Truancy is associated with sexual risk among early adolescents

Christopher D. Houck, Wendy Hadley, Marina Tolou-Shams, Larry Brown

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    18 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Objective: While previous studies have identified relationships between school truancy and adolescent substance use risk, sexual risk remains unaddressed. Methods: Urban early adolescents (mean age, 13.14 years) with mental health symptoms completed audio computer-assisted self-interviews regarding risk behaviors. Results: Teens who reported a history of skipping school (n = 25), compared with those who did not (n = 113), indicated greater frequency of having ever engaged in oral, vaginal, and anal sex, as well as nonintercourse sexual behaviors. They also reported less value in remaining abstinent but did not demonstrate differences in HIV knowledge or school connectedness. Conclusion: Truancy may serve as an important marker for the early identification of youth at risk for unintended pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)728-731
    Number of pages4
    JournalJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics
    Volume33
    Issue number9
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2012

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