Risky sexual behaviors and marijuana use among Grenadian adolescents.

Adolescent risky sexual behaviors and marijuana use have been widely researched. There is, however, limited research on the association between adolescents' risky sexual behavior and marijuana use in other Caribbean countries and none in the tri-island state of Grenada. This study took the form of a secondary school data analysis of the 2013 Grenada Secondary school Drug Prevalence Survey. In this cross-sectional study, using a two stage cluster sampling method (randomization was done based on school and classroom selection), a total of 1490 Grenadian school adolescents from 17 public and private schools were surveyed. This study found there was an association between Grenadian adolescents' risky sexual behavior and Marijuana use. Adolescents who used marijuana were more likely to be sexually active, to have sex with someone other than their 'partner', to have sex with multiple partners at a time and to exchange sex for money. The association between Grenadian adolescents' risky sexual behaviors and marijuana use is consistent with that of other Caribbean states. This association is a serious public health issue in Grenada considering the health and economic impacts on the state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]