Same, opposite and both-sex attracted adolescents' mental health, safe-sex practices and substance use

Introduction: This study examined mental health, substance use, and sexual health across sexual attraction groups. Methods: 428 adolescents recruited from school-based health centers completed self-report measures. 72% were only opposite-sex attracted, 19% both-sex attracted, 3% same-sex attracted, 4% not sure. Results: Reported partners did not always align with reported attraction. Compared to opposite-sex attracted youth, 1) both-sex attracted youth had significantly higher rates of marijuana use (OR = 1.75, p =.04), depressive symptoms (OR = 2.62, p =.001) and inconsistent condom use (OR = 1.71, p =.05); 2) the “not sure” group had higher anxiety symptoms (OR = 4, p =.01). Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of considering sexual attraction in providing quality care to young people.