Risky Sexual Behavior Research Articles (Page 1)

Understanding risky sexual behaviors assessment and factors among men engaging in sexual activities with other men (MSM) in Palembang city

The high incidence of risky sexual behavior among adolescents is caused by several factors, such as the environment and low selfcontrol. Adolescents living in former red-light districts are at higher risk of risky sexual behavior due to environmental factors and a lack of self-control. Therefore, appropriate psychoeducational media are needed to help improve adolescents' selfcontrol so that risky sexual behavior can be prevented. This study aims to determine the content validity of the ‘SCOUPER’ self-control psychoeducation module as a preventive measure against risky sexual behavior among adolescents in former red-light districts. This study used the Research and Development (R&D) method with a 3D model (Define, Design, and Develop). The define stage analyzed the needs of adolescents, the design stage developed the self-control psychoeducation module, and the develop stage included validity testing with rating scores by experts or validators. The data analysis used in this study was descriptive analysis with Aiken's V formula and validator input. The validity test results showed that the SCOUPER self-control psychoeducation module scored between 0.75 and 1,00 in the high – very high category. Based on the validity test results, the SCOUPER module can be concluded to be valid for use with some suggestions and improvements from the validator. The SCOUPER self-control psychoeducation module is valid in terms of content, construct, and language, and has the potential to be used as a preventive medium in preventing risky sexual behavior among adolescents, especially in former red-light districts.

Sexual violence, especially non-consensual first sex (NCFS) has profound impact on women's risk to HIV infection, a link that can be partly explained by subsequent risky sexual behavior (RSBs) later on in life and yet has been limitedly explored. Using a national sample of 4286 women aged 15 to 49 years from Lesotho Population-based HIV Impact Assessment, we explored the mediation effect of RSBs on the association between history of NCFS and HIV infection among women in Lesotho. We first employed multivariate logistic regression to estimate the associations between NCFS and HIV infection; and then used generalized structural equation modeling (GSEM) to determine the mediation effect of RSBs (casual sex, multiple sexual partners and condom use) on this association, while adjusting for cluster sampling design of the survey. About 16.8% of the women had a history of NCFS, and logistic regression results showed a significant positive association between NCFS and HIV positive status (AOR: 1.24; 95% CI [1.02, 1.49]). From the GSEM, all the RSBs were significant mediators of the link between NCFS and HIV positive status; whereby casual sex (AOR: 1.17; 95% CI [1.00, 1.35]) and multiple sexual partners (AOR: 1.91; 95% CI [1.81, 2.02]) were full mediators, while condom use (AOR: 0.91; 95% CI [0.89, 0.92]) showed partial mediation. Multiple lifetime partners showed to have highest total mediation effect (AOR: 2.13; 95% CI [1.84, 2.41]). The results indicated that NCFS is linked to HIV infection indirectly through RSBs. Therefore, HIV prevention interventions targeting victims of NCFS would greatly contribute in reducing risk of HIV infections among women in Lesotho.

Background: In-school adolescents in Nigeria experience numerous sexual and reproductive health challenges exacerbated by limited access to accurate sexual health information and youth-friendly services. Traditional methods of health education have shown limited effectiveness in engaging adolescents, thus leading to misconceptions and risky sexual behaviors. Edutainment, an innovative approach integrating education with entertainment, holds promise for effectively enhancing adolescents' knowledge and attitudes toward utilizing sexual health services. However, its application and efficacy remain underexplored in Lagos State, Nigeria. This study examined the impact of edutainment on adolescents' knowledge and attitudes regarding the utilization of sexual health services. Methodology: The study adopted a quasi-experimental design involving 60 adolescents systematically selected from two secondary schools in Lagos State, randomly assigned into Experimental (EG) and Control Groups (CG). The EG participated in an edutainment intervention comprising drama presentations, digital media, and interactive discussions, while the CG received traditional training on exercise and nutrition. Data were collected using a structured, validated questionnaire administered at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at a 12-week follow-up. Statistical analyses utilized descriptive and inferential statistics, evaluated at a 5% significance level. Results: Post-intervention findings revealed a significant increase in knowledge mean scores among EG participants from baseline (1.30 ± 0.65) to immediate post-intervention (2.93 ± 0.25), sustained at 12-week follow-up (3.00 ± 0.00; F = 170.80, p < 0.05). Similarly, attitude scores showed significant improvement from baseline (14.27 ± 6.46) through immediate post-intervention (34.10 ± 17.75) to 12-week follow-up (47.53 ± 1.11; F = 70.43, p < 0.05). The CG demonstrated no significant improvement in knowledge or attitude scores over the same periods. Conclusion: Edutainment significantly enhanced the knowledge and attitudes of in-school adolescents towards the utilization of sexual health services in Lagos State. This study recommends integrating edutainment strategies into adolescent health education curricula to promote positive sexual health outcomes.

