Prevalence and correlates of sex exchange among a nationally representative sample of adolescents and young adults

Citation

Ulloa, Emilio C.; Salazar, Marissa; & Monjaras, Lidia (2016). Prevalence and correlates of sex exchange among a nationally representative sample of adolescents and young adults. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse. vol. 25 (5) pp. 524-537

Abstract

The present study examines prevalence and correlates of exchanging sex for drugs, money, food shelter, or other favors (sex exchange) among a nationally representative sample of youth and young adults. Adolescents and young adults (n = 11,620, 53% female, 47% male) from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health were used for the current sample. Participants completed in-home interviews at both waves. Results revealed that sex exchange was reported by 4.9% (n = 569) of the population in wave 2 or wave 3, and 4.6% (n = 26) of those who exchanged sex did so at both waves. More males reported exchanging sex than females (n = 332 versus n = 237). Respondents who reported child sexual abuse were more likely to exchange sex (95% CI 2.51-4.28, p < .05) than respondents who reported any other form of child abuse. Both males and females who engaged in sex exchange were at greater risk for sexually transmitted infections; however, the odds of ever exchanging sex were highest among males who ever had gonorrhea (OR = 6.2; 95% CI 3.75-10.3). Although sex exchange has been studied extensively among homeless and runaway youth, the current study reveals sex exchange also occurs in the general population.

URL

http://dx.doi.org/10.1080%2F10538712.2016.1167802

Keyword(s)

risky sexual behavior sexual assault sexually transmitted infections substance use

Notes

1547-0679 Ulloa, Emilio Salazar, Marissa Monjaras, Lidia Journal article J Child Sex Abus. 2016 Jun 7:1-14.

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Journal of Child Sexual Abuse

Author(s)

Ulloa, Emilio C.
Salazar, Marissa
Monjaras, Lidia

Year Published

2016

Volume Number

25

Issue Number

5

Pages

524-537

Edition

June 7, 2016

ISSN/ISBN

1053-8712

DOI

10.1080/10538712.2016.1167802

NIHMSID

NIHMS810033

Reference ID

7028