In order to identify factors that may place adolescent females at risk of HIV/AIDS, the researchers assessed the relationship of two dimensions of sexual orientation -- sexual identity, and sex of partners -- with self-reported behaviors and experiences.

Data were gathered on sexually experienced high school females from four waves of a population-based survey. Of the subjects, 3,666 identified as heterosexual; 184 as lesbian, gay or bisexual; and 113 as not sure. There were 3,714 participants who reported only male sex partners; 79 who reported only female partners; and 180 who reported male and female partners. Logistic regression analyses were employed to investigate associations between sexual identity and sex of partners with HIV risk behaviors.

"Self-defined sexual identity was often inconsistent with sex of sexual partners," the authors wrote. Reporting sexual identities other than heterosexual and having same-sex partners, either exclusively, or with male partners as well, were associated with high rates of several HIV risk behaviors. A significant association was noted between coerced sex and every risk outcome. Having received AIDS education in school predicted lower HIV risk on four of six indicators.

The researchers concluded, "Programs to prevent HIV infection among adolescent females should take into account the complexity of sexual orientation and should address the needs and behaviors of sexual-minority youths."

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