Objective. This study examined differences in health-risk behaviors among students with opposite-, same-, and both-sex sexual partners. Design. Data were combined from the 1995 and 1997 Vermont Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), and from the 1995 and 1997 Massachusetts YRBS. Each survey provides representative statewide data on high school students. We used logistic regression to compare behavior related to violence and harassment, alcohol and other drug use, and unhealthy weight control among students with opposite-sex sexual partners only (opposite-sex partners), with same-sex sexual partners only (same-sex partners), and with both male and female sexual partners (both-sex partners). Results. Vermont and Massachusetts students reporting both-sex partners had greater odds than students with opposite-sex partners to engage in most risk behaviors. These risk behaviors included being threatened or injured with a weapon at school (Vermont OR 5.01, 95% CI 3.58, 7.01; Massachusetts OR 5.36, 95% CI 3.22, 8.91), making a suicide attempt requiring medical attention (OR 4.84, 95% CI 2.95, 7.96; OR 5.06, 95% CI 2.74, 9.34), using cocaine (OR 4.43, 95% CI 3.34, 5.88; OR 3.86, 95% CI 2.56, 5.83), or vomiting or using laxatives to control their weight (OR 3.46, 95% CI 2.35, 5.08; OR 5.87, 95% CI 3.37, 10.20). Students with same-sex partners were no more likely to report most risk behaviors than students with opposite-sex partners. Conclusions. Students with both-sex partners may be at elevated risk of injury, disease, and death because of disproportionate harassment and violence at school, suicidal behavior, drug use, and unhealthy weight control practices.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Identify health risk behaviors disproportionately faced by youth who have sex with male and female sexual partners. 2. Understand the importance of analyzing health risks separately for youth who have same-sex partners only and those who have male and female partners. 3. Understand why researchers should measure several constructs related to same-sex sexuality including orientation, identity, and behavior.
Keywords: Adolescent Health, School Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.