The study aimed to explore the relative importance of socio-ecological predictors of risky sexual behavior among Chinese adolescents based on the socio-ecological systems theory. A total of 1,781 adolescents (mean age 17.76 years, range 15–21) were recruited from Shandong Province using a multistage cluster stratified sampling method. Participants included 400 males (22.46%) and 1381 females (77.54%). Dominance analysis was used to examine the relative importance of socio-ecological factors in predicting adolescent risky sexual behavior. Adolescents had a lower prevalence of sexual behavior (9.8%) but a higher prevalence of risky sexual behavior (87.36%). There were correlations among the socio-ecological predictors. Binary logistic regression showed that peer influence resistance had the strongest association with risky sexual behavior, but dominance analysis indicated that the strongest predictor was social norms cognition, followed by family support, peer influence resistance, self-efficacy, and sexual knowledge, accounting for 66.0%, 13.9%, 9.6%, 8.6%, and 1.9% of the predicted variance, respectively. Socio-ecological factors played different predictive roles in adolescent risky sexual behavior. To prevent risky sexual behaviors, related interventions need to focus on improving social norms cognition, emphasize the influence of family and peers, and mitigate the negative impact of high self-efficacy and sexual knowledge on risky sexual behavior.

Sexual sensation seeking refers to the tendency to pursue experiences that elicit higher levels of sexual arousal through novel or unconventional sexual activities. These behaviors may increase the likelihood of engaging in risky sexual practices associated with HIV transmission. In this context, men who have sex with men (MSM) represent a population particularly inclined toward sensation seeking. Objective: To synthesize the best available evidence on sexual sensation seeking and risky sexual behaviors among MSM. Materials and Methods: The methodological framework proposed by Holly, Salmond, and Saimbert, as well as the PRISMA guidelines, were followed. Results: Twelve studies published between June 2019 and June 2024 were included. The findings indicate a negative correlation between sexual sensation seeking and risky sexual behaviors, particularly inconsistent condom use (r = -0.25 to -0.52). Additionally, the pursuit of novel sensations was found to influence sexual decision-making. Conclusion: Sexual sensation seeking is a significant factor that should be considered in efforts to optimize HIV prevention strategies for this population.

Introduction: Sexuality is determined by multiple factors. The knowledge and perceptions of the individual's environment will determine their behavior in this regard. Identifying the perceptions in a population that attends higher education is important to carry out specific prevention activities, since the repercussions of their sexual behavior are decisive for the public health of populations. Objective: Determine what are the perceptions and the main sexual risk behaviors in American university students. Method: Systematic review. The search was carried out in the Cochrane, Medigraphic and PubMed databases with the search words sexual behavior, college students, finding 25,821 results, filtered by language (English or Spanish), access to full text, year of publication (2016- 2021), geographic area (American continent) and sample (university population), resulting in n=12 articles. Results: most of the authors agree that American university students, despite having knowledge regarding sexuality and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), do not carry out preventive actions, with a beginning of sexual life approximately at the age of fifteen and multiple partners. simultaneous; condom use is predominant as a method of family planning and sexting as a risky sexual behavior has become more important in recent years. Conclusions: the high prevalence of risk behaviors and the low use of diagnostic tests supports the fact that America is one of the continents with the most annual diagnoses of STIs in the world, with consequences that can be of varying severity and even fatal.

We conducted a case-control analysis to evaluate the determinants for initiating long-acting injectable cabotegravir (LACAB) as PrEP in a real-world setting with limited drug access. Individuals selected for LACAB experienced more side effects from oral PrEP, riskier sexual behavior, longer prior PrEP use, and a significantly higher incidence of STIs during follow-up. Despite this, LACAB was well tolerated, and discontinuation rates were low. Our findings support prioritizing LACAB for individuals most exposed to HIV and with low adherence to oral regimens, especially in contexts where logistical or economic constraints limit universal access to PrEP.

