Factors related to the initiation of early sexual practices in adolescence: an integrative review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v10i14.22505

Keywords:

Adolescent; Sexuality; Sexual behavior; Sexual intercourse; Health promotion.

Abstract

Objective: to identify scientific evidence about factors related to the beginning of early sexual practices in adolescence. Method: Integrative review of articles published in Portuguese, English or Spanish, in the LILACS, BDENF, MedLine, CINAHL and Web of Science databases. The descriptors Adolescent, Sexuality, Sexual Behavior, Sexual Intercourse and Coitus were used, with thirty-eight articles selected for analysis. Results: in the selected studies, thirty-seven were quantitative and one qualitative. The results gave rise to three classes: Family and peer ties; Vulnerable situations and health-promoting actions. The classes showed that the factors related to the initiation of early sexual practices in adolescence are related to different scenarios, capable of influencing in a positive or negative way the adolescents' decisions about the beginning of their sexual life. Conclusion: The study allowed a critical reflection on the factors that contribute to determine the initiation of early sexual practices in adolescence, as well as to learn protective strategies, which contribute to postpone the beginning of sexual practices.

Author Biographies

Wallacy Jhon Silva Araújo, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco

Nurse graduated from the University Center Maurício de Nassau/AL. Master in Nursing and Health Education by the Postgraduate Program Stricto Sensu (Academic Masters) at the Federal University of Pernambuco - UFPE. He is currently an assistant nurse in the pediatric emergency department at the Hospital da Restauração Gov. Paulo Guerra and in the pediatric ward of the Instituto de Medicina Integral Professor Fernando Figueira - IMIP; professor of the postgraduate course in urgency and emergency at Faculdade Alpha. Physiotherapist graduated from Faculdade Estácio de Alagoas. Postgraduate degree in Physiotherapy in Intensive Care and Ventilatory Support at Castelo Branco University. Postgraduate in Neurofunctional Rehabilitation with Emphasis in Pediatrics. He has experience in the field of Physiotherapy with an emphasis on adult and pediatric neurological, respiratory and ICU physiotherapy.

 

Mariana Isabel Alexandre Moura, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco

Undergraduate in Nursing. Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil.

Gabriela Rodrigues Bragagnollo, Universidade de São Paulo

Nurse. Master in Health Sciences and Doctoral Student by the Department of Public Health, University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.

Rosangela Andrade Aukar de Camargo, Universidade de São Paulo

Nurse, graduated from the University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing (1981), Graduated in Nursing and Graduated in Pedagogy by the Barão de Mauá Faculty of Philosophy, Science and Letters (1987/1991), Master and Doctor in Psychiatric Nursing by EERP /USP (2002/2006). Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Alberta, Canada (2018). Professor in Full Dedication to Teaching and Research at the Department of Maternal and Child Nursing and Public Health (DEMISP) at EERP/USP. Coordinates research projects in the area of ​​Education, Educational Technologies, Permanent Health Education and Teacher Training. Member of the Graduation Committee; the Coordinating Committee of the Bachelor's Degree Course; of the Permanent Education and Humanization Nucleus (NEPH) of the Regional Health Department - DRS XIII of Ribeirão Preto. Participates in the Education in Health/Nursing Research Group at EEERP/USP; of the Teaching Improvement Program (PAE). It is affiliated with the Brazilian Nursing Association and the Sigma Theta Tau Society - Rho Upsilon Chapter. He has experience in the area of ​​Continuing Education in Health and Professional Education in Nursing, working mainly on the following topics: education, educational technologies, teacher training and the teaching and learning process.

