Preventing sexual risk behaviors among gay, lesbian, and bisexual adolescents: the benefits of gay-sensitive HIV instruction in schools

TLDR

The study compared sexual risk behaviors of gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) and heterosexual adolescents and examined how gay‑sensitive HIV instruction relates to GLB youths’ risk behaviors. Researchers surveyed a random sample of high‑school students and HIV teachers, compared self‑reported risk behaviors between GLB and heterosexual youths while controlling for demographics, and contrasted GLB youths in schools with versus without gay‑sensitive instruction. GLB adolescents exhibited higher substance use, risky sexual behaviors, and mental health issues than heterosexual peers, but those in schools offering gay‑sensitive instruction reported fewer partners, less recent sex, and reduced substance use before sex.

Abstract

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.