Low education levels are associated with early age of sexual debut, drug use and risky sexual behaviours among young Indigenous Australians

Background Earlier age at sexual debut is associated with drug and alcohol use, risky sexual behaviours and sexually transmissible infections (STI). Methods: In the present study, 2320 young Indigenous Australians were surveyed. Results: Most study participants had sex for the first time when they were 14 years or younger (79% and 67% for males and females respectively). More than 80% of participants were categorised as being in the high-risk category for the combined sexual risk factors (i.e. not using condoms, drunk or high at last sexual act, or three or more sexual partners in the past year). There was a linear decreasing trend between the proportion of males and females who had less than high school education and age at first sex (Ptrend < 0.001). Compared with the highest quintile of age at first sexual debut (≥18 years), those in the bottom quintile (<15 years) were less likely to have completed high school (63% vs 32% respectively for males; 68% vs 26% respectively for females; Ptrend < 0.001 for both). Conclusions: The findings of the present study suggest that sex education and STI prevention should start early when targeting Indigenous young people, with age-appropriate messages. Sex education should be comprehensive and address individual risk behaviours, sexual agency and societal vulnerability to not only delay sexual debut, but also to emphasise the importance of STI prevention through condom use, which clearly already works to a certain extent with this group.

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Risks and prevention of sexually transmissible infections among women who have sex with women

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh04046 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 2 (4) ◽

pp. 209 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

Ruth McNair

Keyword(s):

Health Care Providers ◽

Health Issues ◽

Care Providers ◽

Sti Prevention ◽

Sexual Behaviours ◽

Heterosexual Women ◽

Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽

Number Of Sexual Partners ◽

Risky Sexual Behaviours ◽

The Impact

Health care providers working with women who have sex with women (WSW) have been ill-informed about a range of sexual health issues for these women. Pertinent issues include sexual behaviours that carry risks of sexually transmissible infection (STI), prevention strategies for safer sex and understanding experiences of abuse. A relative silence continues in all of these areas within the mainstream medical literature, textbooks, research and policy documents, which perpetuates medical ignorance. There is evidence that the prevalence of STIs among WSW is at least as high as among heterosexual women, if not higher among some sub-groups. Risk factors include the sex and number of sexual partners, minimal use of protected sexual behaviours and low levels of knowledge of STI prevention among WSW. Importantly, marginalisation leading to poorer mental health and experiences of abuse can combine to influence risk taking including substance abuse and risky sexual behaviours. Safe-sex guidelines and the need to recognise the impact of sexual abuse are presented.

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Sexting and risky sexual behaviours among undergraduate students in Botswana: An exploratory study

Cyberpsychology Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace ◽

10.5817/cp2017-2-1 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Obakeng L. Makgale ◽

Ilse Elisabeth Plattner

Keyword(s):

Sex Education ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Exploratory Study ◽

Unprotected Sex ◽

Public Health Care ◽

African Countries ◽

Alcohol And Drugs ◽

Sexual Behaviours ◽

Number Of Sexual Partners ◽

Risky Sexual Behaviours

Little is known about sexting behaviours among young people living in African countries. This exploratory study investigated sexting behaviours among undergraduate students in Botswana (N = 309, 64.5% female; mean age = 20.3 years). Most participants (84.8%) had received sexts and many (61.8%) had sent sexts at least once in their lifetime. Reasons for sending sexts were to flirt (42.9%), to have fun (24.6%), and/or to initiate sexual activity (17.8%). Only 36.7% of the participants were worried about their sexts being forwarded to others, and 30.2% had forwarded sexts to others. Being sexually active (OR = 4.52), drinking alcohol (OR = 2.52), and having a mother with tertiary level education (OR = 0.40) emerged as significant predictors of sending sexts. Among participants who had sexual intercourse at least once in their lifetime (N = 164), an increase in the frequency of sexting was associated with an increase in the number of sexual partners and with sex under the influence of alcohol and drugs. However, sexting behaviours were not associated with unprotected sex. The results are compared with findings from Western countries and discussed with regard to public health care and safe sex education in Botswana.

