Sexual activity, contraceptive use and sexual violence among Asian high school students in the United States

Abstract

Objective: To compare the prevalence of sexual behaviors and experiences between Asian high school students in the U.S. and students of other race/ethnicities.

Study design: We pooled the 2013, 2015 and 2017 rounds of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (N = 42,854). Logistic regression was used to identify differences between racial/ethnic groups and by sex.

Results: Compared to their peers, a smaller proportion of Asian students reported engaging in sexual behaviors or using contraception, including prescription methods, at last sex. Asian students also reported fewer experiences of forced sexual intercourse compared to their peers.

Conclusions: These findings demonstrate distinct patterns in Asian students' sexual health behaviors compared to their peers. Future research should examine determinants of these differences.

Implications: Filling a gap in the literature, these data can inform education and health practices that support the sexual and reproductive health needs of Asian and all adolescents in the country.

Keywords: Adolescents; Asians; Contraceptive use; Racial/ethnic differences; Sexual behaviors; Sexual violence.