Correlates of Sex Initiation among School Going Adolescents in Pune, India

Abstract

To identify the correlates of sex initiation among school going adolescents in Pune, India. A study among 910 school going adolescents was conducted in five schools and one junior college in and around Pune, Maharashtra (India) between 2003-2006. Case control analysis (n = 205) was performed among 41 cases who reported ever having sex and 164 controls matched for gender, location and type of school. Correlates of sex initiation were identified using conditional logistic regression. Adolescents studying in vernacular schools, accessing pornography and having unfriendly relationship with parents had higher likelihood of sex initiation. Adolescents who reported sexual abuse, Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) symptoms, smoking habit and those who had not read scientific literature on reproductive and sexual health were more likely to have initiated sex early. In the multivariate model, unfriendly relationship with parents and reported symptoms of STDs were found to be independently associated with 'early initiation of sex' among school going adolescents in this study. Premarital sexual activity, both consensual and non-consensual, was reported indicating a need for school based adolescent reproductive and sexual health education (ARSHE) programs in Maharashtra, India. The program in India should focus on specialized interventions for young adolescents. Routine health check-ups and probing on symptoms of STDs, non-consensual sex and other risky practices should be implemented in schools.