Correlates of same-sex sexual behavior in a random sample of Massachusetts high school students.

OBJECTIVES

This study documented risk behaviors among homosexually and bisexually experienced adolescents.

METHODS

Data were obtained from a random sample of high school students in Massachusetts. Violence, substance use, and suicide behaviors were compared between students with same-sex experience and those reporting only heterosexual contact. Differences in prevalence and standard errors of the differences were calculated.

RESULTS

Students reporting same-sex contact were more likely to report fighting and victimization, frequent use of alcohol, other drug use, and recent suicidal behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS

Students with same-sex experience may be at elevated risk of injury, disease, and death resulting from violence, substance abuse, and suicidal behaviors.