Preventing Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Adolescents: The Benefits of Gay-Sensitive HIV Instruction in Schools.
Blake, Susan M. PhD; Ledsky, Rebecca MBA; Lehman, Thomas MA; Goodenow, Carol PhD; Sawyer, Richard PhD; Hack, Tim MAEd
[Article] American Journal of Public Health. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health. 91(6):940-946, June 2001.

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Objectives. This study compared sexual risk behaviors of gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) and heterosexual adolescents and evaluated associations between gay-sensitive HIV instruction and risk behaviors of GLB youths.

Methods. A random sample of high school students and HIV education teachers completed surveys. Self-reported risk behaviors of heterosexual and GLB adolescents were compared, with control for student and community demographic characteristics. Sexual risk behaviors of GLB youths in schools with and without gay-sensitive instruction were compared.

Results. GLB youths reported more substance use, high-risk sexual behaviors, suicidal thoughts or attempts, and personal safety issues than did heterosexual youths (P<.001). Among those who were sexually active, GLB youths reported more lifetime and recent sexual partners than did heterosexuals (P<.001), and more of them reported alcohol use before last sex (P<.01) and a history of pregnancy (P<.001). GLB youths in schools with gay-sensitive instruction reported fewer sexual partners, less recent sex, and less substance use before last sex than did GLB youths in other schools (P<.05).

Conclusions. The findings document increased risk behaviors among GLB youths and demonstrate the potential benefits of providing gay-sensitive HIV instruction in schools.

Copyright (C) 2001 by the American Public Health Association, Inc.