Social support, self-esteem and depressionrelationship with risk for sexually transmitted infections/HIV transmission

  1. Ramiro Sánchez, María Teresa
  2. Teva Álvarez, Inmaculada
  3. Bermúdez Sánchez, María Paz
  4. Buela Casal, Gualberto
Revista:
International journal of clinical and health psychology

ISSN: 1697-2600

Año de publicación: 2013

Volumen: 13

Número: 3

Páginas: 181-188

Tipo: Artículo

DOI: 10.1016/S1697-2600(13)70022-X DIALNET GOOGLE SCHOLAR

Otras publicaciones en: International journal of clinical and health psychology

Objetivos de desarrollo sostenible

Resumen

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are important health problems that affect adolescents. The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between 1) depression, self-esteem and perceived social support and 2) sexual risk behaviors according to gender. The sample used in this ex post facto study was composed of 1,005 adolescents of both sexes aged between 14 and 18 years. Participants completed several questionnaires in the classrooms of their secondary education schools. The questionnaires assessed depression, self-esteem and perceived social support and recorded information on sexual behavior and socio-demographic issues. Results showed that, among males, self-esteem predicted higher vaginal risk, depression was related to higher vaginal, anal and oral sexual risk, and perceived support from the family predicted lower vaginal and anal sexual risk. Among females, self-esteem was found to be associated with lower anal sexual risk and perceived support from friends predicted lower anal and oral sexual risk. The study highlights the importance of considering family and friends as well as gender differences in the prevention of STIs/HIV.

Información de financiación

This study was conducted thanks to the scholarship granted from Spanish Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sport to first author (Scholarship University Teacher Training Reference: AP2008-03223).

Financiadores

    • AP2008-03223

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