Latinas Are Controlling Prudes, According To Study

A study conducted by the University of Chicago Medical Center shows that control plays a big part in when a young Latina has sex for the first time.

Greater sense of personal control over sexual behaviors appeared to be the strongest factor influencing delay. This suggests that Latina women’s own beliefs regarding timing of first sexual intercourse may outweigh the influence of family, friends, and partners.

The study also revealed a high correlation between a young Latina’s decision about when to first initiate sexual activity and her family’s expectations.

“Both personal control and family expectations had a very important role in delaying early initiation of sex,” said study author Melissa Gilliam, MD, MPH, section chief of Family Planning at the University of Chicago Medical Center. “If the daughter perceived that her family felt her education was important, then it led her to delay sex.”

It’s true; nerds don’t get laid. Unless they have hot, older teachers:

The study also found a strong correlation with the young woman’s mother’s age at first pregnancy and the age of the young woman’s first sexual partner. The greater the age difference between the woman and her older partner, the more likely she was to engage in sex at an earlier age.

So why the rise in pregnancies among young Latinas? It’s probably Jesus’ fault. He never wears a condom:

Statistics from previous studies show that compared to African-American and white adolescents, the Latina population has higher rates of teen pregnancy despite lower rates of sexual activity, and they are less likely to use contraception the first time they have sex. “There are these health disparities that very much track along racial, ethnic lines,” Gilliam said.

Also, that first sip of Communion wine can make a girl a bit tipsy and absentminded.

What?

Sense of personal control influences Latinas’ decisions about sexual debut [EurekAlert]