title: Perceptions and experiences of first sexual intercourse in Australian adolescent females.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To better understand the factors that influence the initiation of first intercourse among adolescent females and to explore the context in which this occurs.
  
  
  METHODS
  A purposive sample of sexually active female teenagers aged between 14 and 19 years were recruited from sexual and reproductive health clinics across the Perth metropolitan area. Sixty-eight in-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted. Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the narrative data. Meanings and interpretations that emerged were constantly verified through subsequent inquiry.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The degree of personal control over the factors that led to their first experience of intercourse determined how teenagers reflected upon the experience. Those who were "ready" were more likely to have delayed intercourse until they were comfortable with both when and with whom this occurred. In contrast, conforming to peer norms, coercion from sexual partners and being intoxicated were common reasons for premature and unwanted first experience of sexual intercourse.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The explorative approach used in this study deepens current understanding of the factors influencing and associated with intercourse initiation, and how these reflect different aspects of adolescent development. In particular, the role of young peoples' sociocultural environment, including peer interaction and alcohol intoxication, alongside pressure from sexual partners in premature and unwanted sexual activity may assist in informing educational interventions of greater personal relevance and impact.
authors.affiliation: School of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Western Australia, Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth, Australia.
authors.forename: S Rachel
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Skinner
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fenwick
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fyfe
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hendriks
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D000428:Alcohol Drinking; D001315:Australia; D003075:Coitus / Q000523:psychology*; D004522:Educational Status; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D010379:Peer Group; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult