Predictors of Premarital Sex among Bangladesh Male Adolescents

Nan Li, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Marc Boulay, Johns Hopkins University

The objective of present study is to identify risky and protective factors for premarital sex among Bangladeshi male adolescents. The 2004 Adolescent Reproductive Health Communication Midline Survey is a national survey of youth aged 10-19 in Bangladesh. In present study, among 1,048 unmarried males aged 15-19, 13% reported ever having had sex. Multiple logistic regression demonstrated that having plan to study in the future were associated with 60% lower risk of engaging in premarital sex (p=0.000) while knowledge of reproductive health and life skill did not have strong influence here. Respect for parents’ values and beliefs about sex was associated with 60% decreased odds of premarital sex. Ever talked with friends about sex related issues was associated with twofold increased odds and one point increase in peer influence score was associated with one quarter increased odds of premarital sex.