Sexual behavior and its influencing factors among Uruguayan adolescents: a cross-sectional study

Background

This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing adolescent sexual behavior in Uruguay, with a focus on socio-demographics, substance use, psychological distress, and protective factors.

Methods

We analyzed data from the 2019 Uruguay Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS). Chi-square tests identified variables significantly associated with sexual behavior. Mixed-effects logistic regression models estimated odds ratios, and a fully adjusted model provided adjusted odds ratios for all significant factors. All analyses were performed using R programming.

Result

Our analysis included a total of 2495 participants. Older adolescents (≥15 years) had a significantly higher likelihood of engaging in sexual behavior (AOR: 3.69, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 2.92–4.66). Tobacco (AOR: 2.60, 95% CI: 1.91–3.55) and alcohol use (AOR: 2.09, 95% CI: 1.71–2.56) were strong risk factors, along with alcohol-related behavioral issues (AOR: 2.08, 95% CI: 1.65–2.62). Anxiety (AOR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.09–2.08) and involvement in physical fights (AOR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.42–2.40) increased the odds, while loneliness showed a protective effect (AOR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.46–0.83). Parental bonding (OR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.45–0.65), attachment (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.59–0.82), and supervision (OR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.54–0.77) showed significant effects before adjustment, but after adjustment, they became insignificant. Sedentary behavior reduced the likelihood, while truancy increased the possibility of sexual behavior among adolescents.

Conclusion

Interventions should aim to reduce adolescent sexual risk behaviors by promoting healthy practices and addressing factors such as substance use, mental health, and parental involvement to encourage safer sexual behaviors.