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E-ISSN 2281-4612
ISSN 2281-3993
Academic Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies
MCSER Publishing, Rome-Italy
Vol 2 No 8
October 2013
717
Filipino Adolescents’ Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors: Results from a University Cohort
Elmer G. De Jose
Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, College of Social Sciences and Development,
Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Manila, Philippines
elmer_dejose@yahoo.com
Doi:10.5901/ajis.2013.v2n8p719
Abstract
This research describes the sexual attitudes and behaviors of a cohort of adolescents, 15–24 years old, attending a large state
university in Manila, Philippines (N = 1,412). Results revealed high percentages for both male and female adolescents who still
value virginity, and disclosed disagreement with premarital sex (PMS), multiple sex, casual sex, pornography, cohabitation,
same-sex relationship, petting and female masturbation. However, male masturbation, necking, and holding hands and kissing
were found to be acceptable. Results likewise indicated an increase in adolescents who engaged in PMS over time, although
generally low (27.7%) compared to the findings of other studies. Of those who have engaged in PMS, 80% did not use
condom, which puts the adolescents into risks of unplanned pregnancy and exposure to STIs or HIV. The study also examined
the correlates and predictors of sexual behaviors of a cohort of students. Fourteen variables served as independent/predictive
factors in the analyses. The dependent variable was their scores on self-report sexual behaviors measured on a Likert Scale.
Six of the predictive factors (gender, sexual preference, age, school allowance, monthly family income, and attitude towards
sex) were significantly correlated with sexual behavior. Stepwise regression analyses identified only four factors - attitude
towards sex, monthly family income, gender, and sexual preference - as significant predictors of sexual behaviors. This
composite term explains 16.1% of the total variance, with the overall equation significant at p < .001. Implications for
adolescent sexuality and reproductive health programs and future research were noted.
Keywords: Filipino adolescents, adolescent sexuality, sexual attitudes, sexual behaviors, premarital sex, sex education
1. Introduction
Adolescence is a stage in life in which sexual behaviors are developing and becoming established (Bayley, 2003). During
this stage both sexual ideation and engagement in a spectrum of sexual behavior increase (Crokett, Rafaelli & Moilanen,
2003) such as talking about sex, sexual intimacy, solitary masturbation, oral sex, and sexual intercourse (Chi, Yu &
Winter, 2012). Reviews of recent scientific literature have revealed profound changes over the past decades in sexual
behavior of adolescents. college students, and other young adults (Langer, Warheit & McDonald, 2001; Irala, Osorio, Del
Burgo, Belen, De Guzman, Calatrava & Torralba, 2009; Teva, Bermudez & Buela-Casal, 2009). These changes include
the decline in the age of onset of sexual intercourse; increase in percentage of adolescents who reported casual sex,
multiple sex partners, and oral sex; and high rates of unprotected sexual activity both for males and females (Aras,
Semih, Gunay, Orcim & Ozan, 2007; Chi, et al, 2012; Irala, et al, 2009; Ryu, Kim & Kwon, 2007; Teva et al, 2009).
This increasing sexual involvement posed alarming consequences. In particular, premarital sex (PMS) has
significant impact on public health concerns. Despite efforts by competent authorities to increase awareness and
education, the age of initial sexual contact among adolescents remains very low while unplanned pregnancies and
exposure to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is still high (Irala, et al., 2009). While these issues have long been
recognized in many developed countries, there is still a dearth of literature and empirical data in different Filipino
communities.
In the Philippines, the cases of HIV are relatively low but slowly increasing. As of January 2013, there were 380
new HIV Ab seropositive cases which was 79% higher than the 212 cases registered in January 2012; the 20 to 29 years
old had the most number of cases, 61%, which is higher than the 59% in previous year (National Epidemiology Center,
Department of Health, 2013). The vulnerability of adolescents to HIV and other STIs have also increased due to
behavioral factors such as initiating sexual relations at a young age and having multiple (concurrent or serial) sexual
partner (Irala, et. al, 2009).
The nationwide Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study among youth aged 15-24 (YAFS3, 2002) revealed that
23.2% adolescents have had engaged in premarital sex (PMS) (31% males and 16% females), with mean age at first sex
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of 17 for males and 18 for females. Only 27.6% males and 14.5% females used contraception during first PMS. Females
(90%) usually had PMS with a boyfriend. Majority among males, 60%, also had their first PMS with a girlfriend, while
about 32% had it with a friend or acquaintance. Of the sexually active adolescents 50% males while 9.1% females
reported having more than one PMS partners, with 4 and 3 partners on the average, respectively. About four percent
(4%) males have received payment for sex and 6.4% have paid for it.
Prior to YAFS 3, Sandoval, Mangahas, and Guerrero (1998) also conducted a nationwide survey on the situation of
the Filipino Youth, which revealed serious problems in the areas of criminality, gambling and sexuality. An estimated 6%
youths claimed to have ever sold illegal drugs; 7% claimed to have used them; 18% watched pornographic movies; 13%
have ever had a premarital sexual relation; and 5% have ever engaged in sex that they paid for, while the same
proportion have engaged in sex and been paid for it. Eight percent (8%) Filipino youths had sex against their own will;
and 4% have ever forced someone to have sex with them.
Lee (1997) looked into the sexual lifestyle, dating activity, and sexual behavior, role of peer groups and families,
and perceptions of pregnancies and STD infections and preventive methods, of adolescents in five universities. The
salient findings indicated that unmarried adolescents have dating and heterosexual relationships in varying context in
which physical intimacies, including penile-vaginal penetration, appear to be part and parcel of these relationships. Young
people were perceived to experience unwanted pregnancies more than they experienced STD infections. Despite these,
teenagers generally do not have adequate access to pertinent activities and services in the campus. Given the complexity
and dynamic nature of adolescents, it is helpful to keep on updating and identifying research gaps and challenges in
understanding the Filipino adolescents (Cabigon, 1999) particularly on the aspect of their sexuality.
The current study produced baseline information about sexual attitudes and behaviors of undergraduate students
enrolled at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, the largest university of the country with more than 70,000
students, during the academic year 2012-2013. The cohort’s personal and family characteristics, their attitude towards
sex, and how they are correlated with sexual behavior were examined. The paper hopes to provide data about the
college students’ views on sex as well as their actual sexual practices or involvements, which can be utilized in the
planning and implementation of educational policies, and in espousing development programs that address the needs of
the students, particularly in the sexuality and reproductive health domains.
2. Method
This is a descriptive survey participated by 1,412 undergraduate students enrolled in various courses in the largest state
university in the country (in terms of student population) located in an urban center in Manila. Respondents came from 15
colleges which were all based on five Manila campuses. The survey was conducted during the second semester of SY
2012-2013. Permission to administer the questionnaires was obtained from the Office of the Vice President for Research,
Extension, Planning and Development.
Two sampling techniques were employed in the study. The first was cluster random sampling where the researcher
selected the classes to be included in the study. The second phase involved inviting the students in the selected classes
to participate in the study, on a voluntary basis. The nature and purpose of the study were explained to the students and
their verbal consent was obtained. Confidentiality was assured as no student names or numbers were collected with the
data. The participants were advised that they are free to withdraw at any point without jeopardy on their grades or
academic status.
The instrument was written in English language, which is a language of instruction in the University. It consists of
the following parts: (1) the adolescents’ personal characteristics [gender, sexual preference, age, year level, marital
status, employment while studying, and school allowance] and family characteristics [father’s educational attainment,
mother’s educational attainment, family income, number of siblings, birth order, parents’ living arrangement, and whether
the adolescent lives/stays with both or any of the parents]; (2) 15-item Sexual Attitude Scale; and (3) 15-item Sexual
Behavior Inventory.
A modified Likert Scale was used for both the sexual attitude and sexual behavior. To facilitate interpretation, the
theoretically relevant variables were all coded so that higher scores reflect more positive attitude and signify more liberal
sexual practices. Responses to the sexual attitude items ranged from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). A five-
point response format was also employed for each of the sexual behavior indicators: 1 (No. I have not done it, and will
never do it); 2 (No I have not done it, but I am open to doing it); 3 (Yes, I have done it only once); 4 (Yes, I have done it
a few number of times); 5 (Yes, I have done it frequently/many times).
The instrument was self-administering and contains instructions for responding. However, verbal instruction was
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also provided during the actual survey. A team of senior psychology students enrolled in their Research I course assisted
during the gathering and tabulation of data. Data were analyzed using statistical software. Frequency and percentage
were calculated to draw a descriptive profile on the personal and family characteristics, the sexual attitude, and the
sexual behavior of a Filipino university student. Bivariate analyses were used to examine association between sexual
behavior and the personal and family characteristics of the respondents. Point-biserial correlation was conducted to
determine the correlation between a dichotomous variable (e.g., gender, with female coded as 2 and male coded as 1;
living arrangement, living with parent/s was coded 2 while not living with parent/s was coded 1) and the total score in
sexual behavior. The Pearson Product Moment Correlation was employed for non-dichotomous variables. The variables
that flagged a significant correlation were used in the subsequent stepwise regression analysis to identify which factor or
composite factors contributed to the total scores on sexual behavior.
3. Results
3.1 Descriptive Analyses
3.1.1 Personal and Family Characteristics
Table 1 describes the personal characteristics of the respondent adolescents. Of the 1,412 students, 58.9% are females
and 40.9% are males. In terms of sexual preference, a great majority, 84.3%, declared that they are heterosexuals; 1.6%
exclusively prefer same-sex partners, and 6.3% are bisexuals. In terms of year level, 22.8% are in their first year, 40.5%
are in second year, 24.6% are in third year, and 9.4% are in their fourth or fifth year in college. Mean age of 18.2
approximates the median age of 18 years old. The majority or 52.2% are 17 to 18 years old; 30.9% are 19 to 20 years
old; 6.7% are aged 15 to 16 years old, while 4.4% are between 21 to 24 years old. The respondents are mostly single,
97.0%. Only 0.5%% are married while 1.3% live with a partner. There are 15.9% work while studying, and the majority,
72.0%, are non-working or full time students. The percentage of students, 42.7%, who have a weekly school allowance of
500 to 1,000 pesos is significantly higher than any other subgroups. A US dollar is equivalent to an approximately 45
Philippine pesos at the time of study. There are 19.9% who are in the lowest school allowance subgroup of 500 pesos
and below; 11.2% have 1,000 to 1,500 pesos per week; and 4.5% have 1,500 to 2,000 pesos. Very few (0.6% to 1.6%)
have weekly school allowance between 2,000 to 10,000 pesos.
Table 2 reveals that majority of the adolescents’ fathers (42.1%) and mothers (44.6%) are college graduates,
followed by 38.9% and 37.0% who have only finished high school, respectively. In terms of total household monthly
income, the biggest subgroup is 10,000 to 20,000 pesos with a percentage of 25.7%, followed by 21.7% whose family
monthly income is below 10,000 pesos; 18.5% have 20,000 to 30,000 pesos; and 15.7% have 30,000 to 50,000 pesos.
The rest of the adolescents are distributed in the three upper subgroups: 50,000 - 80,000, 8.1%; 80,000 - 100,000, 5.9%;
and 100,000 - 200,000, 2.5%.
More than half of the respondents (67.3%) have 1 to 3 siblings; 18.8% have 4-5 siblings. Nearly half of the
respondents, 42.7%, are middle born; 37.3% are first born or only child; 13.6% are last born. In terms of parents’ living
arrangement, 67.8% of the parents live together, while 31.0% live in separate places or residences. Majority of the
respondents, 62.3%, are living/staying with either one or both parents, while 36.3% do not.
3.1.2 Sexual Attitude
Table 3 shows the respondents’ degree of agreement on the fifteen-item questionnaire that measures their attitude
towards some aspects of sexuality. The adolescents demonstrated agreement on four items. More than half, 56.7%,
strongly agreed that sex is sacred and should only be enjoyed by married couple (mean = 4.15). There are 47.6% who
strongly believe that a woman should be a virgin at the time of her marriage (mean = 3.97). Likewise, 36.1% are strongly
convinced that a man should also be a virgin at the time of his marriage (mean = 3.73). Virginity in this study refers to not
having engaged in sexual intercourse. Nearly half of the respondents, 43.6%, agreed that holding hands and hugging in
public is acceptable (mean = 3.71). The adolescent cohort disagreed (48.8%, mean = 2.12) with multiple sex partners.
The rest of the items registered a neutral attitude based on the mode and mean statistics.
However, when the percentages of the ‘strongly agree’ and ‘agree’ responses were combined, as well as the
percentages of those who ‘strongly disagree’ and ‘disagree’ on an item, the data suggest significant results. For instance,
positive attitude was revealed in the following items: male masturbation (45.8%); necking (40.8%); and kissing in public
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(27.8%). Although 36.9% favors premarital sex, a slightly higher percentage (37.4%) disclosed disapproval.
Furthermore, the adolescents who revealed negative attitude outnumbered those who indicated positive attitude on
the following items: viewing/reading pornography through internet or other media (47.8%); cohabitation (45.2%);
expressing one’s sexual feelings with a partner (41.8%); same-sex sexual relationship (41.6%); petting (45.1%); and
female masturbation (38.9%).
3.1.3 Sexual Behavior
Table 4 discloses the adolescents’ self-report on their sexual experiences. Using mode as the central tendency measure,
it could be said that this university cohort is generally inexperienced when it comes to most indicators of sexual behavior.
