Human Papillomavirus-Associated Sexual Risks Among High School Students in the U.S.: Does Sexual Orientation Play a...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Adolescent Health

Background:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a common sexually transmitted infection with significant public health implications.
• Risky sexual behaviors in adolescents can increase the risk of HPV transmission and subsequent HPV-related cancers.
• Understanding the association between sexual orientation and HPV-related behaviors is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between sexual orientation and HPV-related risky sexual behaviors among U.S. high school students.
• To identify specific sexual behaviors associated with different sexual orientation identities and sexes of sexual contacts.
• To inform the development of targeted interventions for sexual minority youth to reduce HPV-related risks.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the nationally representative 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, including 5,958 sexually active high school students (Grades 9-12).
• Assessed sexual orientation through self-identity (heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual, not sure) and sex of sexual contacts.
• Analyzed HPV-associated risky sexual behaviors, including early sexual debut (≤12 or ≥13 years) and number of lifetime partners (≥2 or ≥4), using multiple logistic regression.

Main Results:

• A significant proportion of students reported multiple sexual partners (two-thirds had ≥2, a quarter had ≥4).
• Students identifying as bisexual or 'not sure' were significantly more likely to have early sexual debut (before age 13).
• Students with sexual contacts involving both males and females showed increased likelihood of early sexual debut and higher numbers of sexual partners.

Conclusions:

• HPV-associated risky sexual behavior is prevalent among U.S. high school students, with higher prevalence observed among sexual minorities.
• Findings highlight the need for tailored public health interventions to address the unique risks faced by sexual minority youth.
• Effective interventions can improve HPV vaccine uptake and contribute to the prevention of HPV-related cancers and adverse health outcomes in adolescents.