Factors Associated with Sexual Relationship Among High School Female Students in Ratchaburi Province

Abstract

Objective: To study sexual behavior and factors associated with sexual relationship among female adolescents in high school in Ratchaburi province. Methods: A cross-sectional study among adolescents 216 female high school students in Ratchaburi province were recruited. Data was collected using self-administrated questionnaires from June 15th and July 31st, 2009. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Chi-square test, Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient, and Stepwise Multiple Regression Analysis. Results: The results showed that 54.2% of adolescents have had a sexual relationship. The mean age of the first sexual relationship was 14.6 years old. The partners in their first sexual relationship were their lovers (55.6%), girlfriends (25.6%), boyfriends (12.0%) and strangers (1.7%). The main reason for having a sexual relationship was love (72.6%). Factors significantly associated with sexual relationships were the sexual behavior of close friends, receiving sexual information form lovers or friends, family relationship, and using the internet to have sex chats with a lover. 18.5% of adolescents have had coitus. The mean age of fist coitus was 15.5 years old. Most of their partners were their lovers (78%). Love is still the main reason for having coitus for the first time (57.5%), 20% were drunk before coitus. Significant factors associated with coitus were sexual behavior of close friends, using the internet to have sex chats with la love, and attitude towards sex. Interestingly, receiving sexual education form by parents/ relatives/teachers/book may decrease the rate of coitus. Conclusion: The rate of sexual relationships among adolescents in Ratchaburi province was fairly high. Due to these associated factors, it is rather difficult to prevent sexual relationship and coitus among adolescents. However, sexual education from parents teachers may have a protective effect on the rate coitus among adolescents. Good relationships in the family, god friends, and proper source of information about sexual health underlined the basic prevention program