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Risk-taking sexual behaviour and self-reported depression in middle adolescence--a school-based survey.
E Kosunen1, R Kaltiala-Heino, M Rimpelä
1Medical School, Department of General Practice, University of Tampere, Finland. meelko@uta.fi
Child: Care, Health and Development
|August 9, 2003
Summary
Early sexual activity, particularly multiple partners and inconsistent contraception use, is linked to increased depression risk in adolescents. Depressed adolescents require focused sexual health support.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Psychosexual Health
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Early sexual activity is linked to various negative outcomes, but its connection to psychosexual health, specifically depression, is under-researched.
- Previous studies focused on pregnancies, substance use, and antisocial behavior, leaving a gap in understanding adolescent depression and sexual health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between early sexual activity and self-reported depression in adolescents.
- To explore how factors like number of sexual partners and contraceptive use relate to depression symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A large-scale school survey conducted in Finland (1999-2000) involving 11,793 girls and 10,443 boys (mean age 15.5).
- Self-reported depression was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (score ≥ 8).
- Logistic regression models were employed to analyze associations between sexual behavior variables and depression.
Main Results:
- Higher numbers of sexual partners and non-use of contraception correlated with increased depression in both genders.
- Boys with at least five partners had a 2.5 times higher risk of depression; girls had a 2.7 times higher risk.
- Adolescents not using contraception had double the risk of depression compared to users; however, girls with extensive sexual experience showed a lower depression risk.
Conclusions:
- Multiple sexual partners and lack of contraception may indicate underlying depressive disorders in adolescents.
- Healthcare providers should screen sexually active adolescents for depression.
- The sexual health needs of depressed adolescents require specific attention and integrated care.
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