The longitudinal association between sexual violence victimization and sexual risk behavior in adolescence

Dennis E. Reidy, Shristi Bhochhibhoya, Elizabeth R. Baumler, Christine M. Markham, Melissa F. Peskin, Ross Shegog, Susan T. Emery, Robert C. Addy, Jeff R. Temple

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Being a victim of sexual violence (SV) is generally believed to be associated with subsequent sexual risk behavior (SRB) during adolescence. While this assumption makes intuitive sense, it is based on methodologically limited research, including a reliance on cross-sectional data. To address this gap in research, we test whether experiencing SV victimization in early adolescence is associated with self-reported SRB approximately two years later. The sample comprised 4,618 youth (58% female; 52% Hispanic; 39% Black) attending 44 schools in the southern United States. Self-reported data were collected using an audio computer-assisted self-interview (ACASI). Baseline data were collected when students were in 7th or 8th grade and follow-up data were collected approximately 24 months later when students were in 9th or 10th grade. Indices of SRB included behaviors related to oral, vaginal, and anal sex (e.g., number of partners, number of times without a condom). Girls, but not boys, who reported SV victimization at baseline reported engaging more frequently in all oral and vaginal SRBs at 24 month follow-up compared to their non-victimized female counterparts. Additionally, girls reporting SV victimization reported more anal sex partners than non-victimized girls. Girls who are victims of SV engage in significantly more SRB by early high school placing them at greater risk to contract STIs and become pregnant. Victims of SV should be screened for SRB and provided access to the appropriate resources. Teen pregnancy and STI prevention planning should consider SV victimization in their strategy planning.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number102387
JournalPreventive Medicine Reports
Volume35
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2023

Keywords

  • Adolescence
  • Sexual risk behavior
  • Sexual violence
  • Sexually transmitted infection
  • Teen pregnancy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health Informatics
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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