OBJECTIVES: Depression has been linked to risky sexual behaviours in adolescents, but there is little research among adults. The goal of this analysis was to examine the associations between current depression and self-reported risky sexual behaviours in a nationally representative sample of US adults aged 20-59 years. The authors also examined the association between depression and infection with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), a biological marker of risky sexual behaviours. METHODS: The authors used data from the 2005-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Current depression was measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Antibodies to HSV-2 were tested using the enzymatic immunodot assay. The authors used logistic regression to examine the associations controlling for socio-demographic variables. RESULTS: Among 5273 adults aged 20-59 years, 7% had depression, 36% reported 10 or more lifetime sex partners, 15% had two or more past-year sex partners and 13% had first sex before 15 years of age. Persons with each of the risky sexual behaviours were more likely to have depression than those without. In stratified analyses, risky sexual behaviours were associated with depression in women but not in men. Among 3940 adults aged 20-49 years, 19% had HSV-2 infection. Persons with HSV-2 infection were more likely to have depression (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.5 to 2.9). CONCLUSIONS: Risky sexual behaviour is related to current depression in adult women. Healthcare providers should be aware of this association and its potential implications in order to deliver better care for patients with depression or sexually transmitted infections.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization requirements for school entry could increase HPV vaccine uptake but are controversial. This study assessed parents' attitudes about HPV immunization requirements. METHODS: During October 2007-June 2008, we conducted telephone surveys with 484 parents of girls attending middle/high schools serving communities in Los Angeles County with elevated cervical cancer rates. RESULTS: Parents were mostly Hispanic (81%) or African-American (15%); 71% responded in Spanish. Many parents did not know if HPV vaccine works well (42%) or is unsafe (41%). Overall, 59% of parents agreed that laws requiring HPV vaccination for school attendance "are a good idea." In multivariable analysis, African-Americans and Hispanics responding in English were less likely than Hispanics responding in Spanish to agree (aOR 0.4, CI 0.2-0.8; aOR 0.1, CI 0.1-0.3, respectively). Parents were less likely to agree with these laws if they did not believe the vaccine works well (aOR 0.2, CI 0.1-0.5) but more likely to agree if they believed the vaccine is not "too new for laws like these" (aOR 4.5, CI 2.6-8.0). Agreement with laws increased to 92% when including agreement that "these laws are okay only if parents can opt out." CONCLUSIONS: In this at-risk community, over half of parents agreed with HPV immunization requirements generally, and the vast majority agreed when including opt-out provisions. Impact: Support for HPV vaccine requirements may depend on race/ethnicity and inclusion of opt-out provisions. Information about vaccine efficacy and safety may increase support and reduce uncertainty about HPV vaccine in high risk populations.