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Depressed mood as a risk factor for unprotected sex in young people
journal contribution
posted on 2006-09-01, 00:00 authored by A Brown, Alison YungAlison Yung, E Cosgrave, E Killackey, J Buckby, C Stanford, K Godfrey, P McgorryObjectives: Young people may place themselves and others at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and/or the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through engaging in unprotected sex. Mental health problems may play an important role in sex-related risk behaviour. The current research was an investigation of depressed mood and condom use in a help-seeking sample of young people in Melbourne, Australia. Method: The sample comprised 76 sexually active young people aged 15-24 years who were referred to ORYGEN Youth Health, a public mental health service in Melbourne, Australia. Controlling for demographic characteristics and substance use, multivariate logistic regression examined depressed mood as a predictor of condom use at last sexual intercourse. Results: Half of the sample reported condom use the last time they had sexual intercourse. Depressed mood, female gender and unemployment increased the likelihood that participants engaged in unprotected sex. Conclusion: A high proportion of young people, particularly those who are depressed, are failing to protect themselves from STI/HIV. Mental health services working with young people have the opportunity to implement initiatives aimed at reducing risk of STI/HIV infection. 2006 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.
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Journal
Australasian PsychiatryVolume
14Issue
3Pagination
310 - 312Publisher DOI
ISSN
1039-8562eISSN
1440-1665Publication classification
C1.1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalUsage metrics
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