Age Of Sexual Initiation Research Articles

Women's knowledge of procreative health

Backround: A unique type of health is reproductive health, which represents the entirety of a person’s physical, mental and social well-being, not just the absence of disease or disorder. Reproductive health refers to all issues related to the reproductive system and procreation of women and men in all phases of their lives. Consequently, it includes topics such as puberty and menopause, fertility and infertility, family planning, health during pregnancy, childbirth, and the post-partum period, as well as cancers of the reproductive organs and breasts. This paper presents results of on women’s knowledge of reproductive health in several key areas: sources of information, understanding the concept of ovulation, awareness of factors that positively influence health, knowledge of the most and least fertile ages for women, and preventive measures related to the reproductive system. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of adult women aged 18 to 49 regarding reproductive health. Method: The study was based on a questionnaire survey analysed with the IBM SPSS Statistics 27 program. Results: The majority of surveyed women had knowledge about ovulation, with most obtaining their information from the Internet (22.3%). Nearly all female respondents (93.7%) knew what ovulation is. Most women do not use cycle self-observation (75%). The age of sexual initiation for most of the respondents was at 18. More than two sexual partners were reported by nearly 40% of women. Conclusions: The group of women studied was homogenous in terms of the selected qualification criteria, i.e.; all of them were of reproductive age. Fertility knowledge did not correspond with adolescent age of sexual initiation and declared number of partners, which is a risk factor for future reproductive health disorders.

Sexual initiation age and related risk-taking behaviours among adolescents in urban secondary schools in Nairobi County

Risky sexual behaviour such as early sexual initiation, inconsistent condom use and sexual intercourse with multiple partners are relatively prevalent among youths in sub-Saharan Africa. Sexual intercourse is an important event in one’s life trajectory and the contributory factors are: proximate and distal environments. The proximate environment includes micro systemic influences such as one's attitudes and beliefs, and extends to one's family. The distal environment includes one's community and culture. However, there are core forces which influence personal choices and behaviours like the self, family and community, and networks and cultural influences. While there are a variety of factors that contribute to early sexual initiation, proper parenting behaviour has been identified as a key strategy for reducing adolescents’ risky sexual behaviours. Even though early sexual initiation process is subject to a number of barriers, there is still less focus on parenting behaviour and its relationship with early sexual initiation among adolescents. Therefore, this study applied social survey to assess sexual initiation age and its related risk-taking behaviors among the adolescents in urban secondary schools in Nairobi County. The study found the common period in which adolescents initiate sex and even befriend strangers as age (15-16years). The findings have shown that children are capable of initiating drug use at any given period. This suggests the need for parent to undertake close monitoring of their children at all ages to curb drug abuse and encourage health talk with them on the effects of drug use.

Premature sexual initiation - a problem or an everyday occurrence for today's adolescents

Human sexuality is a component of a holistic being, a biopsychosocial state, defined by the World Health Organization as health. It is manifested in aspects of relationship, desire, sexual behavior, orientation, among others. Every year, more and more reports say that the age of sexual initiation is shifting towards younger years. It is worth noting that, according to analyses, the sexuality of the young does not differ from that of the 20th century. In boys, the motivation to engage in sexual activity is usually lust, in girls it is love and emotion. This condition is influenced by many factors: biological, genetic, environmental, family, as well as psychological factors like personality and temperament. The health care system should promote appropriate sexual behavior, along with sex education and awareness of the consequences of risky behavior, including those related to venereal aspects.

An exploratory study of the factors associated with use ofcontraceptive methods in young Chilean women aged 17-29 years.

