An HIV risk behavior profile of African American adolescent children of crack using women and the potential for faith-based HIV prevention education

African American adolescents are disproportionately affected by HIV and AIDS. Children of substance users are especially at risk for engaging in behaviors that may put them at risk for HIV/AIDS. Empirical literature has identified numerous factors that protect adolescents from harm. However, given the complexity of factors that have been found across many studies to affect adolescent sexual behavior, a framework that reflects this complexity must be used to study this population. For this study, we will use the Primary Socialization Theory to further examine sexual behaviors among this population.;The Primary Socialization Theory postulates that the family, peers, and school contexts shape adolescent behavior. Although the theory postulates that religiosity is a secondary factor, for this study we have modified the theory to include religiosity as a primary factor in order to accurately reflect the experiences of African American adolescents. Previous research has found that the church plays a significant role in the African American community as well as in the lives of many African American youth. However, little is known about the feasibility of providing HIV/AIDS education to youth in this setting. Therefore, we also seek to examine the potential for providing HIV prevention education in a faith-based setting.;Our findings among adolescents indicate that about a third reported lifetime substance use while about a quarter reported engaging in sexual activity. Furthermore, the peer construct was a significant predictor of sexual activity. Among faith-based leaders, few leaders reported HIV/AIDS as a priority adolescent health issue, while the majority wanted to emphasize abstinence until marriage messages and were not willing to provide condoms. However, leaders reported a willingness to participate in a variety of HIV prevention activities.;The findings from this study provide a risk profile of adolescent children of African American women who use crack. Understanding factors that contribute to risk-taking among this sample of high-risk youth may inform intervention development as well as determine the feasibility of collaborating with and mobilizing faith-based leaders and institutions as a venue to provide HIV prevention programs.