Factores familiares asociados al inicio sexual temprano en adolescentes consultantes en un centro de salud sexual y reproductiva en Santiago de Chile / Factors associated with early sexual activity among Chilean adolescents

ABSTRACT

Background: Nowadays, adolescent population begins sexual activity earlier, a behavior with negativepsychological ana social consequences. Aim: To determine the association between family factors and early sexual activity in adolescents oflow and middle socioeconomic level. Material and Methods: A sample of 3,210 adolescents, who confidentially requested care in a sexual and reproductive health university center, between 2000 and 2007, was analyzed. Adolescents who started sexual activity before 15years ofage, and those who started sexual activity after 15years ofage, were compared. Data was collectedfrom structured interviews conducted at the adolescente firstvisit. Logistic regression was used to identify family factors associated with early sexual initiatingin both, men and women. Results: Family factors associated with early sexual activity startwere not being raised by both parents, apoor parent-child relationship, a poor family communication, mothers with a history of adolescent motherhood, mothers employed outside the home and family dysfunction. Among women, the variables associated with a higher risk of early sexual debut were not married parents and history of adolescent fatherhood record among parents. Among men, these variables were permissions without restriction during the week and punishment when family rules were broken. Conclusions: Family factors must be considered in the design ofstrategies to prevent early sexual activity.