title: Early sex initiation and subsequent unsafe sexual behaviors and sex-related risks among female undergraduates in Wuhan, China.
abstract: This study aims to explore the association between early sex initiation and subsequent unsafe sexual behaviors and risks among Chinese female undergraduates. Of 4769 participants, 863 (18.1%) reported ever having sexual intercourse. The mean age of sexual debut was 19.3 (±1.7) years. Females initiating sex earlier were more likely to have first sex with men who were not their "boyfriends" and less likely to take contraception, to use a condom at first encounter, to use contraception consistently in past year, and/or to use condom consistently during the course of a sexual intercourse. They were more likely to have multiple lifetime and concurrent sexual partners, to report pregnancy, and be diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases. Comprehensive early sex education should be advocated for young people, not only teaching knowledge of physical health but also providing practical skills training for making them consciously delay start of sexual activity or protecting themselves during sexual intercourse.
authors.affiliation: Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Jiantao
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China Globe Health Center of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Shiyue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China Globe Health Center of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Hong
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yan
authors.affiliation: Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China Hubei Province Family Planning Technology Service Center, Wuhan, Hubei, Peoples' Republic of China.
authors.forename: Delong
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.affiliation: Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Han
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Xiao
authors.affiliation: Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China Globe Health Center of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Yue
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Cao
authors.affiliation: Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China Globe Health Center of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, People's Republic of China zfmao@126.com.
authors.forename: Zongfu
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Mao
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002681:China / Q000453:epidemiology; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003267:Contraception / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011247:Pregnancy; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D013334:Students; D047568:Unsafe Sex / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: China; adolescents; early sex initiation; unwanted pregnancy; women’s health