Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Teens at an Urban Emergency Department: Relationship with Violent Behaviors and Substance Use

Noting that "data regarding sexual risk behaviors among adolescent patients presenting to urban emergency departments (EDs) are lacking," the authors undertook a study of the rates and correlates of these behaviors among youths screened in an urban ED.

During a one-year period, 1,576 patients ages 14-18 (57.6 percent female, 59.3 percent African-American) completed a self-administered computerized survey. Among the 60 percent who reported being sexually active, 12 percent reported four or more partners. Of these, 45.3 percent reported consistent condom use, and 14.7 percent reported substance use prior to sex.

Regression analyses were used to examine correlates of sexual risk behaviors on the basis of demographics, violence, and substance use. Adolescents with poor grades were more likely to have had sex and have used substances before sex, and were less likely to report condom use. Participants reporting dating violence were more likely to have had sex and less likely to have used condoms, while youths reporting peer violence and weapon carriage were more likely to report substance use prior to sex. Binge drinking and marijuana use were associated with all sexual risk behaviors.

"The visit to an urban ED may provide an opportunity to deliver interventions to address sexual risk behaviors among adolescents," the authors concluded.

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