Predictors of teen sexual behavior.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

To identify characteristics and behaviors among teenagers that predict sexual initiation or sexual activity and to evaluate alternative methods for predicting sexual behavior among teenagers.

Methods

We used longitudinal data from an evaluation of the Making Proud Choices! teen pregnancy prevention program. The evaluation, funded by the Office of Population Affairs, assessed academic years 2016-2017 through 2018-2019 and examined 2,138 Grade 9 and 10 students of all genders. We used ordinary least squares (OLS), least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso), and stratified OLS to identify behaviors and characteristics at baseline that predict sexual initiation, recent sex, and sex without a condom.

Results

OLS and lasso regression show that pre-sexua

SUBMITTER: Langan A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12367029 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature