Methamphetamine use is independently associated with recent risky sexual behaviors and adolescent pregnancy.
BACKGROUND
Lifetime methamphetamine use among adolescents is estimated to be between 5% and 10%. Youth substance use in general is known to be associated with risky sexual behaviors, but the effect of methamphetamine use on recent risky sexual behaviors and adolescent pregnancy has received little attention. The purpose of this analysis was to evaluate the association between lifetime methamphetamine use and recent (past 3 months) risky sexual behaviors and lifetime adolescent pregnancy, adjusting for other substance use.


METHODS
We analyzed data from the 2003 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a school-based paper-and-pencil survey that assesses risky health behaviors among a nationally representative sample of 9th- to 12th-grade students. Multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (AORs) to examine the association between methamphetamine use and being recently sexually active, having 2 or more recent sex partners, and ever being pregnant or getting someone pregnant.


RESULTS
Lifetime methamphetamine use was reported by 7.6% of students. After adjustment for demographic covariates and lifetime use of cigarettes, alcohol, marijuana, and other illicit drugs, lifetime methamphetamine use was associated with recent sexual intercourse (AOR = 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.5-2.3), having 2 or more recent sex partners (AOR = 3.0, 95% CI = 2.2-4.2), and ever being pregnant or getting someone pregnant (AOR = 2.9, 95% CI = 2.1-3.9).


CONCLUSIONS
Adolescent methamphetamine use is common and is associated with recent risky sexual behaviors and adolescent pregnancy. Prevention strategies for high school students should integrate education on substance abuse, pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and human immunodeficiency virus.
Zapata
Lauren B
LB
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Division of Reproductive Health, Women's Health and Fertility Branch, 4770 Buford Hwy, NE Mailstop K34, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. dvq8@cdc.gov
Hillis
Susan D
SD
Marchbanks
Polly A
PA
Curtis
Kathryn M
KM
Lowry
Richard
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008694:Methamphetamine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*
D008694:Methamphetamine