The Relationship Between Substance Use and STD/HIV-Related Sexual Risk Behaviors Among U.S. Adolescents

Abstract This study examined the relationship between substance use and STD/HIV sexual risk behaviors among sexually active adolescents. Participants included ninth through twelfth grade sexually active youth (N = 7,669) who completed the 1999 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine all significant independent relationships. Use of cigarettes, cocaine and glue/ inhalants was associated with unprotected sex and multiple sexual partners. Alcohol use, binge drinking and marijuana use were associated with multiple sexual partners. Use of inhalants and glue differentiated youth who engaged in none versus two STD/HIV risk behaviors. Substance use behavior, particularly harder drugs, may place adolescents at increased risk for acquiring an STD or HIV.