Associations Between Three Measures of Sexual Orientation and High Risk Sexual Behaviors in Young Adults

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study examines associations between three separate measures of sexual orientation: condom use, number of sexual partners, and time before sex with a new partner. Data come from Wave III of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, and include 11,619 participants (mean age = 22) who provided complete data on sexual orientation and behavior. Chi-square and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to examine associations between sexual orientation measures and sexual behaviors. Results indicate that males with a same-sex orientation (using an attraction, behavior or identity measure) were more likely than those with an opposite-sex or both-sex orientation to report engaging in sexual activity after a very brief acquaintance, and females with a both-sex orientation (using any measure) were more likely than those with an opposite- or same-sex orientation to report having multiple sexual partners. Associations with condom use and number of partners (for males) and length of acqu...