Early Non-Coital Sexual and Romantic Behaviors in Latine Adolescents: Differences by Latine Origin

This secondary data analysis examined how adolescent early non-coital sexual and romantic behaviors and intentions vary by U.S. Latine origin (e.g., Cuban-, Dominican-, Mexican-, Puerto Rican-, Central and South American, and Other-origin), and explored whether these differences remained when accounting for demographic and cultural factors (e.g., familism). We used data from the baseline and Year 3 follow-ups of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. Latine early adolescents ( N = 2411; M age = 11.97, SD = .67) reported on their romantic intentions (40%), romantic behaviors or whether they wanted or have had a boyfriend/girlfriend (27%), and early sexual behaviors (i.e., kissing 10% and touching 3%). When controlling for demographic and cultural factors, gender and race explained some differences. Some remain. For instance, Mexican-origin adolescents reported the lowest prevalence of early romantic behaviors. Findings may help understand national origin differences in romantic and sexual behaviors and tailor prevention programs among these Latine subgroups.