A cross-sectional study on attitudes toward gender equality, sexual behavior, positive sexual experiences, and communication about sex among sexually active and non-sexually active adolescents in Bolivia and Ecuador

Abstract

BackgroundIt is widely agreed upon that gender is a key aspect of sexuality however, questions remain on how gender exactly influences adolescents’ sexual health.ObjectiveThe aim of this research was to study correlations between gender equality attitudes and sexual behavior, sexual experiences and communication about sex among sexually active and non-sexually active adolescents in 2 Latin American countries.DesignIn 2011, a cross-sectional study was carried out among 5,913 adolescents aged 14–18 in 20 secondary schools in Cochabamba (Bolivia) and 6 secondary schools in Cuenca (Ecuador). Models were built using logistic regressions to assess the predictive value of attitudes toward gender equality on adolescents’ sexual behavior, on experiences and on communication.ResultsThe analysis shows that sexually active adolescents who consider gender equality as important report higher current use of contraceptives within the couple. They are more likely to describe their last sexual intercourse as a positive experience and consider it easier to talk with their partner about sexuality than sexually experienced adolescents who are less positively inclined toward gender equality. These correlations remained consistent whether the respondent was a boy or a girl. Non-sexually active adolescents, who consider gender equality to be important, are more likely to think that sexual intercourse is a positive experience. They consider it less necessary to have sexual intercourse to maintain a relationship and find it easier to communicate with their girlfriend or boyfriend than sexually non-active adolescents who consider gender equality to be less important. Comparable results were found for boys and girls.ConclusionsOur results suggest that gender equality attitudes have a positive impact on adolescents’ sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and wellbeing. Further research is necessary to better understand the relationship between gender attitudes and specific SRH outcomes such as unwanted teenage pregnancies and sexual pleasure among adolescents worldwide.

Let’s talk about sex: gender norms and sexual health in English schools

“…9 Another cross-sectional study of 5913 adolescents aged 14-18 years in 20 secondary schools in Bolivia and six secondary schools in Ecuador showed that sexually active adolescents who consider gender equality important report higher use of contraceptives, are more likely to describe their last sexual intercourse as a positive experience and consider it easier to talk with their partner about sexuality compared with sexually experienced adolescents who are less positively inclined towards gender equality. 3 These correlations were consistent for boys and girls. Non-sexually active adolescent boys and girls who consider gender equality to be important are also more likely to: (i) think that sexual intercourse is a positive experience; (ii) consider it less necessary to have sexual intercourse to maintain a relationship; and (iii) find it easier to communicate with their girlfriend/ boyfriend compared with sexually non-active adolescents who consider gender equality less important.…”

“…Non-sexually active adolescent boys and girls who consider gender equality to be important are also more likely to: (i) think that sexual intercourse is a positive experience; (ii) consider it less necessary to have sexual intercourse to maintain a relationship; and (iii) find it easier to communicate with their girlfriend/ boyfriend compared with sexually non-active adolescents who consider gender equality less important. 3 Furthermore, findings from 10 studies in Latin America, Asia and Africa found significant associations between support for inequitable gender norms and increased risk of partner violence and unprotected sex. 6,7 Qualitative research suggests that pervasive norms about how males and females are supposed to behave can affect sexual risk behaviours; for example, young women may be unwilling to carry condoms or request their use because of the implication that they are sexually promiscuous.…”

“…[3][4][5][6][7][8]19 The evidence reviewed above suggests such programs could achieve reductions of approximately one-third in outcomes such as sexual violence and unprotected sex. From the education perspective, initiatives addressing young people's sexual health and wellbeing, even if they are evidence-based, may simply be window dressing until broader education policy becomes less grimly 1950s in orientation and starts again to harness schools' potential in developing socially aware and healthy citizens.…”

“…[3][4][5][6][7][8] Gendered power imbalances in sexual relationships may constrain young women's ability to negotiate safe and pleasurable sex. A US cross-sectional study showed that women with high levels of power in their intimate relationships were five-fold as likely as women with low levels to report consistent condom use, after controlling for sociodemographic and psychosocial variables.…”

Multilevel Analysis on the Predictors of Safe Sexual Behavior among Girl Adolescents in Karanganyar, Central Java

“…Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa ada hubungan relasi gender dengan perilaku seksual aman pada remaja putri di Kabupaten Karanganyar. Hasil penelitian ini sejalan dengan penelitian Meyer et al, (2014) bahwa pasangan remaja yang menganggap bahwa kesetaraan gender merupakan hal penting dalam hubungan berpacaran mempunyai angka penggunaan kontrasepsi lebih tinggi. Kesetaraan gender dalam berpacaran mempunyai dampak yang posi-tif terhadap kesehatan reproduksi pada remaja.…”