The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #42332

A. Serdar Atav, PhD, Decker School of Nursing, Binghamton University, PO Box 6000, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, 607 777-4893, atav@binghamton.edu

The issue of defining sexual orientation is complex and controversial. Such definitions are based on self-identification as gay, exhibition of homosexual behavior, attraction to the same gender, or perceptions of others. Assessment of health risk behaviors and proposed recommendations might change drastically, depending on which definition is used.

This study will use the data 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. The questionnaires include questions on: demographics; concerns; tobacco, drug and alcohol use; sexual activity; violence; and social activities.

This presentation will focus on the differences in attitudes, beliefs, and health risk behaviors between those teens who have had sex with someone of the same sex more than once and those who are concerned that they might be gay.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify different definitions of 'gay youth'.
• Discuss similarities and differences in the sample when different definitions are applied.
• Compare differences in health risk behaviors when different definitions are applied.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.