Objective: To examine potential sexual risk behaviors associated with female adolescents' use of marijuana. Methods: Sexually active female African-American adolescents (n=522) completed an in-depth private interview. The interview asked for information regarding specific number of times condoms were used during sexual activity, the type of sexual partner they have, and presence or absence of various sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Marijuana use was determined by self-reported measures. Multiple logistic regression assessed the independent contribution of each outcome variable to the primary predictor variable of marijuana use. Results: At the time of the survey, 214 (41%) reported that they had used marijuana. Marijuana users were associated with: boyfriends who have other sexual partners (AOR=.654, P=.034), non-usage of condoms in the last 30 days (AOR=1.752, P=.033) and the past six months (AOR=1.626, P=.01), as well as the presence of trichomonas (AOR=2.244, P=.003). Discussion: The findings suggest that marijuana use is associated with several sexual risk behaviors and with at least one STD. These findings highlight the importance of focusing on high sexual risk behaviors among female teenagers who are also marijuana users.
Learning Objectives: Session participants will be able to identify and discuss the importance of observed sexual behavior correlates of marijuana users, and what implications these findings have on intervention efforts within the targeted group.
Keywords: Marijuana, Sexual Risk Behavior
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.