Journal of AIDS & Clinical Research

Sexual Sensation Seeking, Drug Use and Risky Sex among Detained Youth

Abstract

Dexter R. Voisin, Kelly King, John Schneider, Ralph J. DiClemente and Kevin Tan

Sexual sensation seeking has been correlated with drug use and risky sex in a number of populations. However, these relationships have had limited examination among adolescents, and to date, have not been explored among detained youth, a group with some of the highest rates of illicit drug use and STIs. To better understand these relationships we utilized A-CASI to collect data on sociodemographics, risky peer norms, sexual sensation seeking, drug use and risky sexual behaviors among a sample of 550 detained youth. A series of multivariable regression models indicated that high sexual sensation seeking was associated with alcohol use for males and females; and ecstasy use for females only. Additionally, sexual sensation seeking for all participants was associated with higher rates of having sex while high on drugs; and having sex with a partner who was high on drugs. For males only, sexual sensation seeking was associated with having insertive anal sex and getting a girl pregnant unplanned. For females only, high sexual sensation seeking was associated with exchanging sex for money and drugs; having a higher number of sexual partners in the last two months; a lower percentage of condom use; and less consistent condom use. These data have important implications for STI/drug use prevention interventions among detained adolescents.