Same-Sex Behavior and Health of Sexually Active Young Adults in Cebu, Philippines: Findings from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey (CLHNS)

Chia-Hsin Emily Cheng, University of California, Los Angeles

This study examines the associations between reported same-sex and opposite-sex behaviors and three domains of health indicators: sexual behavior (age at 1st sex, number of partners), risk behavior (ever use of tobacco, alcohol, other drugs), and psychological distress (depression, perceived stress). We analyze data from 1,112 young men and women (ages 20-22) who participated in the 2005 Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey (CLHNS) in the Philippines. Participants who report ever having a same-sex romantic relationship and/or same-sex sexual contact are compared with those who did not report any same-sex encounters. Results indicate that, even after controlling for sociodemographic variables, same-sex sexually active young adults in Cebu, Philippines report engaging in more risky sexual and health behaviors as compared to their peers; however, no significant effects are found for psychological distress. We discuss the implications of these findings within the context of the Philippines and other international settings.