To explore factors related to the use of contraceptive methods in young Chilean women with higher education. Using the 9th Chilean National Youth Survey, multinomial models were conducted to predict contraceptive methods used during the last intercourse among sexually initiated female college students aged 17-29 years who had already completed high school (n = 1828). The results indicate that using contraceptive methods at onset sexual activity was positively associated with the use of all contraceptive methods (relative risk ratio [RRR]immediate = 3.97, RRRdaily = 2.95, RRRlong-term = 1.82, P < 0.05). Having a previous unintended pregnancy increased the odds of using long-term contraceptive methods (RRR = 2.13, P < 0.05). Increased age of sexual initiation was associated with increased odds of using immediate contraception methods (RRRadolescence = 2.57, RRRyoung adulthood = 3.75, P < 0.05). Substance use was not associated with contraception methods used. Medium socioeconomic status, compared with high, decreased the odds of using immediate and daily contraceptive methods (RRR = 0.26, P < 0.05 for both). Low socioeconomic status was associated with decreased odds of using daily contraception (RRR = 0.39, P < 0.05). Finally, incomplete (RRR = 2.21, P < 0.05) or complete (RRR = 2.38, P < 0.05) professional education increased the odds of immediate contraceptive methods. To generate family planning policies aimed at university students, individual factors related to sexual behavior should be addressed in accordance with the local reality and with a gender focus.

Moderating Effect of Gender on the Relationship Between Sexual Knowledge and Sexual Activity Among Adolescents

IntroductionAdolescent sexual activity is an important topic for public health policies and can be shaped by them. This study examines the relationship between sexual knowledge and sexual activity and tests the moderating effect of gender.MethodsThis study uses a random sample of 1246 Polish adolescents aged 18−19 years. The methods of partial least squares path modeling and bootstrap testing are utilized.ResultsAmong boys, unlike among girls, a low level of sexual knowledge was associated with early and intense sexual activity represented by an early age of sexual initiation, a high number of sexual partners, and a short time since last sexual intercourse. Additionally, the average level of sexual knowledge was lower among boys than among girls. More specifically, the difference in knowledge of every element of the male reproductive system between boys and girls was not significant; however, girls were more aware of the female reproductive system than boys.ConclusionsGender differentiated the relationship between sexual knowledge and sexual activity. The revealed moderating effect could reflect gender differences in the motives of sexual activity of adolescent men and women. The early and intense sexual activity exhibited by boys with limited sexual knowledge exposed them to sexually transmitted diseases and unintended parenthood.Policy ImplicationsThe self-selection of boys with low sexual knowledge levels into early and intense sexual activity may be of interest to public health.

Abstract 4179: Anal cancer risk factors and utilization of cancer preventive strategies in people living with HIV in Puerto Rico

Abstract Introduction: Anal cancer (AC) risk is greatly elevated among persons living with HIV (PLWH), particularly men who have sex with men (MSM). The incidence of anal cancer among PLWH in Puerto Rico is 60.5 per 100,000 in MSM. Smoking and sexual behaviors may enhance anal cancer risk among PLWH. Therefore, we describe the prevalence of risk factors for AC, overall and by sexual risk group (MSM, women, and men who have sex with women [MSW]). We also evaluated receipt of cancer preventive strategies: HPV vaccination and AC screening, among a sample of PLWH in Puerto Rico. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted (Sept 2020 - Dec 2021) among PLWH ≥26 aged in Puerto Rico (n=212). Participants answered a phone interview that collected information on relevant characteristics. AC risk factors evaluated were current smoking, age of sexual initiation (≤15 years), lifetime anal sex, 10 or more lifetime sexual partners, history of AIDS, genital warts, and HPV infection. HPV vaccination and AC screening status were also evaluated. The overall and sexual risk group specific prevalence of AC risk factors and preventive behaviors were described. In addition, the prevalence ratio (PR) of the variables of interest, comparing the sexual risk groups, was estimated with 95% confidence intervals using Poisson regression. Results: Mean age of participants was 52.8 ± (SD=10.2); 44.1% were MSM, 23.2% were MSW, and 32.7% were women. Most PLWH had public health insurance (84.4%), an education level of high-school or less (45.7%), and 9.5% had a history of intravenous drug use. Regarding the prevalence of AC risk factors, 58.3% had 10 or more lifetime sex partners, 51% had their first sexual relationship at age ≤15 years, 29.3% were current smokers, and 75.8% of women had history of anal sex. In addition, 20.8% reported being diagnosed with AIDS, 16.5% had a history of genital warts, and 12.0% had HPV infection. Only 7.5% reported HPV vaccination and 52.2% reported ever having had an anal pap test. MSM had the highest prevalence of risky sexual behaviors, although no statistical difference was seen in the PRs. For preventive strategies, women (PR: 3.13, 95% CI 1.52-6.46) and MSM (PR: 3.42, 95% CI 1.70-6.90) had higher prevalence of anal pap uptake than MSW. Conclusion: Persons living with HIV in Puerto Rico had high prevalence of current smoking use and risky sexual behavior. Despite their increased risk of AC, and only over half had been screened for AC. Continued education and awareness about AC risk factors, smoking cessation, and importance of prevention strategies are important among PLWH. Citation Format: Sandra I. Garcia-Camacho, Jeslie M. Ramos-Cartagena, Marievelisse Soto-Salgado, Vivian Colon-Lopez, Karen J. Ortiz-Ortiz, Ashish A. Deshmukh, Ana P. Ortiz. Anal cancer risk factors and utilization of cancer preventive strategies in people living with HIV in Puerto Rico. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 4179.

