Gender Differences in Sexual Behaviors in Korean Adolescents

Sexual experiences among multicultural adolescents in Korea: evidence from the Korean Youth's Risk Behavior Survey

Several studies have examined adolescent sexual behaviors by family immigration status, but most of these failed to account for heterogeneity within youths' multicultural backgrounds. To fill this gap in the literature, this paper draws data from the 2011 to 2022 rounds of the Korean Youth's Risk Behavior Survey (N = 769,160) and compares the likelihood of sexual intercourse across four groups of adolescents. Results from logistic regression indicate that the odds of having sexual contact increased 2.8 times for youths with a non-Korean father and Korean mother, compared with those from families with two Korean parents. When both father and mother are foreign-born, the odds of being sexually active increased 4.7 times. In both cases, the discrepancies might be primarily associated with the foreign fathers' lack of socioeconomic resources. Therefore, the father's role deserves more examination, and sex education in schools should be tailored to reflect multicultural adolescents' needs.

Trends in Early Sexual Initiation and Its Association with Socio-Environmental Factors among Korean Adolescents

There has been no research on the trends in early sexual initiation associated with socio-environmental factors in Korea. This study aimed to examine the trends of early sexual initiation with various socio-environmental factors among adolescents. The Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey data were used, and two pooled datasets extracted from the 2006-2008 and 2014-2016 waves were conducted and compared. In this study, early sexual initiation was defined as sexual intercourse at the age of 13 years or younger. The weighted percentage and 95% confidence interval reporting early sexual initiation were estimated, and multiple logistic regression was performed for each subgroup of socio-environmental variables with the 2006-2008 pooled data as a reference. Regardless of sex, the weighted percentage of adolescents with sexual experience who reported early sexual initiation increased in 2014-2016 with statistical significance in most cases. Moreover, the possibility of experiencing early sexual intercourse overtime was more prominent among girls than boys. While indifference to adolescent sexual behavior continues, more adolescents become involved in early sexual initiation. Socio-environmental considerations, such as the establishment of safe environments for adolescents' sexual activity, along with systematized monitoring mechanisms, should be administered.

Factors related to healthy sexual and contraceptive behaviors in undergraduate students at university of Seville: a cross- sectional study

Background

Young people are a group of population with sexual risk-taking behaviors. Despite efforts to inform them it is common for them to adopt risk conducts during their stay at University. The aim of this research was to assess knowledge, attitudes and experiences on sexual health and contraceptives and factors related to risk behaviors in university students.

Methods

A cross- sectional analytical study was carried out from February to April 2014 among undergraduate students at University of Seville. A self-administered questionnaire was filled in by participants. Data analysis was performed using SPSS V22. Descriptive statistics were used to show data. A P-value of 5% (two-tailed) was considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 566 students responded to the questionnaire. 47.3% (267) were male and 52.6% (297) female. About sexual behavior: 93.3% of participants were sexually active last year. 58.3% had had sex under alcohol effect and 18% under drugs effect. About contraceptive behavior: 86.9% used a contraceptive method during their first sexual relation, the male condom being the most used (90.6%). Currently, the most used contraceptives are the male condom, and hormonal pills. The participants’ answers about their knowledge on contraceptives and STIs (sexual transmission infections) showed weaknesses. Participants who had received sexual and contraceptive education showed more knowledge (p < 0.001). We did not find differences about knowledge on contraceptives and STIs by age (p = 0.056). Level of knowledge is less in young people who use coitus interruptus or none as a contraceptive method (p < 0.001). We observed differences by frequency of sex since young people who had sex more frequently showed more knowledge about contraceptives and STI (p < 0.001). There are more women that had a partner than men (p = 0.003) and their attitudes and experiences on sex are healthier. Females showed more knowledge about management of hormonal contraceptives and medical controls (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Factors that contribute to having a healthier behavior on sexuality and contraception are age, gender and background in health issues, showing greater knowledge and less risky behavior. Programing reproductive health programs at university should be continued.