Selected behaviors that increase risk for HIV infection, other sexually transmitted diseases, and unintended pregnancy among high school students--United States, 1991.

Abstract

In light of sexual activity sexually transmitted disease rates unintended pregnancy and HIV infections having increased among adolescents in the US since the 1970s 1991 self-reported data are reviewed from students in grades 9-12 about behavior which may place them at risk of supporting these trends. Data are drawn from state and local and national components of the Centers for Disease Control Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System. For state and local surveys school response rates ranged 48-100% student response rates ranged 44-96% and sample sizes over 23 states and 10 cities ranged 369-5834 students. 12272 students were surveyed at the national level of which 90% responded; national school response rate was 75%. 33-79% students at state and local levels and 54% students nationally reported ever having sexual intercourse; 54-78% locally and 69% nationally reported being currently sexually active; and 8-46% locally and 19% nationally reported having had sexual intercourse with 4 or more partners during their lifetime. Male students were generally more likely to report ever having had sexual intercourse and having had 4 or more partners during their lifetime while female students were more likely to report being currently sexually active. 1-4% locally and 2% nationally reported IV drug use; 5% or less reported IV drug use overall. Of those reporting current sexual activity 58-87% locally and 82% nationally reported they or their partner used contraception at last sexual intercourse; 28-53% locally and 46% nationally reported that the method employed was a condom. Finally both sexes reported similar rates of contraceptive use.