Risky sexual behavior and associated factors among sexually-experienced adolescents in Bangkok, Thailand: findings from a school web-based survey

Abstract

Background The risk of sexually transmitted infections (STI) arises when there is unsafe sexual activity. Unsafe sex often begins in the teenage years, and it will persist as long as there is the opportunity for risky sexual activity. The purpose of this study was to assess the sexual risk behaviors and related factors of sexually-active adolescents in educational institutions in Thailand. Methods This was cross-sectional survey using an Internet-based application in schools in Bangkok from November 2020 to February 2021 with a total of 6,167 high school and vocational students. The schools were selected by simple random sampling among institutions, and the students were systematically randomly selected, with an equal number of males and females. We used multivariable logistic regression to analyze associations and control confounding variables. Indicators of risky sex include: (1) Not using a condom; (2) Having more than one sex partner; (3) Having sex in exchange for cash or in-kind compensation; and (4) Having sex without consent. Results Of a total of 872 sexually-active participants, the mean age was 15.6 years, 66.9% were vocational students, 42.1% were male, 57.9% were female, and 69.5% had sex risk behavior. The multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the following statistically-significant factors related to risky sex: smokes cigarettes (AOR = 1.79; 95% CI 1.12–2.88); uses cannabis (AOR = 2.84; 95% CI 1.23–6.56); gambles (AOR = 1.81; 95% CI 1.28–2.55); has sex without contraception (AOR = 2.74; 95% CI 2.91–3.93); has a history of childhood sex abuse (AOR = 1.60; 95% CI 1.03–2.56). Conclusions Our findings suggest that, in designing and implementing sexual risk prevention programs for adolescents in educational settings, there is a need to highlight the role of substance abuse in relation to sexual risk behaviors. Programs should target both male and female students. Teenagers who use marijuana are more likely to be sexually active than those who have never used marijuana. These potential risks should be taken into account with respect to legalization of marijuana and recreational use of this drug.

A Scoping Review of Knowledge, Awareness, Perceptions, Attitudes, and Risky Behaviors of Sexually Transmitted Infections in Southeast Asia

“…For risky sexual behaviors, the two most prominent behaviors include having unsafe sex ( n = 15) and having multiple sexual partners ( n = 12), both of which were mainly reported by studies targeting vulnerable/high-risk cohorts, including (Y)MSM and transgender people [ 26 , 53 , 54 , 59 ], female sex workers (FSW) and their clients [ 50 , 55 , 56 ], adolescents [ 13 , 40 , 51 , 52 ], and HIV-positive individuals [ 57 , 58 ]. For instance, a study involving 506 HIV individuals in Vietnam found that 83.2% of participants engage in sex without using a condom, and 27.9% had multiple sex partners.…”

“…Interestingly, having unprotected sex and/or multiple sex partners were reported to be more common among male adolescents [ 40 , 52 ] and university students [ 8 ]. Such a tendency was particularly noted among boys with low parental control/monitoring [ 40 ] and male students who live away from their parents [ 8 ], thus suggesting that these individuals choose to engage in sexual risky behaviors due to a sense of freedom.…”

Personality Construct Among Patients With Substance Use Disorder: An Explanatory Study In Pakistan

“…There are various ways in which family can play a role in developing drug abuse. For instance, the absence of a friendly and amiable home environment would raise the chances of troublesome and unhealthy behavior in children [22], [23].…”

Consistent Condom Use and Associated Factors among sexually active Military Personnel in Eastern Ethiopia: Cross-Sectional Study Design

“…8 Risky sexual behaviors such as unprotected sex, multiple partnerships, no or inconsistent condom use, and drug abuse are extremely detrimental to adolescents' health, putting them at high risk for HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 10,11 In terms of behavioral variables, many men have sex while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. These substances are sometimes consumed before sexual intercourse, and in other cases, they are consumed during sexual activity.…”

“… 8 Risky sexual behaviors such as unprotected sex, multiple partnerships, no or inconsistent condom use, and drug abuse are extremely detrimental to adolescents’ health, putting them at high risk for HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 10 , 11 …”