Unprotected Sex and Its Association with Other Risky Behaviours Among European Students: A Multinational Study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Adolescents face unique challenges as they transition from childhood to adulthood, which can be marked by risky behaviours such as substance use and sexual activities. The present study analyses the relationship between risky sexual behaviour and the use of psychoactive substances, namely alcohol, cannabis, and other illegal substances, among students aged 15-16 years in 23 European countries, to investigate potential between-country differences.

Method

Data were extracted from the 2019 European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) cross-sectional survey. Risky sexual behaviour was defined as self-reported unprotected sex. Substance use, other individual risk behaviours, and parenting indicators were investigated as key predictors.

Results</

SUBMITTER: Scalese M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12841082 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature