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Sexual orientation, sexual abuse, and HIV-risk behaviors among adolescents in the pacific northwest

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  • Saewyc, E.
  • Skay, C.
  • Richens, K.
  • Reis, E.
  • Poon, C.
  • Murphy, A.

Abstract

Objectives. We explored HIV risk behaviors, sexual orientation, and sexual abuse among 5 school-based cohorts in Seattle, Wash (SEA95and SEA99:N=7477 and N=6590), and British Columbia (BC92, BC98, and BC03 [weighted]: N=239975, N = 281576, and N=265132). Methods. An HIV risk scale of 7 items assessed risky sexual behaviors and injection drug use. Self-identified sexual orientation included heterosexual, bisexual, gay/lesbian, and, in British Columbia only, mostly heterosexual. Analyses of covariance were conducted separately by gender and were adjusted for age and sexual abuse when comparing means. Results. Gay/lesbian and bisexual adolescents had higher mean age-adjusted risk scores compared with heterosexual and mostly heterosexual adolescents. After we controlled for sexual abuse history, mean scores were 2 to 4 times higher among abused students than among nonabused students in each sexual orientation group. Age/abuse-adjusted models better explained the variance in risk scores (R 2=0.10-0.31), but sexual orientation remained an independent predictor. Conclusion. Sexual minority adolescents who attended school reported higher HIV risk behaviors, and higher prevalence of sexual victimization may partially explain these risks.

Suggested Citation

  • Saewyc, E. & Skay, C. & Richens, K. & Reis, E. & Poon, C. & Murphy, A., 2006. "Sexual orientation, sexual abuse, and HIV-risk behaviors among adolescents in the pacific northwest," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 96(6), pages 1104-1110.
    • Handle: RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2005.065870_6
    DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2005.065870
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