Sexual intercourse experience and engagement in unprotected sex in adolescent MDMA users in Taiwan

This study aimed to examine the multidimensional correlates of having sexual intercourse experience and engaging in unprotected sex among adolescent ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine or MDMA) users in Taiwan. The rates of having sexual intercourse and engaging in unprotected sex in 200 adolescent ecstasy users were calculated. Individual, family, and peer correlates of sexual intercourse and engagement in unprotected sex were examined. The results found that 124 (62%) had had sexual intercourse and 79 (39.5%) had engaged in unprotected sex at least once. Adolescent ecstasy users who were female, had used ketamine, had parents with habitual alcoholic problems, and more actively interacted with their peers were more likely to have had sexual intercourse. Those who were higher in novelty seeking and more actively interacted with peers were more likely to have engaged in unprotected sex. Sexual intercourse and engaging in unprotected sex in adolescent ecstasy users were correlated to multidimensional factors; the findings could provide a basis for interventions of prevention and reduction of harm.