Abstract
This study examines substance use and sexual risk in sexual minority Hispanic adolescents (SMHAs) relative to their heterosexual counterparts.
Baseline data (total, n=1,632; SMHA, n=195) from five completed trials of a family-based intervention for Hispanic adolescents were synthesized. SMHA were identified by self-reported anal/vaginal/oral sex with a partner of the same gender (SMHA vs. non-SMHA). Dichotomous outcomes were lifetime and past 90-day cigarette, alcohol and illicit drug use, past 90-day condomless sex, and condom use at last sex. Logistic regression models controlled for sociodemographic and study-level characteristics testing the association between sexual minority status and each outcome.
SMHA reported significantly more substance use than non-SMHA, including lifetime cigarette and illicit drug use. Adjusted odds of lifetime use for all substances and past 90-day cigarette use (AOR = 3.07; 95% confidence interval: 1.50-6.31) were significantly higher in SMHA.
SMHA substance use etiology should be explored to inform tailored intervention development.