Madagascar has a lower HIV prevalence than countries on the African continent. The 2003-4, 2008-9 and 2021 Demographic and Health surveys and the 2018 Multiple Indicator Cluster survey reports were analysed. Between 2003 and 2021, there was a significant increase in the percentage of people reporting sex with multiple partners: for women from 2.6% [95% CI 2.3% - 2.9%] to 3% [95% CI 2.8% - 3.2%], and for men from 16.7% [95% CI 15.1% - 18.3%] to 24.1% [95% CI 23.2% -25.0%]. Similarly, there was a significant increase in the percentage of people reporting sex with a non-marital, non-cohabitating sex partner for women from 13.1% [95% CI 12.4% - 13.9%] to 18.5% [95% CI 17.9% - 19.1%] and for men from 31.8% [95% CI 29.9% - 33.8%] to 38.1% [95% CI 37.0% - 39.2%]. Between 2008 and 2021, among those reporting sex with multiple partners, condom use had significantly decreased for women from 7.6% [95% CI 4.9% - 10.3%] to 3.3% [95% CI 1.8% - 4.8%] and for men from 7.4% [95% CI 5.9% - 8.9%] to 3.8% [95% CI 2.9% - 4.7%]. Between 2003 and 2021 condom use among men reporting non-marital, non-cohabitating partners decreased significantly from 13.1% [95% CI 10.6% - 15.6%] to 9.1% [95% CI 8.1% - 10.1%]. The trends in risky sexual behavior and condom use are possible drivers of Madagascar's evolving HIV epidemic. An HIV prevalence study among pregnant women could help elucidate the current status of the HIV epidemic among the general population in Madagascar.

Population-based studies on the sexual health and behaviors of sexual minorities are scarce. To assess and compare sexual health and behaviors among homosexual, bisexual, and heterosexual Danes. We analyzed questionnaire data from 59 838 participants age 15-89 in the Project SEXUS study, including 1577 homosexuals, 1500 bisexuals, and 56 761 heterosexuals. Sex-specific logistic regression analyses with heterosexuals as reference yielded demographically weighted, confounder-adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for measures of sexual health and behaviors. Study-specific and internationally validated sexual outcome measures. Compared with heterosexuals, lesbians were less likely to have had sex with another person in the last year. In contrast, sex partner numbers and frequencies of masturbation and porn consumption were higher among gay and bisexual men and bisexual women. Premature ejaculation was less common among gays (aOR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.32, 0.81) and bisexual men (aOR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.41, 0.93), whereas erectile dysfunction was more common among gays in the last 4 weeks (IIEF-5 score ≤ 11) (aOR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.42, 6.38) and among both gays (aOR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.87, 4.43) and bisexuals (aOR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.24, 2.92) in the last year. Also, gays more often reported orgasmic dysfunction (aOR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.09, 2.99). Overall female sexual dysfunction (FSFI-6 score ≤ 19) was less common among lesbians (aOR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.40, 0.98) and bisexuals (aOR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.48, 0.89), although vaginal cramp dysfunction was more common in bisexuals (aOR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.15, 4.06). Gay and bisexual men and bisexual women reported more sexual risk indicators, with particularly high odds of sexual victimization among gays (aOR, 5.74; 95% CI, 3.72, 8.85), bisexual men (aOR, 5.03; 95% CI, 3.36, 7.54), and bisexual women (aOR, 2.67; 95% CI, 2.25, 3.16). Finally, gay and bisexual men were more often dissatisfied with the appearance of their bodies and genitals. Health professionals should be aware of the greater burden of sexual health challenges among gay men and bisexual individuals. Strengths include the large size, broad coverage, and national representativeness of our study. Limitations include a modest response rate (34.6%), the potential for self-selection and information biases, and uncertain generalizability to other countries. In this Danish study, lesbians exhibited no unusual burden of sexual risk indicators, and sexual dysfunctions along with sexually transmitted infections were less common in this group. In contrast, gay men and bisexuals of both sexes reported significantly more risky sexual behaviors, sexual victimization, sexual dysfunctions, and other adverse outcomes, calling for further investigation and increased clinical attention.

Sexual harassment victimization is prospectively associated with poorer mental health, accounting for other forms of victimization. To better understand the link between childhood conduct problems and vulnerability for sexual harassment, the three objectives of this study were to (1) examine the links between childhood conduct problems and sexual harassment victimization during early adulthood; (2) identify the mediating role of common developmental sequelae of childhood conduct problems (adolescent peer victimization, substance abuse, risky sexual behavior, and number of delinquent peers) in this association; and (3) explore whether these links differed for boys and girls. Participants were drawn from a longitudinal sample that over-recruited children with conduct problems ( N = 744; 50.5% conduct problems; age M : 8.42; 47% girls), from Quebec, Canada. Childhood conduct problems were linked to increased sexual harassment victimization in early adulthood (β = 0.08, p < .05), an association that was mediated by adolescent peer victimization (β = 0.04, p < .01; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01, 0.06) and adolescent substance use (β = 0.02, p < .05; 95% CI: 0.003, 0.05). Differences were not observed across either model for boys and girls. Findings suggest the pertinence of assessing the existing prevention and intervention approaches for populations with conduct problems.