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Associations between economic dependence, sexual behaviours, and sexually transmitted infections among young, Black, gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men living with and without HIV in Jackson, Mississippi, USA

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh17218 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 15 (5) ◽

pp. 473 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Kalysha Closson ◽

Rachel Vickers Smith ◽

Gbolahan Olarewaju ◽

Richard Crosby

Keyword(s):

Sexual Health ◽

Relationship Power ◽

Hiv Status ◽

Economic Dependence ◽

Sti Prevention ◽

Sexually Transmitted ◽

Sexual Behaviours ◽

Sexually Transmissible Infections ◽

The Usa ◽

Sex With Men

Background In the USA, young Black gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men (YBMSM) bear the largest burden of HIV incidence. The aim of this study is to examine the independent associations between economic dependency on a sexual partner and several HIV risk behaviours and sexual health outcomes among YBMSM living in Jackson, Mississippi, USA. Methods: Baseline data from 589 YBMSM, with a median age of 22.0 years (IQR = 15–25) participating in a brief sex-positive HIV and STI prevention intervention, were used to measure the association between six sexual behaviours, sexually transmissible infections (STIs) status at baseline and economic dependence. Bivariate χ2 associations were tested and regression models adjusted for education level (≤ high school), employment and HIV-status. Results: In regressions, of the six sexual behaviours reported in the last 90 days and six STIs tested at baseline, economically dependent YBMSM were more likely to report condomless anal receptive sex (aOR = 2.19, 95%CI = 1.25–3.83), ≥3 partners as a top (aOR = 1.99, 95%CI = 1.17–340), ≥3 sex partners as a bottom (aOR = 2.07, 95%CI = 1.24–3.45), ≥3 sex acts as a bottom (aOR = 2.10, 95%CI = 1.16–3.82) and testing positive for oral gonorrhoea (aOR = 2.39, 95%CI = 1.18–4.83) after controlling for HIV status, employment and education. Conclusions: Interventions should consider how poverty, unemployment and economic dependence interact to influence relationship power imbalances, condom use and sexual positioning agency, and sexual health for key populations of MSM.

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Recreational drug and excessive alcohol use among HIV-infected men who have sex with men in Central Israel

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-019-7747-4 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Zohar Mor ◽

Dan Turner ◽

Yuval Livnat ◽

Itzchak Levy

Keyword(s):

Sexual Debut ◽

Anal Intercourse ◽

Unprotected Anal Intercourse ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sexual Behaviours ◽

Harm Reduction Intervention ◽

Excessive Alcohol ◽

Risky Sexual Behaviours ◽

Sex With Men

Abstract Background HIV-infected men who have sex with men (MSM) who use recreational drugs (RD) or excessive alcohol (EA) may be involved in risky sexual behaviours, including unprotected anal intercourse (UAI). This study describes the prevalence RD/EA-use among HIV-infected MSM, and compares those who used RD/EA with those who did not. Methods This cross-sectional study included HIV-infected MSM who were recruited in a convenient sample from two AIDS-treatment centres and events for HIV-infected MSM in Israel in 2016. Participants completed anonymous questionnaires including RD/EA-use and their sexual behaviours. RD/EA-use was defined as consumption of any psychoactive stimulants or dissociative anaesthetics, or an uptake of alcohol until drunkenness before or during sex. Results Of all 276 HIV-infected MSM, 202 (73.2%) used RD/EA. Those who used RD/EA were younger, reported earlier sexual debut, had more sexual partners, were more likely to perform UAI with casual partners, more commonly involved in paid sex, used psychiatric medications and more likely to be unsatisfied with their health-status compared to those who did not use RD/EA. HIV-infected MSM who used RD/EA reported a lower CD4-count and higher viral-load than those who did not. In a multivariate analysis, being younger, reported earlier sexual debut and been prescribed psychiatric drugs were associated with RD/EA-use among HIV-infected MSM. Conclusions A large proportion of HIV-infected MSM used RD/EA and also engaged in risky sexual behaviours. A subset of HIV-infected MSM can benefit from mental support during their routine treatment at the AIDS treatment centres and should also receive harm reduction intervention by their providers in order to minimize potential risks pertaining to RD/EA-use.

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Sexually transmissible infections in middle and high school students: experience rates, risk factors and relationship with mental health – results from the Korean youth risk behaviour web-based survey

Sexual Health ◽

10.1071/sh15147 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 29 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Hanna Kwon ◽

