Initiation Of Sexual Intercourse Research Articles

Moral Communities and Sex: The Religious Influence on Young Adult Sexual Behavior and Regret

Research indicates that religiosity inhibits adolescent and young adult sexual behavior, but few studies examine how religious contexts may shape sexual behavior. When religious contexts are considered, studies rarely test multiple spheres of religious influence simultaneously. Moreover, little research examines how either individual religiosity or religious contexts shape emotional responses to sex. We analyze nationally representative, longitudinal data that allow for concurrent examination of multiple religious contexts and several measures of young adult sexual behaviors and sexual regret. The influence of religiosity on sexual behavior and regret varies within and across both the spheres and outcomes tested. Individual religious salience and close ties with parents are the most consistent deterrents to initiation of sexual intercourse and having numerous intercourse partners. Closeness to parents and participation in religious activities are associated with lower odds of sexual regret, but ties to adults in one’s religious congregation are associated with increased sexual regret.

Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Policies and Programs: An Updated Position Paper of the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine

Abstinence from sexual intercourse can be a healthy choice for adolescents, particularly if an adolescent is not ready to engage in sex. However, government programs exclusively promoting abstinence-only-until-marriage (AOUM) are problematic from scientific and ethical viewpoints. Most young people initiate sexual intercourse as adolescents or young adults, and given a rising age at first marriage around the globe, increasingly fewer adolescents wait until marriage to initiate sex. While theoretically fully protective, abstinence intentions often fail, as abstinence is not maintained. AOUM programs are not effective in delaying initiation of sexual intercourse or changing other behaviors. Conversely, many comprehensive sexuality education programs successfully delay initiation of sexual intercourse and reduce sexual risk behaviors. AOUM programs inherently provide incomplete information and are often neglectful to sexually active adolescents; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning adolescents; pregnant and parenting adolescents; and survivors of sexual assault. Promotion of AOUM policies by the U.S. government has undermined sexuality education in the United States and in U.S. foreign aid programs to prevent HIV infection. In many U.S. communities, AOUM programs have replaced more comprehensive approaches to sexuality education.

Providers' Experiences with Vaginal Dilator Training for Patients with Vaginal Agenesis

Study ObjectiveTo examine providers' experiences with vaginal dilator training for patients with vaginal agenesis. Design and SettingAnonymous electronic survey. ParticipantsMembers of the North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Interventions and Main Outcome MeasuresHow providers learn about vaginal dilator training, common techniques, and methods used for patient training, assessment of patient readiness, common patient complaints, issues leading to early discontinuation. ResultsThere were a total of 55 completed survey responses of which 31 respondents (56%) had been in practice for more than 10 years. Forty-nine were gynecologists (89%), 20 had completed a fellowship in pediatric and adolescent gynecology (36%), and 6 were reproductive endocrinologists (11%). Thirty-one respondents had first learned about vaginal dilator training through lectures (56%) whereas only 9 through mentorship and fellowship (16%). According to respondents, the most common issue leading to early discontinuation was lack of patient motivation and readiness (n = 42; 76%). The most common complication was pain or discomfort (n = 45; 82%). More than half of respondents determined dilator therapy was successful when patients reported comfortable sexual intercourse (n = 30; 55%) and 65% (n = 35) did not delineate any restrictions to initiation of sexual intercourse. Most respondents (87%) requested further vaginal dilator training at either a clinical meeting (n = 26; 47%) or with a training video (n = 22; 40%). ConclusionOur study in an experienced cohort of pediatric gynecology providers highlights the need for further research and training on vaginal dilation education.

Effect of Forced Sexual Intercourse on Associations Between Early Sexual Debut and Other Health Risk Behaviors Among US High School Students.

