Correlates of very early sexual intercourse among adolescents in a Southeastern European country
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Over half of adolescents who have had sex in Albania began before age 14. Very early sexual intercourse is linked to family affluence and physical abuse, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Area Of Science
- Adolescent Health
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background
- Early sexual intercourse presents significant risks for adolescents, including unintended pregnancies and adverse health outcomes.
- Adolescent health is a critical public health concern, particularly in regions undergoing societal changes.
Purpose Of The Study
- To determine the prevalence of very early sexual intercourse (≤14 years) among adolescents in Albania.
- To identify correlates of very early sexual intercourse in a Southeastern European country.
Main Methods
- A cross-sectional study was conducted in Albania in 2022 with 1877 schoolchildren aged 15 years.
- Data included age of sexual debut, behavioral factors, health, child maltreatment, and sociodemographics.
- Logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations with very early sexual intercourse.
Main Results
- Approximately 53% of sexually active adolescents (17% of total sample) initiated sexual intercourse at or before age 14.
- Very early sexual intercourse was associated with male gender, family affluence, smoking, and history of physical or sexual abuse.
- Multivariable analysis identified family affluence (OR=1.8) and physical abuse (OR=2.1) as significant independent correlates.
Conclusions
- A substantial proportion of adolescents in Albania engage in very early sexual intercourse, a concerning public health issue.
- Interventions should focus on addressing child maltreatment and promoting supportive family environments.
- Comprehensive sexual education tailored to adolescent developmental stages is crucial.
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