Hee Cheol Kang ◽

Jun Ho Lee

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Risk Factors ◽

High School ◽

Elementary School ◽

High School Students ◽

Sexual Debut ◽

Sexual Experience ◽

Risk Behaviour ◽

Web Based ◽

Sexually Transmissible Infections

Background Sexually transmissible infections (STIs) in adolescents are an important heath problem. However, the understanding of STIs among adolescents is poor. Rates of and risk factors for ever having a STI and relationships between ever having a STI and mental health in adolescents was investigated. Methods: Data from the Korea Youth Risk Behaviour Web-based Survey (KYRBS) were used. The KYRBS is an anonymous, self-administered online survey. To achieve a representative sample of Koreans, researchers used a stratification, clustering and multi-stage sampling method. Data from adolescents who had not had sexual intercourse and surveys with missing data concerning sexual experience were excluded. Finally, 31363 participants were included. Results: The rate of ever having a STI was 10.0%. A total of 26.5% of adolescents who have had sexual experience report always using contraceptives, and condoms are the most popular contraceptives (69.0%). Contraceptive method (condom, OR: 0.601, 95% CI: 0.491–0.736) and elementary school sexual debut (elementary school, OR: 1.000, middle school, OR: 0.235, 95% CI: 0.181–0.305; high school, OR: 0.128, 95% CI: 0.094–0.173) were significantly correlated with ever having a STI in the multivariate analysis. Depressed mood (OR: 1.379, 95% CI: 1.130–1.683), suicidal ideation (OR: 1.358, 95% CI: 1.109–1.664) and suicide attempts (OR: 1.382, 95% CI: 1.029–1.856) were significantly associated with ever having a STI after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusions: STIs are common diseases in adolescents who have sexual experience and are significantly associated with mental health. Development of preventive measures and treatment policies including mental counselling for adolescents with STI are needed.

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The Impact of the Quality of Sexual Education on HIV/AIDS in Zambia: Evidence from a Natural Experiment

10.21203/rs.3.rs-43605/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Arlette Simo Fotso ◽

Sally Findley ◽

Vesper H. Chisumpa ◽

Karampreet Sachathep ◽

Lloyd B. Mulenga

Keyword(s):

Sex Education ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Natural Experiment ◽

Sexual Education ◽

Double Difference ◽

Sexual Behaviours ◽

Risky Sexual Behaviours ◽

The Impact ◽

Hiv Aids

Abstract Background:This paper focuses on how sexual education quality is associated with HIV-related knowledge, stigma and risky sexual behaviour among Zambians. The implementation of the Comprehensive Sexuality Education programme since 2014, with sequential in-service teacher training provides a natural experiment for testing the hypothesis that quality of sexual education, not quantity only, is positively associated with HIV knowledge, and negatively associated with risky sexual behaviours and stigma. Methods:Data are drawn from the 2016 Zambian Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment survey, which sampled 24,663 individuals aged 15-59 years old nationwide. Province fixed-effects double difference model is used to test our hypothesis. Results:We found that sexual education with well-trained teachers reduced the number of HIV-related stigma by 0.13 points, while as expected it was associated with a greater number of correct HIV-related knowledge (0.29 points). No significant association was found between quality of sex education and risky sexual behaviours. Conclusion:These results point to the importance of investing in high quality sexual education to combat the HIV-AIDS progression.

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Risky sexual behaviours among young adults attending Higher Learning Institutions in Mbeya, Tanzania: implications for STIs and HIV preventive programs

AAS Open Research ◽

10.12688/aasopenres.13123.2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 ◽

pp. 41

Author(s):

Ruby Doryn Mcharo ◽

Willyhelmina Olomi ◽

Philippe Mayaud ◽

Sia E. Msuya

Keyword(s):

Young Adults ◽

High Risk ◽

Condom Use ◽

Sexual Behaviors ◽

Sexual Debut ◽

Higher Learning ◽

Consistent Condom ◽

Sexual Behaviours ◽

Risky Sexual Behaviours ◽

Learning Institutions

Background High-risk sexual behaviors(HRSBs) among young adults are key risk for Sexually Transmitted Infections(STIs), HIV and unplanned pregnancies. WHO has identified the 15-24years age-group as high-risk for STIs. Students at Higher Learning Institutions(HLIs) may be at higher risk because they are free of immediate parental-supervision, are a transient migratory population, probably at peak-years of sexual activity. In Tanzania, information is limited on sexual and preventive behaviours among young adults in HLIs. We describe risky sexual behaviours and preventive practices among young adults attending HLIs in Mbeya-Tanzania. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study from March2019 to January2020 among randomly selected students aged 18-24years enrolled in HLIs within Mbeya. Probability proportional to size was used to determine total student number from each HLI. We used a self-administered questionnaire to collect information on sexual health education, activity, behaviour and STI knowledge. Results Total of 504students were enrolled with mean age of 21.5(SD 1.74)years. Total of 446(88.5%) students reported ever having had sex. Mean-age at first sex was 18.4years and 9.9% reported sexual debut <15years. A higher proportion of male students(57%) reported sexual debut with non-steady partners than females(37.9%). Lack of condom use at sexual debut was reported by 52% of the participants. Consistent condom use during past 4-weeks was reported at 33% and 16.5% among males and females, respectively. About 1 in 10 students reported forced sex by someone they were dating. Sex under the influence of alcohol was reported by 24% of the students. Nearly 8 in 10 (78.7%) students have heard of STIs, but only 16% were aware STIs can be asymptomatic. Conclusion STI prevention programs need to recognize young adults in HLIs as at-risk population; and advocate targeted messages to minimize risk to acquiring STIs, counseling and support for those experiencing sexual violence, promote condom use and safer-sex negotiation skills.

