The Role of Sequential and Concurrent Sexual Relationships in the Risk of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Adolescents

Citation

Kelly, S. S.; Flocke, S.; Keen, K. J.; & Borawski, E. A. (2003). The Role of Sequential and Concurrent Sexual Relationships in the Risk of Sexually Transmitted Diseases Among Adolescents. Journal of Adolescent Health. vol. 32 (4) pp. 296-305

Abstract

Purpose

To explore whether patterns of sexual relationships, such as sequential (nonoverlapping in time) or concurrent (overlapping in time), are more important indicators of sexually transmitted disease (STD) risk among adolescents than number of sexual partners.
Methods

Data from 4707 sexually active adolescents from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health were analyzed based on reported heterosexual relationships during the past 18 months. Adolescents were categorized as engaging in single, sequential, or concurrent sexual relationships. Demographic, behavioral, and social characteristics of each group were compared and multivariate logistic models were fit to determine STD risk associated with sexual relationship patterns and overall number of sexual partners during this same time period.
Results

Thirty-five percent of sexually active teens had more than one partner in the past 18 months, and 40% of these multiple partnerships were overlapping or concurrent in time. Teens in sequential and concurrent relationships reported lower condom use and a higher degree of regret of having sex owing to alcohol use than those in single relationships. Teens in concurrent relationships also reported the lowest self-efficacy to use contraceptives. Teens in sequential or concurrent relationships were more likely to report an STD than single-relationship teens (odds ratio 2.3 and 3.9, respectively); however, they were not statistically different from each other. Number of sexual partners during this same time period was not associated with STD risk once relationship pattern was considered.
Conclusion

Adolescents who engage in sequential or concurrent sexual relationships differ in some important demographic, behavioral, and social characteristics and, when compared with those who engage in single relationships, have a significantly greater risk for STDs over and above the number of sexual partners.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1054-139X(02)00710-3

Keyword(s)

STD/STI Sexual Behavior

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Journal of Adolescent Health

Author(s)

Kelly, S. S.
Flocke, S.
Keen, K. J.
Borawski, E. A.

Year Published

2003

Volume Number

32

Issue Number

4

Pages

296-305

ISSN/ISBN

1054-139X

DOI

10.1016/S1054-139X(02)00710-3

Reference ID

230