Filipino Adolescents’ Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors: Results from a University Cohort

Abstract

This research describes the sexual attitudes and behaviors of a cohort of adolescents, 15–24 years old, attending a large state university in Manila, Philippines (N = 1,412). Results revealed high percentages for both male and female adolescents who still value virginity, and disclosed disagreement with premarital sex (PMS), multiple sex, casual sex, pornography, cohabitation, same-sex relationship, petting and female masturbation. However, male masturbation, necking, and holding hands and kissing were found to be acceptable. Results likewise indicated an increase in adolescents who engaged in PMS over time, although generally low (27.7%) compared to the findings of other studies. Of those who have engaged in PMS, 80% did not use condom, which puts the adolescents into risks of unplanned pregnancy and exposure to STIs or HIV. The study also examined the correlates and predictors of sexual behaviors of a cohort of students. Fourteen variables served as independent/predictive factors in the analyses. The dependent variable was their scores on self-report sexual behaviors measured on a Likert Scale. Six of the predictive factors (gender, sexual preference, age, school allowance, monthly family income, and attitude towards sex) were significantly correlated with sexual behavior. Stepwise regression analyses identified only four factors - attitude towards sex, monthly family income, gender, and sexual preference - as significant predictors of sexual behaviors. This composite term explains 16.1% of the total variance, with the overall equation significant at p < .001. Implications for adolescent sexuality and reproductive health programs and future research were noted.

DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2013.v2n8p719