Estela Maria Leite Meirelles Monteiro, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco

Graduated in Nursing from the Federal University of Pernambuco (1985), Master's in Nursing from the Federal University of Paraíba (2001) and Ph.D. in Nursing from the Federal University of Ceará (2007). Adjunct Professor of the Nursing Department at the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE). Member of the Graduate Program in Nursing (PPGENFERMAGEM) and the Graduate Program in Child and Adolescent Health, both from the Health Sciences Center of the Federal University of Pernambuco. Second Leader of the Study and Research Group Assisting/Caring in Nursing CNPq/UFPE. Has experience in Public Health Nursing. Acting mainly on the following themes: Health Education, Health Promotion, Public Health Policy, Health Technology; Child and Adolescent Health, leprosy and violence.

References

Almeida, P. F., Fausto, M. C. R., & Giovanella, L. (2011). Fortalecimento da atenção primária à saúde: estratégia para potencializar a coordenação dos cuidados. Rev Panam Salud Publica. 29(2), 84–95.

Alves, J. S. A., et al. (2021). Socioeconomic characteristics influence attitudes towards sexuality in adolescents. J Hum Growth Dev. 31(1), 101-115.

Aromataris, E., & Munn, Z. (2017). Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewer's Manual. The Joanna Briggs Institute.

Asubiaro, O. Y., & Fatusi, A. O. (2014). Differential effects of religiosity on sexual initiation among Nigerian in-school adolescents. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, 26(1), 93–100.

Avelar e Silva., R. N., et al. (2016). Early Sexual Intercourse: Prospective Associations with Adolescents Physical Activity and Screen Time. PLoS One, 11(8), e0158648.

Avelar e Silva, R. N., et al. (2016). Mother– and Father–Adolescent Relationships and Early Sexual Intercourse. Pediatrics. 138(6), :1-9.

Ayhan, G., et al. (2015). Prevalence and risk factors of early onset of sexual intercourse in a random sample of a multiethnic adolescent population in French Guiana. AIDS Care, 27(8), 1025-1030.

Bámaca-Colbert, M. Y., Greene, K. M., Killoren, S. E., & Noah, A. J. (2014). Contextual and Developmental Predictors of Sexual Initiation Timing among Mexican-origin Girls. Developmental Psychology, 50(10), 2353-2359.

Barth, B., Wagner, A., & Levandowski, D. C. (2017). Chronological description of south Brazilian adolescents romantic behaviors. Psicologia: Teoria e Prática, 19(3), 302-315.

Biney, A. A. E., & Dodoo, F. N. A. (2016). What are the characteristics of ‘sexually ready’ adolescents? Exploring the sexual readiness of youth in urban poor Accra. BMC Public Health, 16(9), 1-11.

Burke, L., Gabhainn, S. N., & Kelly, C. (2018). Socio-Demographic, Health and Lifestyle Factors Influencing Age of Sexual Initiation among Adolescents. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 15(9), 1-15.

Cabral, P., et al. (2017). Generational status and social factors predicting initiation of partnered sexual activity among latino/a youth. Health Psychol. 36(2), 169-78.

Campos, H. M., et al. (2017). Direitos humanos, cidadania sexual e promoção de saúde: diálogos de saberes entre pesquisadores e adolescentes. Saúde Debate. 41(113), 658-669.

Chaves, A. C. P., et al. (2014). Conhecimentos e atitudes de adolescentes de uma escola pública sobre a transmissão sexual do HIV. Rev. bras. enferm. 67(1), 48-53.

Cheney, M. K., et al. (2015). Prospective Association Between Negative Life Events and Initiation of Sexual Intercourse: The Influence of Family Structure and Family Income. American Public Health Association, 105(3), 598–604.

Costa, A. C. Q., et al. (2017). Álcool e comportamento sexual entre estudantes do ensino médio no Brasil. Adolesc. Saude. 14(3), 24-29.

Critical Appraisal Skills Programme [Internet] (2013). Oxford: CASP. https://casp-uk.net/casp-tools-checklists/

Dallo, L., & Martins, R. A. (2018). Association between the risk of alcohol use and unprotected sex in adolescents in a city in the southern region of Brazil. Ciênc. saúde coletiva. 23(1), 303-314.

Decat, P., et al. (2015). Sexual onset and contraceptive use among adolescents from poor neighbourhoods in Managua, Nicaragua. The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care, 20(2), 88-100.

Dinay-Koci, V., et al. (2015). Adolescent Sexual Health Education: Parents Benefit Too. Health Educ Behav. 42(5),648-653.

Doran, K. A., & Waldron, M. (2017). Timing of First Alcohol Use and First Sex in Male and Female Adolescents. J Adolesc Health. 61(5), 606-11.

Dufur, M. J., Hoffmann, J. P., & Erickson, L. D. (2018). Single Parenthood and Adolescent Sexual Outcomes. Journal of Child and Family Studies. 27, 802–15.

Espinosa-Hernández, G., Bissel-Havran, J., & Nunn, A. (2015). The Role of Religiousness and Gender in Sexuality Among Mexican Adolescents. The Journal of Sex Research, 52(8), 887-897.

Faria, C. S., & Martins, C. B. G. (2016). Violence among adolescent students: conditions of vulnerability. Enfermería global, 15(42), 185-198.

Farre, A. G. M. C., et al. (2018). Adolescent health promotion based on community-centered arts education. Rev. Bras. Enferm. 71(1), 26-33.

Federação Brasileira das Associações de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia – FEBRASGO. Sexualidade na adolescente – Série orientações e recomendações. São Paulo: Connexamm; 2017.

Furlanetto, M. F., et al. (2018). Sexual education in brazilian education: systematic revision of the literature. Cad. Pesqui. 48(168), 550-571.

Gambadauro, P., et al. (2018). Correlates of sexual initiation among European adolescents. PLoS One. 13(2), 1-16.

Genz, N., Meincke, S. M. K., Carret, M. L. V., Corrêa, A. C. L., & Alves, C. N. (2017). Sexually transmitted diseases: knowledge and sexual behavior of adolescents. Texto & Contexto Enfermagem, 26(2), e5100015.

Gonçalves, H., et al. (2015). Sexual initiation among adolescents (10 to 14 years old) and health behaviors. Revista brasileira de epidemiologia, 18(1), 1-18.

González, A. E., Molina, G. T., & Luttges, D. C. (2015). Características de la educación sexual escolar recibida y su asociación con la edad de inicio sexual y uso de anticonceptivos en adolescentes chilenas sexualmente activas. Revista chilena de obstetricia y ginecologia, 80(1), 24-32.

Heron, J., et al. (2015). Social Factors Associated with Readiness for Sexual Activity in Adolescents: A Population-Based Cohort Study. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 44(3), 669-678.

Heywood, W., et al. (2016). Mitchell A. "Dude, I'm Seventeen… It's Okay Not to Have Sex by This Age": Feelings, Reasons, Pressures, and Intentions Reported by Adolescents Who Have Not Had Sexual Intercourse. The Journal of Sex Research, 53(9), 1207-1214.

Homma, Y., Wong, S. T., Zumbo, B. D., & Saewyc, E. M. (2015). Ethnic Identity and Sexual Initiation Among East Asian Youth in Canada. Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health, 17(5), 1580-1584.

Jeremic, V., Matejic, B., Soldatovic, I., & Radenovic, S. (2014). Early sexual initiation and risk factors in Serbian adolescents: data from the National Health Survey. The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care, 19(3), 211–219.

Johnson-Baker, K. A., et al (2016). Rap Music Use, Perceived Peer Behavior, and Sexual Initiation Among Ethnic Minority Youth. Journal of Adolescent Health, 58(3), 317-322.

Jovic, B. S., et al. (2014). Associations Between Life Contexts and Early Sexual Initiation Among Young Women in France. Perspect Sex Reprod Health, 46(1), 31-39.

Kastbom, A. A., et al. (2015). Sexual debut before the age of 14 leads to poorer psychosocial health and risky behaviour in later life. Acta Paediatrica, 104(1), 91-100.

