BACKGROUND: Strong indicators support a causal relationship between sexual assaults and impaired emotional health. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of unwanted sexual experiences among adolescents and potential associations between such experiences and other health problems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study is based on a survey among senior high school students in Førde in 2001. Linear regression analyses were used to examine the association between negative sexual experiences and emotional and somatic impairment. RESULTS: 837 students participated, representing 93 % of the student mass. 7.5 % of the girls and 1.4 % of the boys had experienced a sexual assault. Students with such experiences reported earlier sexual debut and more alcohol intoxication in association with their sexual debut than students without negative experiences. They also had more depression, anxiety and somatic complaints than students without a sexual debut (beta values 0.15-0.18, p < 0.001 in the multivariable analyses). The associations were partly mediated by reduced parental support and lack of self-confidence. INTERPRETATION: Health impairment is associated with earlier unwanted sexual experiences. The study indicates that such experiences may be prevented by consumption of less alcohol in association with the sexual debut, sexual debut at a higher age, and that the health consequences can be alleviated by parental support and the promotion of self-confidence.
BACKGROUND: Strong indicators support a causal relationship between sexual assaults and impaired emotional health. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of unwanted sexual experiences among adolescents and potential associations between such experiences and other health problems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study is based on a survey among senior high school students in Førde in 2001. Linear regression analyses were used to examine the association between negative sexual experiences and emotional and somatic impairment. RESULTS: 837 students participated, representing 93 % of the student mass. 7.5 % of the girls and 1.4 % of the boys had experienced a sexual assault. Students with such experiences reported earlier sexual debut and more alcohol intoxication in association with their sexual debut than students without negative experiences. They also had more depression, anxiety and somatic complaints than students without a sexual debut (beta values 0.15-0.18, p < 0.001 in the multivariable analyses). The associations were partly mediated by reduced parental support and lack of self-confidence. INTERPRETATION: Health impairment is associated with earlier unwanted sexual experiences. The study indicates that such experiences may be prevented by consumption of less alcohol in association with the sexual debut, sexual debut at a higher age, and that the health consequences can be alleviated by parental support and the promotion of self-confidence.