Sexual violence in Catalan adolescents

Prevalence, associated factors and health consequences

Bibliographic Data

ID21483370
AuthorsHelena González-Casals (0000-0002-9605-3080, Generalitat de Catalunya), Carmen Vives-Cases (0000-0002-6797-5051, University of Alicante), Albert Espelt (0000-0002-8625-4356, Universitat Autonòma de Barcelona, corresponding author), Marina Bosque-Prous, Marina Bosque‐Prou (0000-0002-8830-8880, Universitat Autonòma de Barcelona), Ester Teixidó‐compañó (0000-0002-0565-7023, Universitat de Vic - Universitat Central de Catalunya), Ester Teixidó-Compañó, Gemma Drou-Roget (0000-0003-4545-3532, Universitat de Vic - Universitat Central de Catalunya), Cinta Folch (0000-0001-8400-2668, Generalitat de Catalunya)
Year2025
Volume39
Pages102455
Publication date2025-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueGaceta Sanitaria (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0213-9111 • E-ISSN: 1578-1283
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.gaceta.2025.102455
PMID39985826
OpenAlexW4407844233
LanguageCA
Citations received1
References cited34

To estimate the prevalence of sexual violence among Catalan adolescents and its associated factors, as well as examining the relationship between experiencing sexual violence and low mood and risky substance use. Cross-sectional study conducted with 5900 adolescents (53.2% girls). The main study variables were having experienced sexual violence and reporting unhealthy behaviours or health problems (low mood, daily tobacco consumption and alcohol and cannabis risky consumption). Prevalence rates were estimated for all variables, and Poisson regression models with robust variance were used to analyse potential associations with independent variables. The prevalence of experienced sexual violence was 30%, with differences between boys (14.1%; 95%CI: 12.8-15.4) and girls (43.3%; 95%CI: 41.6-45.0). Having a minority sexual orientation, early onset of sexual relations, being in a higher academic course, having experienced and exercised bullying, and poor relationship with the parents were associated with experienced sexual violence. Experiencing sexual violence was associated with low mood, daily tobacco consumption and risky alcohol and cannabis consumption for both sexes. Experiencing sexual violence in adolescence is prevalent, particularly among girls and sexual minorities, and is associated with mental health issues and substance use. The study highlights the need for gender-sensitive healthcare policies that address mental health and social support systems. Comprehensive prevention programs must consider the experiences of gender minorities and the psychosocial factors that contribute to the experience of sexual violence. Estimar la prevalencia de violencia sexual en adolescentes catalanes y sus factores asociados, y examinar la relación entre experimentar violencia sexual y tener un bajo estado de ánimo y consumo de riesgo de sustancias. Estudio transversal con 5900 adolescentes (53,2% chicas). Las variables principales del estudio fueron haber experimentado violencia sexual y declarar comportamientos poco saludables o problemas de salud (bajo estado de ánimo, consumo diario de tabaco y consumo de riesgo de alcohol o cannabis). Se estimaron las prevalencias de todas las variables y se aplicaron modelos de regresión de Poisson con varianza robusta para analizar las asociaciones con variables independientes. Un 30% reportaron experimentar violencia sexual, con diferencias entre los chicos (14,1%; IC95%:12,8-15,4) y las chicas (43,3%; IC95%:41,6-45,0). Tener una orientación sexual minoritaria, el inicio precoz de las relaciones sexuales, un curso académico superior, haber sufrido o ejercido acoso escolar, y la relación con los progenitores, se asociaron con la violencia sexual. Experimentar violencia sexual se asoció con bajo estado de ánimo, consumo diario de tabaco y consumo de riesgo de alcohol o cannabis para ambos sexos. Experimentar violencia sexual en la adolescencia es prevalente, especialmente entre las chicas y las minorías sexuales, y está asociado con problemas de salud mental y consumo de sustancias. El estudio destaca la necesidad de políticas de salud que aborden la salud mental y los sistemas de apoyo social, con una perspectiva de género. Los programas de prevención deben considerar las experiencias de las minorías de género y los factores psicosociales que contribuyen a experimentar violencia sexual

Catalan · Criminology · Environmental health · Injury prevention · Occupational safety and health · Poison control · Psychiatry · Sexual violence · Sociology · Suicide prevention · Child Abuse and Trauma · Demography · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Intimate Partner and Family Violence · Medicine · Psychology · Sexual Assault and Victimization Studies