Lara, L. A. S., & Abdo, C. H. N. (2016). Age at initial sexual intercourse and health of adolescent girls. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 29(5), 417-423.

Leci Kauffman, L., & Luz, F. A. (2020). Sexualidade na sala de aula: visão de alunos do ensino fundamental no município de dom Pedrito -RS. Revista Diversidade e Educação. 8(1), 238-258.

Lino, C. R. M., et al. (2017). Adaptação transcultural de instrumentos de pesquisa conduzida pela enfermagem do brasil: Uma revisão integrativa. Texto & Contexto - Enfermagem [online]. 26(4), e1730017.

Looze, M., et al. (2015). Parent–Adolescent Sexual Communication and Its Association With Adolescent Sexual Behaviors: A Nationally Representative Analysis in the Netherlands. The Journal of Sex Research, 52(3), 257-268.

Lowry, R., Robin, L., & Kann, L. (2017). Effect of Forced Sexual Intercourse on Associations Between Early Sexual Debut and Other Health Risk Behaviors Among US High School Students*. J Sch Health. 87(6), 435-47.

Malta, D. C., et al. (2014). Exposure to alcohol among adolescent students and associated factors. Rev. Saúde Pública. 48(1), 52-62.

Marçal, V., & Miranda, J. C. (2021). Desenvolvimento do jogo didático “Perfil - Educação Sexual” como ferramenta integrada ao ensino na educação básica. Arquivos do Mudi. 25(2), 27-48.

Markham, C. M., et al. (2015). Factors Associated With Early Sexual Experience Among American Indian and Alaska Native Youth. Journal of Adolescent Health, 57(3), 334-341.

Melnyk, B. M., Fineout-Overholi, E. (2011). Evidence –based practice in nursing & healthcare: guide to best practice. (2ª ed.) New York: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Moraes, S. P., Brêtas, J. R. S., & Vitalle, M. S. S. (2018). School Education, Sexuality and Adolescence: a Systematic Review. J Health Sci. 20(3), 221-230.

Nery, I. S., et al. (2015). Approach to sexuality in the dialogue between parents and adolescents. Acta paul. enferm. 28(3), 287-292.

Okigbo, C. C., et al. (2015). Influence of parental factors on adolescents’ transition to first sexual intercourse in Nairobi, Kenya: a longitudinal study. Reprod Health, 12(73), 1-12.

Oliveira, P. W. L., Leite Junior, F. F., & Nascimento, F. A. (2017). ADOLESCÊNCIA E A FAMÍLIA: Desafios para uma educação sexual dos/as filhos/as. Revista Café com Sociologia. 6(2), :229-249.

Ortiz-Melgar, M., et al. (2015). Asociación entre consumo de alcohol y relaciones sexuales ocasionales en los adolescentes. Revista Enfermeria Herediana, 8(2), 110-115.

Peltzer, K., & Pengpid, S. (2015). Early Sexual Debut and Associated Factors among In-school Adolescents in Six Caribbean Countries. West Indian Medical Journal. 64(4), 351-56.

Penelope Morrison, P., Smith, A. E., & Akers, A. (2014). Substance use and sexual risk among at-risk adolescents in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Cad. Saúde Pública. 30(4), 794-804.

Rivera-Rivera, L., et al. (2016). Sexual intercourse debut and associated factors in Mexican students aged 14-19 years in public schools. Gac Sanit, 30(1), 24–30.

Santos, R. M., et al. (2018). School failure and health and social aspects: A cross-sectional study with adolescents. Rev baiana enferm. 32(e21827), 1-10.

Santos, M. P., Farre, A. G. M. C., Bispo, M. S., Sousa, L. B., & Marinho, D. D. T. (2017). Promoting adolescente sexual and reproductive health: peer education. Revista Baiana de Enfermagem, 31(3), 1-8.

Savegnago, S. D. O., & Arpini D. M. (2016). A Abordagem do tema sexualidade no contexto familiar: o ponto de vista de mães de adolescentes. Psicologia: Ciência e Profissão. 36(1), 130-144.

