Egalitarian Values and Sexual Behavior-The Role of Country Level Values in Shaping Individual Level Behaviors in Africa, South America and Asia

Objective The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between country level egalitarian values (broadly speaking emancipatory values/structural gender equality) and sexual behavior among youth. Methods: Comparative individual level data on sexual activity and condom use were collected from the Global School-based Student Health Survey, resulting in a final sample of 23 countries, analyzed utilizing multilevel logistic regression analysis. Results: Egalitarian values were significantly associated with sexual activity and condom use. Conclusions: Egalitarian values have a relationship with adolescents' sexual activity and condom use, and thus contribute to sexual health and well-being in Africa, South America and Asia.

Automated summary

The study found that country level egalitarian values are associated with sexual behavior and condom use among youth. This contributes to the sexual health and well-being of adolescents in Africa, South America, and Asia.