ntroduction: This study aimed to explore the policies and institutional factors influencing the fulfillment of prisoners’ sexual needs in Indonesia, particularly within the context of correctional health. With overcrowding in Indonesian prisons reaching as high as 370%, such as in the Class IIA Jember Penitentiary, and the lack of clear regulations addressing sexual rights, the objective was to examine behavioral drivers and systemic gaps using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) framework to address unmet needs and prevent deviant sexual behavior. The TPB guided a deductive thematic analysis. Attitudes were operationalized as participants’ beliefs about outcomes, subjective norms as perceived social approval or pressure, and perceived behavioral control as perceived capacity/resources to enact or resist sexual behavior. Methods: This exploratory qualitative study was conducted at the Class IIA Jember Correctional Facility in 2022. A total of 15 informants were recruited using a snowball sampling technique, including the Head of the Correctional Facility, prison officers, health workers, and inmates. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed thematically with deductive approach. Transcripts underwent verbatim transcription, TPB-focused line-by-line coding, coding matrices, and credibility checks (independent double-coding and member validation).Ethical approval was obtained from 173/KEPK/FKM-UNEJ/IV/2022 and both verbal and written informed consent were secured from all participants. Results: The primary findings indicated that subjective norms and perceived behavioral control significantly influenced prisoners' intentions to engage in risky sexual behavior. Contributing factors included ambiguous regulations on sexual health education and inmate guidance, the suboptimal implementation of assimilation and reintegration policies, and the absence of a formal conjugal visit program. These regulatory shortcomings may increase the risk of sexually transmitted disease transmission within the prison environment. Conclusion: This study contributes to the understanding of sexual health policy implementation within Indonesian correctional institutions by identifying key regulatory and systemic deficiencies. It offers critical insights into how institutional support, or its absence, influences inmates’ health-related behaviors. Future research should focus on developing and implementing policies that safeguard prisoners’ sexual health rights, thereby advancing knowledge in the fields of correctional health and human rights.

Adolescents and young women in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) face disproportionately high rates of HIV infection and unintended pregnancy. As Internet access accelerates across SSA, its implications for adolescent sexual health demand urgent scrutiny. This correspondence examines the association between Internet use and risky sexual behaviours (RSBs) amongst 5920 unmarried, sexually active females aged 15-34, using Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from nine countries: Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, Rwanda and Tanzania. Data analysis employed logistic regression methods using R version 4.4.2. The prevalence of RSB was higher amongst Internet users (46.2% vs. 35.7%). It was as high as 72.2% in Lesotho, as low as 21% in Ghana. Internet users were 26% (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.09-1.45]) more likely to engage in RSBs. Additional drivers included age, media exposure, non-marital fertility, residence and country-specific factors. Relative to Kenya, elevated odds were found in Lesotho (aOR = 2.54, 95% CI = [1.88-3.46]), Burkina Faso (aOR = 2.13, 95% CI = [1.61-2.81]), Mozambique (aOR = 1.64 [1.26-2.13]) and Rwanda (aOR = 1.90, 95% CI = [1.35-2.70]). While digital platforms hold promise for expanding sexual education, these findings underscore the need for targeted content oversight and culturally responsive interventions to mitigate online health risks.

Evaluating the impact of the Programa Saúde na Escola on adolescent sexual and reproductive health in Brazil: A quasi-experimental analysis using propensity score matching.

Daily patterns of single and poly-substance use among adolescent and young adult females: A day-level latent class analysis.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors such as anal intercourse, oral sex, and mutual masturbation, which increase their risk of acquiring human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Previous studies have emphasized that MSM diagnosed with HIV should initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART) promptly, with strict adherence being critical for treatment effectiveness. This study aims to identify factors associated with treatment adherence among MSM living with HIV. A retrospective cohort study was conducted involving 796 MSM with HIV who accessed health services in South Sumatra up to June 2024. The majority of participants were younger than 40 years (85.1%) and had an education level of senior high school or below (84.9%). Overall, 21.5% of patients were non-adherent to treatment, with 4.8% experiencing side effects and 13.1% presenting with opportunistic infections. Multivariate analysis indicated that treatment side effects and clinical stage were significant predictors of adherence. Treatment side effects and clinical stage play a critical role in determining adherence among MSM with HIV.