Sfair, S. C., Bittar, M., & Lopes, R. E. (2015). Educação sexual para adolescentes e jovens: mapeando proposições oficiais. Saúde Soc. 24(2), 620-632.

Silva, A. S. N., et al. (2015). Início da vida sexual em adolescentes escolares: um estudo transversal sobre comportamento sexual de risco em Abaetetuba, Estado do Pará, Brasil. Rev Pan-Amaz Saude. 6(1), 27-34.

Skinner, S. R., et al. (2015). Childhood Behavior Problems and Age at First Sexual Intercourse: A Prospective Birth Cohort Study. Pediatrics, 35(2), 255-263.

Souza, M. A. R., et al. (2018). The use of IRAMUTEQ software for data analysis in qualitative research. Rev da Esc Enferm da USP. 52(e03353–e03353), 1-7.

Speizer, I. S., et al. (2017). Examination of youth sexual and reproductive health transitions in Nigeria and Kenya using longitudinal data. BMC Public Health. 17(1), 142.

Spinola, M. C. R. (2020). Fatores associados à iniciação sexual precoce de adolescentes em Santarém-PA. SANARE (Sobral, Online). 19(1), 36-47.

Spinola, M. C. R., Béria, J. U., & Schermann, L. B. (2017). Factors associated with first sexual intercourse among mothers with 14-16 years of age from Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil. Ciênc. saúde coletiva. 22(11), 3755-62.

Stephenson, R., Simon, C., & Finneran, C. (2014). Community Factors Shaping Early Age at First Sex among Adolescents in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Malawi, and Uganda. Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, 32(2), 161-175.

Tenório, T. S. (2016). Tabu e repressão: A sexualidade Feminina sob a ótica de Gabriela Masson, em Garota Siririca. Boletim Historiar. (14), 28-37.

Torraco, R. J. (2016). Writing integrative literature reviews: using the past and present to explore the future. Hum Resour Dev Int. 15(4), 404-28.

Useche, B., Medina, G., Ross, M. W., & Markham, C. (2014). Your Clothes Aren’t Going to Magically Come Off”: An Exploratory Study of U.S. Latino Adolescents’ Reasons for Having or Not Having First-Time Vaginal Intercourse. Universitas Psychologica, 13(4), 1409-1418.

Vandenbosch, L., Beyens, I., Vangeel, L., & Eggermont, S. (2016). Online communication predicts Belgian adolescents’ initiation of romantic and sexual activity. Eur J Pediatr. 175(4), 509-16.

Viana, T. B. P., et al. (2018). Factors associated with cigarette smoking among public school adolescents. Rev. esc. enferm. USP. 52:e03320.

White, C. N., & Warner, L. A. (2015). Influence of Family and School-Level Factors on Age of Sexual Initiation. Journal of Adolescent Health, 56(2), 231-237.

Young, H., Burke, L., & Nic Gabhainn, S. (2018). Sexual intercourse, age of initiation and contraception among adolescents in Ireland: findings from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) Ireland study. BMC Public Health. 18(1), 2-17.

Zito, R. C., & Coster, S. (2016) Family Structure, Maternal Dating, and Sexual Debut: Extending the Conceptualization of Instability. Journal of Youth and Adolescence. 45(5), 1003-1019.

Published

12/11/2021

How to Cite

ARAÚJO, W. J. S.; MOURA, M. I. A. .; BRAGAGNOLLO, G. R. .; CAMARGO, R. A. A. de; MONTEIRO, E. M. L. M. Factors related to the initiation of early sexual practices in adolescence: an integrative review . Research, Society and Development, [S. l.], v. 10, n. 14, p. e504101422505, 2021. DOI: 10.33448/rsd-v10i14.22505. Disponível em: https://rsdjournal.org/index.php/rsd/article/view/22505. Acesso em: 22 nov. 2024.

Issue

Section

Review Article