engleski

A Meta-Analytic Exploration of Associations between Religiosity and Sexual Risk Taking among Adolescents and Emerging Adults

Although there is some evidence that religiosity is related to lower levels of sexual risk taking among adolescents and emerging adults, no attempts have been made to systematically quantify the association. Using data from studies conducted since 2000 in samples of adolescents and emerging adults, this meta-analysis aimed to estimate the link between frequency of religious service attendance (extrinsic religiosity), religious faith (intrinsic religiosity), and four sexual risk-taking behaviors (age at sexual debut, number of sexual partners, condom use at most recent sexual intercourse, and consistent condom use). Five different search systems were used to conduct a systematic literature search in April 2020. Studies that contained quantitative data on religiosity (extrinsic or intrinsic) and at least one indicator of sexual risk taking were searched for. A total of 36 articles published in peer- reviewed journals were identified. Random-effects meta-analytic approach was used to assess sexual risk-taking associations with religious service attendance (k = 27, n = 37, 430, Mage = 18.4 years, 44% male), and religious faith (k = 22, n = 41, 758, Mage = 18.9 years, 37% male). The link between religious service attendance and sexual risk taking was significant only for age at sexual debut (r = .09, 95% CI = .05, .13) and the number of sexual partners (r = -.14, 95% CI = -.19, -.09). A weak association between religious faith on the one hand and age at sexual debut (r = .08, 95% CI = .03, .12) and the number of sexual partners on the other hand (r = -.15, 95% CI = -.21, -.09) was found. When religiosity is indicated by the frequency of religious service attendance or religious faith, the current meta- analysis found that religiosity is unlikely to protect young people against sexual risk taking. Considering the limited protective effect of religiosity, comprehensive sexuality education remains essential for the protection of reproductive and sexual health.

religiosity ; religious faith ; sexual risk taking ; adolescents ; emerging adults ; meta-analysis

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