Trends in Sexual Risk Behavioral Responses among High School Students between Mississippi and the United States: 2001 to 2019 YRBSS.

Early sexual reproductive health (SRH) education is linked to a reduction in risky sexual behaviors. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are rising at alarming rates. Risky sexual behaviors, including initiation of sex before age 13, having more than four sexual partners, and lack of use of condoms, increase the chance of infection and cancer. Informing students about the link between risky behaviors and cancer is vital to reduce morbidity and mortality. A trend analysis of the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) data between 2001 and 2019 was conducted. Results from four survey responses related to sexual risk behaviors among 9th to 12th grade in Mississippi students are compared with their US peers. Between 2001 and 2019, favorable declines in 3 out of 4 sexual risk behaviors were observed. Declining prevalence was reported for "ever had sexual intercourse," "age of sexual initiation at age 13 or younger," and "having 4 or more sexual partners in their lifetime" are promising. However, fewer students report using condoms. The adjusted prevalence rates for Mississippi students in all 4 measures were higher than the national responses. Our analysis supports the need for early skill-based sex education to promote health. States with increased behavioral risk among students should consider trends in data to improve education and policy.

Would Caring Teachers Buffer the Link Between Violence Victimization and Early Sexual Initiation? Comparing Heterosexual and Non-Heterosexual African American Youth.

This study investigated the relationship between youth violence exposures (i.e., peer and neighborhood) and early sexual initiation. It also explored whether caring relationships with teachers might moderate this relationship and whether results differed for heterosexual versus non-heterosexual African American youth. The study sample (N = 580) comprised 475 heterosexual and 105 non-heterosexual youths, 319 female and 261 male, ages 13 to 24years (M age = 15.8). Students were assessed for peer and neighborhood violence, relationship with teachers, early sexual initiation, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. Major results indicated a positive relationship between exposure to peer and neighborhood violence and early sexual initiation for heterosexual youth but not those who identified as non-heterosexual. Further, identifying as female (vs. male) was significantly associated with later sexual initiation for both heterosexual and non-heterosexual youth. In addition, caring teachers moderated the relationship between exposure to peer violence and age of sexual initiation among non-heterosexual youth. Programs and interventions to curtail violence sequelae would need to consider the unique effects of various types of youth violence exposures and the significance of sexual orientation.

Influence of Selected Sociodemographic and Cultural Factors on the Age of Sexual Initiation of Students from Polish Universities.

Sexuality is the one of the most important parts of human life. The aim of our study was to identify the factors influencing the onset and age of sexual initiation in students and drawing attention to the need to improve access to sexual education in Polish schools at a sufficiently high level. An original questionnaire with 31 questions was used for the study. Data were collected using the Google Forms tool. A total of 7528 students participated in the study and 5824 underwent sexual initiation. The mean age at sexual initiation was 18.1 years. Logistic regression analysis was performed to show factors influencing the onset of sexual activity, while linear regression analysis was used for factors influencing the age of sexual initiation. Religion, drug use, smoking, alcohol consumption, type of housing, and conversations with parents about contraception or sex affect the onset of sexual activity. The age of sexual initiation is affected by religion, the age of the first viewing of pornography, quality of life, the size of the city of residence, smoking and drug use.

Influences of parental monitoring and school connectedness on age at first sexual debut among unmarried female youth in Bedele town, Ethiopia: A survival analysis of timing using accelerated failure time model

BackgroundThe age of first sexual debut among youth continues to attract interest as it marks the start of their exposure to a variety of sexual and reproductive health problems. Parental monitoring (PM) and school connectedness (SC) has been found to have an effect on this problem. Despite this fact, there is a dearth of literature on implications of PM and SC on age at first sexual debut in Ethiopia. Therefore, this paper examined the influences of PM and SC age at first sexual debut among female youth.MethodsA retrospective follow-up study was conducted on 470 randomly selected female youth in Bedele town, Oromia regional state, southwest Ethiopia from February 1 to March 30, 2021. The age at first sexual debut was asked in full years for respondents who ever engaged in sexual debut at a time of data collection. Data were entered using Epi-Data version 4.6 and analyzed using Stata version 14. All variables at P-values less than 0.2 in bivariable analysis were exported to multivariable analysis. Multivariable Accelerated Failure Time (AFT) regression analyses using Weibull distribution were used to examine the association of age at first sexual debut with PM and SC at 5% level of significance.ResultsOverall, 132(28.1%) youths were begun sexual activities of which 79.54% was an early (vaginal penetrative sex before 18 years old). The incidence rate was 15.58/1000 PY with 95% CI of [13.14, 18.47]. The result shows that, female youth start first sexual debut as early as 10 year and mean age was 16.89±2.82. Only 27.97% of those who began sexual debut used contraception during first sex. Multivariable Weibull AFT regression analyses adjusted for different variables showed that high PM (Adjusted Time Ratio (ATR) 1.13: 95%CI; [1.04, 1.21]) and good SC (ATR: 1.14: 95% CI; [1.06, 1.22] significantly delays the age at first sexual debut.ConclusionsOverall, four out of every five premarital sexual activities were early sexual debuts. High PM and high SC significantly decrease early sexual debut by delaying the age of sexual initiation. Therefore, family and school involvement focused on PM and SC of the youth is recommended as an important mechanism for preventing youths’ risky sexual behaviour, including early sexual debut.

Greater Perceptions of Economic Deprivation in Childhood are Associated with More Sexual Risk Behaviors in Adulthood via Younger Age of Sexual Initiation.

Sexual risk behaviors are a public health concern. Although sexual risk behaviors are overrepresented among economically disadvantaged individuals, the mechanisms underlying the link from economic deprivation to sexual risk behaviors are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether one of the earliest indicators of sexual risk, age of sexual initiation, mediates the link between young men's perceptions of economic deprivation while growing up and sexual risk behaviors in adulthood. Six-hundred twenty-four men provided data on background variables and risk. Path analyses were conducted in Mplus Version 8. Perceptions of economic deprivation while growing up were related to younger age of sexual initiation, which in turn was related to higher risk for sex earlier in a relationship, condomless sex, STIs, unintended pregnancy, and condom use resistance. These findings highlight important avenues for sexual health and health equity promotion.

Effectiveness and feasibility of HPV self-sampling for coverage of cervical cancer screening on internet-based

Objectives: To assess self-sampling HPV testing combining with the internet may serve as a primary cervical cancer screening method in low-resource settings, and to establish an internet self-sampling cervical cancer screening-management model. Methods: 20,136 women aged 30~59 years with vaginal self-sampling HPV testing as primary screening on internet-based was performed in 13 provinces, municipalities of China. The women who participated in the screening registered on the screening website. A questionnaire was investigated the acceptance of self-sampling after self-sampling. Results: Among 20103 women with qualified samples, 35.81% of them was remote areas, 37.69% of them was never-screened, 59.96% of them under-screened, 18.54% with a primary school education or below and overall high-risk HPV prevalence was 13.86%. In 8136 respondents, 95.97% of women felt self-collection was easy to operate, 84.61% had no discomfort when using a self-sampling brush, 62. 37% women were more likely to choose self-sampling for cervical cancer screening in the future, 92. 53% were willing to introduce to others around them. Multivariate analysis showed that the reliability of self-sampling and the easy degree of sampling were the independent influencing factors of selecting self-sampling (p&lt;0.05), while no statistical significance was found in different age, education, occupation, gravidity, medical insurance, age of sexual initiation (p&gt;0.05). Conclusions: The Internet-facilitated self-HPV-testing screening and management model for cervical cancer prevention with large sample study is feasible and effective and can be used as a supplement to the traditional screening, especially in marginal areas with few medical resources, finally the coverage of cervical cancer screening will be significantly improved.

Factores asociados al comportamiento sexual de mujeres peruanas entre 15 y 25 años de edad

Background: The sexual behavior of women is associated with various protective or risk factors, which are important to assess. To determine the socioeconomic factors associated with the sexual behavior of Peruvian women within 15 and 25 years old. Method: A secondary analysis of the 2016 Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES) was conducted. Our sample was 7962 women from 15 to 25 years old, from all over the Peruvian territory. Associative analyzes were carried out on the age of sexual initiation, the number of sexual partners and the use of contraceptives, based on sociodemographic variables. Poisson regression with robust variance was also used. Results: It was found the factors, that are associated with the age of sexual initiation and the number of sexual partners, are the area of origin, marital status, educational level, employment status and socioeconomic level. While women who work and whose partners do not drink alcohol are the most likely to use contraceptives. Conclusions: It can be concluded that certain socioeconomic and work conditions act as protective factors of female sexual behavior, while having a partner who drinks alcohol is a risk factor.

Conducta sexual de riesgo y comunicación familiar en adolescentes de 3ero, 4to y 5to año del nivel secundario de una I.E. estatal de la ciudad de Iquitos

Objetivo: determinar la asociación entre la conducta sexual de riesgo y comunicación familiar enadolescentes de 3ro, 4to y 5to año del nivel secundario de una I. E. estatal de la ciudad de Iquitos.Metodología: diseño no experimental, de corte transversal y alcance correlacional. Se llevó a caboen un grupo de 500 adolescentes entre 13 y 19 años. Los instrumentos usados fueron el cuestionarioConducta Sexual de Riesgo (CSR) por Apaza (2018) y la Escala de comunicación Padres-Adolescentes(PAC) de Barnes y Olson (1982) adaptado en el Perú por Bueno, Tomas y Araujo (1998). Resultados:los resultados obtenidos demuestran que no existe asociación significativa entre el nivel de comunicacióncon el padre y las conductas sexuales de riesgo. En cambio, se aprecia que el nivel de comunicación conla madre se asocia significativamente con la edad de inicio sexual (X2=2.303; p&lt;.05), con la cantidad deparejas sexuales (X2=8.758; p&lt;.01) y uso de preservativo (X2=3.803; p&lt;.05) como medida de protección.Conclusiones: a mayor comunicación menor probabilidad en conducta sexual de riesgo.

