Differences of sexual behavior predictors between sexually active and nonactive female adolescents in congested communities, Bangkok metropolis.
OBJECTIVE
To test the differences among the predictors between sexually active and non-active female adolescents.


METHODS
Descriptive research.


METHODS
The participants included 581 Thai female adolescents: 262 sexually non-active and 319 sexually active (average age = 19.7 years). They completed questionnaires measuring self-discrepancy, depression, power in relationships (decision making dominance and relationship control), sexual self-efficacy (ability to say no, assertiveness, precaution), cognitive strategies (gain thinking: relationship, development, curiosity; punishment avoidance thinking: negative consequence, ethical-related, fear-related), and sexual behavior. The t-test and the Hierarchical Regression were employed for data analyses.


RESULTS
Among the sexually active, 68.8% had vaginal or anal sexual intercourse (11.7%) without using a condom. Significant enabling predictors among the sexually active included sexual self-efficacy (precaution), and gain thinking (relationship), whereas punishment avoidance thinking (negative consequence) had a negative influence: it accounted about 11.0%. Among sexually non-active, alcohol consumption, power in a relationship (decision making dominance), and gain thinking (relationship) accounted for 26.9% of the variance in explaining sexual behavior.


CONCLUSIONS
A specific link between sexual self-efficacy and cognitive strategies will be drawn to develop a program for the sexually active. Implications for behavioral modification addressing alcohol drinking and power in a relationship should be discussed among the sexually non-active.
Powwattana
Arpaporn
A
Department of Public Health Nursing, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. phapw@mahidol.ac.th
Ramasoota
Pantip
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012307:Risk Factors; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013785:Thailand