Sexual Health and Discrimination Among Heterosexual Adolescents and Young Adults

• In Event: 322 - Section on Medical Sociology Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 17. Sexual Health

Abstract

Researchers have extensively documented the mental and physical health consequences of interpersonal discrimination; however, the full extent to which these experiences impact the health victims’ lives has not yet been documented. One domain of health that remains understudied is sexual health. This paper uses data from the Black Youth Culture Survey (N=952) to investigate the relationship between self-reported discrimination and sexual health among Black, Latina/o, and white youth. This study examines whether multiple forms of discrimination are associated with youths’ risky sexual behaviors and the outcomes of such activities (i.e., STIs, teenage pregnancy, abortion). The findings suggest that chronic exposure to multiple forms of discrimination (e.g., race and gender) is associated with risky sexual activity and two sexual outcomes (i.e., teenage pregnancy, abortion). Further, risky sexual behaviors mediate the effect of discrimination on these outcomes. These findings complement prior research on the community and structural determinants of sexual health disparities.

Authors

• Eric Anthony Grollman, University of Richmond

• Sonya A. Satinsky, University of Kansas