Alcohol, age at first sexual intercourse and number of sexual partners in young Mexican women

AimTo identify the relationship between use of alcohol, number of sexual partners and age of sexual initiation. MethodDescriptive-correlational study. A random sample of 319 young women (age 18–25) from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico was recruited. A sociodemographic data sheet and the AUDIT questionnaire were used. Non-parametric Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and Kruskal–Wallis H test were selected. ResultsOn average the participants were 20.70 years old (±2.1), had 1.86 sexual partners (±1.27), started drinking alcohol at the age of 16.82 (±1.79), and their first sexual intercourse was at the age of 17.38 (±1.65). There was a decrease in the age of onset of alcohol use (H=16.646, p<.001) and the age at first sexual intercourse (H=26.749, p<.001) on the lower their current age. The overall AUDIT score negatively correlated with the age of the participants on their first sexual intercourse (rs=−.168, p<.001) and positively correlated with the number of sexual partners (rs=.243, p<.001). The aforementioned correlations were more intense among the younger participants (18- and 19-year olds; p<.01). ConclusionsThere was an association between higher use of alcohol, early age of sexual initiation and number of sexual partners. Nursing professionals may address such variables simultaneously through preventive strategies directed specifically at young women.

Determinantes sociales que condicionan la actividad sexual precoz de los adolescentes

Objetivo. Analizar los determinantes sociales que condicionan la actividad sexual precoz de los adolescentes. Métodos. Estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo, explicativo y transversal. La muestra estuvo constituida por 254 estudiantes de 14 a 18 años de edad, a quienes se aplicó un cuestionario que evaluó las dimensiones personales, familiares, contextuales y el inicio de la actividad sexual. Para el análisis de la relación entre variables se utilizó la prueba estadística ji-cuadrado y modelo de regresión lineal múltiple. Resultados. Seidentifcaron los condicionantes personales, la edad de inicio sexual, la falta de uso de anticonceptivos y el poco conocimiento de los signos y síntomas de las infecciones de transmisión sexual. Entre los determinantes familiares, el grado de instrucción de los padres, el apoyo de la mamá y la violencia verbaly física aparecen como los que tienen una asociación signifcativa. Junto a la falta de hábito en acudir a los servicios de salud, los programas de televisión y los amigos aparecen como los que más promueven el inicio de la actividad sexual precoz. Conclusión. Los determinantes personales, familiares y contextuales influyen signifcativamente en el inicio de la actividad sexual de los adolescentes, atentando en la salud sexual y reproductiva de estos.

Do Criminals Live Faster Than Soldiers and Firefighters?

A high risk of morbidity-mortality caused by a harsh and unpredictable environment is considered to be associated with a fast life history (LH) strategy, commonly linked with criminal behavior. However, offenders are not the only group with a high exposure to extrinsic morbidity-mortality. In the present study, we investigated the LH strategies employed by two groups of Polish men: incarcerated offenders (N = 84) as well as soldiers and firefighters (N = 117), whose professions involve an elevated risk of injury and premature death. The subjects were asked to complete the Mini-K (used as a psychosocial LH indicator) and a questionnaire which included a number of biodemographic LH variables. Although biodemographic and psychosocial LH indicators should be closely linked with each other, the actual connection between them is unclear. Thus, this study was driven by two aims: comparing LH strategies in two groups of men with a high risk of premature morbidity-mortality and investigating the relationship between the biodemographic and psychosocial LH dimensions. The study showed that incarcerated men employed faster LH strategies than soldiers and firefighters, but only in relation to biodemographic variables (e.g., number of siblings, age of sexual initiation, life expectancy). No intergroup differences emerged regarding psychosocial LH indicators. Moreover, the correlation analysis showed a weak association between biodemographic and psychosocial LH indicators. The results strengthen the legitimacy of incorporating biodemographic LH traits into research models and indicate the need for further research on the accuracy of the Mini-K. The possible explanations for the intergroup differences in LH strategies are discussed.

Condom and Contraceptive Use Among Sexually Active High School Students - Youth Risk Behavior Survey, United States, 2019.

