An Investigation of the Effects of Alcohol Consumption and Alcohol Policies on Youth Risky Sexual Behaviors

14 Pages Posted: 4 Jul 2005 Last revised: 5 Aug 2022

See all articles by Sara Markowitz

Sara Markowitz

Emory University; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Robert Kaestner

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER); University of Chicago - Harris School of Public Policy

Michael Grossman

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), NY Office; CUNY The Graduate Center - Department of Economics

Date Written: May 2005

Abstract

The problems of teen pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and the high rates of other sexually transmitted diseases among youth have lead to widespread concern with the sexual behaviors of teenagers. Alcohol use is one of the most commonly cited correlates of risky sexual behavior. The purpose of this research is to investigate the causal role of alcohol in determining sexual activity and risky sexual behavior among teenagers and young adults. This research also addresses the question of whether there are public policies that can reduce the risky sexual behavior that results in harmful consequences. Individual and aggregate level data are used to investigate these questions. Results show that alcohol use appears to have no causal influence in determining whether or not a teenage has sex. However, alcohol use may lower contraception use among sexually active teens.

Suggested Citation

Markowitz, Sara and Kaestner, Robert and Kaestner, Robert and Grossman, Michael, An Investigation of the Effects of Alcohol Consumption and Alcohol Policies on Youth Risky Sexual Behaviors (May 2005). NBER Working Paper No. w11378, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=731033

Sara Markowitz (Contact Author)

Emory University ( email )

Atlanta, GA 30322
United States

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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Robert Kaestner

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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University of Chicago - Harris School of Public Policy ( email )

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Michael Grossman

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), NY Office ( email )

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