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Teten, Andra Lynee. "Developmental patterns of coercive sexual behavior /." view abstract or download file of text, 2005. http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/uoregon/fullcit?p3181134.
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Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oregon, 2005.Typescript. Includes vita and abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 79-89). Also available for download via the World Wide Web; free to University of Oregon users.
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Ronis, Scott T. "Criminal behavior patterns of adolescents and young adults who have histories of sexual offenses." Diss., Columbia, Mo. : University of Missouri-Columbia, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10355/5524.
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Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2008.The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on July 29, 2009) Includes bibliographical references.
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Sheridan, Claire Marie Avery Harold W. Spotila James R. "Mating system and dispersal patterns in the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) /." Philadelphia, Pa. : Drexel University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/1860/3323.
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Enfield, Leon Charles. "Sexual attitudes and behavioural patterns of adolescents in an urban area in the Western Cape." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/53587.
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Thesis (MEd(Psych))--University of Stellenbosch, 2003.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Internationally there is concern about the reproductive health of adolescents. In South Africa a growing concern is the rampant sexual activity of underage learners. This study seeks to explore the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of a group of adolescents with regard to their psycho-sexual development. A qualitative study was conducted, with data being collected by using semistructured interviews, which were subsequently analysed thematically. The data was analysed and five themes emerged from the three categories (knowledge, attitudes and behaviour). The five themes that emerged were knowledge about HIV/AIDS and venereal diseases, where participants received their knowledge about sexual issues, knowledge about conception and pregnancy, attitudes about sexuality and sexual behaviours. The study found a disparity between participants' knowledge, attitudes and sexual behaviour. Many participants have not developed a healthy sexual identity because of many factors that has contributed to this development. Some of these factors were social, parental, emotional, socio-economic, lack of appropriate knowledge, media and attitudinal influences. The findings indicated that the majority of the participants had a fairly good knowledge about HIV/AIDS but were less knowledgeable about other venereal diseases. It appeared that many of the participants did not have reliable sources to furnish them adequate answers to sexuality questions. This lack of information had a direct bearing on the formation of their sexual attitudes and behaviours. There was a marked difference between the sexual practices reported by the male and female participants. More of the male participants reported that they engaged in sexual activity as compared to the female participants. The study also highlighted the interrelatedness between knowledge, attitudes and behaviour.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Internasionaal bestaan daar groot kommer aangaande die reproduktiewe gesondheid van adolessente. In Suid Afrika is die toenemende seksuele aktiwiteit van minderjarige leerders 'n toenemende bron van kommer. Hierdie studie het ten doelom die kennis, houdings en gedrag van 'n groep adolessente ten opsigte van hulle psigo-seksuele ontwikkeling te eksploreer. 'n Kwalitatiewe studie is uitgevoer. Data is ingesamel deur middel van semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude, wat tematies geanaliseer is. Vyf temas vanuit drie kategorieë (kennis, houdings en gedrag) het na vore gekom. Die vyf temas sluit in kennis aangaande HIVNIGS en veneriese siektes, waar adolessente hulle kennis aangaande seksuele sake ontvang het, kennis aangaande konsepsie en swangerskap, houdings aangaande seksualiteit en seksuele gedragsvorme. Die studie het 'n dispariteit gevind tussen deelnemers se kennis, houdings en seksuele gedrag. Baie van die deelnemers het nie seksuele identiteit ontwikkel nie, as gevolg van verskeie faktore wat hierdie ontwikkeling beïnvloed het. Sosiale, ouerlike, emosionele en sosio-ekonomiese veranderlikes, onkunde, sowel as die invloed van die media, is faktore wat bydra tot die swak ontwikkelde seksuele identiteit van deelnemers. Die bevindinge het aangetoon dat die oorgrote meerderheid van die respondente 'n redelik goeie kennis aangaande HIVNIGS het, maar nie so goed ingelig is aangaande veneriese siektes nie. Dit wil voorkom asof 'n aansienlike hoeveelheid van die deelnemers nie oor betroubare bronne beskik om hulle van die nodige antwoorde op seksuele vrae te voorsien nie. Hierdie gebrek aan informasie het 'n direkte invloed op die vorming van hul houdings aangaande seksualiteit en hul seksuele gedrag. 'n Betekenisvolle verskil is tussen die seksuele praktyke van manlike en vroulike deelnemers gevind. Meer manlike deelnemers was betrokke in seksuele bedrywighede in vergelyking met vroulike deelnemers. Die onderlinge verwantskap tussen kennis, houdings en gedrag is ook deur die studie na vore gebring.
