224818 Longitudinal predictability of sexual attitudes on subsequent behavior among unmarried youth in China

Monday, November 8, 2010

Bo Wang, PhD , Department of Community Health Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS
Xiaoming Li, PhD , Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Barry Mullins, MPH , Department of Community Health Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS
Charkarra Anderson-Lewis, PhD , Department of Community Health Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS
Qing Li, MD, DrPH , Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
Laura Downey, DrPH , Department of Community Health Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS
Leandro Mena, MD, MPH , Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
James McGuire, PhD , Department of Community Health Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS
Background: Previous research on adolescent sexual initiation has yielded inconsistent results on the relationship between sexual attitudes and behavior. Using data from a two-year longitudinal study, this study examines the extent to which sexual attitudes influence onset of sexual intercourse and contraceptive use among unmarried Chinese youth.

Methods: Longitudinal data were obtained at baseline and twenty months later from 796 baseline virgins aged 15 to 24 years, who served as "controls" in a comprehensive sex education intervention study in China. Multiple logistic regression was used to predict the onset of sexual intercourse and contraceptive use. Variables examined were age, sex, education, sexual attitudes, family structure, feeling towards family, parent's discipline, parent-youth communication about sex-related matters, family economic status, and dating status.

Results: Baseline attitude toward premarital sex was a strong predictor of follow-up sexual intercourse for males, but was not a predictor for females. Dating at baseline was the strongest predictor of follow-up sexual intercourse for both males and females. Female youth growing up in single-parent families and male youth whose parents did not use strict discipline were more likely to initiate their sexual intercourse. Age, out-of-school status, and parent-youth communication about sex-related matters were positively related to sexual initiation. In addition, baseline attitude toward premarital pregnancy was a strong predictor of follow-up contraceptive use.

Conclusion: Findings suggest the importance of addressing sexual attitudes of Chinese youth in interventions to delay early sexual initiation. Future research is required to understand the formation of attitudes toward premarital sex among unmarried youth.

Learning Areas:
Public health or related education
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
By the end of the session, participants will be able to: 1) Explain the relationship between sexual attitudes and sexual initiation and contraceptive use among unmarried youth (including high school students and out-of-school youth) in China. 2) Recognize and articulate the importance of addressing sexual attitudes of Chinese youth in sex education and HIV prevention interventions. 3) Understand gender differences in sexual initiation and contraceptive use among unmarried youth in China.

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Contraception

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present because this study is part of my PhD dissertation research.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3275.0: Sexuality