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. 2022 May 28;19(1):127.
doi: 10.1186/s12978-022-01429-3.

Risky sexual behavior and associated factors among sexually-experienced adolescents in Bangkok, Thailand: findings from a school web-based survey

Bang-On Thepthien  1 , Celyn  2
Affiliations

Risky sexual behavior and associated factors among sexually-experienced adolescents in Bangkok, Thailand: findings from a school web-based survey

Bang-On Thepthien et al. Reprod Health. .

Abstract

Background: The risk of sexually transmitted infections (STI) arises when there is unsafe sexual activity. Unsafe sex often begins in the teenage years, and it will persist as long as there is the opportunity for risky sexual activity. The purpose of this study was to assess the sexual risk behaviors and related factors of sexually-active adolescents in educational institutions in Thailand.

Methods: This was cross-sectional survey using an Internet-based application in schools in Bangkok from November 2020 to February 2021 with a total of 6,167 high school and vocational students. The schools were selected by simple random sampling among institutions, and the students were systematically randomly selected, with an equal number of males and females. We used multivariable logistic regression to analyze associations and control confounding variables. Indicators of risky sex include: (1) Not using a condom; (2) Having more than one sex partner; (3) Having sex in exchange for cash or in-kind compensation; and (4) Having sex without consent.

Results: Of a total of 872 sexually-active participants, the mean age was 15.6 years, 66.9% were vocational students, 42.1% were male, 57.9% were female, and 69.5% had sex risk behavior. The multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the following statistically-significant factors related to risky sex: smokes cigarettes (AOR = 1.79; 95% CI 1.12-2.88); uses cannabis (AOR = 2.84; 95% CI 1.23-6.56); gambles (AOR = 1.81; 95% CI 1.28-2.55); has sex without contraception (AOR = 2.74; 95% CI 2.91-3.93); has a history of childhood sex abuse (AOR = 1.60; 95% CI 1.03-2.56).

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that, in designing and implementing sexual risk prevention programs for adolescents in educational settings, there is a need to highlight the role of substance abuse in relation to sexual risk behaviors. Programs should target both male and female students. Teenagers who use marijuana are more likely to be sexually active than those who have never used marijuana. These potential risks should be taken into account with respect to legalization of marijuana and recreational use of this drug.

Keywords: Adolescents; Risky sexual behavior; Sexually-experienced.

Plain language summary

Risky sexual behavior (RSB) is engaging in sexual practices that may increase vulnerability to a reproductive health problem. This study was conducted to assess the sexual risk behaviors of students living in Bangkok, which has the highest rates of STIs among regions in Thailand. Previous studies of RSB have focused on the general population age 18 years or older. By contrast, there is a dearth of studies on sex behavior among Thais under age 18 years. In addition, the present study aimed to explore the association of substance abuse and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) with adolescent RSB. In this study, 14.1% of all students in the participating schools had ever had sex before. Using the study criteria, two out of three students in the sample had experienced RSB. The findings from this study may help inform programs and interventions aimed at reducing the negative health impacts associated with RSB, specifically STIs. The findings of the study should be relevant for health program managers, socio-behavioral researchers, and other stakeholders who design reproductive health intervention strategies for in-school adolescents.

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Conflict of interest statement

There is no conflict of interest to be reported about this article.

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