A closer look: A descriptive study of the health risks of WSW youth

Background: Research involving WSW youth has the tendency to focus generally on the LGBT population. As such, the situation and needs of young women tend to be overshadowed by their MSM or transgender counterparts. The sexual and behavioral health risks of WSW youth are therefore an overlooked and potentially misunderstood facet of public health.

Methods: A convenience sample of 153 young WSW was recruited from an urban community-based LGBT health center. Participants completed a one hour confidential survey that included demographics, psychosocial measures, substance use and sexual risk behaviors. Descriptive analyses were used to interpret the data.

Results: Participants were 16 to 24 years old (M = 19.8, SD = 2.4) and 55% were from communities of color. The majority of participants lived with their parents (41%), were from a middle class background (71%) and were well educated (51% had at least one year of college). Prevalence rates of life stressors include a history of intimate partner violence (36%), pregnancy (19%), and history of arrest (29%). Participants also reported a history of risky behaviors including anal intercourse with men (26%), substance use (22%), using the internet to find sexual partners (44%), and smoking (54%). Twelve percent of participant reported ever having tested positive for an STD, including 5 participants (3.6%) who reported being HIV positive.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that although WSW youth are often defined as a low risk group, they in fact have real and unique life challenges that affect their overall health and wellbeing.