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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Robin E. McGee, MPH (May 06) and Nancy Thompson, PhD, MPH. Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, 404-387-3361, rmcgee@sph.emory.edu

Introduction: The experience of sexual assault often places victims at higher risks for unhealthy behaviors. This research sought to provide descriptive statistics about adolescent males who experience unwanted sex. Methods: Nationally representative weighted data on sexual assault were available from the 2003 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). The population included in the analysis were male respondents (n=7757). Descriptive statistics about the population were run to identify variables associated with experiences of sexual assault. Then, a logistic regression analysis was completed to identify the strength of the relationship between the variables. Results: Of male respondents, 5.4% (n=416) responded yes to a question about being forced to have unwanted sexual intercourse. Poor school performance, reduced school attendance due to safety issues, experiences of violence, alcohol use, and risky sexual experiences more frequently occurred among males who have had unwanted sexual experiences than males who have not. Increased rates of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation were also greater among males who reported unwanted sexual experiences. Males experiencing violence from their girlfriends or boyfriends maintained the highest risk [OR=6.654, CI (4.87, 8.90)], followed by absence from school [OR=4.72, CI (3.30, 6.76)]. Conclusion: Male victims of unwanted sexual intercourse are more likely to practice risky health behaviors. An increased understanding of the factors associated with unwanted sexual experiences may aid in identifying victims. Efforts to increase the identification of males who experience unwanted sex and interventions to prevent unhealthy responses may reduce the number of unhealthy behaviors within this population.

Learning Objectives: By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to

• Describe the frequency of unwanted sexual experiences in adolescent males.
• Identify factors associated with unwanted sexual experiences in adolescent males.

Keywords: Adolescent Health,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No