Abstract
Objective The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between country level egalitarian values (broadly speaking emancipatory values/structural gender equality) and sexual behavior among youth. Methods: Comparative individual level data on sexual activity and condom use were collected from the Global School-based Student Health Survey, resulting in a final sample of 23 countries, analyzed utilizing multilevel logistic regression analysis. Results: Egalitarian values were significantly associated with sexual activity and condom use. Conclusions: Egalitarian values have a relationship with adolescents’ sexual activity and condom use, and thus contribute to sexual health and well-being in Africa, South America and Asia.
Highlights
Sexuality is an integral part of being human, and good sexual health and well-being are generally regarded as desirable (Casique, 2019; Harden, 2014; World Health Organization, 2002)
The first model is empty in order to observe if there is indications of a contextual phenomenon (Merlo et al, 2006)—in other words, whether there is a significant difference between countries based on the dependent variable
This article has investigated whether country level egalitarian values measured as emancipatory values (EVI) and structural gender inequality measured through the Gender Inequality Index (GII) affect sexual behaviors in terms of sexual activity and condom use
Summary
Sexuality is an integral part of being human, and good sexual health and well-being are generally regarded as desirable (Casique, 2019; Harden, 2014; World Health Organization, 2002). At the same time though, boys are generally allowed more sexual freedom, whereas sexual norms are often stricter for girls (Boislard et al, 2016; Marston & King, 2006) Unequal sexual norms such as differences in how, when and under which circumstances to have intercourse (for instance affecting casual intercourse, intercourse with many/few/one partner, etc.) are factors affecting sexual behaviors associated with, for instance, inconsistent contraceptive use (Leung & MacDonald, 2018). Sexual well-being includes the right to say “no,” using contraceptives and being able to control how one’s sexuality is explored This inclusive view of sexual health is related to what can be described as a sex positive framework. A sex positive framework considers sexuality as something that is natural and part of life, leading to increased health overall (Boislard et al, 2016; Harden, 2014; World Health Organization, 2002)
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