title: Is "Sexual Competence" at First Heterosexual Intercourse Associated With Subsequent Sexual Health Status?
abstract: The timing of first sexual intercourse is often defined in terms of chronological age, with particular focus on "early" first sex. Arguments can be made for a more nuanced concept of readiness and appropriateness of timing of first intercourse. Using data from the third National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyles (Natsal-3), conducted in 2010-2012, this study examined whether a context-based measure of first intercourse-termed sexual competence-was associated with subsequent sexual health in a population-based sample of 17-to 24-year-olds residing in Britain (n = 2,784). Participants were classified as "sexually competent" at first intercourse if they reported the following four criteria: contraceptive protection, autonomy of decision (not due to external influences), that both partners were "equally willing," and that it happened at the "right time." A lack of sexual competence at first intercourse was independently associated with testing positive for human papillomavirus (HPV) at interview; low sexual function in the past year; and among women only, reported sexually transmitted infection (STI) diagnosis ever; unplanned pregnancy in the past year; and having ever experienced nonvolitional sex. These findings provide empirical support for defining the nature of first intercourse with reference to contextual aspects of the experience, as opposed to a sole focus on chronological age at occurrence.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Population Health , London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
authors.forename: Melissa J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Palmer
authors.affiliation: a Department of Population Health , London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
authors.forename: Lynda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Clarke
authors.affiliation: b Department of Social Science , Institute of Education, University College London.
authors.forename: George B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Ploubidis
authors.affiliation: c Research Department of Infection and Population Health , University College London.
authors.forename: Catherine H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Mercer
authors.affiliation: d Department of Social and Environmental Health Research , London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
authors.forename: Lorna J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Gibson
authors.affiliation: c Research Department of Infection and Population Health , University College London.
authors.forename: Anne M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.affiliation: c Research Department of Infection and Population Health , University College London.
authors.forename: Andrew J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Copas
authors.affiliation: d Department of Social and Environmental Health Research , London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
authors.forename: Kaye
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wellings
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D020010:Heterosexuality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D060728:Reproductive Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006113:United Kingdom; D055815:Young Adult