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

Author

Listed:
  • Lorraine Burke

    (Health Promotion Research Centre, Discipline of Health Promotion, School of Health Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland)

  • Saoirse Nic Gabhainn

    (Health Promotion Research Centre, Discipline of Health Promotion, School of Health Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland)

  • Colette Kelly

    (Health Promotion Research Centre, Discipline of Health Promotion, School of Health Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Lorraine Burke & Saoirse Nic Gabhainn & Colette Kelly, 2018. "Socio-Demographic, Health and Lifestyle Factors Influencing Age of Sexual Initiation among Adolescents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-15, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:9:p:1851-:d:166061
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sandfort, T.G.M. & Orr, M. & Hirsch, J.S. & Santelli, J., 2008. "Long-term health correlates of timing of sexual debut: Results from a national US study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 98(1), pages 155-161.
    2. Henry Kaiser, 1974. "An index of factorial simplicity," Psychometrika, Springer;The Psychometric Society, vol. 39(1), pages 31-36, March.
    3. Dorren McMahon, 2008. "“Which Kind of Paddy?” A Survey of the Literature on the History, Sociology and Anthropology of Alcohol and the Irish," Working Papers 200801, Geary Institute, University College Dublin.
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