Abstract
Young people's participation in sexual risk behaviours is commonly linked with participation in a range of other risky behaviours, and in particular with substance use behaviours. This cross-sectional analysis of the sixth sweep of the Belfast Youth Development Study aimed to examine associations between substance use and sexual activity and related risks among 17-19-year olds in Northern Ireland. Being sexual activity and participating in sexual risk behaviours was associated with the use of a range of licit and illicit substances particularly alcohol and ecstasy. Additionally, females were more likely to have been tested for a sexually transmitted disease (STD). The findings add to the existing research body suggesting that substance misuse and sexual risk behaviours tend to co-occur in adolescence and highlight a need to develop appropriate interventions and initiatives for school aged young people.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 443-453 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | DRUGS-EDUCATION PREVENTION AND POLICY |
Volume | 17 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jul 2010 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine (miscellaneous)
- Health(social science)