Adolescent Sexual Behaviors at Varying Levels of Substance Use Frequency

• NCJ Number: 229502
• Journal: Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse Volume: 19 Issue: 1 Dated: January-March 2010 Pages: 66-77
• Author(s): Leah J. Floyd; William Latimer
• Date Published: January 2010
• Length: 12 pages
• Grant Number(s): DA00254; R01DA14498
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the relationship between alcohol and marijuana use frequency and specific sexual behaviors in a large sample of adolescents 12 to 19 years of age.

Abstract

Combining substance use and sex compounds the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV. However, the association between substance use and sexual behaviors may vary by substance and sexual behavior. The current study sought to examine the relationship between alcohol and marijuana use frequency and specific sexual behaviors. The International Longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health was administered to 1,432 youths in 1 middle school and 1 high school in Minnesota. Results from logistic regression analyses indicated a relationship between alcohol and marijuana use and being sexually active. However, only marijuana use was associated with having multiple partners. To aid researchers in designing more effective HIV prevention interventions, future research should focus on understanding the differential effects of alcohol and marijuana on sexual behaviors. Table and references (Published Abstract)