Correlates of heterosexual anal intercourse among at-risk adolescents and young adults.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to learn what factors are associated with anal intercourse among adolescents and young adults. We examined demographic, behavioral, relationship context, attitudinal, substance use, and mental health correlates of recent heterosexual anal intercourse among adolescents and young adults who reported engaging in recent unprotected sex.


METHODS
Among 1348 at-risk adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 21 years in 3 US cities, we assessed sexual risk behavior with each sexual partner in the past 90 days. Data were collected from 2000 to 2001.


RESULTS
Recent heterosexual anal intercourse was reported by 16% of respondents. Females who engaged in anal intercourse were more likely to be living with a sexual partner, to have had 2 or more partners, and to have experienced coerced intercourse. For males, only a sexual orientation other than heterosexual was a significant predictor of engaging in heterosexual anal intercourse.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings document the prevalence of heterosexual anal intercourse among adolescents and young adults who had recent unprotected sex. Among females, the variables associated with anal intercourse relate to the context and power balance of sexual relationships. Different influences for males and females suggest different foci for interventions.
Lescano
Celia M
CM
Bradley/Hasbro Children's Research Center, Providence, RI 02903, USA. clescano@lifespan.org
Houck
Christopher D
CD
Brown
Larry K
LK
Doherty
Glenn
G
DiClemente
Ralph J
RJ
Fernandez
M Isabel
MI
Pugatch
David
D
Schlenger
William E
WE
Silver
Barbara J
BJ
D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D020010:Heterosexuality / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011209:Power, Psychological; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012747:Sexual Partners; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D014481:United States; D014504:Urban Health; D055815:Young Adult