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Childhood behavior problems linked to sexual risk taking in young adulthood: A birth cohort study
Investigator(s) / AuthorsRamrakha, S., Bell, Melanie., Paul, C., Dickson, N., Moffitt, TE., Caspi, A.
| Principal contact | |
|---|---|
| Name | Dr Sandhya Ramrakha |
| Sandhya.Ramrakha@otago.ac.nz | |
| The research | |
| Summary | This study showed that high levels of antisocial behaviour between 5 and 11 years were associated with an increased odds of sexual risk taking in young adulthood whereas high levels of anxiety reduced the risk. Involvement with delinquent peers and a poor relationship with parents explained some of this association. |
| Objectives | To study whether behavioral and emotional problems during childhood predicted early sexual debut, risky sex at age 21 years, and sexually transmitted infections up to age 21 years. Some possible mediational pathways were also explored. |
| Study design | Participants were enrolled in the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study (n = 1,037), a prospective, longitudinal study of a New Zealand birth cohort born in 1972/1973. Data obtained at ages 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 21 years were used. |
| Methods | Longitudinal |
| Results | High levels of antisocial behavior between age 5 and 11 years were associated with increased odds of early sexual debut (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.17, 95% confidence [CI] 1.34,3.54) and risky sex (AOR 1.88, 95% CI 1.04,3.40). No relationship was observed between hyperactivity and later sexual health outcomes. In contrast, high levels of anxiety were associated with reduced odds of risky sex (AOR 0.45, 95% CI 0.25,0.80) and sexually transmitted infections (AOR 0.34, 95% CI 0.17,0.70). Involvement with delinquent peers explained some of the association between antisocial behavior and early sexual debut and risky sex. A poor relationship with parents also explained some of the association between antisocial behavior and early sexual debut. |
| Conclusions | The findings demonstrate links between behavioral and emotional problems occurring early in life and later deleterious sexual health outcomes. Targeting antisocial behavior and teaching accurate appraisals of danger during childhood may help mitigate these negative consequences. |
| Key Descriptors | Child & Adolescent Mental Health, Early Intervention |
| Disciplines | Multi disciplinary |
| Settings | Community |
| Diagnostic Categories | Other |
| Populations | General Population |
| Other Keywords | |
| Ethics approval | Yes |
| Academic led | Yes |
| Service led | No |
| How were service users involved | No involvement |
| Publication in peer review journal | Yes |
| Supporting information | |
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Page last updated: 7 November 2008