Unequal sexual health – Differences between detained youth and their same aged peers

Abstract

Although detained youth display several risky sexual behaviors, no specific risk factors are found in a logistic regression analysis. However, this is a vulnerable group. The mere fact that an adolescent is placed at a detention centre should be an imperative for professionals to address the subject of sexual health and safer sex. Furthermore, the results will be used in a forthcoming sex education curriculum tailored especially at detained youth. This is one, but by far not the only way to minimize the health inequalities that are presented in this study.

On the Outskirts of the Charmed Circle—Challenges and Limitations of Sexual Health Promotion to Young People in Secure State Care

“…However, the empirical material of this paper comes from published research conducted thereafter. Over a period of six years, I have conducted four different studies with young people in secure state in Sweden: a survey on sexual health with 144 young persons aged 15 to 20, 36% girls and 64% boys (Lindroth, Tikkanen, & Löfgren-Mårtenson, 2013), an interview study on sexual health with 9 girls and 11 boys aged 15 to 20 , a focus-group study on a sex education curriculum where input from 7 girls and 7 boys aged 14 to 19 were sought (Lindroth, 2014), and a survey on sexual health with 117 young persons aged 16 to 29, 47% girls/ young women and 53% boys/young men (Lindroth & Schindele, forthcoming;Public Health Agency of Sweden, 2018). All studies had ethical approval from regional review boards and were conducted inside secure institutions run by the Swedish Board of Institutional Care (SiS).…”

Sex education and young people in group homes: balancing risks, rights and resilience in sexual health promotion

“…Findings from recent studies of sexual health among young people living in group homes in Sweden, as well as the author's own experience providing sex education to young people in group homes, also influenced the curriculum development Lindroth, Löfgren-Mårtenson, and Månsson 2012;Lindroth, Tikkanen, and Löfgren-Mårtenson 2013). Past research on young people and sexual health underscores the importance of viewing youth as a heterogeneous group (Forsberg 2007;Ingham 2006).…”

“…Earlier sexual debut, more frequent sex and more sex partners in addition to less frequent condom use are behaviours often found within this population (Anderson et al 2001;Freedman et al 2005;Lichtenstein 2000;Lindroth, Löfgren-Mårtenson, and Månsson 2012;Lindroth, Tikkanen, and Löfgren-Mårtenson 2013). Juvenile detainees also suffer from poor overall health and inferior sexual health compared to their peers (Golzari, Hunt, and Anoshiravani 2006;Jee et al 2006;Lindroth, Löfgren-Mårtenson, and Månsson 2012;Lindroth, Tikkanen, and Löfgren-Mårtenson 2013;Rodrigues 2004;Simpson 2006). However, some young people in group homes regard sexual risk taking as rewarding, as it reportedly brings comfort, pleasure and status .…”

“…Over 75% of young people between the ages of 15 and 20 years living in group homes in Sweden had their sexual debut before the age of 15, compared to 31% of their sameaged peers. Additionally, 62% of young people in group homes have experienced sex against their will (including having ever been touched on the genitals or breasts, being forced to masturbate, being forced to engage in vaginal or anal intercourse, or being forced to have oral sex) compared to 47% of their peers (Lindroth, Tikkanen, and Löfgren-Mårtenson 2013). In such circumstances, Fava and Bay-Cheng (2013, 389) point to a useful way forward when they say: regardless of whether youth are sexually active or have past victimisation experiences, all stand to gain from conversations and content that help them feel positive about their bodies and sexualities, negotiate relationships and determine when they are ready to engage in safe sexuality.…”

“…In Sweden, 40% of young people aged 15 -20 years living in group homes had experienced unplanned pregnancy, compared to 14% of their peers. Additionally, knowledge of how to avoid a STI is lower in the former group (Lindroth, Tikkanen, and Löfgren-Mårtenson 2013). Statements of never having attended sex education, as well as not perceiving it to be relevant, appear in several interviews with youth in group homes .…”