Experiencing Sexuality in Youth Living in Greece: Contraceptive Practices, Risk Taking, and Psychosocial Status

Study ObjectiveTo assess initiation of sexual activity and contraception methods used among Greek adolescents. To determine the association of adolescents' emotional and behavioral status with their sexual activity.DesignA descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted.Setting, ParticipantsThe population (N = 1074, age 14-16) consisted of a random sample, stratified according to locality and population density, of 20 public junior high and high schools located in the urban district of Athens, Greece.InterventionsAnonymous self-reported questionnaires were used to assess sexual activity choices and contraception methods. The Youth Self-Report questionnaire was used to evaluate the psychosocial competencies and difficulties of Greek adolescents.MeasuresAnalyses included frequencies with chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression analysis.Main OutcomeFactors that may influence sexual engagement of Greek adolescents were assessed.ResultsOf the adolescents who completed the questionnaire 21.8% reported having experienced sexual intercourse. The male/female ratio was 3/1 (P < .001) and the mean age of sexual debut was 14.5 ± 0.9 years. Condoms were the most preferred contraceptive method (79.9%), followed by withdrawal (38.9%). Emergency contraception was used by 9.6% of participants. Adolescents with separated, divorced or with a deceased parent, and non-Greek nationality have higher possibility of being sexually active. Adolescents who reported sexual intercourse had significantly higher score of thought problems (β = 1.07, SE = 0.35, P = .002), attention difficulties (β = 0.67, SE = 0.29, P = .022), delinquent behavior problems (β = 2.37, SE = 0.34, P < .001), aggressive behavior (β = 1.97, SE = 0.48, P < .001), and externalizing problems (β = 4.18, SE = 0.78, P < .001).ConclusionsEngagement in sexual activities was significantly associated with psychosocial difficulties among adolescents living in Greece.