Parents More often Cited as Useful Sources of Sexual Health Information by Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered, Queer and Questioning Youth (GLBTQQ) than by their Heterosexual Peers

Abstract

Purpose: Few studies have addressed how GLBTQQ youth get information on sexual health and sexuality. The purpose of this analysis was to compare the responses of GLBTQQ youth and heterosexual youth to questions about adolescent sex and sexuality. Methods: In 2005, an online survey of 1171 teens aged 14-17 was conducted; the sample was representative of youth from across Canada. The survey included questions on sources of sexual health information; communication with parentsongeneral and sexuality-related issues; family functioning; and sexuality role model. Sexual orientation was presumed from responses to a question on who the teens found sexually attractive. Statistics: Chi square analysis, t-test and ANOVA. Results: Of the 1170 participants who answered the question regarding sexual attraction, 1014 reported exclusive heterosexual attraction, and 156 reported some same sex attraction and were included in the GLBTQQ group. There were no sex or age differences between the groups. Regarding sources of sexual health information, GLBTQQ boys (50%) and girls (51.2%) equally cite their parents as one of the most useful sources of sexual health information,whichismorefrequent than their heterosexual peers (boys, 38.6%; girls, 45.2%). Friends are considered among the most valuable sources of information by 30.3% of GLBTQQ, and 28.8% of heterosexual teens. GLBTQQ males are the least likely to indicate friends (19.2%) as their most valuable sources of sexual health information as compared to GLBTQQ girls (40.2%) and heterosexual boys (27.5%) and girls (30.2%). Books, nurses and doctors are also more frequently cited as resources for GLBTQQ youth than for their heterosexual peers. More GLBTQQ youth find it difficult to access health care professionals compared to their heterosexual peers (14.1% versus 8.3%, p=0.019), with confidentiality as an additional barrier to accessing sexual health information (GLBTQQ 27.7%; heterosexual 19.3%, p=0.015). Parents are an important role model for sex for GLBTQQ boys (45.3%) and heterosexual boys (42.7%) and girls (51.6%), but less so for GLBTQQ girls (23.2%). More GLBTQQ youth (35.7%) have ever been sexually active compared to heterosexual youth (25.9%). Fewer GLBTQQ youth report being in families with good relationships and communication around sex than their heterosexual peers (GLBTQQ, 19.7%; heterosexual, 34%). Conclusions: GLBTQQ youth, like their heterosexual counterparts, frequently cite their parents as useful resources for sexual health information and for role modeling. Therefore families should be encouraged to discuss sex with their teenagers. Concern about confidentiality and access to doctors are still barriers to acquiring sexual health information. The differences in the way teens utilize the resources around them highlights the importance of specifically gathering data on gender and sexual orientation when assessing sexuality and sexual health in youth.