Previous research on associations between early sexual debut and other health risk behaviors has not examined the effect of forced sexual intercourse on those associations. We analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of 19,240 high school students in the United States, age ≥16 years, to describe the effect of forced sexual intercourse on associations between early sexual debut and other health risk behaviors using adjusted prevalence ratios (APR). Early sexual debut and forced sexual intercourse were simultaneously and independently associated with sexual risk-taking, violence-related behaviors, and substance use. For example, even after controlling for forced sexual intercourse and race/ethnicity, students who experienced their first sexual intercourse before age 13 years were more likely than students who initiated sexual intercourse at age ≥16 years to have had ≥4 sexual partners during their lifetime (girls, APR = 4.55; boys, APR = 5.82) and to have not used a condom at last sexual intercourse (girls, APR = 1.74; boys, APR = 1.47). Associations between early sexual debut and other health risk behaviors occur independently of forced sexual intercourse. School-based sexual health education programs might appropriately include strategies that encourage delay of initiation of sexual intercourse, and coordinate with violence and substance use prevention programs.

Values that Fathers Communicate to Sons about Sex, Sexuality, Relationships, and Marriage

ABSTRACTAfrican American males between ages 13 and 24 are disproportionately affected by unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV/AIDS; indeed, they account for 50% of HIV infections among all youth. Clear communication between parents and their youth about sex is associated with higher rates of sexual abstinence, condom use, and intent to delay initiation of sexual intercourse, which can prevent STIs and unintended pregnancy. However, barriers exist for parents to educate their youth about sexual health. The purpose of this article is to explore the values fathers communicate to their sons to prevent their risky sexual behaviors that lead to STIs, HIV, and adolescent parenthood. This was a qualitative study conducted from May and June 2015. African American fathers (N = 29) who had sons, ages 10 to 15 years, participated in five focus groups across metropolitan and rural North Carolina communities in barbershops. A qualitative content analysis revealed four themes regarding areas that fathers imparted their values onto their sons to protect them from sexual health risks: (a) sex, (b) sexuality, (c) relationships, and (d) marriage. The findings have implications for social work and public health practice.

African-American Fathers' Perspectives on Facilitators and Barriers to Father-Son Sexual Health Communication.

African-American males ages 13 through 24 are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), accounting for over half of all HIV infections in this age group in the United States. Clear communication between African-American parents and their youth about sexual health is associated with higher rates of sexual abstinence, condom use, and intent to delay initiation of sexual intercourse. However, little is known about African-American fathers' perceptions of what facilitates and inhibits sexual health communication with their preadolescent and adolescent sons. We conducted focus groups with 29 African-American fathers of sons ages 10-15 to explore perceived facilitators and barriers for father-son communication about sexual health. Participants were recruited from barbershops in metropolitan and rural North Carolina communities highly affected by STIs and HIV, and data were analyzed using content analysis. Three factors facilitated father-son communication: (a) fathers' acceptance of their roles and responsibilities; (b) a positive father-son relationship; and (c) fathers' ability to speak directly to their sons about sex. We also identified three barriers: (a) fathers' difficulty in initiating sexual health discussions with their sons; (b) sons' developmental readiness for sexual health information; and (c) fathers' lack of experience in talking with their own fathers about sex. These findings have implications for father-focused prevention interventions aimed at reducing risky sexual behaviors in adolescent African-American males. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Generational status and social factors predicting initiation of partnered sexual activity among Latino/a youth.

Examine the longitudinal association of generational status (first = child and parent born outside the United States; second = child born in the United States, parent born outside the United States; third = child and parent born in the United States) and parent and peer social factors considered in 5th grade with subsequent oral, vaginal, and anal intercourse initiation by 7th and 10th grade among Latino/a youth. Using data from Latino/a participants (N = 1,790) in the Healthy Passages™ study, the authors measured generational status (first = 18.4%, second = 57.3%, third-generation = 24.3%) and parental (i.e., monitoring, involvement, nurturance) and peer (i.e., friendship quality, social interaction, peer norms) influences in 5th grade and oral, vaginal, and anal intercourse initiation by 7th and 10th (retention = 89%) grade. Among girls, parental monitoring, social interaction, friendship quality, and peer norms predicted sexual initiation. Among boys, parental involvement, social interaction, and peer norms predicted sexual initiation (ps < .05). When ≥1 friend was perceived to have initiated sexual intercourse, third-generation Latinas were more than twice as likely as first- and second-generation Latinas (ps < .05) to initiate vaginal intercourse by 10th grade and almost 5 times as likely as first-generation Latinas to initiate oral intercourse by 7th grade. Among Latina youth, generational status plays a role in social influences on vaginal and oral intercourse initiation. Moreover, Latinas and Latinos differ in which social influences predict sexual intercourse initiation. Preventive efforts for Latino/a youth may need to differ by gender and generational status. (PsycINFO Database Record

Early menarche and risk-taking behavior in Korean adolescent students.

