Sexual Behavior and Intention to Engage in Sexual Behavior Among Young Adolescents in Hong Kong: Findings Based on Four Waves of Data

Abstract

This study examined the growth trajectories of sexual behavior and intention to engage in sexual behavior among young adolescents in Hong Kong across 4 years. Besides, the impact of family structure and economic disadvantage on the rate of change in adolescent sexual behavior and intention was studied, and the concurrent and longitudinal impact of family functioning and positive youth development on adolescent sexual behavior and intention was explored. Four waves of data were collected from adolescents (n = 3328 at Wave 1) in 28 secondary schools in Hong Kong. Individual growth curve models generally showed that adolescents from economically disadvantaged and non-intact families increased their sexual behavior at a faster rate than their counterparts, but they did not affect the rate of acceleration in intention to engage in sexual behavior. Multiple regression analyses revealed that family functioning and positive youth development influenced adolescent sexual behavior and intention.