Multiple individual characteristics are associated with positive reproductive health behaviors. Demographic characteristics, including gender, race/ethnicity, and age are all important, with males more likely than females to initiate sexual intercourse at an early age and to exhibit greater levels of sexual activity; racial and ethnic minorities more likely to engage in behaviors related to early pregnancy, childbearing and STIs, and older teens more likely be sexually experienced but also more likely to use contraception (Abma & Sonenstein, 2001; Miller, Norton et al., 1997; Raine et al., 1999; Santelli et al., 2000). Pubertal development and age at menarche are.