When the percentages of those who reported having experienced it at least once, few, and many times were again
combined, data suggest that significant number have had the following experiences: having an intimate partner (48.1%);
watching/reading pornographic videos/materials (44.2%); intimate kissing (42.8%); masturbation (39.7%); necking
(39.5%); petting (31.7%); petting in a generally public but dark and secluded place (30.8%); oral sex (26.3%); premarital
sex with person they like and intend to marry (27.7%); and, premarital sex with someone they like but do not intend to
marry (25.9%). Few have reported having engaged in casual or “one-night stand” sex (19.2%), sex with person of the
same-sex (14.2%), paying for sex (14.2%), and being paid for sex (11.1%). One important finding is in the use of
condoms or pills during sexual intercourse. Of the 365 respondents who have had experienced PMS, 80.2% of them
engaged in unprotected sex.
3.2 Correlation Analyses
The results of the correlation analyses are reported in Table 4. As shown, four of the individual factors were found to be
significantly correlated with scores on sexual behaviors. These were: gender (male), r = .244, p < .000; sexual
preference (bisexual), r = .119, p < .000; age (older), r = .075, p .006; school allowance (higher), r = .123, p < .000; and
sexual attitude (positive), r = .308, p < .000. Year level and working while studying were not significantly correlated with
sexual behavior. Marital status was excluded from the analyses since very little variation was observed among the
respondents (97% are single). In terms of family factors, only the total monthly household income was significantly
correlated with sexual behavior, r = .205, p < .000. No significant relationship was observed between the adolescents’
sexual behavior and the rest of the family factors, namely, father’s educational attainment, mother’s educational
attainment, number of siblings, birth order, parents’ living arrangement, and whether the adolescent is living or staying
with his/her parent/s.
3.3 Regression Analysis
Step-wise regression analysis was conducted to determine which factors or composite factors provided the most powerful
predictors of sexual behaviors. Only the factors found to be significant in the correlation analyses were included in the
subsequent regression equations. The outcomes from the step-wise regression are presented in Table 6. Only sexual
attitude, gender, sexual preference, and monthly family income were found to be significant predictors of the adolescents’
sexual behavior. Age and school allowance were not significant and were excluded in the model. As shown in the Table,
sexual attitude was entered first and accounted for 7.5% of the total explained variance. In the second equation, monthly
family income was added to sexual attitude and accounted for 11.9% of the total explained variance. In the third equation,
Gender was added to both sexual attitude and monthly family income, which accounted for 15.3% of the total explained
variance. Sexual preference entered last and increased the explained variance by 16.1%. The R2 score changes
occasioned by adding each of the terms were significant, and the overall equation was also highly significant at p < .001.
4. Discussion
4.1 Sexual Attitude
Data revealed that Filipino adolescents still hold conservative attitude towards sex. Specifically, this was evidenced in the
belief that sex is sacred and should only be enjoyed by married couples. More than half (56.7%) strongly agreed that sex
is sacred and should only be enjoyed by married couple. The same conventional attitude was observed in the aspect of
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virginity. There are more adolescents who believe that a woman as much as a man should be a virgin at the time of her
marriage. Furthermore, higher percentage also reported disagreement on the following: premarital sex, multiple sex,
casual sex, pornography, cohabitation, same-sex relationship, petting, and female masturbation. These findings reflect
the generally traditional cultural mores about premarital and non-marital sexual activity. This conservative attitude may be
influenced by strong religious beliefs and deep-rooted cultural values. As a predominantly Christian country, the
Philippines considers sex between married couples as morally and legally acceptable. The Catholic Church remains
influential in legal, political and religious views on sexuality, contraception, including how sex education should be taught
in school. Premarital sex, pornography, prostitution, nudity, cohabitation and similar variants are still considered illegal
and taboo.
Male masturbation, necking, and holding hands and kissing were found to be acceptable to a certain degree. The
Church prohibits masturbation as sinful and unnatural but this religious proscription has began to loosen up with male
sexual exploits provided by an abundance of social opportunities (e.g., birthdays and community celebrations, public
dances, fraternities) (Leyson, 1991), and exposure to various forms of media (e.g. romantic teen television programs,
showbiz personalities, internet), which generally encourage sensual and erotic activities. Furthermore, adolescents are
faced with social and biological pressures to engage in sexual activities, and may find it difficult to match what they
practice with what they believe to be desirable (Adaji, Warenius, Ong’any & Faxelid, 2010). This situation is specifically
prevalent among adolescents with friends who are sexually active and view sex as a defining aspect of masculinity
(Somers & Gleason, 2001).
4.2 Sexual Behavior
There is an increase in the percentage of adolescents who engage in sexual behavior over time. Engagement in intimate
relationships have increased from 21% females and 38.6% males (Cabigon, 1999) to 48.1% for both genders; and from
18% (Cabigon, 1999), 23.2% (YAFS 3, 2002) to 27.7% in the present study who have had experienced premarital sex.
Despite this increase however, the figures reflected a generally low sexual behavior of this cohort of university students
compared to the findings of other studies.
In the study of Nahom et al (2001) involving early adolescents of an urban district in the Pacific Northwest, the
percentage of teens who have engaged in sexual intercourse (vaginal or anal) increased across grades: 18% among 8th
graders; 30% among 9th graders; 43% among 10th graders. In Spain, Teva et al (2009) reported that 37% males while
9.5% females had sex with a casual partner; 52.1% males and 46% females in the age group between 15 and 16 years
have oral sex once or more a month; 91.1% males and 87.6% females between ages 15 and 19 years used condom in
their first sexual intercourse. The mean age at the onset of sexual intercourse was 14.8 for males and 15 for females.
A study of 1,048 Asian-American adolescents, Hahm, Lahiff and Barreto (2006) found that 24% women and 20%
men reported having sexual intercourse. Foreign-born adolescents who spoke English at home had the highest rates of
sexual intercourse for both women (37%) and men (34%). But for most acculturated group, a much higher proportion of
female than male U.S.-born adolescents who spoke English reported having had sexual intercourse (31% and 18%,
respectively). In a more recent study involving students of a Canadian university, Dalton and Galambos (2009) stated that
penetrative sex (sex in which the penis penetrates the vagina or anus) was experienced by 31% respondents, and 38%
have received oral sexual contact from a partner, both in at least one month during the first year in college.
In Jamaica, 64% males but only 6% females reported having engaged in premarital sex. However, mean age at
first sex for both gender is considerably low at 11.3 years old for girls and 9.4 for boys (Eggleston et al., 2007). In Turkey,
masturbation was high at 51.3% (82.5% males and 14.5% females), sexual intercourse with intimate girlfriend/boyfriend
(42.6%), casual sex (28.9%), sex with paid sex worker (28.5%), and multiple or more than two sex partners (54.5%). The
median age at first sexual intercourse is 16 (11-18 range) for males, and 17 (14-18 range) for females (Aras, et al, 2007).
Nwankwo and Nwoke (2009) reported that 47.4% of Nigerian student cohort from nine schools/colleges have ever had
sex; in the last six months, 63.2% have had sex more than four times, more than three times, 11.3% one to two times,
and 3.4% more than 5 times; 43.9% of them are with multiple or more than three partners while 42.7% are with single
partner; and 53.6% have tried having sex with an unknown partner.
The present findings, however, indicated higher percentage of engagement in some sexual activities among the
Filipino adolescent cohort compared to their Asian counterpart. An investigation on the prevalence and correlates of
sexual behaviors among university students in China showed that: 10.8% of students are engaged in oral sex; 12.6% had
heterosexual intercourse; 2.7% had same-sex sexual activities. However, higher proportion of Chinese students had
experienced masturbation (46%) and more than half (57.4%) viewed pornography (Chi et al, 2012). Among Korean
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adolescents, the study of Ryu, et al. (2007) indicated that 14.4% of high school students had experience sexual
intercourse; 6.8% of those who reported having had sexual intercourse have no girl-/boyfriend, suggesting casual sex
experiences.
These variations in the proportion of adolescents who were engaged in various sexual practices may be explained
by differences in cultural and social context. One alarming finding is in the use of condoms or pills during sexual
intercourse; 80% of those who have experienced sexual intercourse also reported that they did not use or does not like
using condom, which puts the adolescents into high risk of unplanned pregnancy and exposure to STIs or HIV.
4.3 Correlation Analyses
The relationships between individual and family factors and the scores on sexual behaviors were consistent with some of
those reported in the literature, and inconsistent with others. This study found out that although adolescents may hold
different values concerning sexuality, their attitude about sex are related to behavior. Sexual experience increased with
more positive attitudes towards sexuality (Huerta-Malacara, 1999; Werner-Wilson, 1998). Moreover, investigations into
the effects of human sexuality generally support the assertion that sexual experience has a reciprocal relationship with
sexual attitudes (Eggleston et al, 1999; Tobin, 2011). Greater average positive affect was associated with oral sex, and
permissive attitudes toward sex were associated with more positive affect in relation to experience of penetrative sex
(Dalton & Galambos, 2009).
