Gender-Specific Patterns of Sexual Health Outcomes and Associated Factors

A Cross-Sectional School-Based Study with Adolescents in Brazil

Bibliographic Data

ID19543563
AuthorsLiniker Scolfild Rodrigues da Silva (0000-0003-3710-851X, Universidade de Pernambuco), Caroline Ramos De Moura Silva (0000-0002-8727-0024, Universidade de Pernambuco), Fernanda Cunha Soares (0000-0001-6465-3164, Universidade de Pernambuco), Irineu Alves da Silva Júnior (0000-0002-2505-7746, Universidade de Pernambuco), Rildo De Souza Wanderley Júnior (0000-0001-6141-4483, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, corresponding author), Mauro Virgilio Gomes De Barros (0000-0003-3165-0965, Universidade Federal da Paraíba)
Year2026
Pages1-12
Publication date2026-04-27
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Sexual Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1931-7611 • E-ISSN: 1931-762X
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/19317611.2026.2660733
OpenAlexW7155957299
LanguageEN
References cited27

Objectives To analyze the socioeconomic, individual, school behavior, family behavior, and health risk factors associated with sexual health outcomes among Brazilian adolescents.Methods This was a cross-sectional, school-based study with a representative sample of 4514 adolescents aged 14–19. Data were collected using the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS). The outcomes were early sexual debut (≤14 years), multiple sexual partners (≥2), and condom nonuse at last intercourse. A composite binary variable for accumulated sexual health indicators was also created. Multilevel binary logistic regression was used to identify associated factors, stratified by sex.Results Boys had significantly higher prevalences of early sexual debut (19.4%) and multiple partners (32.1%). For both sexes, alcohol and drug use, as well as living with one or neither parent, were strongly associated with all sexual health outcomes. However, gender-specific factors were identified. For girls, low maternal education and urban residence were associated with sexual health outcomes. For boys, school absenteeism and leisure-time physical activity were consistently associated with sexual health outcomes. The magnitude of association with substance use was consistently higher for boys.Conclusions Sexual health outcomes among Brazilian adolescents are shaped by a complex interplay of factors with distinct gender-specific patterns. These findings underscore the need for integrated, gender-sensitive health promotion strategies in schools that address substance use and family context to effectively reduce vulnerabilities

Human sexuality · Mental health · Population · Public health · Reproductive health · Sexual behavior · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · School Health and Nursing Education · Sexual function and dysfunction studies