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Dimensions of Sexual Orientation and HIV-Related Risk Among Adolescent Females: Evidence From a Statewide Survey.

Goodenow C, Szalacha LA, Robin LE, Westheimer K

Massachusetts Department of Education.

Objectives. We examined the relationship of 2 dimensions of sexual orientation-sexual identity and sex of partners-with self-reported behaviors and experiences to identify factors that may place adolescent females at risk of HIV/AIDS. Methods. We gathered data on sexually experienced female high school students from 4 waves of a population-based survey. We used logistic regression analyses to investigate the association between their sexual identity (3666 heterosexual; 184 lesbian, gay, or bisexual; 113 not sure) and sex of partners (3714 male only, 79 female only, and 180 both males and females) with HIV-related risk behaviors. Results. Self-defined sexual identity was often inconsistent with sex of sexual partners. Sexual identities other than heterosexual and having same-sex partners (either exclusively or in addition to male partners) were associated with high rates of several HIV-related risk behaviors. Coerced sexual contact was significantly associated with every risk outcome. AIDS education in school predicted lower HIV risk on 4 of 6 indicators. Conclusions. Programs to prevent HIV infection among adolescent females should take into account the complexity of sexual orientation and should address the needs and behaviors of sexual-minority youths.

Published 30 April 2008 in Am J Public Health.
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