Association between sources of sexuality education, sexual beliefs and behaviours in Lebanese young adults

Abstract

This study assessed the association between sources of sexuality education, sexual beliefs and behaviour among Lebanese youth. 451 unmarried students at a private university, mean age 20.25 (±1.41) years, participated in the study. Main sources of information were teachers, mothers, internet and friends. Respondents wished for increased involvement of fathers and doctors in their sexuality education. There was a positive association between receipt of school classes on reproductive health and adoption of protective behaviour at first sexual experience (OR = 4.09, p < 0.05). A Sexual Belief Index (SBI) was calculated as a mean score on 18 items related to sexual permissiveness (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.83). Sex and classes on reproductive health predicted a rise in SBI. The timing of classes, namely earlier introduction, and communication with family and religious figures predicted a decrease in SBI. The SBI was positively associated with sexual activity (OR = 3.68, p = 4.399e-07), first sex at <17 years (OR = 5.262, p = 0.0099) and engagement in one-night stands (OR = 4.195, p = 0.0001). Students who engaged in same-sex sexual experiences had higher odds of contracting STIs (OR = 12.7, p = 0.0001). Findings reveal the need to include sexual health in school curricula; train parents, physicians and teachers as information providers and moderators of SBI; and improve access to youth-friendly services.

KEYWORDS: Lebanonyouthsexual behavioursexual beliefsinformation on sexuality