Engagement In Risky Sexual Behaviors Research Articles

Path analysis of adolescents’ reproductive health education on college students’ sexual behavior

Young people are vulnerable to reproductive health (RH) problems due to their engagement in risky sexual behavior. Study of adolescents’ RH education effects on the behavior of the young will add evidence about aspects that directly/indirectly affect the behavior. This study intended to explore the influence of adolescents’ RH education and other associated factors on college students’ sexual behavior using path analysis. A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to Mei 2021 in Solo Raya Residency, Central Java, Indonesia. A sample of 20-24 years old college students from public dan two private universities (n=375) participated. An online questionnaire was used to collect the data. Path analysis was conducted to identify relationships between variables. Path analysis demonstrated that sexual behavior was directly affected by age and pornography access, regardless the gender. Even though factors that influenced sexual behavior differed among female and male students, RH education was proved to indirectly influence sexual behavior irrespective the gender. Overall, sexual behavior was influenced by RH education in the complex mechanism. Improving the information delivery of RH education is needed to ensure all youth, irrespective of gender, benefit from this program. Further study in a more significant setting in Indonesia is required.

The Indirect Effect of Avoidant Motives for Sex on the Pathways From Childhood Maltreatment to Risky Sex Behaviors.

Literature supports a strong link between engagement in risky sex and childhood maltreatment, with engagement in risky sexual behavior proposed as a manifestation of avoidant coping. Sex motives refer to underlying motivations for engaging in sex such as increased intimacy, or peer pressure. Limited research has examined the role of sex motives on the relationship between childhood maltreatment and risky sex. This study sought to examine this path between childhood maltreatment types and later engagement in risky sex through sex motivations that seek to avoid or reduce negative affect (i.e., sex to cope and sex to affirm self-esteem). A sample of sexually active undergraduate women (n = 551) completed a series of questionnaires on childhood maltreatment, risky sexual behavior, and motivations for sexual intercourse as part of a larger parent study on revictimization. Path analysis was conducted to examine differential indirect effects of childhood maltreatment on risky sex (i.e., sex with a stranger and hookup behaviors). Results suggested sex to cope with negative affect mediated the relationship between emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical neglect, and hookup behavior. Only an indirect path between childhood emotional abuse and sex with a stranger was identified through sex to cope. Emotional abuse was the only maltreatment to predict sex to affirm, but sex to affirm did not predict risky sex outcomes. Findings provide support for differential pathways from various forms of childhood maltreatment, specifically sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and physical neglect, to increased risky sex as a manifestation of avoidant coping. Furthermore, results support the call for more inclusion of nonsexual forms of childhood maltreatment in studies of risky sex and avoidant coping as a potential intervention target for risky sexual behavior regardless of childhood maltreatment type.

Adults and Family as Supportive of Adolescent Sexual Development in the Age of Smartphones? Exploring Cybersexual Violence Victimization, Pornography Use, and Risky Sexual Behaviors.

Among adolescents, engagement in risky sexual behavior is an important public health concern. Research has begun to explore the impact of adolescents' online experiences with their social and behavioral health as approximately 95% of adolescents have access to a smartphone connected to the internet. However, little research has specifically examined how online experiences impact sexual risk behaviors among adolescence. To fill gaps in the existing research, the current study sought to investigate the association between two potential risk factors and three sexual risk behavior outcomes. We examined how experiencing cybersexual violence victimization (CVV) and using pornography during early adolescence was associated with condom use, birth control use, and use of alcohol and drugs before sex among U.S. high school students (n = 974). Additionally, we explored multiple forms of adult support as potential protective factors of sexual risk behaviors. Our findings suggest that CVV and porn use may be associated with risky sexual behaviors for some adolescents. In addition, parental monitoring and support from adults at school may be two ways to support healthy adolescent sexual development.

Early sexual debut and associated factors among adolescents in Kasawo Sub-county, Mukono district, Uganda

: Early sexual debut is defined as having had first sexual intercourse at or before age 14 years of age. By 19 years, nearly 70% of both males and females are reported to have ever had sexual intercourse. Notably, sexual debut occurring at an earlier age than 19 years, especially less than 15 years, is found to be associated with engagement in risky sexual behaviours in adolescence. The objective of this study was to determine the factors associated with early sexual debut among adolescents in Kasawo Sub-county, Mukono district. Analytical cross-sectional study design, both qualitative and quantitative methods, was used. Focus group discussion guide and semi-structured questionnaire were administered to a sample of 385 adolescents. Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 25 was used for analysis. The prevalence of early sexual debut was 22.6% among female and 22.1% among male, respectively. Age was associated with early sexual debut (X2(1) = 5.992, p = 0.018), with more of the adolescents (37.4%) older than 14 year found to have had sexual intercourse at or before 14 years. Gender was associated with early sexual debut among adolescents (X2(1) = 22.898, p = 0.000). Schooling status of adolescents was associated with early sexual debut (p = 0.000). Respondents who drink alcohol were three times more likely to have early sexual debut (COR = 3.28, at 95% CI (1.530–7.031)) and there was a strong association between drinking alcohol and early sexual debut (p = 0.000). Having ever had peer influence (p = 0.03) was associated with early sexual debut. So, conclusively, the proportion of girls who delay sex is slightly higher as compared with that of boys. Early sexual debut and associated factors among adolescents in Kasawo Sub-county, Mukono district, UgandaAll authorsKizito Omona & Jonathan Kizito Ssukahttps://doi.org/10.1080/27707571.2023.2183561Published online:07 March 2023Display full size

EXHIBITION OF MASCULINITY AMONG MIGRANT MEN: PREDISPOSING FACTOR OF SEXUAL RISK BEHAVIOR

Masculinity has been recognized as a significant influence on risky sexual behavior. The migrant men present various sexual risk behaviors. The present study aims to explore migrant men's perspectives on the construction of masculinity and to understand their experiences and engagement in risky sexual behavior in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. This anthropological study included 14 focus group discussions with migrant men aged 18-45 years in the Commercial Market of Rawalpindi. The data were collected from the informal focus group discussions. The data were analyzed by using thematic inductive analysis presented by Clarke. The research results represent that masculine behavior among migrant men leads to risky sexual behavior. It was found that an autonomous living structure with peer groups and increased avenues of expression of sexual desire due to being away from families enhance the risky sexual behavior of migrant men. Such behaviors lead them to indulge in risky sexual practices with low-paid commercial sex workers or non-commercial partners, mostly without availing any protective measures. Furthermore, the normative behavior of migrant men, including peer pressure, economic independence, opportunity structure, and homogeneous population, were the significant factors that led to risky sexual behavior. The study suggests that such behavior remains an essential practice to conform to social expectations and norms aligned with masculinity in the Pakistani urban male population. Therefore, there is a need to address the gender norms that lead to masculine behavior among the migrant population. Keywords: masculinity, risky sexual behavior, migrant men, peer pressure, real man, hegemonic masculinity.

Adolescent Sexting, Violence, and Sexual Behaviors: An Analysis of 2014 and 2016 Pennsylvania Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data.

Sexting is common among adolescents and is associated with numerous health risk behaviors and negative psychosocial constructs. This study examined the relationships between high school students' experiences with sexual violence victimization, dating violence victimization, and engagement in risky sexual behaviors with experiences of receiving sexts. Cross-sectional data from the 2014 to 2016 data from Pennsylvania Youth Risk Behavior. Participants were selected using an independent 2-stage cluster sample design to produce a statewide population-based sample. The pencil and paper surveys were conducted in school. Participants included 6734 Pennsylvania high school students in grades 9-12. Overall, 29.0% of Pennsylvania high school students had received a sext, which varied by sex, race/ethnicity, school grade, and sexual identity. Students who engaged in sexual risk behaviors, experienced dating violence, or experienced lifetime sexual violence outside of the dating context had a significantly higher prevalence of receiving a sext than students who did not engage in those behaviors or have those experiences. Early screening and prevention efforts that include discussions about sexting behaviors may help prevent other negative outcomes, such as risky sexual behaviors and interpersonal violence. Addressing sexting in the education and health sectors may help to prevent other related harmful health and violence experiences during adolescence.

Sexual Aggression among Women and Men in an Iranian Sample: Prevalence and Correlates

This pre-registered study examined the prevalence and correlates of sexual aggression in a sample of 530 Iranians (322 women, 208 men) with a behaviorally specific questionnaire distinguishing between different coercive strategies, victim-perpetrator relationships, and sexual acts. Significantly more women (63.0%) than men (51.0%) experienced at least one incident of sexual aggression victimization since the age of 15 years, and significantly more men (37.0%) than women (13.4%) reported at least one incident of sexual aggression perpetration. In women and men, the experience of child sexual abuse predicted sexual victimization and sexual aggression perpetration after the age of 15 years, both directly and indirectly through higher engagement in risky sexual behavior. Greater endorsement of hostile masculinity among men explained additional variance in the prediction of sexual aggression perpetration. This research is a first step towards documenting and explaining high rates of sexual aggression victimization and perpetration among Iranian women and men, providing important information for sex education as well for the prevention of sexual aggression. However, to achieve these goals, we highlight the need for systematic actions in all educational, social, and legal sectors of Iranian society.

Evaluating schizotypy and alcohol usage as predictors of increased engagement in risky sexual behaviors in an undergraduate sample.

The window of risk for developing a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder overlaps with young adulthood, a time of increased independence and self-sufficiency. Research suggests that this period is also associated with increased substance use and risky sexual encounters. The current study aimed to examine rates of alcohol usage and risky sexual behaviors in those demonstrating higher rates of schizotypy (i.e., risk indicator for schizophrenia). Data was collected at a midsized university in the Northeastern United States during the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 academic years. A total of 385 undergraduate students enrolled in introductory psychology classes completed the study either in-person or online. The study consisted of questionnaires related to alcohol usage, rates of sexual risk behaviors, and schizotypal traits. Due to COVID-19 restrictions and the time period covered by the sexual risk measure (i.e., the last six months), the authors deemed it necessary to omit certain participants, leaving 179 participants in our main analyses. Participants who reported higher levels of alcohol usage and positive schizotypy demonstrated increased engagement in specific sexual risk behaviors, while higher levels of negative schizotypy may have acted as a protective factor against engagement in sexual risk. Descriptive data for participants collected during the pandemic period was provided for comparison and for the interest of future researchers looking at the pandemic period (n = 180). The current findings provide a snapshot (baseline rate) of sexual behavior and alcohol usage in a nonclinical sample with varying risk for psychosis that extends previous research involving clinical samples.

Associations between Parent-Child Communication on Sexual Health and Drug Use and Use of Drugs during Sex among Urban Black Youth.

Black youth and their families living in urban settings may experience unique stressors that contribute to underlying issues due to the environmental context. Such factors may exacerbate and promote drug use and engagement in risky sexual behaviors, unknowingly. Little is known about how family factors, peer pressure, condom use, and other related factors are associated with substance use and engaging in sexual behaviors while on drugs among urban African American youth aged 12–22 (N = 638). We used regression models to examine associations between parental bonding, parent–adolescent sexual health communication, condom use, peer pressure on substance use, and having sex while on drugs. Multivariate results indicated that parental bonding was statistically significant and associated with drug use (OR: 1.36, 95%CI: 1.36). Our study highlights that parental bonding plays a critical role in youth using drugs while living in urban environments.

Sexual inhibition and sexual excitation in a sample of Polish women.

The contemporary concept of sexual counseling for women with sexual problems, distress, and female sexual dysfunction (FSD) includes tailored medical and/or psychological intervention. The dual control model and the Sexual Excitation/Sexual Inhibition Inventory for Women (SESII-W) are helpful for identifying risk factors and tailoring therapy for FSD. The current study aimed to (1) validate the Polish translation of the SESII-W in a sample of Polish women, and (2) verify the usefulness of the SESII-W in clinical practice. Five hundred nine white women age 18 to 55 years old (M ± SD age = 39.7 ± 11.3 years) were included in this cross-sectional study. Linguistic validation of the Polish translation of the SESII-W was first performed. A battery of tests was then used to evaluate reliability, convergent and discriminant validity, measurement invariances, and correlations between the SESII-W and other measures. Given that the original version of the SESII-W had unsatisfactory model fit, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were subsequently performed. Results showed a new final model that included 26 items with seven lower- and two higher-order factors and explained 58.9% of the variance in the data, with CFI = 0.93, RMSEA = 0.05 and χ2 = 693.39, p < 0.001. Cronbach's α was 0.77 for Sexual Excitation (SE) and 0.88 for Sexual Inhibition (SI) scales. A moderate negative association between SI and the presence of FSD according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) criteria was noted. SE was positively associated with engaging in risky sexual behaviors, Extraversion and Openness to Experiences traits, and was negatively correlated with relationship quality. Finally, age was negatively correlated with all domains of the SESII-W except Arousal Contingency. SE and SI were both lower in older women as compared to younger once. These results demonstrate that the Polish version of SESII-W shows good psychometric properties. A higher propensity for SI was associated with the presence of sexual problems, distress, and FSD, whereas a higher propensity for SE was associated with greater engagement in risky sexual behaviors and personality type. However, future studies on larger and more diverse populations are required to confirm the replicability of the factor structure of the scale.

Uptake of provider-initiated HIV and syphilis testing among heterosexual STD clinic patients in Guangdong, China: results from a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesUnderscreening of HIV and syphilis in clinical settings is pervasive in resource-constrained settings. Heavy patient loads and competing health priorities in these settings inhibit provider’s ability to meet screening coverage...

Use of dating sites and applications by women and their risk of sexually transmitted infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

IntroductionThe use of social networks has been increasing worldwide. Mobile websites and applications (apps) allow people to network more quickly and have more partners for sex. This can facilitate risky...

The Pornography “How-To” Script: The Moderating Role of Consent Attitudes on Pornography Consumption and Sexual Refusal Assertiveness

College students report turning to pornography for guidance regarding sexual expectations and norms. Similarly, research has shown that compulsive pornography exposure (i.e. extreme amounts of viewing and dependence on pornography) leads to an engagement in risky sexual behaviors. This is problematic considering the high rates of sexual assault in college campuses. In light of this, the present study examined whether compulsive pornography exposure was associated with college students’ sexual refusal assertiveness, and whether this relationship would be moderated by consent attitudes. Data were collected from 266 college students who regularly watched pornography (Mage = 20.60, SD = 2.77, 45.1% female). Results showed that compulsive pornography exposure was negatively associated with sexual refusal assertiveness. An interaction emerged such that the association between compulsive pornography exposure and sexual refusal assertiveness was only significant for those who believed consent was less important, whereas this did not occur for those who believed consent was more important. Our results are unpacked in light of sexual script-based theories.

Contextual Correlates of Risky Sexual Behavior Among Migrant and Non-Migrant Men in Nigeria

This study compared risky sexual behavior (RSB) between migrant and non-migrant Nigerian men, and investigated the individual and community factors of RSB between the two groups. Data for the study were from the 2012 National HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health Survey in Nigeria. It comprised 15,346 male respondents aged 15 to 64 years and made up of 7,158 non-migrants and 8,188 migrants. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and multilevel binary logistic regression. More non-migrants (37.69%) than migrants (28.43%) were engaged in RSB. RSB among migrants showed significant differences in all explanatory variables except for place of residence and religion. Among non-migrants, significant differences existed between RSB and all the explanatory variables except for awareness of family planning and sexually transmitted diseases. The regression null model showed lower odds of RSB for migrants and non-migrants. In the full model, the intercepts increased odds of RSB for migrants (odds ratio [OR] = 8.55) and non-migrants (OR = 9.21). Variables which increased odds of RSB by migrants included employment status, religion, and place of residence. Education, employment status, wealth index, and place of residence were found to increase the odds of engaging in RSB among non-migrants. The study therefore concludes that social contexts matter for engagement in RSB.

The Impact of Sociosexualization and Sexual Identity Development on the Sexual Well-Being of Youth Formerly in the Foster Care System

PurposeYouth in the child welfare system experience disproportionate rates of negative sexual health outcomes as well as increased engagement in risky sexual behaviors. This study explored the impact of sociosexualization and sexual identity development on the sexual well-being of youth formerly in the foster care system. MethodsTwo hundred and nineteen youth formerly in the foster care system completed an Internet-based survey, including measures of the level of sexuality-related topics discussion, relationship quality with the individual with whom the topics were discussed, adverse childhood experiences, severity of sexual abuse history, sexual identity development, and sexual well-being. Hierarchical regressions examined the impact of youths' sociosexualization experiences and four domains of sexual identity development on their sexual well-being. ResultsSexual Identity Commitment was the strongest positive predictor of youths' sexual well-being (β = .428) followed by Sexual Identity Synthesis/Integration (β = .350) and Sexual Identity Exploration (β = .169). Sexual Orientation Identity Uncertainty negatively impacted sexual well-being (β = −.235), as did adverse childhood experiences (β range = −.150 to −.178) and sexual abuse severity (β range = −.208 to −.322). Sexuality-related discussions with foster parents negatively impacted youths' sexual well-being, whereas discussions with peers were a positive predictor. ConclusionEnhancing youths' sexual identity development and reducing the impact of traumatic experience are critical to improving sexual well-being. The influence of sexuality-related discussions on sexual well-being requires further analysis as impacts varied widely. Public policies should provide guidance to professionals on what services should be provided to enhance youths' sexual development.

Factors that Promote Resilience in Homeless Children and Adolescents in Ghana: A Qualitative Study.

Several studies conducted on street youth have focused on causes of homelessness, their engagement in risky sexual behaviours and the prevalence of STIs, including HIV/AIDS. Although homeless youth are considered resilient, sparse literature exists on factors that promote resilience in this vulnerable group. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 purposively selected homeless children and youth (with a mean age of 14 years) from the Central Business District of Accra, Ghana. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings showed that a strong religious belief, sense of humour, engagement in meaningful social interactive activities, reciprocal friendship, adherence to cultural norms and support from community-based organizations were identified as factors that help homeless youth cope with the multiple challenges of street life. Strengthening such protective factors could help ameliorate the impact of adverse conditions of these street youth.

Sexualized Popular Music and Risky Sexual Behaviors Among Emerging Adults from the United States and Australia

We examined sexualized music, dating and sexual behaviors, and risky sexual behaviors among emerging adults from both the United States (n = 1,013) and Australia (n = 600). Participants completed an online questionnaire assessing their dating, sexual histories, and risky sexual behaviors. Sexualization in music lyrics and videos were assessed using content analysis of the top artists rated by participants in each country. Results indicated variations in dating and sexual histories as well as risky sexual behaviors among participants from the United States and Australia. Participants from both countries reported greater exposure to sexualized music videos compared to music lyrics. In addition, U.S. participants reported greater exposure to sexualized music videos compared to participants from Australia, who reported greater exposure to sexualized music lyrics. We addressed four specific research questions as this research was exploratory in nature. We found that increased exposure to sexualized content in music lyrics and videos mediated the relationship between location (United States, Australia) and engagement in risky sexual behaviors. Theoretical explanations are related to the cultivation effect and the uses and gratifications paradigm.

Mental representation of self in relationships indirectly affects young Black women’s engagement in risky sexual behaviors through psychosocial HIV/STI risk factors

ABSTRACTBlack females are disproportionately affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/sexually transmitted infections (STIs), though individual-level sexual risk factors do not appear to explain racial/ethnic HIV incidence rate disparities. The current study examined the roles of attachment representations, working models of self and others, with psychosocial risk factors related to population-level sexual network features in association with risky sexual behaviors. A total of 560 Black emerging adult females (M age = 20.58, SD = 1.89) enrolling in a behavioral HIV prevention intervention trial completed the baseline assessment used in the current analyses. A series of multiple mediator models examined indirect effects of working models of self and others on sexual risk engagement through the following psychosocial HIV/STI risk factors: (a) partner communication self-efficacy, (b) fear of condom negotiation, (c) peer norms for risky sexual behavior, (d) partner trust and (e) sex-related alcohol expectancies. Results indicated an indirect effect of working model of self on the following: condom use with boyfriend/main partner through peer norms for risky sex (ab = .08, 95% CI [.02, .17]), any alcohol use prior to sex through peer norms for risky sex (ab = −.06, 95% CI [−.12, −.02]) and alcohol use prior to sex through sex-related alcohol expectancies (ab = −.13, 95% CI [−.21, −.05]). Findings provided evidence of a direct association between working model of self and each psychosocial HIV/STI risk factor included in the mediation models. Working model of self may help identify Black females at elevated risk for HIV/STI through these psychosocial risk factors.

Speaking through pictures: Canvassing adolescent risk behaviours in a semi-rural community in KwaZulu-Natal

Background. Adolescent risk behaviours, such as substance abuse and unprotected sex, are leading social and health challenges in South Africa (SA). Objective. To investigate adolescents’ perspectives on the prevalence of adolescent risk behaviours in rural settings in SA. Method. Using a qualitative photovoice methodology, the current study explored adolescents’ perspectives and experiences of living in a peri-urban community in KwaZulu-Natal Province. KwaZulu-Natal is the epicentre of the South African HIV epidemic, and adolescents – especially young girls – are at heightened risk for HIV infection. Male and female participants aged 15 - 18 years ( N =33) were asked to respond to a series of questions by taking photographs that best describe their perspectives or experiences. Results. The photovoice methodology allowed adolescents to represent their perspectives and experiences as experts on their lives and needs. The participants reported that adolescents in their community engage in various risky behaviours, of which risky sexual behaviours and hazardous substance use emerged as significantly problematic. Risky sexual behaviours entailed unprotected sex, having multiple sexual partners, cellphone sharing of pornography, and sex while intoxicated. Problematic substance use involved harmful drinking behaviours such as binge drinking and illicit drug use. Conclusion. Contextually relevant interventions aimed at reducing adolescent engagement in risky sexual behaviours and harmful substance use need to be prioritised. Additional recommendations are discussed.

The Relationship of Early Maladaptive Schemas and Anticipated Risky Behaviors in College Students

The developmental transition from adolescence to adulthood, a period of time known as emerging adulthood, is marked by great personal growth and interpersonal maturation (Arnett, Emerging adulthood: The winding road from the late teens through the twenties, Oxford University Press, New York, 2004). Risk-taking behaviors are seen as a significant impediment to positive development during emerging adulthood. However, few researchers have examined how underlying cognitive processes contribute to the development and exacerbation of risk-taking behaviors at this time. In the current study, we examined the multivariate associations between early maladaptive schemas (disconnection and rejection, impaired autonomy, impaired limits, other-directedness, overvigilance, and inhibition) and expected involvement in five indices of risky behaviors for college women (n = 341) and college men (n = 143). Gender-specific patterns emerged in the prediction of different risk-behavior indices. Early maladaptive schemas accounted for 24% of the variance in men’s anticipated engagement in risky sexual behavior (vs. 9% of women’s). Early maladaptive schemas accounted for 20% of the variance in women’s anticipated engagement in both academic/work and illegal/aggressive risky behaviors (vs. 11 and 9% of men’s). In addition, unique schema domains differentially predicted variance in risky sexual, illicit drug use, heavy drinking, and aggressive/illegal risk behavior for each gender. Gender-sensitive and schema-specific prevention efforts for different types of risky behaviors, often present during emerging adulthood, may be warranted.