Associations of Risk of Depression with Sexual Risk Taking among Adolescents in Nova Scotia High Schools

Abstract

Objective: Several interrelated factors, including depression, influence adolescents' chances of risky sexual behaviour. We examined the relation between depression and sexual risk-taking behaviours in adolescents after accounting for the effects of other variables. Method:We surveyed male (n = 1120) and female (n = 1177) adolescents at 4 high schools in central Nova Scotia, measuring factors known to be associated with sexual risk taking. Risk of depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Outcomes were self-reported sexual behaviours. We used logistic regression to assess associations of multiple factors with sexual risk taking. Results:In univariate analyses, risk of depression was associated with 3 risk-taking behaviours for females (being sexually active, having unplanned sex when using substances, and not using effective contraception at last intercourse) and 2 for males (having unplanned sex when using substances and having more than 1 partner in the previous year). In full multivariate models, risk of depression in females remained significantly associated with unplanned sex and nonuse of effective contraception at last intercourse, but was no longer associated with being sexually active. For males, both associations remained significant. Conclusions:Risk of depression is consistently and independently associated with adolescent sexual risk behaviours after adjusting for other variables. Health care providers working with teenagers should screen for risky sexual behaviours and sexually transmitted infections if depression is apparent in their patients.Can J Psychiatry. 2010;55(9):577-585.Clinical Implications · Risk of depression is independently associated with risky sexual activity in male and female adolescents after adjusting for sociodemographic and behavioural characteristics. · The association between risky sexual activity and risk of depression is not explained by comorbid drug or alcohol use. · Clinicians should assess sexual activity in depressed adolescents. Limitations · We relied on a self-report survey and we cannot establish causality given the cross-sectional design. · The results are from central Nova Scotia, which is essentially rural, and may not be generalizable to major urban centres. · We cannot exclude the effect of other confounders such as conduct disorder, given we have no information on behavioural issues, discipline problems at school or home, or contact with the police.

Sex Differences in Associations of School Connectedness With Adolescent Sexual Risk‐Taking in Nova Scotia, Canada

“…Several studies have reported associations between low school connectedness and depression, whereas depression in adolescents also is associated with sexual risk behaviors . Depression was measured using an 8‐item version of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D; range 0 to 24, Cronbach's alpha for this sample = 0.91) with a higher score signifying increased depressive symptoms, using a cut point of 7 or above to indicate a higher risk of being depressed over the previous 7 days .…”

Protective Associations of School Connectedness with Risk of Depression in Nova Scotia Adolescents

“…3,4 During this period, adolescents spend much of their time in school, and school is felt to play a substantial role in whether they are at risk for, or protected from, various negative health and social outcomes. 5 School connectedness is viewed as whether students feel accepted, respected, included, and supported by others at school.…”

Let the Sunshine In? The Effects of Luminance on Economic Preferences, Choice Consistency and Dominance Violations

“…It is now well established that lower mood, or affect, is associated with increased sexual [18,19] and health risk taking [20]. While less is known about changes in financial risk taking and mood, we know that positive mood states have been associated with more conservative behavior in risky tasks involving financial rewards [21][22][23].…”