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Research article
Tiejian Feng
Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control
Corresponding Author
License:
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Background
Early sexual debut (ESD) is considered an important public health issue. Previous studies have indicated age at sexual debut is affected by multiple factors, including adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). However, studies specifically exploring the relationship between ACEs and age at sexual debut among men who have sex with men (MSM) are lacking. This study aims to explore the relationship between ACEs and age at sexual debut among MSM in China.
Methods
From March 2013 to August 2015, MSM who came to the Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinic of Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control were recruited in our study. Using an anonymous questionnaire, we collected information about their social-demographics, age at sexual debut and ACEs. Logistic regression and linear regression were performed to acquire the estimates for the relationships between ACEs and early sexual debut (ESD).
Results
A total of 546 MSM were recruited. The median age at MSM sexual debut was 20.0 years, and 40.5% of the MSM were exposed to at least one ACEs. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that MSM with a history of ACEs was approximately twice (aOR=2.15; 95%CI:1.32-3.48) as likely to report a history of ESD and tended to experience sexual debut approximately one year (β:-1.10; 95%CI: -1.70,-0.50) earlier than those without.
Conclusions
ACEs are associated with ESD, suggesting that sexual health education and public health programs aimed at delaying early sexual debut among young Chinese MSM should consider addressing ACEs.
Keywords
age at sexual debut, early sexual debut, men who have sex with men, adverse childhood experiences
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A new preprint design is coming!
We have improved readability, clarity, accessibility, and opportunities for engagement.
This is a preprint, a preliminary version of a manuscript that has not completed peer review at a journal. Research Square does not conduct peer review prior to posting preprints. The posting of a preprint on this server should not be interpreted as an endorsement of its validity or suitability for dissemination as established information or for guiding clinical practice.
Research article
Tiejian Feng
Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control
Corresponding Author
Badges
Prescreen
This manuscript passed our Prescreen assessment
Complete author information
Appropriate declaration statements
Potential risks to human health
Prescreen
History
CURRENT STATUS: Posted
Version 1
Posted 03 Sep, 2019
No community comments so far
Metrics
Comments: 0
PDF Downloads: ...
HTML Views: ...
Subject Areas
Sexual & Reproductive Medicine
License:
This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License. Read Full License
Background
Early sexual debut (ESD) is considered an important public health issue. Previous studies have indicated age at sexual debut is affected by multiple factors, including adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). However, studies specifically exploring the relationship between ACEs and age at sexual debut among men who have sex with men (MSM) are lacking. This study aims to explore the relationship between ACEs and age at sexual debut among MSM in China.
Methods
From March 2013 to August 2015, MSM who came to the Sexually Transmitted Diseases Clinic of Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control were recruited in our study. Using an anonymous questionnaire, we collected information about their social-demographics, age at sexual debut and ACEs. Logistic regression and linear regression were performed to acquire the estimates for the relationships between ACEs and early sexual debut (ESD).
Results
A total of 546 MSM were recruited. The median age at MSM sexual debut was 20.0 years, and 40.5% of the MSM were exposed to at least one ACEs. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that MSM with a history of ACEs was approximately twice (aOR=2.15; 95%CI:1.32-3.48) as likely to report a history of ESD and tended to experience sexual debut approximately one year (β:-1.10; 95%CI: -1.70,-0.50) earlier than those without.
Conclusions
ACEs are associated with ESD, suggesting that sexual health education and public health programs aimed at delaying early sexual debut among young Chinese MSM should consider addressing ACEs.
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