Socio-Demographic, Health and Lifestyle Factors Influencing Age of Sexual Initiation among Adolescents

Abstract

Behavioural and developmental factors mean that adolescents who initiate sexual intercourse early may be at an increased risk of adverse sexual health outcomes at the time of first sex and later in life. In an Irish context, there is insufficient knowledge about the specific correlates of early sexual initiation. This research explores relationships between contextual socio-demographic, health and lifestyle factors and the timing of first sexual intercourse among 15–17-year-olds in Ireland. Multiple regression analysis was carried out in conjunction with Multiple Imputation using data collected through the 2014 Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children Ireland study on a sample of 879 sexually active adolescents. The socio-demographic and lifestyle factors measured were a stronger predictor of age of sexual initiation among girls than boys. Risk behaviour initiation was significantly related to age of sexual initiation for adolescents, while alcohol use/drunkenness and unhealthy food consumption was significant among girls only. Family support and number of male friends were significant predictors for boys only. The study highlights the need for holistic approaches to sexual health promotion and provides a foundation for the development of alternative strategies and policies aimed at reducing negative health, well-being, educational and economic outcomes.

Individual and social determinants of early sexual activity: A study of gender-based differences using the 2018 Canadian Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Study (HBSC)

“…Much of what we found was congruent with existing evidence, but there were surprising results, particularly aspects of both contextual and individual characteristics that have not been previously examined and that hint at persistent and pervasive gender stereotypes and traditional roles. In keeping with others' findings, both disrupted family structure and poor family support were associated with early sexual activity for all and, particularly for boys [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 17 – 20 ]. Perhaps adolescents from disrupted families experience less adult supervision, an explanation put forward by others [ 17 ], but also one that stereotypes single parents.…”

“…The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies positive sexual health and healthy views of one's sexuality as imperative for physical and mental well-being [1]. In Europe and North America, sexual initiation often occurs during adolescence [2] and can be a marker and a predictor of risks such as coercion or abuse, inconsistent use of contraception, increased incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STI's), unplanned pregnancy, substance abuse, subsequent sexual violence, or increased numbers of sexual partners [3][4][5][6][7][8].…”

Changes in sexual behavior among high-school students over a 40-year period

“…The choice of a vocational program is possibly associated with the students' socio-economic background. In an Irish study, socio-demographic and lifestyle factors were stronger predictors of age at FSI among girls than boys 37 . A pursue of family initiation at a younger age, instead of university and career plans, might explain this observation; this is further supported by the higher contraception use prevalence at FSI in theoretical programs [3][4][5]38 .…”

Exploring Sexual Behaviour and Associated Factors among Adolescents in Saudi Arabia: A Call to End Ignorance

“…However, data from a nationwide study in the United States revealed that the prevalence of sexual intercourse among male high school students was 43.2% [ 16 ]. In Ireland, it was reported that 30.5% of all 15–17-year-old male adolescents had experienced sexual intercourse [ 17 ]. Data from a study conducted in Cameroon indicated that 41.4% of adolescent respondents had a history of sexual contact [ 18 ].…”