Investigating the impact of the current issues affecting the sexual health of Australian young people

Abstract

Background Although new technologies bring many benefits, there is also concern that sexting, internet pornography, meeting partners online and new contraceptive technologies may be fuelling the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. This thesis considers several current issues affecting Australians' sexual and reproductive health, focusing on young people. Methods Drawing on data collected during a national health survey conducted in 2012–13 among 20 091 participants aged 16–69, I investigate these topics using a whole population epidemiological approach. I also undertake a systematic review and meta-analysis of the relationship between sexual behaviours and exposure to sexually explicit websites (SEW) and sexting among young people. Results The systematic review included 14 cross-sectional studies; pooled findings linked some STI risk behaviours with exposure to SEW and sexting. However, several variables suggestive of being more sexually active or having a pre-existing interest in sexual activity also correlated with SEW and sexting exposure. Similarly, the strongest correlate of meeting a sexual partner online was higher sexual partner numbers. Analysis of contraception and condom use found that almost all (95%) of the women used a form of contraception at their last vaginal intercourse; however, only half (49%) were protected from STIs by condoms or dual contraception. Conclusions Interpreted collectively, the studies in this thesis tend to support the argument that individuals use new media platforms to satisfy their pre-existing interests. These findings underscore the nuanced and potentially nonlinear relationships between new technologies, STIs and unintended pregnancies among young people