Prediction of risky sexual behaviors in adolescents based on childhood traumas

Risky sexual behaviors in adolescents are associated with an increased likelihood of sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies which have many negative consequences. Studies have indicated that risky sexual behaviors are associated with childhood maltreatments. The aim of the present study was to predict risky sexual behaviors based on childhood maltreatments among Iranian adolescents. Three hundred and eleven adolescents (ages 12-17; M= 15.91, SD=1.43) completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and answered to questions regarding risky sexual behaviors. Hierarchical binary logistic regression was used to analyze data. Results indicated that after controlling for age and gender, sexual abuse and emotional neglect were significant predictors of risky sexual behaviors (p < 0.05). Sexual abuse (OR= 1.11, 95% CI =1.04 - 1.17) and emotional neglect (OR= 0.93, 95% CI= 0.87 - 0.99) were associated with higher odds of risky sexual behaviors. More research on the role of factors mediating the relationship between childhood traumas and risky sexual behaviors are needed.