Predictors of premarital sexual activity among unmarried youth in Vientiane, Lao PDR: The role of parent–youth interactions and peer influence
- 7 August 2013
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd in Global Public Health
- Vol. 8 (8), 958-975
- https://doi.org/10.1080/17441692.2013.830755
Abstract
Research indicates that adolescents in low-income countries have an early sexual debut and engage in risky sexual behaviours. Few studies in low-income countries however, have explored the factors that influence young people's sexual behaviours. This study examined individual, family and peer-level factors associated with premarital sexual behaviours in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR). A cross-sectional survey was undertaken with unmarried youth aged 18 to 24 years (N = 1200) in Vientiane Capital City. Logistic regression models, controlling for confounding variables, were employed to test for the contribution of factors influencing premarital sexual activity. Most respondents held positive attitudes towards premarital sex, with males having more liberal attitudes than females (mean score of 2.68 vs. 2.32, p < 0.001). Prevalence of premarital sexual activity was higher among males than females (44.7% and 19.2%, respectively). Predictors of premarital sex for males were age, sexual attitudes, perceived parental expectations regarding sex, dating and peer influence. For females, predictors were father's level of education, parent-youth sexual communication, peer influence and liberal sexual attitudes. The results highlight the role of parent-youth interaction and peer influence. The results suggest the need for a range of strategies at the individual, peer and family level, as well as a gender-specific focus.This publication has 25 references indexed in Scilit:
- Concurrent multiple health risk behaviors among adolescents in Luangnamtha province, Lao PDRBMC Public Health, 2011
- Why Can't We Just Talk About It?Journal of Adolescent Research, 2008
- Parenting Practices and Adolescent Sexual Behavior: A Longitudinal StudyJournal of Marriage and Family, 2008
- Parent–adolescent sex communication in ChinaThe European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care, 2007
- Sex education: The case for primary prevention and peer educationCurrent Paediatrics, 2006
- Understanding male sexual behaviour in planning HIV prevention programmes: lessons from Laos, a low prevalence countrySexually Transmitted Infections, 2006
- Social-Cognitive Predictors of Consistent Condom Use Among Young People in MoscowPerspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 2005
- Pupil-led sex education in England (RIPPLE study): cluster-randomised intervention trialThe Lancet, 2004
- The HIV/AIDS/STI Situation in Lao People's Democratic RepublicAIDS Education and Prevention, 2004
- Parenting Processes Related to Sexual Risk-Taking Behaviors of Adolescent Males and FemalesJournal of Marriage and Family, 1999