The positive correlation between the respondents’ sexual preference and sexual behavior suggests that
adolescents with bisexual orientation tend to engage in sexual behavior higher than the homosexuals, while both genders
have more liberal sexual practice than the heterosexuals. There is a dearth of investigation on this area as most of the
studies specifically focus on a particular group of sexual orientation [i.e., bisexual and homosexual risk behaviors
(Matteson, 1997; Rosario, Meyer-Bahlburg, Hunter & Gwadz, 1999; Rew, Whittaker, Taylor-Seehafer & Smith, 2005)].
Available literature comparing heterosexuals, homosexuals and bisexuals were focused on patterns of sexual arousal
and sexual attraction (Cerny & Janssen, 2011; Lippa, 2007).
The significant correlation between age and sexual behavior supported the findings of Huerta-Malacara (1999),
Langer, et al (2001), Hahm, et al. (2006), Aras, et al (2007), Mustanski (2008) and Teva (2009) but was contrary to what
was reported in Chi, et al. (2012) and Akinwande and Brieger (2007). These discrepancies may be due to different
samples, methods, and modes of analyses used by investigators, aside from the fact that these studies were conducted
in different temporal and cultural context.
The relationship between gender and sexual behavior indicated higher sexual permissiveness and activity among
males than females provided support to Werner-Wilson (1998), Langer (2001), Hahm, et al (2006), Akinwande and
Brieger (2007), and Chi (2012). Adolescent males are much more likely than adolescent females to engage in sexual
activities. Furthermore, the significant correlation between total monthly household income and sexual behavior among
adolescents was consistent with Aras et al. (2007) who also found that mean household income were higher for sexually
experienced males, (Aras, et al., 2007).
4.4 Regression Analyses
Statistical analyses were conducted separately and simultaneously for individual and family characteristics because they
are both theoretically relevant and have been identified as important predictors of sexual attitudes [and behavior]
(Werner-Wilson, 1998). The findings from the regression analyses indicated that the combined factors (sexual attitude,
gender, sexual preference, and total monthly family income) in the final equation were powerful predictors of sexual
behavior. These data are quite informative and contributed to the understanding of Filipino university adolescents. In the
case of university adolescents, it could be assumed that they already possess the assets and resources that will allow
them to maximize the benefits of sexuality, minimize the risks and mitigate any negative consequences that may arise
(Dalton & Galambos, 2008). The important role of the school administrators, guidance and counseling centers, and
relevant units in the university is to provide appropriate sexual education programs that will address the sexual issues
and promote healthy sexual development among students. The challenge is to balance the demands of the social mores
and the reality. Adolescent sex education should first and foremost strongly advocate abstinence, while at the same time
providing comprehensive and informed knowledge on reproductive health, condom and contraception use, and the
negative consequences of risk behavior (e.g. unwanted pregnancy, STIs, HIV, etc.) that will help foster a safe, healthy,
and responsible sexual behavior among young people.
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The findings of this study indicated that several of the factors were not always significantly correlated with sexual
behavior and/or they were not significantly correlated with sexual practices. This does not mean, however, that they
should no longer be considered when designing future sex education programs or interventions, since research with other
samples might alter the findings reported in this paper. This study, like the others, is not without limitations. First, the data
are based on self-report of the respondents and the use of questionnaire may only have evaluated their sexual attitudes
and behaviors without further exploration of the motivations and influences behind the attitudes and behaviors. However,
questionnaire-based studies of this sort have been employed in several sexual and reproductive health surveys (Adaji,
2010; Aras, 2007; Chi, 2002; Eggleston, et al 1999; Langer, et al, 2001; Langstrom, 2004; Ryu, 2002; Teva et al, 2009).
The study may not totally represent the views of all Filipino adolescents, since the sample was limited to only one
university. Adolescents from other state or private universities, the out-of school youths, and those coming from various
socio-economic status also maintain certain attitudes and may behave in a similar or different ways from the sample of
this study.
Future studies may also focus on other factors that influence sexual behavior such as peer pressure to conform to
sexual standards; and parent’s influence on sexuality (i.e., parent-child communication parent) (Werner-Wilson, 1998;
Somers & Gleason, 2001); and further examination of the multiple and distinct and simultaneous influences of individual
and family factors, and gender differences on sexual attitudes and behavior to expand our understanding of Filipino
adolescents. Furthermore, studies using qualitative methods may be helpful, particularly in identifying the subgroups that
are most at-risk, and suggesting effective means of intervention.
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Table 1. Respondents’ Personal Characteristics
Personal
characteristics Subgroups %
Gender Male
Female
No response
40.9
58.9
0.3
Sexual preference
Opposite sex onl
y
Same sex only
Bisexual
No response
84.3
1.6
6.3
7.8
Age
15
–
16
17 – 18
19 – 20
21 – 24
No response
6.7
52.2
30.9
4.4
5.8
Year Level
1st year
2nd year
3rd year
4th year/5th year
No response
22.8
40.5
24.6
9.4
2.6
Marital status
Single
Married
Single but living with a partner
No response
97.0
0.5
1.3
1.2
Employment Working while studying
Not employed
No response
72.0
15.9
12.1
School allowance
per week (in
Philippine peso)
Below 500.00
500 to 1,000.00
1000.00 to 1500.00
1500.00 to 2000.00
2000.00 to 2500.00
2500.00 to 3000.00
3000.00 to 5000.00
5000.00 to 10000.00
No response
19.9
42.7
11.2
4.5
1.6
0.6
0.9
0.6
18.0
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Table 2. Respondents’ Family Characteristics
Family
characteristics Subgroups %
Fathers’ education
Elementary
High School
College
Postgraduate
No response
7.6
38.9
42.1
7.9
3.6
Mother’s education
Elementary
High School
College
Postgraduate
No response
6.7
37.0
44.6
8.6
3.0
Total household
monthly income
(in Philippine peso)
Below 10,000.00
10,000.00 to 20,000.00
20,000.00 to 30,000.00
30,000.00 to 50,000.00
50,000.00 to 80,000.00
80,000.00 to 100,000.00
100,000.00 to 200.000.00
No response
21.7
25.7
18.5
15.7
8.1
5.9
2.5
1.9
Number of siblings
None (only child)
1 sibling
2 siblings
3 siblings
4-5 siblings
More than 5
No response
2.3
19.1
27.8
20.4
18.8
5.5
6.2
Birth order
First born (and only child)
Middle born
Last born
No response
37.3
42.7
13.6
6.4
Parents living
arrangement
Parents live together
Parents do not live together
No response
67.8
31.0
1.2
Living arrangement Living/staying with parents
Not living/staying with parents
No response
62.3
36.3
1.4
Table 3. Sexual Attitude
Item Strongly
agree Agree Neutral Dis-
agree
Strongly
disagree Mean Verbal
Description
1. Sex is sacred that only married couple should
engage on it. 56.7 18.1 14.9 3.8 6.5 4.15 Agree
2. I do not find anything wrong with a man and a
woman who kiss in public. 8.4 19.4 36.8 23.7 11.7 2.89 Neutral
3. It is alright for an unmarried couple to have sex
as long as it is their own decision and that no one
has been forced to do it. 13.4 23.5 25.8 18.1 19.3 2.94 Neutral
4. It is alright for a couple to hold hands and hug in
public. 20.8 43.6 24.3 7.7 3.4 3.71 Agree
5. I believe that a woman should be a virgin at the
time of her marriage. 47.6 20.2 20.0 5.8 6.4 3.97 Agree
6. I believe that a man should be a virgin at the time
of his marriage. 36.1 21.1 29.5 6.4 6.9 3.73 Agree
7. It is alright for a couple to live together and make
love without the benefit of marriage as it is their 8.9 18.0 27.9 25.7 19.5 2.71 Neutral
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own free decision.
8. I do not find anything wrong with enjoying
pornography, e.g. pornographic movies, internet
videos and sites, magazines, etc. 10.3 16.7 25.5 21.2 26.6 2.63 Neutral
9. I do not find anything wrong with having sex with
more than one person (not at the same time) as I
like/love the person I’m having sex with. 9.7 8.7 14.1 18.8 48.8 2.12 Disagree
10. Necking (caressing/touching body parts from
head to shoulder) is acceptable between a
couple. 8.8 32.0 33.0 15.5 10.7 3.13 Neutral
11. Petting (caressing/touching private body parts
from breast/chest and down) is acceptable
between a couple. 8.5 17.9 28.6 22.6 22.5 2.67 Neutral
12. There is nothing wrong with a male who
masturbates. 17.7 28.1 30.0 13.2 11.0 3.28 Neutral
13. There is nothing wrong with a female who
masturbates. 11.4 18.2 31.5 19.8 19.1 2.83 Neutral
14. Nowadays, teens have the right to express
their sexual feelings with partners. 8.6 18.4 31.4 20.9 20.9 2.73 Neutral
15. Gays and lesbians have as much right as the
heterosexuals to enjoy sex with the persons
they choose as long as there is mutual
consent.
