Early sexual debut among young men in rural South Africa: heightened vulnerability to sexual risk?. Issue 3 (27th May 2005)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Harrison, A; Cleland, J; Gouws, E; Frohlich, J
• Is Part Of: Sexually transmitted infections. Volume 81:Issue 3(2005)
• Page Start: 259
• Page End: 261
• Publication Date: 2005-05-27
• Subjects: sexual debut -- South Africa; Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; HIV infections -- Periodicals; 616.951005
• DOI: 10.1136/sti.2004.011486
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-4973

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: This report examines early sexual debut (<age 15) among young men in rural South Africa including (1) risk behaviours at first sexual experience, and (2) age at first sex as a predictor of later sexual risk. Methods: Analysis of sexual behaviour data for men 15–24 years (n = 314) from representative cross sectional household survey. Results: 13.1% of 15–24 year old men experienced sexual debut before age 15. Men with sexual debut at less than age 15 were more likely to report risk behaviours at first sexual experience: no condom use (19%), a casual partner (26.8%), and not feeling they had been "ready and wanted to have sex" (19.5%). In multivariate analysis, early sexual debut was strongly associated with ⩾3 partners in the past 3 years (OR = 10.26, p<0.01). Conclusions: Men who initiate sex before age 15 form a distinct risk group in this setting. Specific interventions are needed for young men in the preteen years, before sexual debut.