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Same, opposite and both-sex attracted adolescents' mental health, safe-sex practices and substance use.

Elon GershLaura P RichardsonTumaini R CokerDavid J Inwards-BrelandCarolyn A McCarty
Published in: Journal of gay & lesbian mental health (2021)
This study examined mental health, substance use, and sexual health across sexual attraction groups. 428 adolescents recruited from school-based health centers completed self-report measures. 72% were only opposite-sex attracted, 19% both-sex attracted, 3% same-sex attracted, 4% not sure. Reported partners did not always align with reported attraction. Compared to opposite-sex attracted youth, 1) both-sex attracted youth had significantly higher rates of marijuana use (OR=1.75, p=.04), depressive symptoms (OR=2.62, p=.001) and inconsistent condom use (OR=1.71, p=.05); 2) the "not sure" group had higher anxiety symptoms (OR=4, p=.01). This study highlights the importance of considering sexual attraction in providing quality care to young people.
Keyphrases
  • mental health
  • young adults
  • healthcare
  • physical activity
  • depressive symptoms
  • primary care
  • public health
  • mental illness
  • risk assessment
  • climate change
  • pain management
  • chronic pain
  • health insurance
  • human health