Correlates of Heterosexual Anal Intercourse Among at-Risk Adolescents and Young Adults

In the current study, the researchers sought to identify factors associated with anal sex among adolescents and young adults. Among members of this population reporting recent unprotected sex, the authors examined demographic, behavioral, relationship context, attitudinal, substance use and mental health correlates of recent heterosexual anal intercourse.

The subjects were 1,348 at-risk people ages 15 to 21 in three U.S. cities. Data were collected from 2000 to 2001. The researchers assessed sexual risk behavior with each sexual partner in the past 90 days.

Sixteen percent of subjects reported recent heterosexual anal intercourse. Females reporting anal intercourse were more likely to be living with a sex partner, to have had two or more partners, and to have experienced coerced intercourse. For male participants, the only significant predictor of heterosexual anal intercourse was a sexual orientation other than heterosexual.

"Our findings document the prevalence of heterosexual anal intercourse among adolescents and young adults who had recent unprotected sex," the authors concluded. "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."

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