The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #43365

Trisha W. Ready and H. Virginia McCoy, PhD. College of Health, Department of Public Health, Florida International University, 3000 NE 151st Street AC1-394, Miami, FL 33181, 305-919-5877, tread002@fiu.edu

Objectives. The increase in the incidence of syphilis among young adults in Miami-Dade County, led to the examination of the possible role of age of first coitus in generating risky sexual behavior. Methods. Data from a survey conducted by Florida International University in collaboration with the Miami-Dade County Health Department in October 2001 was used to establish whether an association exists between age of first coitus and (1)multiple sexual partners and (2)inconsistent condom use. Results. Analysis failed to establish a relationship between gender and age of first coitus. Respondents whose age of first coitus was 15 or under were more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior than those whose age of first coitus was 16 or older: multiple sexual partners in last 30 days 27.5% vs 13.6%, inconsistent lifetime condom use 73.9% vs 59.3%, inconsistent condom use in last 30 days 70.4% vs 62.9%. Multiple sexual partners in last 30 days was positively associated (p=0.033) with an earlier age of first coitus. An association (p=0.009) between gender and multiple sexual partners in last 30 days was established, with men having a significantly higher number of sexual partners than women. Conclusions. The tendency of adolescents to engage in short-term relationships and have multiple sequential sexual partners seems to be reflected in their sexual behavior in adulthood, the earlier their age of first coitus. Regardless of age of first coitus, men appear to engage in more high-risk sexual behaviors than women by having more sexual partners.

Learning Objectives:

• 3. Identify differences in sexual behavior by gender.
  7. Recognize the implications of an earlier age of first coitus in future sexual behaviors.
  11. Discuss possible measures to delay the initiation of first coitus.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.