Factors associated with the onset of sexual activity among Greek high school students

Abstract

Objectives To record variables of the sexual behaviour of high school students in Northern Greece and to investigate factors associated with the onset of sexual activity.

Methods A questionnaire (Centers of Disease Control /Prevention) adapted to national characteristics, was distributed to students from a representative sample of 11 high schools (7 public, 2 private, 2 vocational). A total of 523 students (1st, 2nd, 3rd grade) completed the questionnaire. Frequencies of certain sexual behaviours were estimated and multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate correlates of the onset of sexual activity.

Results Onset of sexual activity was reported by 48% of adolescents, half of whom stated this had occurred by the age of 15. At last sexual intercourse 76% had used a condom and 21% no contraception at all. Initiation of sexual activity was influenced by gender, age, type of school and smoking. Boys, students attending vocational high schools and smokers were significantly more likely to have been sexually active.

Conclusions Sexually-related behaviours among Greek high school students are quite frequent; they should be regularly registered. Sexual education programmes specifically designed for youths must be implemented.

KEYWORDS:

• Sexual behaviours
• Onset of sexual activity
• Students
• High schools
• Greece
• Adolescents

Acknowledgements

The study was conducted in the framework of the first author's master degree dissertation (Postgraduate Degree Methodology of Medical Research, Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki). The survey was supported by the Research Committee of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (Project: Postgraduate course ‘Adolescent medicine’, code project 83023, Principal Investigator: Ass. Prof. Assimina Galli-Tsinopoulou).

We are grateful to Dr Bettina Haidich for her contribution to the statistical analysis of the data. We also thank all students, parents and school teachers who participated in the study.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and the writing of the paper.