The aim of this study is to assess the correlation between early menarche and risk-taking behavior in a representative sample of Korean adolescent students. Data were drawn from a cross-sectional, nationally representative sample of 33829 female adolescents (grades 7-12) from the 2014 Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to test the association between early menarche and risk-taking behavior. Female adolescents who experienced menarche at an earlier age tended to have an earlier initiation of sexual intercourse (odds ratio [OR] 4.61, 95% CI, 3.05-6.98, P=.001), smoking (OR 4.29, 95% CI, 3.75-4.9, P<.001), alcohol drinking (OR 1.13, 95% CI, 1.02-1.24, P<.001), and substance use (OR 25.16, 95% CI, 18.78-33.72, P<.001). These adolescents were also at greater risk of pregnancy (OR 4.05, 95% CI, 2.56-6.41, P=.01) and sexually transmitted diseases (OR 2.35, 95% CI, 1.66-3.33, P<.001). Early menarche is significantly associated with risk-taking behavior in Korean adolescent students. This finding suggests that early educational intervention and social programs are needed for female adolescents with early menarche.

Prevalence of Cervical Cancer and Associated Risk Factors among Women Attending Cervical Cancer Screening and Diagnosis Center at Yirgalem General Hospital, Southern Ethiopia

Introduction: A worldwide estimated annual case of cervical cancer is 493,000 and ends with 273,500 annual deaths. In developing countries, it accounts for about 85% of both its morbidity and mortality. According to the report from World health organization, globally in 2012, cervical cancer incidence was 7.9%, mortality 7.5% and five-year prevalence was 9%. In sub-Saharan Africa the incidence was 25.2%, mortality 23.2% and five-year prevalence was 27.6%. In Ethiopia the incidence was 17.3%, mortality 16.5% and five-year prevalence was 18.2%. Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted between 10/08/08 up to 28/01/2009 E.C. Data was collected from August 17th, 2002 E.C to 2008 E.C all charts of cervical cancer patients diagnosed and screened between August 17th, 2002 E.C to 2008 E.C at Yirgalem General Hospital was retrieved from cervical cancer screening and diagnosis logbook. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis were performed using SPSS version 20. Results: from the screened clients, 16.5% had cervical cancer. From the screened and diagnosed clients those with multiple sexual partners had 40 times higher odd of cervical than those with no multiple sexual partners. This study revealed that being Human immune deficiency virus positive (AOR=9.033: 95%: CI 4.537, 17.985), sexually transmitted infection history (AOR=8.364:95% CI: 5.639, 12.405) and early age at initiation of sexual intercourse (AOR=8.968:95%: CI 5.588, 14.393) have statistically significantly associated with cervical cancer in multivariate analysis Conclusion: Of screened clients, 16.5% were with acetone white lesion and the risk factors for cervical cancer were having multiple sexual partners, human immune deficiency virus positive, history of sexually transmitted infection and early age at initiation of sexual intercourse. Early screening on mass campaign and focus from the government and other stake holders by strengthening both cancer prevention and control program and implementation strategies through due attention on the associated risk factors of the study.

Relationship between Chlamydia-Ureaplasma-Mycoplasma Genital Detection with Semen Concentration and Motility among Greek Men.

One hundred and seventy two men at the State of Thessaly, Greece, inquiring semen analysis were enrolled in the study in order to investigate the incidence of Chlamydia, Ureaplasma and Mycoplasma (C-U-M) genera in respect to total sperm number (TSN), progressive motility (grades a and b) and total motility (grades a, b and c). Putative relation of C-U-M acquirement with sexual behavior was also investigated. Incidence of C-U-M among non-oligozoospermic and oligozoospermic men was similar. Νο correlation of C-U-M carriage to either oligozoospermia or asthenozoospermia was found. The tested semen parameters were negatively correlated to the age of sexual intercourse initiation and positively correlated to the number of sex partners. Early age of sexual intercourse initiation or high number of sexual partners was not statistical significantly correlated to C-U-M acquirement. Overall, TSN and motility (either progressive or total) were not influenced by the presence of C-U-M genera in a sample of Greek population undergoing semen evaluation. To distinguish the role of C-U-M in male infertility and clarify the so far controversial scarce literature, large control case studies are needed using nucleic acid amplification techniques to detect these pathogens.

