Perception of Risk Behaviors Affected to Sexual Relationship among Teenagers

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this research is to study the relationship between sexual relationship among teenagers and risk behaviors, perception of risk behaviors.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was used. The data were collected through self-administered, anonymous questionnaire from 400 students aged 18-20 years old who currently study in vocational schools in Bangkok. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Chi-square was used to examine the relationship between risk behaviors and sexual relationship experiences.

Results: The results showed the percentage among total samples of alcohol drinking, cigarette smoking, psychotropic drug and marijuana use in their lifetime were 73.5%, 30.0%, 14.1% and 6.0%, respectively. Moreover, 61.8% (male: 63.2%, female: 60.3%) had ever had sexual relationship. The significant relationship (p-value < .05) was found between risk behavior (have lover/partner, using media to arouse sexual desire, alcohol drinking, using drugs, going to entertainment places) and sexual intercourse experience.

Conclusion: The study has a significant report that the teenagers have practiced risk behaviors leading to have sex. Among 8 individual practices that might be related to sexual relationship practice, the students who have ever had sex practiced more than students who never had sexual relationship. Regarding perception, the risk behaviors which leading to having sex can be classified into 5 categories, i.e. 1) staying with lover/partner 2) using media to arouse sexual desire 3) Drinking alcohol 4) using drugs and marijuana and 5) going to entertainment places.