Abstract
Introduction: This study examined mental health, substance use, and sexual health across sexual attraction groups.Methods: 428 adolescents recruited from school-based health centers completed self-report measures. 72% were only opposite-sex attracted, 19% both-sex attracted, 3% same-sex attracted, 4% not sure.Results: Reported partners did not always align with reported attraction. Compared to opposite-sex attracted youth, 1) both-sex attracted youth had significantly higher rates of marijuana use (OR = 1.75, p = .04), depressive symptoms (OR = 2.62, p = .001) and inconsistent condom use (OR = 1.71, p = .05); 2) the “not sure” group had higher anxiety symptoms (OR = 4, p = .01).Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of considering sexual attraction in providing quality care to young people.
Data availability statement
The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author, EG. The data are not publicly available due to their containing information that could compromise the privacy of research participants.
Conflict of interest
No competing financial interests exist.