Association between Substance Use and Risky Sexual Behavior among Korean Adolescents

Abstract

Objectives : This study aimed to investigate the association between substance use and risky sexual behavior in Korean adolescents. Methods ： A cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted in 12-18 year-old adolescents in Korea in 2018. The data of 60,040 adolescents who participated in the survey were analyzed. Logistic regression was performed to investigate the association between substance use (alcohol use, tobacco use, and the use of other drugs) and risky sexual behavior (having sexual intercourse during adolescence, and having unprotected sexual intercourse), for males and females, separately. Results ： The percentage of adolescents who had sexual intercourse was 5.3%. Among those who had sexual intercourse, 53.9% had unprotected sexual intercourse. Logistic regression analyses showed that all types of substance use were associated with having an early sexual debut and having unprotected sexual intercourse. Conclusion : The study showed that substance use, including alcohol use, tobacco use, and the use of other drugs, was associated with risky sexual behavior among Korean adolescents. Sexual health education and interventions are necessary for adolescents with a history of substance use.