Gender differences in sexual risk behaviours and sexually transmissible infections among adolescents in mental health treatment

Abstract

Background Adolescents with a history of psychiatric disorder(s) are particularly vulnerable to contracting sexually transmissible infections (STIs) as a result of psychological and emotional states associated with higher rates of risky sexual behaviour. The present study examined gender differences in sexual risk behaviours and STI among adolescents in mental health treatment. Methods Three hundred and seventy nine sexually active adolescents, aged 13–18 years, from a larger multisite study, who received mental health treatment during the past year, completed an audio computer-assisted self interview assessing sociodemographics, psychiatric symptomatology and HIV/STI risk behaviours, and provided urine specimens tested for STI. Results After controlling for covariates, multivariate logistic regression models indicated that female adolescents were more likely to have had an HIV test (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.2, P = 0.0001), obtain their HIV test results (AOR = 2.9, P = 0.03), refuse sex out of fear for STI acquisition (AOR = 1.7, P = 0.04), or avoid a situation that might lead to sex (AOR = 2.4, P = 0.001), and were less likely to have a casual sex partner (AOR = 0.40, P = 0.002). Additionally, females were more likely to report inconsistent condom use (AOR = 2.60, P = 0.001) and have a STI (AOR = 9.1, P = 0.0001) than their male counterparts. Conclusions Female adolescents receiving mental health treatment were more than nine times as likely to have an STI and more likely to use condoms inconsistently. The standard of care for mental health practice for adolescents should include referrals for STI screening and treatment as well as assessment and discussion of risky sexual behaviours as part of the treatment plan when indicated. Effective programs should address gender-specific communication and behavioural skills.

Does parenting style moderate the relationship between parent-youth sexual risk communication and premarital sexual debut among in-school youth in Eswatini?

“…Contrary to propositions of the contextual model of parenting style, we found no statistically significant moderating effects of parenting style, nor did we find statistically significant associations of PYSRC or parenting style with premarital sexual debut. In the bivariate analysis, the finding that a higher proportion of males had engaged in premarital sex than females is consistent with the literature [ 8 , 58 ]. Similarly, there was a high proportion of participants who had engaged in premarital sex among those whose peers had already engaged in premarital sexual activity (peer pressure), similar to other studies [ 6 , 7 ] and earlier findings from Eswatini [ 16 ].…”

Risky sexual behaviours: The role of substance use, psychopathic traits, and attachment insecurity among adolescents and young adults in Quebec

“…Whereas one should be cautious not to over-interpret results that support the null hypothesis, the absence of gender effects does not support the main predictions from evolutionary or social learning models that, for biological or cultural reasons, young females should be more guarded against early sexual behaviours and multiple partners either because they are more protective of their future parental investments or because they are differentially rewarded for protecting their sexual security and reputation (Poppen, 1995). Whether this represents a cross-national difference between American and French-Canadian teens, with whom the present study was conducted, a contemporary trend toward homogenization of sexual practices (Poppen, 1995) or a finding specific to a sub-group of adolescents with mental health problems (Seth et al, 2012) will have to be determined in future studies.…”

Factors associated with prior engagement in high-risk sexual behaviours among adolescents (10–19 years) in a pastoralist post-conflict community, Karamoja sub-region, North eastern Uganda

“…In Vietnam and Kenya, for instance, studies show that male adolescents were more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviours than their female counterparts [Vietnam (52% for men, 4% for women) and Kenya (98% for young men, 56% for young women)] [51]. Yet, in a multisite study among adolescents receiving mental health treatment, women were found to be 2.6 times more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviours (inconsistent condom use) than their male counterparts [52].…”