11.4 16.3 30.7 17.1 24.5 2.73 Neutral
4.50–5.00 = Strongly agree; 3.50–4.49 = Agree; 2.50–3.49 = Neutral; 1.50–2.49 = Disagree; 1.00–1.49 = Strongly disagree
Table 4. Sexual Behavior
Item
Yes, I
have
done it
many
times
Yes, I
have
done it a
few
times
Yes, l
have
done it
once.
No, But I
am open
to doing it
No. I will
never do
it.
Mean Verbal
Description
1. I have had an intimate partner/
boyfriend/girlfriend. 16.4 19.4 12.3 27.3 24.6 2.55 Yes, once.
2. I have intimately kissed my partner.
9.1 19.1 14.6 32.1 25.1 2.76 Yes, once.
3. I have engaged in mutual necking with my
partner. 13.5 17.5 8.5 26.7 33.9 2.50 Yes, once
4. I have engaged in petting/touching of private
parts with my partner. 13.4 11.9 6.4 24.3 43.9 2.27 No, but
I’m open to it.
5. I have had premarital sex with the person
whom I like/love and intend to marry. 12.8 9.8 5.1 20.4 51.8 2.11 No, but
I’m open to it.
6. I have had sex with the person whom I like
but I do not intend to marry. 12.8 7.4 5.7 13.0 61.2 1.98 No, but I’m
open to it.
7. I have tried oral sex with my partner. 14.1 8.0 4.2 15.3 58.4 2.04 No, but I’m
open to it
8. I have tried kissing and petting in a generally
public, but dark, hidden, and rather secluded
place (e.g. movie house, comfort room,
classroom).
13.4 8.4 9.0 13.1 56.2 2.10 No, but I’m
open to it
9. I use/have used some form of contraceptives
(e.g. pills, condoms) when I engage in
sexual intercourse with my partner. (n = 365)
9.7 6.7 3.5 57.1 23.1 2.23 No, but I’m
open to it
10. I enjoy/ have enjoyed reading or watching
pornographic materials/ videos. 14.0 18.8 11.4 12.6 43.3 2.48 No, but I’m
open to it
11. I do/have had experienced self-
masturbation. 16.5 17.1 6.1 9.7 50.7 2.39 No, but I’m
open to it
12. I have had experienced casual or a “one-
night-stand” sex. 8.7 4.7 5.8 12.2 68.7 1.72 No, but I’m
open to it.
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13. I have had engaged in a sexual activity with
a person of the same sex. 8.8 2.8 2.6 6.3 79.5 1.55 No, but I’m
open to it
14. I have tried paying to satisfy my sexual
fantasies/urges. 8.5 2.8 2.9 9.5 76.3 1.58 No, but I’m
open to it
15. I have tried receiving/accepting money or
material things or have engaged in sexual
activity in exchange of a seriously wanted
favor.
8.0 1.3 1.8 4.8 84.1 1.00 No. I will never
do it.
4.50–5.00 = Yes, many times 2.50–3.49 = Yes, but only once 1.00–1.49 = No, I will never do it
3.50–4.49 = Yes, a few times 1.50–2.49 = No, but open to it
Table 5. Correlation between Predictive Factors and Sexual Behavior
Predictive Factors N
r
Sig
Personal characteristics
1. Gender 1406 -.244** .000
2. Sexual Preference 1301 .119** .000
3.
A
ge 1328 .075** .006
4. Year Level 1373 .042 .116
5. Working while studying 1259 .019 .503
6. School allowance 1158 .123** .000
7. Sexual attitude 1410 .308** .000
Family Characteristics
8. Father’s educational attainment 1360 .003 .921
9. Mother’s educational attainment 1367 .009 .728
10. Total household monthly income 1384 .205** .000
11. Number of siblings 1323 -.011 .694
12. Birth order 1319 .001 .959
13. Parents’ living arrangement 1393 -.033 .223
14. Living/staying with parents 1390 .015 .580
** Correlation is significant at the p < .01.
Note: Gender and Sexual preference were categorical variables. For gender variable, male was coded 1, female was
coded 2. For sexual preference variable, opposite sex was coded 1, same-sex was coded 2, bisexual was coded 3.
Table 6. Regression Analysis of Predictive Factors on Sexual Behavior Scores among the University Cohort
Independent Variable(s) R2 R2 change Beta
Sexual attitude .273 .075 .273
Sexual attitude
Monthly family income .345 .119 .236
.214
Sexual attitude
Monthly family income
Gender
.392 .153 .203
.209
-.188
Sexual attitude
Monthly family income Gender
Gender
Sexual preference
.401 .161 .197
.206
-.183
.088
Note: All R2 changes are significant; F = 32.395, p < .001
