Citation

Zhang H, Wong WC, Ip P, Fan S, Yip PS. J. Homosex. 2016; 64(3): 382-396.

Affiliation

f Center for Suicide Research and Prevention , The University of Hong Kong.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/00918369.2016.1190221

PMID

27183532

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the association between sexual orientation and health disparities among a stratified random sample of 3776 secondary students in Hong Kong. The prevalence of homosexuality and bisexuality were 1.5% and 2.6% in boys, 1.8% and 3.7% in girls respectively. And a total of 10.7% boys and 8.8% girls were unsure of their sexual orientation. Homosexual and bisexual boys reported poorer physical and mental health than their heterosexual peers. Homosexual and bisexual boys were more likely to engage in smoking, frequent drinking, vaginal sex, be subjected to sexually transmitted disease and sexual victimization. However, lesbian and bisexual girls were less likely to engage in health risky behaviors except for smoking and being subjected to sexual victimization. There is a gender specific problem which may warrant prevention and intervention programs to address the unique health issues facing homosexual and bisexual adolescents in Hong Kong.

Language: en