ERIC Number: EJ990460
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1468-1811
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Body Satisfaction and Sexual Health Behaviors among New Zealand Secondary School Students
Larson, Bridget K.; Clark, Terryann C.; Robinson, Elizabeth M.; Utter, Jennifer
Sex Education: Sexuality, Society and Learning, v12 n2 p187-198 2012
This population-based study of 2931 respondents to Youth07 (a cross-sectional survey of New Zealand secondary students' health) examines associations between weight-related variables and sexual risk-taking. It is hypothesized that girls who report poorer body satisfaction or previous weight-loss attempts will be: more likely to be currently sexually active; less likely to negotiate contraceptive use; and less likely to discuss preventing sexually transmitted infections with her partner. It is hypothesized that these relationships will not exist among boys. Multiple logistic regression models were used to measure associations between weight-related variables and sexual risk-taking. Among girls, weight satisfaction was found to be associated with regular contraception use and discussion of sexually transmitted infection prevention with their partners. Weight-loss attempts were found to be positively associated with female sexual activity. Weight-loss attempts were associated with irregular contraceptive use among boys. No significant relationships were found to predict condom use at last intercourse. Health professionals and sexuality educators should consider that poor body satisfaction may affect sexual decision-making. Anticipatory guidance and education that seeks to enhance body satisfaction and encourage responsible sexual decision-making should be part of any risk-reduction strategy. (Contains 3 tables.)
Descriptors: Sexuality, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Health Behavior, Secondary School Students, Health Personnel, Foreign Countries, Contraception, Case Studies, Correlation, Body Weight, Risk, Self Concept, Regression (Statistics), Gender Differences, Prediction, Prevention, Decision Making, Human Body
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New Zealand
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A