Journal of Behavioral Health and Psychology. 2018; 7(4):(249-336)


Using latent class analysis to profile risk behaviors among sexual minority students

Yongwen Jiang, Jan Mermin, Tara Cooper, Rosemary Reilly-Chammat, Samara Viner-Brown

Abstract

Introduction: The purposes of this study were (1) to summarize multiple related health indicators within a health domain using latent class analysis (LCA) to identify the patterns of risky behaviors and health conditions; (2) to profile high-risk behaviors and health conditions among sexual minority students. Methods: The Rhode Island Youth Risk Behavior Survey is a population-based high school survey conducted in odd years between 2007 and 2015 with a total sample size of 14,718. Thirty-four indicators of five domains were identified: safety and being bullied, depression and suicide, substance use, sexual behavior, and health conditions. LCA was used to categorize students into high- and low-risk classes based on similar patterns of indicators, then these two classes were cross-tabbed with sexual minority categories. The analysis was conducted in 2017. Results: Bisexual, lesbian and gay, and unsure (of sexual orientation identity) students had higher health-related risks and conditions than their heterosexual peers. Students who reported sexual contact were more likely to have engaged in risky behaviors than those who reported they never had sexual contact. Those who identified as heterosexual, but who had sexual contact with the same sex or both sexes, were more likely to have engaged in risky behaviors than those who identified as heterosexual, but who did not have sexual contact with the same or both sexes. Conclusions: The LCA method can be applied to identify and define risk behavior patterns among subgroups, which can improve the specification of high-risk populations and allocation of prevention resources.

Most Viewed Article
  • Impact of Perinatal Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms and Infant Temperament on Exclusive Breastfeeding: A Cohort Study in Malaysia
    Hashima E Nasreen, Jamalludin Ab Rahman, Hafizah Binti Pasi, Mohd Aznan Md Aris, Razman Mohd Rus, Maigun Edhborg.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/23060

  • Dry Eyes Illness in Psychiatric Patients Placed on Antipsychotic Medications
    Balogun MM, Coker AO.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/23059

  • Chlorpromazine-Induced Priapism in A 22-Year-Old Undergraduate Managed Conservatively in A Psychiatric Setting
    Nwaopara Uche, Watson-Aputu E, Nwaopara Beatrice.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/23058

  • Evaluation of a Brief Training of Police Constables in Recognizing Suicidal Behaviour in Lagos, Nigeria
    Olushola Olibamoyo, Azizat Lebimoyo, Tunde Adegbite.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/23057

  • The Enablers and Barriers Associated With the Performance of Physical Exercise in Patients with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
    Godsday Udoji Ogbutor, Ephraim Chukwuemeka, Nworah Awele Maria, Akaeme Daniel Chidubem, Onapkoma Bight Eniwareke, Overcomer Temiloluwa Binuyo, Kizito Emeka Bright, Ezunu Emmanuel, Omorode Deborah, Collins Ogbeivor, Ruth Kikachukwu Chibuzor, Ogbutor Great Emeke.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/23056

Most Downloaded
  • Impact of Perinatal Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms and Infant Temperament on Exclusive Breastfeeding: A Cohort Study in Malaysia
    Hashima E Nasreen, Jamalludin Ab Rahman, Hafizah Binti Pasi, Mohd Aznan Md Aris, Razman Mohd Rus, Maigun Edhborg.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/23060

  • Dry Eyes Illness in Psychiatric Patients Placed on Antipsychotic Medications
    Balogun MM, Coker AO.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/23059

  • Chlorpromazine-Induced Priapism in A 22-Year-Old Undergraduate Managed Conservatively in A Psychiatric Setting
    Nwaopara Uche, Watson-Aputu E, Nwaopara Beatrice.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/23058

  • Evaluation of a Brief Training of Police Constables in Recognizing Suicidal Behaviour in Lagos, Nigeria
    Olushola Olibamoyo, Azizat Lebimoyo, Tunde Adegbite.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/23057

  • The Enablers and Barriers Associated With the Performance of Physical Exercise in Patients with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
    Godsday Udoji Ogbutor, Ephraim Chukwuemeka, Nworah Awele Maria, Akaeme Daniel Chidubem, Onapkoma Bight Eniwareke, Overcomer Temiloluwa Binuyo, Kizito Emeka Bright, Ezunu Emmanuel, Omorode Deborah, Collins Ogbeivor, Ruth Kikachukwu Chibuzor, Ogbutor Great Emeke.
    » Abstract » doi: 10.33425/2832-4579/23056