Predictive Factors for Sexual Behaviors among High School Students in South Korea: a Nationwide Analysis

Abstract

We aimed to investigate the associated factors for sexual intercourse among high school students using data from the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBWS) conducted between August and October 2020. This study was based on the 16th KYRBWS, conducted by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A total of 25,592 high school students were included. The questionnaire included topics such as sexual behavior, alcohol consumption, smoking, drug use, mental health, physical activity, weight management, and health equity, to determine the factors influencing sexual behavior. In male students, the associated factors for sexual behavior included smoking, alcohol consumption, history of drug use, short sleep time, high physical activity, feelings of sadness, and good economic status. In female students, the associated factors for sexual behavior included smoking, alcohol consumption, low body mass index, high physical activity, feelings of sadness, suicidal thoughts, and poor economic status. In both male and female high school students, smoking and alcohol consumption were strong associated factors for sexual behavior. Good economic status was associated with sexual behavior in males, while a poor economic condition was associated with sexual behavior in females. These factors should be considered in the sexual education of high school students.