This study reports the findings from the 1999 survey of over 2,000 adolescents residing in Upstate New York. Teens in six school districts were surveyed using the Teen Assessment Project Questionnaire that was administered also in 1996. The questionnaires include questions on: demographics; concerns; tobacco, drug and alcohol use; sexual activity; violence; and social activities. This presentation will focus on the comparisons of the 1999 data with the 1996 data. Specifically, differences in attitudes, beliefs, and health risk behaviors between those teens who are concerned about being gay and those who are not will be reported across the two time points. Rural, suburban, and urban differences in gay teen attitudes, beliefs, and health behaviors will also be described. The findings from this study will be used to design programs to reduce health risk behaviors in this population and move to preventative health care strategies in cooperation with the participating school districts.
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify health behaviors that are significantly riskier among teens who are concerned about being gay. 2. Compare the results of the 1996 survey with the results of the 1999 survey for differences in attitudes, beliefs, and health risk behaviors among teens who are concerned about being gay
Keywords: Gay, Youth
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.