Gender Differences In Sexual Behavior Research Articles

Gender Differences in Sexual Behaviors and Their Relevance to Mental Health among High School Students with Sexual Experience in South Korea.

We explored gender differences in sexual behavior, and their relevance to mental health among high school students in South Korea. This study was based on data from the 14th Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-Based Survey (2018). The subjects were 2460 high school students who reported sexual experiences. Student′s t-test, ANOVA, and Rao-Scott chi-squared test were performed to identify the significance of the differences. Boys had earlier sexual debuts (Rao-Scott χ2 = 53.55, p < 0.001), a lower frequency of using contraceptives (Rao-Scott χ2 = 26.57, p < 0.001), and lower rates of sex education in school (Rao-Scott χ2 = 11.20, p = 0.004). With respect to mental health factors, there was a difference in suicidality according to sexual risk behaviors, with a stronger association found in boys. In girls, there was an association between pregnancy experiences and suicidal ideation (Rao-Scott χ2 = 9.90, p = 0.003), plans (Rao-Scott χ2 = 17.25, p < 0.001), and attempts (Rao-Scott χ2 = 23.11, p < 0.001). Our findings suggest differences by gender and age group in the association between sexual behavior and mental health. It is necessary to devise a sex education strategy for adolescents considering gender and early versus late adolescent development period.

Gender, sexual experiences and sexual behavioural differences in Turkish university students.

This study was conducted to determine sexual experiences and gender differences in sexual behaviour in university students. In this cross-sectional and descriptive study conducted between 1st February and 12th November 2017. A total of 491 volunteer students were selected at a state university in the Mediterranean region of Turkey using a systematic sampling method. Questionnaires were distributed to the students in sealed envelopes and collected on completion. The data were collected using a socio-demographic form and a sexual experiences and sexual health behaviours form. A total of 414 students (78 males; 336 females) were included in this study. The prevalence of sexual intercourse among these was 4.3%, and total oral and anal sex experiences were 35% and 16.7%, respectively. A significantly higher number of female students of those who reported having sexual intercourse (n = 9; 50.0%), oral sex (n = 81; 55.9%) and anal sex (n = 60; 87.0%), also reported not telling anyone about his/her partner (77.2%), not talking about sex (82.4%) and not buying contraceptive products, even when necessary (78.3%). Hidden sexuality was seen to affect female students more often and this may lead to risky sexual behaviours, sexually transmitted diseases, an unhealthy sexual life with multiple partners and even unplanned, unwanted pregnancies.

Factors influencing sexual risk behaviors among adolescents: A community-based participatory study.

Pregnancy rates and unprotected sex among Thai adolescents continue to increase. The aim of this community-based participatory study was to identify gender differences in sexual behaviors and sexual risk factors, and to examine factors associated with sexual risk behaviors among 397 adolescents in northern Thailand. Twenty two community researchers facilitated the data collection by using smart phones or tablet computers on a privacy basis. Ordinal and logistic regressions identified predictors influencing pre-coital behaviors and sexual behaviors. The results showed that males were more likely than females to engage in pre-coital and sexual behaviors. Significant predictors of higher pre-coital behaviors were age, sexual refusal self-efficacy, having boyfriends/girlfriends, authoritarian parenting style, parental approval of sex, and perceived peer norms. Pre-coital behaviors were positively correlated with sexual behaviors, and significant predictors of sexual behaviors were age, parent-adolescent communication, parental monitoring, perceived peer norms, and type of school. To better address the sexual risk behaviors of adolescents, we need to include key stakeholders to develop multi-modal culturally- and gender-specific sexual-prevention programs to account for information delivery, acceptability, and dealing with peer pressure.

Understanding the relationship between BMI and sexual dysfunction: Can DSM-5 shed light into this topic?