Adolescent girls often face challenges in asserting their sexual rights and boundaries, particularly due to fear of losing a partner or social pressures. This study aimed to examine the influence of self-esteem, self-control, parental support, and peer support on sexual assertiveness among female adolescents in Pacar Kembang district, Surabaya, Indonesia. A cross-sectional design was used with 100 participants who completed self-administered questionnaires. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression, revealing that self-esteem (β = 0.227, p = 0.014), self-control (β = 0.267, p = 0.010), parental support (β = 0.319, p = 0.000), and peer support (β = 0.133, p = 0.032) significantly predicted sexual assertiveness. These findings underscore the importance of building adolescents' self-confidence, emotional regulation, and support networks to strengthen sexual agency. Interventions that promote these factors may contribute to reducing risky or unwanted premarital sexual behaviors among young females, and similar strategies may be applicable in other low- and middle-income country settings.

Risky sexual behavior among adolescents remains a persistent public-health and educational concern, often driven by uneven sexuality education, peer/media pressures, and limited self-regulation. Indonesia’s cultural heritage offers a context-sensitive prevention pathway. To design, validate, and field-test a counselor-ready school module that integrates Wayang Krucil values to prevent risky sexual behavior among SMK students in an Islamic school context. Using a Research & Development approach operationalized through ADDIE, the study was conducted at SMKIT Ibnu Katsir Jember (population = 37). A purposive limited try-out involved Grade 12 students (n = 11). Data sources included observations, stakeholder interviews, expert validator ratings (content, design, language, practitioner usability), feasibility/acceptability checklists, and brief student reflections. Quantitative summaries (Aiken’s V/CVI, descriptive statistics) informed revisions; qualitative data underwent reflexive thematic analysis. Expert review yielded an overall content-validity judgment of 80% (valid with minor revisions). Try-out evidence indicated high acceptability, perceived relevance, and clear deliverability under counselor facilitation. Key improvement cues were sharper, step-by-step session scripts and a concise glossary to reduce terminological load. The module is feasible, contextually resonant, and ready for broader piloting, while claims about effectiveness remain preliminary. Provides a culturally grounded, counselor-deployable package that aligns moral narratives with sexual-health learning goals, offering a replicable ADDIE pathway for schools. Future studies should employ larger, multi-site samples; multiple expert validators with item-level indices; standardized pre–post measures (knowledge, norms, self-efficacy, intentions/behavior); and longer follow-up or controlled designs.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked with risky sexual behaviors. However, we do not know how various ACE dimensions influence adolescent sexual behavior, especially behaviors that are precursors to early sexual intercourse. Using the data from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study, we conducted LCA on 13 ACE measures assessed at ages 9-11 and analyzed how these latent classes relate to romantic relationships and early non-coital sexual behaviors (kissing and touching) at ages 11-12. We identified six distinct classes: Low ACEs (48.4%), Material Hardship and Community Violence (19.2%), Parental Dysfunction (18.6%), Parental Dysfunction and Criminal Justice Involvement (6.5%), Community and Peer Violence, Material Hardship, and Parental Dysfunction (6.4%), and Household Violence, Parental Dysfunction and Child Abuse (0.6%). The last three classes exhibited a higher likelihood of engaging in romantic and early non-coital sexual behaviors than adolescents in the Low ACEs class. The diverse impacts of ACE patterns suggest we should implement trauma-informed early sexuality education programs.

ABSTRACT Although evidence suggests an association between sexual sensation seeking (SSS) and self-esteem (SE), the moderating effect of chemsex on this relationship has not been extensively examined, particularly in men who have sex with men (MSM) with HIV. The main aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between SSS and SE, evaluating the possible moderation effects of the chemsex, in a sample of 99 MSM with HIV from Spain. Sociodemographic and chemsex were evaluated utilizing an ad-hoc questionnaire. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and Sexual Sensation Seeking Scale were also utilized. Higher SSS scores were positively and significantly associated with chemsex practice. A significant correlation between SSS and SE was found only among MSM who engaged in chemsex. Specifically, chemsex significantly moderated the relationship between SSS and SE, but only in the participants who practiced it. As shown, there is a different association between SSS and SE depending on the practice of chemsex; showing an inverse relationship in the group who practice it. Intervention programs are needed to reduce risky sexual behaviors in this population, especially in those individuals who present higher SSS.