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To know that we know what we know: perceived knowledge and adolescent sexual risk behavior
E M Rock1, M Ireland, M D Resnick
1Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, USA. emrock@umn.edu
Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology
|December 4, 2003
Summary
Adolescents with low perceived knowledge about sex were less likely to be sexually experienced. Among sexually active teens, low perceived knowledge correlated with higher odds of risky sexual behaviors, underscoring its importance in sexual health interventions.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Sexual Health Education
- Public Health Research
Background:
- Understanding the factors influencing adolescent sexual behaviors is crucial for developing effective public health strategies.
- Perceived knowledge, distinct from actual knowledge, may play a significant role in shaping adolescent decision-making regarding sexual activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between adolescents' perceived knowledge of sexual matters and their engagement in sexual behaviors.
- To identify specific sexual behaviors linked to varying levels of perceived sexual knowledge among adolescents.
Main Methods:
- Secondary analysis of the 2001 Minnesota Student Survey data.
- Involved a large sample of 83,481 9th and 12th grade public school students.
- Examined bivariate and multivariate relationships between perceived sexual knowledge and reported sexual experiences and behaviors.
Main Results:
- Adolescents reporting low perceived sexual knowledge were less likely to be sexually experienced (OR=0.22 for females, OR=0.70 for males).
- Among sexually active students, low perceived knowledge was associated with significantly higher odds of engaging in risky sexual behaviors.
- Specific risky behaviors linked to low perceived knowledge included not discussing STIs or pregnancy with partners, higher numbers of sexual partners, and inconsistent contraceptive/condom use.
Conclusions:
- Perceived knowledge emerges as a significant predictor of adolescent sexual risk behaviors.
- Healthcare providers and sexual health programs should integrate assessments of perceived knowledge into interventions for adolescents.
- Targeting perceived knowledge may be a key strategy to reduce adolescent sexual risk.
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