IntroductionThe links between body weight and sexuality, notably sexual dysfunction (SD), are intricate and not yet fully understood. A more individual-focused evaluation of sexual difficulties, as recently provided by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), contributes to improve precision in SD diagnosis and has the potential to advance our knowledge on the association between body weight and SD. ObjectivesTo identify gender differences in sexual behaviors and SD among Portuguese men and women within different classes of body mass index (BMI); and to explore the association between BMI and SD by using the new DSM-5 criteria. Material and methodsFace-to-face interviews followed by self-completed questionnaires of primary healthcare users in Portugal (n=323). Data on sociodemographic variables, BMI, sexual behaviors and SD were collected. DSM-5 criteria were used to assess sexual dysfunction. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) for men and women, respectively, were used for comparison purposes. ResultsOverweight and obese women reported less sexual partners, less satisfaction with sexual frequency and rated sexual life as less important. These differences were not found among men. Normal weight men and women had a higher score of IIEF and FSFI, respectively, than those overweight and obese. No significant effects of BMI scale on SD following DMS-5 were detected. ConclusionsWomen's sexual function is more impacted by BMI than men's. Individual-orientated approaches, as proposed in DSM-5, may allow a better understanding on the relation between body size and sexuality in both genders.

Social media usage as a correlate of STI risk-related sexual behavior on the college campus: Moderating effects of gender

With an increase in social media applications, college students have a way of connecting with others more efficiently and with greater frequency than ever. The present study identified whether amount of time spent on Facebook, currently the most popular social networking application, was related to sexual behavior proxies of sexually transmitted infection (STI) risk (i.e. sex without a condom, multiple concurrent sex partners, and pursuing “hookups”). The hypotheses tested whether Facebook usage would be associated with having sex without a condom, having concurrent sex partners, and pursuing “hookups” on Facebook. Gender was tested as a moderator in these relationships as well, given the gender differences in sexual behaviors and online dating behavior. Data were gathered from 236 African American college-aged students. Facebook usage of 3 or more daily hours was associated with having sex without a condom and using Facebook to pursue hookups. In addition, females who spent 3 or more hours on Facebook were less likely to have sex without a condom, but more likely to have concurrent sex partners than men whose usage was 3 or more hours daily. Men who spent 3 or more hours on Facebook were more likely to pursue “hookups” via Facebook than women whose usage was 3 or more hours daily. This study provides a starting point to further explore how social media consumption can be used to perpetuate or reduce STI risk-related sexual behavior among a vulnerable population.

Afectos y conductas sexuales en adolescentes: diferencias y semejanzas en dos culturas, España y Colombia

Este trabajo pretende identificar las posibles diferencias de género en&#x0D; afectos y conductas sexuales de España y Colombia. La muestra total fue&#x0D; de 508 participantes de centros de educación secundaria, 270 en España&#x0D; y 238 en Colombia, de edades entre los 15 y 18 años y con una media de&#x0D; edad de 16.4 años. Los resultados obtenidos muestran un doble patrón en&#x0D; varones y mujeres, tanto en España como en Colombia, especialmente en&#x0D; relación a los afectos sexuales y no tanto en las conductas sexuales.

Gender Differences in Sexual Behaviors in Korean Adolescents

PurposeThe purposes of this study were to identify whether there are gender differences in sexual behaviors among Korean adolescents and to explore the factors that influence safe sex practices across both sexes. MethodsA secondary analysis was conducted using nationally representative data obtained from the 2014 Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey. Sample consisted of 3,210 adolescents who had experience of sexual intercourse. The dependent variable in this study was practicing safe sex. The independent variables included a range of individual, family, and school factors. ResultsFemale adolescents were less likely to practice safe sex (i.e., always using a condom). Individual (smoking, no drinking before sexual intercourse), family (living with parents, higher allowance per week) and school factors (non-coeducational school students, had received school-based sex education) were significant predictors of practicing safe sex in males. In contrast, family (lower economic status) and school factors (middle school students) predicted practicing safe sex among female adolescents. ConclusionWe demonstrated that gender plays an important role in the sexual behavior of adolescents. The findings of this study indicate a need to design and implement gender-specific interventions.

Bisexual and Straight Females’ Preferences Voiced on an Adult Sex Dating Site

Our study looked at a popular sex dating website that described itself as intended for those interested in finding like-minded individuals who want to engage in casual sexual encounters. Our study is the first to use an adult dating site in the United States to explore the linkage between gender, sexual orientation, and the frequency with which females—straight and bisexual—and males seek casual sex. On the basis of existing research on the gender differences in sexual behavior, we hypothesized that males and females would differ in their motives for joining a casual sex dating/liaison site, with bisexual females being more open and expressive than straight females about entering into a casual sex encounter.

Sex Rules: Emerging Adults' Perceptions of Gender's Impact on Sexuality.

Past research often explains gender differences in sexual behavior according to differences in social norms for men and women. Yet, individuals' perceptions and internalizations of current social norms are not well understood. This study aimed to examine emerging adults' perceptions of how being male or female impacts their sexuality and how their perceptions would differ if they were another gender. Participants (N = 205) were college students, 61% female, and ranged from age 18-25 (M = 20.5, SD = 1.7). Participants answered open-ended questions about gender and responses were coded for content, positive tone, and negative tone. In describing how being female affected their sexual thoughts and feelings, women were more likely than men to focus on reputation concerns and describe limits and contexts in which sexual behavior was acceptable. In describing how being male affected their sexual thoughts and feelings, men were more likely than women to focus on issues of desire. Women's perceptions about how their sexual thoughts and feelings would differ if they were male were consistent with men's perceptions of their own gender's actual impact on sexuality, and vice versa. Women's descriptions of their own gender's impact on sexuality were more emotionally laden than men's. Finally, being older was associated with less negative and more positive emotional tone in men's and women's responses respectively.

Gender differences in sexual behaviour amongst university students in Mahikeng, South Africa

Studies indicate that females are more prone to the consequences of ‘irresponsible’ sexual activities than males on university campuses. This paper presents gender differences in sexual behaviour among students on a university campus. Data were collected from 1,060 students (451 males and 609 females). Multivariate data analysis included both multiple OLS regression and multinomial logistic regression. The results show that the proportion of virgin females was twice as much as males. The average age at first sexual intercourse was higher for females (18 years) than males (16 years). The analysis also shows that gender and year of study are significant determinants of age at first sex. Moreover, in a multivariate perspective, males are less likely to indulge in risky sexual activities compared to their female counterparts. It is recommended that the HIV/AIDS programme on campus should focus on ways to minimize ‘irresponsible’ sexual activities and put more emphasis on females.

A Gender Discrepancy Analysis of Heterosexual Sexual Behaviors in Two University Samples

The current study aimed to (1) offer a large-scale enumeration of college students' lifetime sexual behaviors and sexual behaviors at last event, and (2) apply a gender discrepancy lens to college students' sexual behaviors in order to examine potential gender differences in heterosexual college students' experiences. Nine-hundred and seventy college students between the ages of 18 and 27 from two large universities in the United States participated in the current study. Participants filled out a paper-pencil questionnaire during the last 30 min of class. Measures of lifetime sexual behaviors and engagement in behaviors at last sexual event were replicated from the National Survey of Sexual Health Behavior. Most college students engaged in some form of sexual behavior (manual, oral, vaginal-penile, anal). Men more frequently reported engaging in receptive sexual behaviors (e.g., receiving oral sex) where as women were more likely to engage in performative sexual behaviors (e.g., performing oral sex). At most recent sexual event, men were more likely than women to report being the sexual initiator. Findings highlight gender differences in sexual behavior and provide a foundation for social norms interventions. Holistic sexual health promotion for young adults includes acknowledging and discouraging sites of disparity in equity and pleasure. Therefore, college-level sexual health educators should pay attention to the potential pleasure gap between men and women in heterosexual encounters, and to see pleasure as an important part of sexual health that should be included in social norms campaigns.

Do Men and Women Report Their Sexual Partnerships Differently? Evidence from Kisumu, Kenya

It is generally believed that men and women misreport their sexual behaviors, which undermines the ability of researchers, program designers and health care providers to assess whether these behaviors compromise individuals' sexual and reproductive health. Data on 1,299 recent sexual partnerships were collected in a 2007 survey of 1,275 men and women aged 18-24 and living in Kisumu, Kenya. Chi-square and t tests were used to examine how sample selection bias and selective partnership reporting may result in gender differences in reported sexual behaviors. Correlation coefficients and kappa statistics were calculated in further analysis of a sample of 280 matched marital and nonmarital couples to assess agreement on reported behaviors. Even after adjustment for sample selection bias, men reported twice as many partnerships as women (0.5 vs. 0.2), as well as more casual partnerships. However, when selective reporting was controlled for, aggregate gender differences in sexual behaviors almost entirely disappeared. In the matched-couples sample, men and women exhibited moderate to substantial levels of agreement for most relationship characteristics and behaviors, including type of relationship, frequency of sex and condom use. Finally, men and women tended to agree about whether men had other nonmarital partners, but disagreed about women's nonmarital partners. Both sample selection bias and selective partnership reporting can influence the level of agreement between men's and women's reports of sexual behaviors. Although men report more casual partners than do women, accounts of sexual behavior within reported relationships are generally reliable.

