Unprotected sex as a function of alcohol and marijuana use among adolescent detainees

To examine the relationship between the use of two substances (alcohol and marijuana) and the occurrence of unprotected sexual intercourse among adolescent detainees.

Participants were asked about their use of alcohol, marijuana, and condoms. In addition to comparing levels of alcohol and marijuana use, the study examined relationships among the following variables: (a) the number of days that each substance was used and the number of unprotected episodes of sexual intercourse in the 30 days preceding admission to a youth detention center; (b) the number of times that each substance was used before or during sexual intercourse and the number of unprotected episodes in the same time period; (c) the use of each substance and unprotected intercourse at the last sexual episode; and (d) intentions to use each substance in the context of sex and to have unprotected intercourse in the future. Relationships among these variables were assessed in four regression models, each of which included participants' demographic characteristics, AIDS knowledge, attitudes toward condoms, and future orientation as covariates.

Results of all four regression models indicated that marijuana use was associated with unprotected sexual intercourse. Adolescents who used more marijuana in general as well as specifically in sexual episodes in the 30 days preceding detention reported higher levels of unprotected sex. In addition, marijuana use in the last episode was related to the occurrence of unprotected sex during that episode. Moreover, intentions to use marijuana in future sexual episodes was associated with intentions to have unprotected intercourse in the future.

Future studies should use more rigorous research designs to clarify the nature of the relationship between marijuana use and risky sex.