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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 3(3)

Experience of sexual intercourse and reported risk behaviour among an ethnically diverse sample of young people

Lester Coleman A B and Adrienne Testa A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Trust for the Study of Adolescence (TSA), 23 New Road, Brighton BN1 1WZ, United Kingdom.

B Corresponding author. Email: lcoleman@tsa.uk.com

Sexual Health 3(3) 169-177 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH06004
Submitted: 17 January 2006  Accepted: 5 April 2006   Published: 29 August 2006

Abstract

Background: Certain Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) groups have been identified as bearing a disproportionate burden of sexual ill health in the UK. There still exists a significant gap in the evidence-base concerning the sexual behaviours of BME youth. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 16 secondary schools in London, where the proportion of BME students exceeded two-thirds of the intake. The aim was to identify the factors associated with sexual intercourse and sexual risk behaviours. Results: 2801 students aged 15 to 18 completed questionnaires. Compared with White British males, Black males were significantly more likely to report sexual intercourse (OR 3.04, 95% CI 1.92–4.81). Compared with White British females, Asian females were significantly less likely to report sexual intercourse (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.27–0.69). Both sexes reporting school as their main source of information, as opposed to their family, had a lower likelihood of intercourse (males OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.21–0.53, females OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.25–0.62). Compared with White British males, contraceptive use at first ever intercourse was significantly less likely among Black males (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.16–0.98) and males of Mixed ethnicity (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.06–0.92). Among females, higher sexual health knowledge was associated with contraceptive use (OR 4.69, 95% CI 1.76–12.49). Males reporting higher sexual health knowledge were more likely to be ‘sexually competent’ at first ever intercourse (OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.10–4.69). Conclusions: Given the importance of sexual health knowledge, ensuring this is improved among all ethnic groups, especially the Black and Mixed male groups, is a key message to arise from this study. Delivering this information in a ‘culturally competent’ manner is an important goal.


Acknowledgements

We are grateful for Naz Project London in collaborating with this research, the supportive role of the questionnaire fieldworkers, the Big Lottery for their funding, and the student participants.


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A The latest census data reports that Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) groups account for 8% of the UK population.

B Schools where students were aged 11 to 18.

C The London boroughs are smaller geographical areas than the Strategic Health Authorities.

D At the 95% level or P ≤ 0.05.

E There are 32 482 Super Output Areas (SOAs) across England. These SOAs, based on an average population of approximately 1500, are ranked according to an index of multiple deprivation, with 1 being the most deprived, and 32 482 the least deprived. The index of multiple deprivation is a summary measure, incorporating seven domains relating to: income deprivation, employment deprivation, health deprivation and disability, education, skills and training deprivation, barriers to housing and services, living environment deprivation, and crime.

F The School Years system in the UK is equivalent to the Grade system in other countries such as the North America and Australia.