Gender differences in sexual behaviors of AD patients and their relationship to spousal caregiver well-being

Objectives: Little is known about gender differences in sexuality among community-dwelling heterosexual couples in which one partner has Alzheimer's disease (AD). Few studies have examined gender differences in specific sexual behaviors or their associations with caregiver well-being. This study evaluated the impact of gender differences on intimacy and sexual satisfaction in marital relationships in which one partner has AD. Method: Baseline measures were collected from 162 AD patients and their partners enrolled in a multi-site study between 2001 and 2009 to evaluate gender differences in measures of intimacy, caregiver well-being, and patient sexual behaviors. Results: While over 70% of all patients initiated physically intimate activities (i.e., kissing, hugging, and intercourse), most did not initiate intercourse specifically. Female caregivers reported higher levels of stress and depressive symptoms than male caregivers (p < 0.01). Satisfaction with intimacy was significantly associated with fewer stress and depressive symptoms in female caregivers (r = −0.29, p < 0.01). Caregiver gender, satisfaction with intimacy, and caring for a patient with mild AD were significant predictors of caregiver depressive symptoms (p's < 0.05). Conclusion: The majority of couples dealing with AD reported engaging in intimacy, suggesting its importance in the relationship. Female caregivers who reported less sexual satisfaction reported more frequent stress and depressive symptoms. Caregiver gender, satisfaction with intimacy, and the AD patient's level of cognitive functioning significantly contributed to caregiver well-being. Gender-specific therapies to address patient sexual difficulties and caregiver well-being could potentially maintain or improve the marital relationship.

Do scientific theories affect men's evaluations of sex crimes?

Evolutionary psychology accounts of gender differences in sexual behaviors in general and men's sexual aggression, in particular, has been criticized for legitimizing males' sexual misconduct. To empirically assess such critiques, two studies examined how men's judgments of male sex crimes (solicitation of sex from a prostitute; rape) are influenced by exposure to (a) evolutionary psychological theories and (b) social-constructivist theories. Across two studies, a consistent pattern emerged compared with a control condition (a) exposure to evolutionary psychology theories had no observable impact on male judgments of men's criminal sexual behavior, whereas (b) exposure to social-constructivist theories did affect judgments, leading men to evaluate sex crimes more harshly. Additional results (from Study 2) indicate that this effect is mediated by perceptions of male control over sexual urges. These results have implications for journalists, educators, and scientists. Aggr. Behav. 37:440-449, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Household Food Security and Sexual Behaviors among Adolescents in Tanzania

This study examined the association between household food security status and adolescent sexual behavior in Tanzania. This study found that cumulative sexual risk was significantly and negatively associated with household food security, with a modest decrease in the number of reported sexual behaviors for every unit increase in dietary diversity, after controlling for socioeconomic status and other covariates. Significant gender differences in sexual behaviors were observed in this sample, with a greater proportion of highly food insecure males than females reporting that they ever had sex, were currently involved in a relationship with an actual or potential sexual partner, and were more likely to have engaged in three or more sexual risk behaviors. However, female adolescents from highly food insecure households appeared to be at greatest risk for HIV infection, based on their reported lack of knowledge about HIV and preventive measures. Peer behaviors, family relations, and perceptions about sexual activity greatly influenced the sexual practices of adolescents in this sample. This study suggests that interventions seeking to reduce sexual risk behavior and prevent HIV infection among adolescents should target youth using multiple criteria, including but not limited to the food security status ‐ and by association economic status ‐ of their households.

Sexual behaviour in young people

The purpose of this review was to synthesize major research findings in relation to young people and sexual behaviour from the period 2006-2007. We found several key reviews that advance knowledge in the field of young people and sexual behaviour, including observational studies, both qualitative and quantitative, and intervention studies designed to reduce sexual transmission of HIV in both developed and developing countries. Other reviews focused on same-sex behaviours, victimization within relationships, HIV infection/sexually transmitted infection in travellers, prevention of HIV/sexually transmitted infection and the determinants of sexual behaviour in young people. Powerful and consistent forces sustain gender differences in sexual behaviour. The design of interventions to reduce sexual risk behaviour should take account of these forces that help explain young people's sexual behaviour. Knowledge about the kind of interventions that reduce risk behaviour and should be implemented has improved, although the impact on health outcomes such as pregnancy and HIV/sexually transmitted infection is often uncertain. Effective school sex education needs to be part of much broader strategies to improve sexual health, and there is an urgent need for better evaluation of interventions, especially community interventions. Further longitudinal studies are needed to provide insight into the development of relationships and sexual behaviour as well as the course of acculturation.

