Substance use and sexual behaviour among African adolescents in the North West province of South Africa

Abstract

The relationship between substance use and sexual behaviour is examined using a sample of African high school students in the North West Province of South Africa. Even though the rate of substance use was generally low compared to other groups that have been studied elsewhere in the country, male and older adolescents were much more likely than female and younger adolescents to use alcohol and marijuana. While alcohol and marijuana use were positively and strongly associated with lifetime sexual activity, only alcohol positively associated with condom use. Finally, even though parental employment status did not affect lifetime sexual activity, when a mother was employed, the adolescent child was more likely to use a condom, while perceived higher socioeconomic status is positively associated with lifetime sexual activity.