnic minorities and foreign-born immigrants in the United States, it is important to understand and compare the characteristics of Filipinos living in the United States and the Philippines to gain new knowledge about the relationship between the personal and social systems affecting sexual behaviors. The purposes of this research are (a) to explore the indicators for non-risky and risky sexual behaviors of Filipino youths in the United States and the Philippines, (b) to compare the indicators of non-risky and risky sexual behaviors of Filipino youths in the United States and Philippines, (c) to explore the influence of acculturation, if any, on the sexual behaviors of Filipinos living in the United States, and (d) to examine which of these indicators are predictors of non-risky and risky sexual behaviors of Filipino youths in the United States and in the Philippines. Methods: This quantitative, descriptive, correlational study used a survey to determine the relationship between demographic variables, religiosity, parental sex communication, sexual relationship power, HIV knowledge, and acculturation to risky sexual behaviors of Filipinos living in the United States and the Philippines. T test and Chi-square were used to analyze the correlation between variables. Logistic regression was used to determine the predictors for sexual behaviors. Results: Distinct variations of variables were associated with specific risky behaviors for both groups. Older age, having a college degree, being employed full-time, and being male were associated with risky sexual behaviors. In the United States, low scores in sexual relationship power were associated with multiple sex partners and casual sex. Religion, HIV knowledge, and increased parental communication were predictors for safe sex behaviors. Implications/Conclusion: Study results identified multiple factors influencing sexual behaviors which will be used to design nursing interventions in HIV prevention. Filipinos living in the United States and in the Philippines have different needs and require health promotion activities specifically designed to address their needs.