Adherencia al seguimiento y evolución de la lesión en mujeres con Neoplasia intra epitelial cervical escamosa grado 1

ObjectiveTo determine adherence to follow-up and outcome of lesions in women diagnosed with grade 1 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 1). MethodologyThe study included non-pregnant women aged 18 or older, referred for colposcopy, with a colposcopy directed biopsy diagnosis of CIN 1, with no history of prior CIN, hysterectomy or cervical ablative therapy. Participants answered a questionnaire on risk factors, and the outcome of previous cytology and colposcopy was documented. All women should have been followed up for 1 year with cytology and colposcopy every six months. Those who did not have cytology and colposcopy / colposcopy assessments or documented treatments after 15 months were considered as non-adherent. ResultsA total of 40 patients with CIN 1 were included. The loss to follow-up rate of loss was 17/40 (42.5%). The demographic and clinical variables most frequently associated with non-adherence to follow-up were null parity and early initiation of sexual intercourse. The progression of low-grade to high-grade lesion was observed in 4.3%. 22.5% failed Conservative treatment failed conservative treatment and moved to invasive therapy. ConclusionThe rate of loss to follow-up was high, with a considerable referral from conservative to invasive therapy. A large percentage of patients had regression of CIN 1. This study should help clarify the optimal strategies for the treatment of women with low-grade cervical abnormalities in populations of low sociocultural conditions and high risk of cervical cancer.

Early Sexual Intercourse: Prospective Associations with Adolescents Physical Activity and Screen Time.

ObjectivesTo assess the prospective associations of physical activity behaviors and screen time with early sexual intercourse initiation (i.e., before 15 years) in a large sample of adolescents.MethodsWe used two waves of data from the Rotterdam Youth Monitor, a longitudinal study conducted in the Netherlands. The analysis sample consisted of 2,141 adolescents aged 12 to 14 years (mean age at baseline = 12.2 years, SD = 0.43). Physical activity (e.g., sports outside school), screen time (e.g., computer use), and early sexual intercourse initiation were assessed by means of self-report questionnaires. Logistic regression models were tested to assess the associations of physical activity behaviors and screen time (separately and simultaneously) with early sexual intercourse initiation, controlling for confounders (i.e., socio-demographics and substance use). Interaction effects with gender were tested to assess whether these associations differed significantly between boys and girls.ResultsThe only physical activity behavior that was a significant predictor of early sexual intercourse initiation was sports club membership. Adolescent boys and girls who were members of a sports club) were more likely to have had early sex (OR = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.33, 3.56. Significant gender interaction effects indicated that boys who watched TV ≥2 hours/day (OR = 2.00; 95% CI = 1.08, 3.68) and girls who used the computer ≥2 hours/day (OR = 3.92; 95% CI = 1.76, 8.69) were also significantly more likely to have engaged in early sex.ConclusionThese findings have implications for professionals in general pediatric healthcare, sexual health educators, policy makers, and parents, who should be aware of these possible prospective links between sports club membership, TV watching (for boys), and computer use (for girls), and early sexual intercourse initiation. However, continued research on determinants of adolescents’ early sexual initiation is needed to further contribute to the strategies for improving adolescents’ healthy sexual development and behaviors.

Interventions for preventing unintended pregnancies among adolescents.

Unintended pregnancy among adolescents represents an important public health challenge in high-income countries, as well as middle- and low-income countries. Numerous prevention strategies such as health education, skills-building and improving accessibility to contraceptives have been employed by countries across the world, in an effort to address this problem. However, there is uncertainty regarding the effects of these interventions, hence the need to review the evidence-base. To assess the effects of primary prevention interventions (school-based, community/home-based, clinic-based, and faith-based) on unintended pregnancies among adolescents. We searched all relevant studies regardless of language or publication status up to November 2015. We searched the Cochrane Fertility Regulation Group Specialised trial register, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2015 Issue 11), MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, Social Science Citation Index and Science Citation Index, Dissertations Abstracts Online, The Gray Literature Network, HealthStar, PsycINFO, CINAHL and POPLINE and the reference lists of articles. We included both individual and cluster randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating any interventions that aimed to increase knowledge and attitudes relating to risk of unintended pregnancies, promote delay in the initiation of sexual intercourse and encourage consistent use of birth control methods to reduce unintended pregnancies in adolescents aged 10 years to 19 years. Two authors independently assessed trial eligibility and risk of bias, and extracted data. Where appropriate, binary outcomes were pooled using a random-effects model with a 95% confidence interval (Cl). Where appropriate, we combined data in meta-analyses and assessed the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. We included 53 RCTs that enrolled 105,368 adolescents. Participants were ethnically diverse. Eighteen studies randomised individuals, 32 randomised clusters (schools (20), classrooms (6), and communities/neighbourhoods (6). Three studies were mixed (individually and cluster randomised). The length of follow up varied from three months to seven years with more than 12 months being the most common duration. Four trials were conducted in low- and middle- income countries, and all others were conducted in high-income countries. Multiple interventionsResults showed that multiple interventions (combination of educational and contraceptive-promoting interventions) lowered the risk of unintended pregnancy among adolescents significantly (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.87; 4 individual RCTs, 1905 participants, moderate quality evidence. However, this reduction was not statistically significant from cluster RCTs. Evidence on the possible effects of interventions on secondary outcomes (initiation of sexual intercourse, use of birth control methods, abortion, childbirth, sexually transmitted diseases) was not conclusive.Methodological strengths included a relatively large sample size and statistical control for baseline differences, while limitations included lack of biological outcomes, possible self-report bias, analysis neglecting clustered randomisation and the use of different statistical tests in reporting outcomes. Educational interventionsEducational interventions were unlikely to significantly delay the initiation of sexual intercourse among adolescents compared to controls (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.27; 2 studies, 672 participants, low quality evidence).Educational interventions significantly increased reported condom use at last sex in adolescents compared to controls who did not receive the intervention (RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.32; 2 studies, 1431 participants, moderate quality evidence).However, it is not clear if the educational interventions had any effect on unintended pregnancy as this was not reported by any of the included studies. Contraceptive-promoting interventionsFor adolescents who received contraceptive-promoting interventions, there was little or no difference in the risk of unintended first pregnancy compared to controls (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.26; 2 studies, 3,440 participants, moderate quality evidence).The use of hormonal contraceptives was significantly higher in adolescents in the intervention group compared to those in the control group (RR 2.22, 95% CI 1.07 to 4.62; 2 studies, 3,091 participants, high quality evidence) A combination of educational and contraceptive-promoting interventions appears to reduce unintended pregnancy among adolescents. Evidence for programme effects on biological measures is limited. The variability in study populations, interventions and outcomes of included trials, and the paucity of studies directly comparing different interventions preclude a definitive conclusion regarding which type of intervention is most effective.

Associations Between Marijuana Use and 15 Indicators of Sexual Risk and Sexual Health Service Use

The growing number of states decriminalizing marijuana has spurred increased inquiry about the association between marijuana use and adolescent health. Past research on marijuana use and sexual risk behavior has found that adolescents who report marijuana use are more likely to report having unprotected sex, more sexual partners, and earlier initiation of sexual intercourse. Much of the research on the association between marijuana use and sexual risk among adolescents has focused on a small number of indicators of sexual health, and many have combined marijuana use with other illegal substances to create substance-use risk scales. This study examines the association between marijuana use and multiple indicators of sexual health services use (SHS) and sexual risk, including: receipt of SHS; STD testing; HIV testing; lifetime sexual experience; initiation of sexual intercourse before 14 years of age; 4 or more sexual partners; recent sexual history (past 3 months); new sexual partner past 3 months; condom use at last intercourse; condom use past three months; birth control; intentions to have sex; pregnancy; use of dual-use contraception; and history of STI.

Sexually Transmitted Infections and First Sexual Intercourse Age in Adolescents: The Nationwide Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are major causes of medical and psychological problems globally, while adolescents in South Korea have recently shown rapid changes in sexual behaviors. We aimed to examine the association between the age of first sexual intercourse and the experience of STIs among adolescents. Additionally, in which specific time period would more likely to get infected from sexual intercourse. We used data from the 2007-2013 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey. Only adolescents with sexual intercourse experience (N = 22,381) were included, and multiple logistic regression analysis was performed. One dichotomized measure and one continuous measure were assessed: (i) STIs experience (defined as having had STIs); and (ii) association between STIs experience and absolute age gap (defined as temporal differences between secondary sexual character emergence age and first sexual intercourse age). Approximately 7.4% of boys and 7.5% of girls reported had STI. For both boys and girls, the chance of experiencing STIs increased as the age of first sexual intercourse decreased (boys: before elementary school [age 7 or under]: odds ratio [OR] = 10.81, first grade [age 7 or 8]: OR = 4.44, second grade [age 8 or 9]: OR = 8.90, fourth grade [age 10 or 11]: OR = 7.20, ninth grade [age 15 or 16]: OR = 2.31; girls: before elementary school: OR = 18.09, first grade: OR = 7.26, second grade: OR = 7.12, fourth grade: OR = 8.93, ninth grade: OR = 2.74). The association between the absolute age gap and STI experience was examined additionally (boys: OR = 0.93, girls: OR = 0.87). This study shows that earlier initiation of sexual intercourse increases the odds of experiencing STIs. Also as the age gap gets shorter, the odds of experiencing STIs increase. Our study suggests that it is important to consider the time period of first sexual intercourse and to reinforce a monitoring system along with the development of other preventive strategies.

Online communication predicts Belgian adolescents' initiation of romantic and sexual activity.

Online communication is associated with offline romantic and sexual activity among college students. Yet, it is unknown whether online communication is associated with the initiation of romantic and sexual activity among adolescents. This two-wave panel study investigated whether chatting, visiting dating websites, and visiting erotic contact websites predicted adolescents' initiation of romantic and sexual activity. We analyzed two-wave panel data from 1163 Belgian adolescents who participated in the MORES Study. We investigated the longitudinal impact of online communication on the initiation of romantic relationships and sexual intercourse using logistic regression analyses. The odds ratios of initiating a romantic relationship among romantically inexperienced adolescents who frequently used chat rooms, dating websites, or erotic contact websites were two to three times larger than those of non-users. Among sexually inexperienced adolescents who frequently used chat rooms, dating websites, or erotic contact websites, the odds ratios of initiating sexual intercourse were two to five times larger than that among non-users, even after a number of other relevant factors were introduced. This is the first study to demonstrate that online communication predicts the initiation of offline sexual and romantic activity as early as adolescence. Practitioners and parents need to consider the role of online communication in adolescents' developing sexuality. • Adolescents increasingly communicate online with peers. • Online communication predicts romantic and sexual activity among college students. What is New: • Online communication predicts adolescents' offline romantic activity over time. • Online communication predicts adolescents' offline sexual activity over time.

Factors Associated with Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Attempt among School-Going Urban Adolescents in Peru.

The study examines the prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt, and associated factors among school-going urban adolescents in Peru. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a sample of 916 secondary school adolescents in 2014. A structured questionnaire adapted from Global School-based Student Health Survey was used to obtain information. Data were analyzed using logistic regression models at 5% level of significance. Overall, 26.3% reported having suicidal ideation, and 17.5% reported having attempted suicide during the past 12 months. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that female sex, being in a fight, being insulted, being attacked, perceived unhappiness, smoking and sexual intercourse initiation were significantly associated with increased risk of suicidal ideation, while female sex, being in a fight, being insulted, being attacked, perceived unhappiness, alcohol and illicit drug use were related to suicide attempt. The prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts observed in the survey area is relatively high. Female adolescents are particularly vulnerable to report suicidal ideation and suicide attempt. Interventions that address the issue of violence against adolescents, fighting with peers, health risk behaviors particularly initiation of smoking, alcohol and illicit drug use and encourage supportive role of parents may reduce the risk of suicidal behaviors.

