Prevalence and Correlates of Sexual Risk Behaviors by Gender among Multi-Ethnic Adolescents

Abstract

Purpose Risky sex and its related behaviors (initiation of sex, alcohol, and drugs, school performance, delinquency) among adolescents are known to vary between genders. However, such variations among multi-ethnic adolescents of Florida are relatively understudied. The purpose of the study was to assess the prevalence of sexual and its related behaviors and evaluate the probability of sexual risks between genders. Methods This study utilized the state-specific High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) of 2003. Weighted frequencies and stratified analyses using Rao-Scott chi-square (χ 2 ) test and survey logistic regression models were utilized. Adjusted odds ratios and their corresponding confidence limits and Rao-Scott χ 2 statistics for significance testing of parameter estimates were presented. Results There were 2,025 females and 1,828 males (n=3,853). Over 50% of participants were Whites, with 24.1% Hispanics, 20.3% African Americans, and 4.4% other. More females (20.3%) reported nonuse of condom compared with males (17.8%). Prevalence of other sexual risks (multiple sex partners, injection drug use, and sex under the influence of alcohol) was more common in males. Common correlates of at least one sexual risk behavior included older age, grade level, and early sexual debut. Surprisingly, school performance, delinquent behaviors, and early initiation of alcohol or drugs were not significantly associated with risky sex in males or females. Conclusion Underlying variation of risks between males and females should be explored further. Health professionals working with adolescent populations should consider collecting locally relevant epidemiologic, survey, and social systems data to assess gender-variations in behaviors. Moreover, health prevention/promotion programs should be designed with reference to specific gender, and other differences especially among ethnically diverse adolescent populations.