Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Sexual development is a natural part of adolescence and can be influenced by various factors. This study involved 3,296 Polish adolescents aged 15–17 who participated in the international Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) survey in 2018. The main dependent variable was the declared age of sexual initiation. The study examined the determinants of this age by investigating the relationship with gender and 15 factors related to lifestyle and functioning within the family, school, and social environment. The Cox proportional hazard model (aligned with censored data) revealed that frequent use of psychoactive substances is the main predictor of the age of sexual initiation (HR=5.20; 95% CI: 3.66-7.38), with even moderate use having an impact (HR=2.81; 95% CI: 2.04-3.86). Gender was not found to significantly influence the age of initiation, but the determinants did vary by gender. For boys, high physical activity and intensive socializing with peers are important factors. For girls, a positive self-assessment of appearance is more strongly associated with earlier initiation, while good academic performance and family support have a delaying effect. Effective intervention programs should consider these diverse determinants since they profoundly shape adolescents’ decisions about sexual activity and their ensuing psychological experiences.
Source: Sexes
DOI: 10.3390/sexes6010005
Institutions: University of Zielona Góra, University of Warsaw
Language: English
Subfield: General Health Professions
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,207
OpenAlex ID: W4406245653