Prevalence of participation in some of the risky behaviors, components of the PBT identified by Jessor and Jessor (1977), was consistent with prevalences found by some researchers, but higher for others. Of particular note were the sexual behaviors. Almost 50% of adolescents in the YRBS (CDC, 2008) had ever had sexual intercourse, compared to 55% of the adolescents in this sample. In addition, 33% reported having had sexual intercourse with four or more partners during their lifetime, compared to 15% of those in the YRBS (CDC, 2008). Also of note is the prevalence for these sexual behaviors among the early-onset drinkers, compared with the nondrinkers; early-onset drinkers were significantly more likely to participate in the behaviors, compared with the nondrinkers, with a prevalence higher than that reported in the YRBS (CDC, 2008). This persisted in the multivariable analyses which adjusted for demographic characteristics. This is especially troubling as the questions related to sexual behaviors in this research were only asked of those 15 years of age and older. Had all of the respondents been questioned on their participation in the sexual behaviors the prevalence might be higher, indicating more adolescents engaging in the risky sexual behaviors.
