Sexual Risk-Taking Behaviors among Boys Aged 15–18 Years in Tehran

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the extent and potential correlates of sexual risk-taking behaviors among adolescent boys aged 15–18 in metropolitan Tehran. Methods Data were collected from a population-based, cross-sectional survey of adolescent males (ages 15–18) residing in Tehran, Iran. Of 1385 subjects, 382 reported sexual experience (27.7%). The article is mainly considering sexually experienced subjects. Two factors were considered as sexual risk-taking behavior (“not using condom or inconsistent condom use in sexual contacts” and “ever had multiple sexual partners in lifetime.” Several other factors were considered as independent variables and their relations were assessed using t test, χ 2 test, and logistic regression models. Results Having no access to Internet, feeling regretful at sexual debut, having one sexual partner in lifetime and lower knowledge of condoms are predictors of condom non-use. Older age, using alcoholic drinks, early sexual debut, and poor knowledge of reproductive physiology are predictors of multiple sexual partners among adolescent boys aged 15–18 years. Conclusion Appropriate interventional programs should be implemented for adolescents in Iran to encourage and enable them to delay first sex and abstain unwanted and unplanned penetrative sex, to stress the health risks of alcohol use in terms of sexual health and finally to enhance their knowledge on different aspects of reproductive health particularly prevention against STI/HIV.