Truancy is associated with sexual risk among early adolescents

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.