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EFFECT OF EARLY SEXUAL DEBUT ON HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION IN SOUTH AFRICA

Journal of Biosocial Science ◽

10.1017/s0021932017000104 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 50 (1) ◽

pp. 124-143 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

A. V. Bengesai ◽

H. T. A. Khan ◽

R. Dube

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

High School ◽

Low Income ◽

Parental Education ◽

Sexual Debut ◽

High School Completion ◽

Hiv And Aids ◽

Early Sexual Debut ◽

School Completion ◽

Sexual Behaviours

SummaryEarly sexual debut is of major concern because it is a correlate for health and economic shocks experienced in adulthood. In South Africa, this concern has provided impetus for research directed at the HIV and AIDS epidemic, teenage pregnancy and the effect of adolescent sexual behaviour on persistence in school. Of interest to the present study is high school completion, which is a well-established empirical barometer of adult socioeconomic opportunities. Using data from the five waves of the Cape Area Panel Study (CAPS), this paper examines the association between sexual behaviours initiated in pre- and early adolescence and high school completion rates. The CAPS study is a longitudinal survey that was designed to investigate young people’s (aged 14–22 years) educational attainment and sexual behaviours in Cape Town, South Africa. The sample was constituted from 3213 individuals who had initiated sex during their teenage years and the analysis was undertaken when the youngest cohort was aged 21, an age at which they should have completed high school if they were on time. Logistic regression models were fitted separately for males and females. Overall, the results reveal that early sexual debut is correlated with long-term negative educational outcomes. Individuals who experience early sexual debut are less likely to complete high school than their counterparts who make their sexual debut later on in life. This effect is worse for Africans, who also disproportionately have an earlier sexual debut than other race groups. Apart from race however, the findings also reinforce the effect of other demographic factors on high school completion, namely, place of residence and family socioeconomic status as measured by parental education and household income. Hence, early sexual debut adds another layer of inequality and worsens the plight of Africans, females, those living in rural areas and those who come from low-income families.

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The Effect of Male Circumcision on Risky Sexual Behaviours of Men in Rwanda: A Comparative Analysis of RDHS 2005 and 2014/15

10.21203/rs.2.24178/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Chantine Pegha Nambawarr ◽

Joseph Ntaganira

Keyword(s):

Condom Use ◽

Male Circumcision ◽

Sexual Debut ◽

Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Health Concern ◽

Risk Compensation ◽

Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision ◽

Medical Male Circumcision ◽

Sexual Behaviours ◽

Risky Sexual Behaviours

Abstract Background Rapid up-take of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) in countries like Rwanda that implemented it as a national HIV prevention strategy since 2008, raised a public health concern of risk compensation. Risk compensation may occur if circumcised men increase their risky sexual behaviours (RSB) because of the awareness of circumcision’s 60% protection from heterosexual HIV/STIs transmission. The aim of this study was to assess the difference in RSBs among adolescent and adult circumcised men before and after the VMMC program implementation in Rwanda Methods Data of 11,037 men aged 15-59 years from Rwanda DHS 2005 and 2014/15 were analyzed using STATA version 13.0. We estimated the prevalence of ever paid sex , extramarital sex , more than 3 total lifetime sex partners, condom use at paid sex, first sex below age 15 and most recent sex partner being casual/commercial; among circumcised and uncircumcised men and compared between surveys. Association of these behaviours with circumcision status were also determined using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis in separate and in combined datasets. Results Men who reported being circumcised almost tripled from 11%(532) in 2005 to 29%(1821) in 2014/15. In all men, RSB prevalence was lower in 2014/15 than in 2005. Circumcised men were generally more likely to engage in RSB in both surveys than uncircumcised men but less likely in 2014/15 compared to 2005. Multivariate models revealed no association of circumcision with sex below 15 years in 2005 (AOR 0.89; CI: 0.65-1.19; P>0.05) and 63% protection in 2014/15 (AOR 0.63; CI: 0.51-0.76; P<0.01). In all men, while there were too few responses to determine a true difference in non-condom use , other RSB were significantly less likely whereas paid sex was significantly more likely in 2014/15 due to an increase among the uncircumcised (AOR 1.29; CI: 1.03-1.61). Conclusion The findings did not support risk compensation. However, more responses on condom use are needed to check its disinhibition among circumcised men. Ongoing VMMC campaigns should re-inforce pre-counseling to young men 15-24 in the provinces out of Kigali to delay sexual debut even after circumcision.

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