Relationship between multiple sexual partners and depression in adolescent females?

Introduction: Depression affects as many as 28% of youth in the United States, the majority being females. Previous studies have explored associations between adolescent depression and romantic and sexual behaviors including age at first intercourse, history of sexual abuse, pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. However little or no research explicitly examines the relationship between the multiple sexual partners and mental health. Method: This study uses nationally representative data from the 2003 Youth Risk Behavior Survey to explore the relationship between the number of lifetime sexual partners, and mental health among adolescent females. Survey items analyzed were 1) number of lifetime sexual partners; 2) feeling sad for two or more consecutive weeks so that they stopped doing usual activities; 3) seriously considering attempting suicide; 4) making a suicide plan; and 5) actual suicide attempt(s). Results: There is a relationship between number of lifetime sexual partners and mental health. Reports of sadness, suicide ideation, suicide plans and suicide attempts increase with the number of partners. While the association exists for all racial and ethnic groups, the relationship is less dramatic for blacks even though blacks are more likely to be sexually active, and most dramatic for Hispanics. Discussion: Teenage girls presenting with depressive symptoms may be putting themselves at increased risk for HIV, pregnancy and other consequences associated with increased sexual partners. In addition, those that are engaging in sexual activities with multiple partners may be at increased risk for depression and/or suicide.