Preventing unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, among adolescents is a public health priority. This report presents prevalence estimates for condom and contraceptive use among sexually active U.S. high school students from the 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Behaviors examined included any condom use, primary contraceptive method use, and condom use with a more effective contraceptive method, all reported at last sexual intercourse. Analyses were limited to sexually active students (i.e., those who had sexual intercourse with one or more persons during the 3 months before the survey). Except for any condom use, students reporting only same-sex sexual contact were excluded from analyses. Weighted prevalence estimates were calculated, and bivariate differences in prevalence were examined by demographic characteristics (sex, race/ethnicity, and grade) and other sexual risk behaviors (age of sexual initiation, previous 3-month and lifetime number of sex partners, and substance use before last sexual intercourse). Nationwide, 27.4% of high school students reported being sexually active (n = 3,226). Among sexually active students who reported having had sexual contact with someone of the opposite sex (n = 2,698), most students (89.7%) had used a condom or a primary contraceptive method at last sexual intercourse. Prevalence of any condom use at last sexual intercourse was 54.3%, and condoms were the most prevalent primary contraceptive method (43.9% versus 23.3% for birth control pills; 4.8% for intrauterine device [IUD] or implant; and 3.3% for shot, patch, or ring). Approximately 9% had used condoms with an IUD, implant, shot, patch, ring, or birth control pills. Using no pregnancy prevention method was more common among non-Hispanic black (23.2%) and Hispanic (12.8%) students compared with non-Hispanic white students (6.8%); compared with Hispanic students, using no pregnancy prevention method was more common among non-Hispanic black students. Prevalence of condom use was consistently lower among students with other sexual risk behaviors. Results underscore the need for public health professionals to provide quality sexual and reproductive health education and clinical services for preventing unintended pregnancy and STDs/HIV and decreasing disparities among sexually active youths.

Geographical variations of early age sexual initiation among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia: evidence from EDHS 2016

BackgroundThe early age of sexual initiation contribute a lot for various risks such as mistimed pregnancy followed by insecure termination, developing fistula and contracting sexually transmitted infections which are currently the major public health concerns for low-income countries. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to detect spatial clusters and identify factors associated with an early age sexual initiation of women in the reproductive age group.MethodsWe used a population-based nationwide representative Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) 2016 data.. A total of 12,033 respondents of reproductive age (15–49 years) women who had at least one event of sexual intercourse was retrieved and included for the analysis. Spatial cluster detection and autocorrelation analysis were also done to explore the patterns of early age sexual initiation.ResultsThe median age at first sexual intercourse among respondents was 16 (±3.3) years and more than half (66.2%) had their first sexual intercourse before the age of 18 years. The spatial variations of the age of sexual initiation was nonrandom and clustered with a Moran’s I = 0.413 (P-value < 0.001). In addition, five significant spatial clusters were also identified. Moreover, the probability of starting sex at an earlier age was associated with the respondent’s residence, marital status, educational attainment and wealth index.ConclusionThis study found a higher proportion of an early age sexual initiation of women. Respondent’s residence, marital status, educational attainment and wealth index were significantly associated with early sexual initiation. The SaTScan analysis identified five statistical significant spatial clusters which indicate that there were geographical variations. Therefore, integrated interventions focusing on the identified high spot clustered areas are recommended to reduce early age sexual initiation.

Alcohol, age at first sexual intercourse and number of sexual partners in young Mexican women.

To identify the relationship between use of alcohol, number of sexual partners and age of sexual initiation. Descriptive-correlational study. A random sample of 319 young women (age 18-25) from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico was recruited. A sociodemographic data sheet and the AUDIT questionnaire were used. Non-parametric Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and Kruskal-Wallis H test were selected. On average the participants were 20.70 years old (±2.1), had had 1.86 sexual partners (±1.27), started drinking alcohol at the age of 16.82 (±1.79), and their first sexual intercourse was at the age of 17.38 (±1.65). There was a decrease in the age of onset of alcohol use (H=16.646, p <.001) and the age at first sexual intercourse (H=26.749, P<.001) on the lower their current age. The overall AUDIT score negatively correlated with the age of the participants on their first sexual intercourse (rs=-.168, P<.001) and positively correlated with the number of sexual partners (rs=.243, P<.001). The aforementioned correlations were more intense among the younger participants (18- and 19-year olds; P<.01). There was an association between higher use of alcohol, early age of sexual initiation and number of sexual partners. Nursing professionals may address such variables simultaneously through preventive strategies directed specifically at young women.