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Exploring Gender-Based Determinants of Early Sexual Activity in Adolescents: Insights for Practitioners

Exploring Gender-Based Determinants of Early Sexual Activity in Adolescents: Insights for Practitioners

Introduction

As practitioners dedicated to improving the outcomes for children, understanding the determinants of early sexual activity is crucial. The study titled "Individual and social determinants of early sexual activity: A study of gender-based differences using the 2018 Canadian Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Study (HBSC)" provides valuable insights into the factors influencing early sexual activity among adolescents. This blog aims to translate these findings into actionable strategies for practitioners.

Key Findings from the Study

The study identified several individual and contextual factors associated with early sexual activity, with notable differences between boys and girls. Here are some key findings:

Implications for Practitioners

Understanding these determinants can help practitioners develop targeted interventions to delay early sexual activity and promote healthier outcomes for adolescents. Here are some strategies based on the study's findings:

1. Strengthening Family Support

Given the strong association between family support and early sexual activity, practitioners should focus on enhancing family dynamics. This can be achieved through:

2. Addressing Body Image Issues

For girls, poor body image is a significant predictor of early sexual activity. Practitioners can help by:

3. Managing Social Media Use

High social media use is linked to early sexual activity, especially among girls. Strategies to mitigate this include:

4. Encouraging Healthy Sports Participation

While participation in organized sports is a predictor of early sexual activity for boys, it also offers numerous benefits. Practitioners should:

Encouraging Further Research

The study's findings highlight the need for continued research into the determinants of early sexual activity. Practitioners are encouraged to stay informed about new research and integrate evidence-based practices into their work.

Conclusion

By understanding and addressing the individual and contextual factors associated with early sexual activity, practitioners can play a pivotal role in promoting healthier outcomes for adolescents. For a deeper dive into the research, you can read the original study: Individual and social determinants of early sexual activity: A study of gender-based differences using the 2018 Canadian Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Study (HBSC).


Citation: Gazendam, N., Cleverley, K., King, N., Pickett, W., & Phillips, S. P. (2020). Individual and social determinants of early sexual activity: A study of gender-based differences using the 2018 Canadian Health Behaviour in School-aged Children Study (HBSC). PLoS ONE, 15(9), e0238515. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0238515
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

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