Artemis Tsitsika1, Elisabeth Andrie2, Efthymios Deligeoroglou3, Chara Tzavara2, Irene Sakou2, Donald Greydanus4, Vassiliki Papaevangelou5, Mariza Tsolia5, George Creatsas3, Chryssa Bakoula5. 1. Adolescent Health Unit, "P. & A. Kyriakou" Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece. Electronic address: info@youth-health.gr. 2. Adolescent Health Unit, "P. & A. Kyriakou" Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece. 3. Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aretaieion University Hospital, University of Athens, Athens, Greece. 4. Department of Pediatrics School of Medicine, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI. 5. Second Department of Pediatrics, "P. & A. Kyriakou" Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine, Athens, Greece.
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess initiation of sexual activity and contraception methods used among Greek adolescents. To determine the association of adolescents' emotional and behavioral status with their sexual activity. DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted. SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: The population (N = 1074, age 14-16) consisted of a random sample, stratified according to locality and population density, of 20 public junior high and high schools located in the urban district of Athens, Greece. INTERVENTIONS: Anonymous self-reported questionnaires were used to assess sexual activity choices and contraception methods. The Youth Self-Report questionnaire was used to evaluate the psychosocial competencies and difficulties of Greek adolescents. MEASURES: Analyses included frequencies with chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis. MAIN OUTCOME: Factors that may influence sexual engagement of Greek adolescents were assessed. RESULTS: Of the adolescents who completed the questionnaire 21.8% reported having experienced sexual intercourse. The male/female ratio was 3/1 (P < .001) and the mean age of sexual debut was 14.5 ± 0.9 years. Condoms were the most preferred contraceptive method (79.9%), followed by withdrawal (38.9%). Emergency contraception was used by 9.6% of participants. Adolescents with separated, divorced or with a deceased parent, and non-Greek nationality have higher possibility of being sexually active. Adolescents who reported sexual intercourse had significantly higher score of thought problems (β = 1.07, SE = 0.35, P = .002), attention difficulties (β = 0.67, SE = 0.29, P = .022), delinquent behavior problems (β = 2.37, SE = 0.34, P < .001), aggressive behavior (β = 1.97, SE = 0.48, P < .001), and externalizing problems (β = 4.18, SE = 0.78, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Engagement in sexual activities was significantly associated with psychosocial difficulties among adolescents living in Greece.
STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess initiation of sexual activity and contraception methods used among Greek adolescents. To determine the association of adolescents' emotional and behavioral status with their sexual activity. DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted. SETTING, PARTICIPANTS: The population (N = 1074, age 14-16) consisted of a random sample, stratified according to locality and population density, of 20 public junior high and high schools located in the urban district of Athens, Greece. INTERVENTIONS: Anonymous self-reported questionnaires were used to assess sexual activity choices and contraception methods. The Youth Self-Report questionnaire was used to evaluate the psychosocial competencies and difficulties of Greek adolescents. MEASURES: Analyses included frequencies with chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis. MAIN OUTCOME: Factors that may influence sexual engagement of Greek adolescents were assessed. RESULTS: Of the adolescents who completed the questionnaire 21.8% reported having experienced sexual intercourse. The male/female ratio was 3/1 (P < .001) and the mean age of sexual debut was 14.5 ± 0.9 years. Condoms were the most preferred contraceptive method (79.9%), followed by withdrawal (38.9%). Emergency contraception was used by 9.6% of participants. Adolescents with separated, divorced or with a deceased parent, and non-Greek nationality have higher possibility of being sexually active. Adolescents who reported sexual intercourse had significantly higher score of thought problems (β = 1.07, SE = 0.35, P = .002), attention difficulties (β = 0.67, SE = 0.29, P = .022), delinquent behavior problems (β = 2.37, SE = 0.34, P < .001), aggressive behavior (β = 1.97, SE = 0.48, P < .001), and externalizing problems (β = 4.18, SE = 0.78, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Engagement in sexual activities was significantly associated with psychosocial difficulties among adolescents living in Greece.