Predictors of Multiple Sexual Partners From Adolescence Through Young Adulthood

Abstract

Purpose To examine time-varying associations between predictors of recent multiple sexual partners from middle adolescence through young adulthood. Methods We examined whether the odds of multiple partners in the past year were differentially predicted by substance use and depression over time, using data from a nationally representative longitudinal study (N=11,963, 52.2% female, 18.3% African American, 11.9% Hispanic, 3.5% Asian, 2.6% other race, M age at Wave 1=16.1 years, SD=1.8). Data were analyzed using the time-varying effect model, which estimates associations between predictors and an outcome as a function of near-continuous time. Results The proportion of participants having multiple partners increased over time, leveling off at around 30% after age 20. Significant positive associations between substance use and multiple partners were strongest early in adolescence, and decreased sharply by around age 18. The significant positive association between depression and sexual behavior weakened with age, remaining significant in young adulthood for women, but not men. Conclusions These findings suggest that factors associated with having multiple recent sexual partners change from middle adolescence through young adulthood. The time-varying effect model can be used to identify risk factors that are especially salient at different ages, thus identifying which age periods may hold the greatest promise for intervention.

Race and Justice System Attitude Formation During the Transition to Adulthood

“…These models were then repeated to predict legal cynicism. Results are presented as figures because time-varying coefficients are estimated in continuous time leading to a number of coefficients too large to present in tables [62].…”

Effect of substance use on condom use in the Theory of Planned Behavior: Analysis of differential item functioning

“…However, this questionnaire, developed for the teenage middle-and highschool population, with a mean age of 15.38 years, found that there is a difference in the sexuality of middle-school and high school students (Vasilenko & Lanza, 2014).…”

Nonmedical Use of Prescription Drugs and Sexual Risk Behaviors

“…[5][6][7][8] Studies conducted among adolescents have identified an association between substance use (eg, alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and heroin) and sexual risk behaviors (SRBs) (eg, ever having sexual intercourse, having multiple sexual partners, not using a condom at last intercourse, and pregnancy before age 15 years), but there is a dearth of information on the association between NMUPD and SRBs among adolescents. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] The few studies that exist focused on special populations such as homeless youth or were conducted in small geographic or clinical settings. [17][18][19] One such study surveyed sexually active adolescents and young adults aged 14 to 20 years in an emergency department setting and observed an association between each class of prescription drugs (stimulants, opioids, and sedatives) and SRBs.…”