Early Sexual Debut and the Effects on Well-Being among South African Adolescent Girls and Young Women Aged 15 to 24 Years. Issue 2 (3rd April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McClinton Appollis, Tracy; Jonas, Kim; Beauclair, Roxanne; Lombard, Carl; Duby, Zoe; Cheyip, Mireille; Maruping, Kealeboga; Dietrich, Janan; Mathews, Catherine
• Is Part Of: International journal of sexual health. Volume 34:Issue 2(2022)
• Page Start: 242
• Page End: 253
• Publication Date: 2022-04-03
• Subjects: Early sexual debut -- HIV -- adolescents -- youth -- South Africa; Sex (Psychology) -- Periodicals; Gender identity -- Periodicals; Sexual Behavior -- Periodicals; Sexual health -- Periodicals; 155.3
• DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2021.1979162
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1931-7611

Abstract

Abstract: We compared first sex experiences and wellbeing of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) who had an early sexual debut (age < 15) with those who had later sexual debut. We conducted a representative household survey among AGYW aged 15-24 years in six districts in South Africa. Of 3009 AGYW who had ever had sex, 8.9% reported early sexual debut. Early sexual debut was associated with coercion at first sex and a lower average well-being score compared with a later debut. Interventions which aim to delay early sexual debut may positively affect well-being.