Abstract
BackgroundIt is widely agreed upon that gender is a key aspect of sexuality however, questions remain on how gender exactly influences adolescents’ sexual health.ObjectiveThe aim of this research was to study correlations between gender equality attitudes and sexual behavior, sexual experiences and communication about sex among sexually active and non-sexually active adolescents in 2 Latin American countries.DesignIn 2011, a cross-sectional study was carried out among 5,913 adolescents aged 14–18 in 20 secondary schools in Cochabamba (Bolivia) and 6 secondary schools in Cuenca (Ecuador). Models were built using logistic regressions to assess the predictive value of attitudes toward gender equality on adolescents’ sexual behavior, on experiences and on communication.ResultsThe analysis shows that sexually active adolescents who consider gender equality as important report higher current use of contraceptives within the couple. They are more likely to describe their last sexual intercourse as a positive experience and consider it easier to talk with their partner about sexuality than sexually experienced adolescents who are less positively inclined toward gender equality. These correlations remained consistent whether the respondent was a boy or a girl. Non-sexually active adolescents, who consider gender equality to be important, are more likely to think that sexual intercourse is a positive experience. They consider it less necessary to have sexual intercourse to maintain a relationship and find it easier to communicate with their girlfriend or boyfriend than sexually non-active adolescents who consider gender equality to be less important. Comparable results were found for boys and girls.ConclusionsOur results suggest that gender equality attitudes have a positive impact on adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and wellbeing. Further research is necessary to better understand the relationship between gender attitudes and specific SRH outcomes such as unwanted teenage pregnancies and sexual pleasure among adolescents worldwide.
Highlights
It is widely agreed upon that gender is a key aspect of sexuality questions remain on how gender exactly influences adolescents’ sexual health
The main objective of this article is to describe how gender equality attitudes among adolescents in Latin America are correlated to their sexual behavior, positive sexual experiences and communication about sex
This study investigated how gender equality attitudes among adolescents in Bolivia and Ecuador are linked with sexual topics at the individual level and at the interpersonal level
Summary
It is widely agreed upon that gender is a key aspect of sexuality questions remain on how gender exactly influences adolescents’ sexual health. Results: The analysis shows that sexually active adolescents who consider gender equality as important report higher current use of contraceptives within the couple They are more likely to describe their last sexual intercourse as a positive experience and consider it easier to talk with their partner about sexuality than sexually experienced adolescents who are less positively inclined toward gender equality. Non-sexually active adolescents, who consider gender equality to be important, are more likely to think that sexual intercourse is a positive experience. Different gender norms exist for adolescent boys and girls [2] Adolescents internalize these social norms and values before they become sexual active [15] and their sexual attitudes and behavior are shaped by them [6, 14, 16]. Similar data were found among Swedish adolescent heterosexual girls who mentioned sexual pleasure on equal terms as a characteristic of their ideal sexual situation [26]
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