TY - JOUR
T1 - Comparison of teenagers' early same-sex and heterosexual behavior
T2 - UK data from the SHARE and RIPPLE studies
AU - Parkes, Alison
AU - Strange, Vicki
AU - Wight, Daniel
AU - Bonell, Chris
AU - Copas, Andrew
AU - Henderson, Marion
AU - Buston, Katie
AU - Stephenson, Judith
AU - Johnson, Anne
AU - Allen, Elizabeth
AU - Hart, Graham
PY - 2011/1/1
Y1 - 2011/1/1
N2 - Purpose North American research finds increased sexual risk-taking among teenagers with same-sex partners, but understanding of underlying processes is limited. The research carried out in the United Kingdom compares teenagers' early sexual experiences according to same- or opposite-sex partner, focusing on unwanted sex in addition to risk-taking, and exploring underlying psychosocial differences. Methods Multivariate analyses combined self-reported data from two randomized control trials of school sex education programs (N = 10,250). Outcomes from sexually experienced teenagers (N = 3,766) were partner pressure to have first sex and subsequent regret, and sexual risk measures including pregnancy. Covariates included self-esteem, future expectations, substance use, and communication with mother. Results By the time of follow-up (mean age, 16), same-sex genital contact (touching or oral or anal) was reported by 2.3% of teenagers, with the majority also reporting heterosexual intercourse. A total of 39% reported heterosexual intercourse and no same-sex genital contact. Boys were more likely to report partner pressure (Odds ratio [OR] = 2.56, 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.295.08) and regret (OR = 2.32; 95% CI = 1.393.86) in relation to first same-sex genital contact than first heterosexual intercourse, but girls showed no differences according to partner type. Teenagers with bisexual behavior reported greater pregnancy or partner pregnancy risk than teenagers with exclusively opposite-sex partners (girls, OR = 4.51, 95% CI = 2.358.64; boys, OR = 4.43, 95% CI = 2.418.14), partially reduced by attitudinal and behavioral differences. Conclusions This UK study confirms greater reporting of sexual risk-taking among teenagers with same-sex partners, and suggests that boys in this group are vulnerable to unwanted sex. It suggests limitations to the interpretation of differences, in terms of psychosocial risk factors common to all adolescents.
AB - Purpose North American research finds increased sexual risk-taking among teenagers with same-sex partners, but understanding of underlying processes is limited. The research carried out in the United Kingdom compares teenagers' early sexual experiences according to same- or opposite-sex partner, focusing on unwanted sex in addition to risk-taking, and exploring underlying psychosocial differences. Methods Multivariate analyses combined self-reported data from two randomized control trials of school sex education programs (N = 10,250). Outcomes from sexually experienced teenagers (N = 3,766) were partner pressure to have first sex and subsequent regret, and sexual risk measures including pregnancy. Covariates included self-esteem, future expectations, substance use, and communication with mother. Results By the time of follow-up (mean age, 16), same-sex genital contact (touching or oral or anal) was reported by 2.3% of teenagers, with the majority also reporting heterosexual intercourse. A total of 39% reported heterosexual intercourse and no same-sex genital contact. Boys were more likely to report partner pressure (Odds ratio [OR] = 2.56, 95% confidence intervals [CI] = 1.295.08) and regret (OR = 2.32; 95% CI = 1.393.86) in relation to first same-sex genital contact than first heterosexual intercourse, but girls showed no differences according to partner type. Teenagers with bisexual behavior reported greater pregnancy or partner pregnancy risk than teenagers with exclusively opposite-sex partners (girls, OR = 4.51, 95% CI = 2.358.64; boys, OR = 4.43, 95% CI = 2.418.14), partially reduced by attitudinal and behavioral differences. Conclusions This UK study confirms greater reporting of sexual risk-taking among teenagers with same-sex partners, and suggests that boys in this group are vulnerable to unwanted sex. It suggests limitations to the interpretation of differences, in terms of psychosocial risk factors common to all adolescents.
KW - adolescence
KW - sexual behavior
KW - sexual minority
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=78650685280&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2010.05.010
DO - 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2010.05.010
M3 - Article
C2 - 21185521
AN - SCOPUS:78650685280
SN - 1054-139X
VL - 48
SP - 27
EP - 35
JO - Journal of Adolescent Health
JF - Journal of Adolescent Health
IS - 1
ER -