Early onset of sexual intercourse is an indicator for hazardous lifestyle and problematic life situation

Scand J Caring Sci; 2013; 27; 20–26 Early onset of sexual intercourse is an indicator for hazardous lifestyle and problematic life situation Background: In public health efforts, knowledge about risk‐groups is important for creating societal conditions to ensure good health on equal terms. Aim: To investigate differences in lifestyle and perceived health among 15‐year‐old teenagers with experience of sexual intercourse (self‐defined) and same‐aged teenagers without experience of sexual intercourse. Methods: A two‐cluster questionnaire study among 15‐year‐old Swedish students (n = 2170) in 2009/10. Chi‐squared test was used to identify differences between three groups: teenagers who had not had sexual intercourse; teenagers who had had sexual intercourse at age of 14 or younger; and teenagers who had had intercourse at an age of 15. Results: Thirty‐two per cent (n = 334) of girls and 31% (n = 324) of boys had had sexual intercourse. Teenagers with experience of sexual intercourse at 15 years or younger used more tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs than same‐aged teenagers without intercourse experience did. Furthermore, teenagers with experience of intercourse, especially those with a debut at 14 year or younger, had less positive school experiences, more involvement in injuries and physical violence, were less (girls) and more (boys) physically active, and perceived a poorer health than teenagers without intercourse experience. Conclusion: Sexual intercourse at the age of 15 or younger is an indicator for a hazardous lifestyle and problematic life situation.