The Impact of Parental Attachment in Onset of the Adolescent Sexuality

This study explores the impact of adolescents' perceptions on parental attachment, at the time of initiation of sexual intercourse among adolescents. In many countries this phenomenon is considered to be problematic for the difficulty of management of adolescent’ sexual behavior. Having a healthy sexuality is one of the central targets of adolescence; several adolescents tend to have sexual behavior with high risk (Chilman, 1990). Considering the risk of damage resulting from an early start of sexual relations, numerous researchers have conducted studies on this issue. In these studies, except treatises on adolescent sexual behavior and the consequences of its deviations, several efforts were made to explore the factors that are assumed to have a direct influence on sexuality in adolescence. Many studies conducted on the impact of adolescent sexuality, show the family as a very important factor associated with predicting the impact of the time when adolescents begin their sexual activity. Positive family relationships and not strict structures of the family correlate consistently positive with the late starting of adolescent sexual life (Lammers, 2000; Resnick, 1997). Recognizing the importance of all elements of parental micro system, the focus of this study is specifically in the impact of parental attachment to the age of onset of sexual relations among adolescents. Participants in the study were 140 students of first and second (8- 21 year old /late adolescence) year of their studies. After the pilot phase, it was passed to the second stage, the application of questionnaires, which resulted in obtaining the final results interesting drawing conclusions and recommendations for the future. DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2015.v4n3p125

Prevalence and factors associated with VIA positive result among clients screened at Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia, south west area office, Jimma model clinic, Jimma, Ethiopia 2013: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundCervical cancer is the 2nd most frequent and top killer cancer among women in Ethiopia. Prevalence and factors associated with visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) positive result is not studied yet at the study area.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at Jimma model clinic of Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia, from September 11, 2013 to October 11, 2013. Pertinent data of 334 screened clients were transferred to Epidata version3.1 using checklist, double data entry verification done and exported to SPSS version16.0. After cleaning the data, descriptive analysis was done and logistic regression model employed to identify predictors of VIA positive result. Statistical significance was declared at P < 0.05.ResultsOut of 334 screened clients, 43 (12.9 %) had VIA positive result. Initiation of sexual intercourse earlier than 16 years was found to be an independent predictor increasing the risk of VIA positive by 2.2 times as compared to clients who started at the age of 16 or more years (AOR [95 % CI] = 2.2 [1.1, 4.3]).ConclusionsEarly initiation of sexual intercourse was an independent predictor of VIA positive result in this study. Thus, any cervical cancer prevention and control effort at the study area should address the problem of early initiation of sexual intercourse.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13104-015-1594-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Prevalence of Sexual Experience and Initiation of Sexual Intercourse Among Adolescents, Rakai District, Uganda, 1994–2011

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to identify risk factors and time trends for sexual experience and sexual debut in rural Uganda. MethodsUsing population-based, longitudinal data from 15- to 19-year olds in Rakai, Uganda, we examined temporal trends in the prevalence of sexual experience and potential risk factors for sexual experience (n = 31,517 person-round observations) using logistic regression. We then identified factors associated with initiation of sex between survey rounds, using Poisson regression to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRR; n = 5,126 person-year observations). ResultsSexual experience was more common among adolescent women than men. The prevalence of sexual experience rose for most age-gender groups after 1994 and then declined after 2002. Factors associated with higher prevalence of sexual experience (without adjustment for other factors) included age, not enrolled in school, orphanhood, lower socioeconomic status, and drinking alcohol in the past 30 days; similar factors were associated with initiation of sex. Factors independently associated with initiation of sex included older age, nonenrollment in school (IRR = 1.7 for women and 1.8 for men), alcohol use (IRR = 1.3 for women and men), and being a double orphan among men (IRR = 1.2). Sexual experience began to decline around 2000, whereas increases in school enrollment began as early as 1994 and declines in orphanhood occurred after 2004 (as antiretroviral therapy became available). ConclusionsSexual experience among youth in Rakai was associated with social factors particularly school enrollment. Changes in these social factors also appear to influence change over time in sexual experience.