Briefing 4: Protective and Risk Factors for Early Sexual Activity and Contraception Use among Black and Minority Ethnic Adolescents in East London

Researchers from University College London, City University and Queen Mary, University of London explored factors that protect against risky sexual behaviours amongst an ethnically diverse group of young people.

The study used a range of methodologies: a large-scale survey, individual interviews, focus-groups and experimented with a web-based discussion with young people in Hackney, Newham and Tower Hamlets.

Important findings include the diversity of sexual behaviour among and between ethnic groups often grouped together as "back" or "black and minority ethnic". Elements of cultural background, such as speaking a language other than English with their family, were related to reduced sexual risk taking.

Irrespective of ethnicity, young people who regularly drank alcohol, smoked tobacco and had experimented with illicit drugs were much more likely to have had sexual intercourse.

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