Prevalence of Trading Sex Among High School Students in Minnesota: Demographics, Relevant Adverse Experiences, and Health-Related Statuses

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: Youth who trade sex for something of value experience enduring harm and risk of being trafficked. This study provides empirically-based prevalence estimates to guide policy and practice. Methods: This secondary analysis of 2019 population-level surveillance data from high school students in Minnesota (N = 71,007) uses descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to analyze self-reports of trading sex by demographics, relevant experiences, and health indicators. Results: The prevalence of trading sex among high school students in Minnesota was 1.4%. Cisgender boys and girls had similar rates; transgender students were much higher (5.9%). Rates varied significantly across race/ethnicity (e.g., Native youth, 3.1%), school location, and economic indicators. Students indicating other relevant experiences, such as having been treated for alcohol or drug use (15.1%), reported elevated rates of trading sex. Conclusions: Trading sex is a public health issue that affects high school students. The results show disparate rates of trading sex based on race/ethnicity and gender, with elevated rates among youth who engage in other risky behaviors and experienced other adverse experiences.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1011-1013
Number of pages3
JournalJournal of Adolescent Health
Volume68
Issue number5
Early online dateOct 5 2020
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 2021

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This study was supported by grants from the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota and the Carlson Family Foundation.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine

Keywords

  • Adolescents
  • Health behaviors
  • Sex trading
  • Sexual behaviors
  • Transactional sex

PubMed: MeSH publication types

  • Journal Article
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

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