Carol Goodenow ^1*, Laura A. Szalacha ², Leah E. Robin ³, Kim Westheimer ⁴

¹ Massachusetts Department of Education
² University of Illinois, Chicago
³ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
⁴ Consultant

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: cgoodenow{at}earthlink.net.

	Abstract

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.

Key Words: Adolescent Health, HIV/AIDS, Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender Persons, Surveillance, Women's Health