title: Gender Differences in Factors Associated With Anal Intercourse Among Heterosexual Adolescents in Singapore.
abstract: Using a cross-sectional survey, we examined the gender differences in prevalence of and factors associated with anal sex among adolescents attending the only public STI clinic in Singapore. Data were collected from 1035 sexually active adolescents aged 14 to 19 and analyzed using Poisson regression. Prevalence of anal intercourse was 28%, with significantly more females (32%) than males (23%) ever engaged in it. On multivariate analysis, the factors associated with anal intercourse for both genders were oral sex and the nonuse of contraception at last sex. For males, anal intercourse was associated with younger age of sexual debut and greater perceived external control. Among females, it was associated with higher rebellious scores and lack of confidence to resist peer pressure to engage in sex. Consistent condom use for anal sex was 22% and 8% for males and females, respectively. STI prevention programs for adolescents should address anal sex, be gender-specific, and take into consideration individual personality characteristics.
authors.affiliation: Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore.
authors.forename: Junice Y S
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Ng
authors.affiliation: Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore.
authors.forename: Mee-Lian
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Wong
authors.forename: Roy K W
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.affiliation: Department of STI Control, National Skin Centre, Ministry of Health, Singapore.
authors.forename: Priya
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sen
authors.affiliation: Department of STI Control, National Skin Centre, Ministry of Health, Singapore.
authors.forename: Martin T W
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Chio
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Koh
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D020010:Heterosexuality; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010379:Peer Group; D015995:Prevalence; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012737:Sex Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012846:Singapore; D055815:Young Adult