Gender Differences in Sexual Behavior and Condom-related Behaviours and Attitudes among Korean Youths

We examined gender differences in sexual behaviours, condom-related behaviours and attitudes to premarital sex in order to identify gender differences in young Korean singles aged 19 to 30 years. This study was based on data from the 2003 national survey of attitudes and behaviours towards AIDS in the Korean adult population, which contains information on a national sample of the general population aged 19 to 59 years. We selected 501 unmarried subjects between the ages of 19-30 from 1995 respondents. The selection criterion for the subjects' age was based on the 2003 Korean mean age for marriage which was 29.8 for men and 27.0 for women. Gender differentials in sexual behaviour, condom use and related attitudes toward condom use were assessed. Although men initiated sexual practice earlier and had more multiple partners than women, both genders were equally likely to have engaged in inconsistent condom use, even when having sex with a high risk partner. These findings suggest that sex education focusing on condom use should be included in the school curricula. Implementation of early sexual education should start before the students initiate sexual activity to give them a chance to prepare gradually.

Gender, Migration, Risky Sex, and HIV Infection in China

Gender differences in sexual behavior as a consequence of migration have been ignored in both the migration and the HIV literature in China. This study examines differences among temporary migrants in terms of sexual behavior and factors that make female migrants more vulnerable to the risk of acquiring HIV infection. Results suggest that the interplay of migration and gender renders female temporary migrants particularly vulnerable to engaging in casual and commercial sex. Although male temporary migrants do not differ from male nonmigrants in prevalence of casual and commercial sex, the prevalence rates of casual and commercial sex for female temporary migrants are found to be 14 and 80 times those for female nonmigrants, respectively. Female temporary migrants' higher unemployment rate and concentration in the service and entertainment sectors are keys to understanding differences in the prevalence of casual and commercial sex among temporary migrants according to sex. Policy measures to promote female temporary migrants' equal access to employment are urgently needed to improve their economic well-being and to reduce their risky sexual behavior.

Gender differences in sexual behaviors, sexual partnerships, and HIV among drug users in New York City

We compared sexual behaviors/partnerships and determined sexual risk correlates associated with HIV by gender among street-recruited drug users using chi-square tests and logistic regression. Men reported higher risk sexual behaviors, yet fewer high-risk sexual partners than women. After adjustment, HIV seropositive men were more likely than seronegatives to be older, MSM, use condoms, and have an HIV-infected partner. HIV seropositive women were more likely to be older, have an HIV-infected partner, and not use non-injected heroin. IDU was not associated with HIV. Prospective studies are needed to determine how gender-specific sexual behaviors/partnerships among drug users affect HIV acquisition.

Increased contraceptive use one year post-abortion

The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of abortion on contraceptive use, partner relationship and sexual satisfaction. In a longitudinal study, 58 women answered a pre-abortion questionnaire and participated in two interviews, one in connection with the abortion and a second 1 year later. Most women (40/58) had retained the same partner 1 year after the abortion. More than half of these (22/40) experienced no change in the quality of the partner relationship, while the rest (18/40) had deepened their relationship. Furthermore, the majority of the women (45/58) had not experienced any negative influence on their sexual satisfaction. Most women who were sexually active 1 year post-abortion (42/47) used some contraceptive method; the number who used hormonal methods or intrauterine devices had, for example, increased from four to 35, although one-third of them had been doubtful about these methods before abortion. Conversely, 15 women had tried these methods during the follow-up year but had not continued because of negative effects. Overall, contraceptive use 1 year post-abortion had increased. To achieve well-founded decisions about contraceptives, counsellors should be aware of women's ambivalence about the use of modern, effective contraceptive methods. In order to prevent abortion it is important to discuss gender differences in sexual behaviour and encourage communication with both sexes about the pros and cons of coitus-dependent and coitus-independent methods.