Relationship between Adolescent Depression and Risky Sexual Behaviors

Using the 2005 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, we evaluated the differences in sexual risk-taking between students with depressive symptoms or suicidality to those without. Depressed adolescents are nearly twice as likely to report having sex compared to non-depressed peers. (OR = 1.93, p = 0.000) We examine the relationship between depressive symptoms in adolescents and their likelihood to engage in sexually risky behaviors, including initiation of sex at a younger age, sex with multiple partners, and unprotected sex. Several interesting and policy relevant findings emerge. Among teens that ever had sex, depressed teens had their first sexual intercourse at a younger age than peers. (B = -.06, p = 0.000) Depressed adolescents were 50% more likely to report that they had not used any form of effective contraception during sexual activity (OR=1.49, p = 0.000).

Educational initiatives should work in partnership with health education/services available in schools. Health courses and health advising should be tailored to meet the specific needs of adolescents who appear depressed. At present, health courses tend to separate mental health and sexual health into two separate categories; this does not appropriately address the relationship between the two. Additionally, teachers and parents should be alerted to signs of depression and appropriate measures should be taken to better tackle the issues of risk behaviors in depressed teens. Adolescents who express depressive symptoms should be identified and counseled with mental and sexual health guidance. If depressive symptoms are treated early, the sexual behaviors may be stemmed before they start.