Substance Use and Sexual Risk Behavior in Sexual Minority Hispanic Adolescents

Abstract

Purpose This study examines substance use and sexual risk in sexual minority Hispanic adolescents (SMHAs) relative to their heterosexual counterparts. Methods Baseline data (total, n=1,632; SMHA, n=195) from five completed trials of a family-based intervention for Hispanic adolescents were synthesized. SMHA were identified by self-reported anal/vaginal/oral sex with a partner of the same gender (SMHA vs. non-SMHA). Dichotomous outcomes were lifetime and past 90-day cigarette, alcohol and illicit drug use, past 90-day condomless sex, and condom use at last sex. Logistic regression models controlled for sociodemographic and study-level characteristics testing the association between sexual minority status and each outcome. Results SMHA reported significantly more substance use than non-SMHA, including lifetime cigarette and illicit drug use. Adjusted odds of lifetime use for all substances and past 90-day cigarette use (AOR = 3.07; 95% confidence interval: 1.50–6.31) were significantly higher in SMHA. Conclusions SMHA substance use etiology should be explored to inform tailored intervention development.