Sexual Health Education for Adolescent Males Who Are Interested in Sex With Males: An Investigation of Experiences, Preferences, and Needs

Purpose There is a dearth of research to inform sexual education programs to address sexual health disparities experienced by adolescent males who are interested in sex with males (AMSM). The current study sought to determine where AMSM receive sexual health information, clarify their preferences, and explore relations with sexual behavior. Methods AMSM (N = 207; ages 14–17) in the United States completed an online sexual health survey. Bivariate associations between sexual education exposure/preferences by sexual behavior were assessed using Fisher's exact tests and one-way analyses of variance. Results Eighty-nine (43%) participants reported no sexual contact with male partners, 77 (37%) reported sexual contact without condomless anal sex, and 41 (20%) reported condomless anal sex. Participants received sexual health information from their parents/guardians (n = 122, 59%), formal sources (n = 160, 78%), and the Internet (n = 135, 65%). The most commonly covered topics by parents/guardians and formal sources were how to say no to sex, how to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, and methods of birth control. The most common online-researched topics were how to safely have anal sex, the types of sex you can have with a male partner, how to use a condom, and how to use lubrication. Participants noted preferring a sexually-explicit online sexual health program that addresses male–male sex. Conclusions Online sexual education programs that explicitly address male–male sex are needed. Tailored programs can help AMSM develop healthy sexual behaviors and decrease their HIV/STI risk.