Experience of sexual intercourse and reported risk behaviour among an ethnically diverse sample of young people.
BACKGROUND
Certain Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) groups have been identified as bearing a disproportionate burden of sexual ill health in the UK. There still exists a significant gap in the evidence-base concerning the sexual behaviours of BME youth.


METHODS
We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 16 secondary schools in London, where the proportion of BME students exceeded two-thirds of the intake. The aim was to identify the factors associated with sexual intercourse and sexual risk behaviours.


RESULTS
2801 students aged 15 to 18 completed questionnaires. Compared with White British males, Black males were significantly more likely to report sexual intercourse (OR 3.04, 95% CI 1.92-4.81). Compared with White British females, Asian females were significantly less likely to report sexual intercourse (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.27-0.69). Both sexes reporting school as their main source of information, as opposed to their family, had a lower likelihood of intercourse (males OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.21-0.53, females OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.25-0.62). Compared with White British males, contraceptive use at first ever intercourse was significantly less likely among Black males (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.16-0.98) and males of Mixed ethnicity (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.06-0.92). Among females, higher sexual health knowledge was associated with contraceptive use (OR 4.69, 95% CI 1.76-12.49). Males reporting higher sexual health knowledge were more likely to be 'sexually competent' at first ever intercourse (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.10-4.69).


CONCLUSIONS
Given the importance of sexual health knowledge, ensuring this is improved among all ethnic groups, especially the Black and Mixed male groups, is a key message to arise from this study. Delivering this information in a 'culturally competent' manner is an important goal.
Coleman
Lester
L
Trust for the Study of Adolescence, 23 New Road, Brighton BN1 1WZ, United Kingdom. lcoleman@tsa.uk.com
Testa
Adrienne
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D003267:Contraception / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008131:London / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D016017:Odds Ratio; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012747:Sexual Partners; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D047568:Unsafe Sex / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*