This study investigates associations between immigration and acculturation with sexual assault among a large, representative sample of high school girls. The analysis utilized data from the Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Surveys conducted in 1999, 2001, and 2003 (N = 5,919). Adjusted logistic regression analyses were conducted among the full sample and a sexually active subsample. Being an immigrant was associated with recurring sexual assault victimization; this effect was not consistent across age and racial/ethnic groups. Immigrant status conferred risk among adolescent girls aged 15 and younger, Black adolescent girls, and sexually active Hispanic girls. No differences were detected in sexual assault victimization based on acculturation. © 2007 SAGE Publications.

Adolescent health Sexual assault Immigration health disparities

Interpersonal Relations human risk assessment statistics Ethnic Groups ethnic group Logistic Models child behavior human relation United States Humans Adolescent male Acculturation female risk factor Risk Factors questionnaire cultural factor victim women's health Article Adolescent Behavior Questionnaires migration Emigration and Immigration statistical model Crime Victims Rape