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Shaver, Amy Elizabeth. "Patterns of rule-Violating behavior in children and adolescents /." Connect to this title online, 2003. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc%5Fnum=osu1069613155.
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Thesis (Ph. D.)--Ohio State University, 2004.Title from first page of PDF file. Document formatted into pages; contains x, 115 p.; also includes graphics Includes bibliographical references (p. 105-115). Available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center
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Collins, Blanche C. "The association between 2002 office Chlamydia screening rates, physician perception, and physician behavior." Thesis, Birmingham, Ala. : University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2006. https://www.mhsl.uab.edu/dt/2007r/collins.pdf.
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Vik, Tennley A. "Family Communication and Family Talk about Sex as Predictors of College Students' Sexual Behavior." Ohio University / OhioLINK, 2012. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1344268177.
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Lovejoy, Travis I. "Patterns and Correlates of Sexual Activity and Condom Use Behavior in Persons 50-Plus Years of Age Living with HIV/AIDS." Ohio University / OhioLINK, 2007. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1193840743.
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Ntlabati, Pumla L. "Patterns of early adolescent sex and implications for HIV/AIDS risk prevention : a contextual study in the Amatole Basin, Eastern Cape." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007814.
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This study involves an analysis of accounts of first and subsequent early sexual experiences in a deep rural area of the Eastern Cape in South Africa over the last forty years. Through interviews and focus group discussions, the enculturation of youth into sexual activity in the community of interest is explored. The study looks into sexual experiences from childhood, through early adolescence to adults of up to sixty five years old, allowing an analysis of the changing forms of sexual experimentation and sexual debut in this context. Contextual factors mediating these changes are explored, with special emphasis on the changing regulatory practices around early sexual experiences and the effect thereof on behaviors connected to HIV infection risk. Practices that were previously important mediators of sexual behavior were: anxiety about the social consequences of pregnancy, which was previously a significant disincentive to sexual intercourse; men's previous acceptance of the need to practice non-penetrative forms of sex and girls postponing sexual debut for as long as possible. All these were culturally endorsed, but are now noted to have changed due to changes in the regulatory practices surrounding youth sexuality. The context of early sexual experiences and the surrounding cultural practices have also changed significantly, and this needs to be taken into account in understanding receptivity to condom use messages. Implications for HIV/AIDS prevention are discussed. Among other interventions, the study describes a participatory, community-based, multi-sectoral approach that takes social conditions into account as a way of empowering the community to strengthen its response to the pandemic. This incorporates different sectors of the community, including youth, parents, religious and traditional leaders, and various other structures, services and institutions that make up the community.
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Uche, Chinma Obiakonwa. "Sexual mixing patterns and the control of HIV transmission." Thesis, Imperial College London, 1994. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.284810.
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Fossi, Julia. "Patterns and sequences of behaviour in indecent and sexual assaults." Thesis, University of Nottingham, 2002. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.272555.
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Al-Durai, F. Z. "Sexual behaviour and attitudes of Kuwaiti females and males and their personality correlations." Thesis, University of York, 1987. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/10944/.
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Tabakakis, Costantinos. "Christchurch sexual health and wellbeing study : exploring patterns of sexual health, knowledge, attitudes and behaviour among a sample of adults." Thesis, University of Canterbury. Health Sciences Centre, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10092/6305.
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To date, only one national study has examined patterns of adult sexual knowledge, attitudes and behaviour in New Zealand in the hope of improving sexual and reproductive health outcomes for all New Zealanders. This study was performed nearly two decades ago. The aim of this study is to explore current patterns of sexual health and wellbeing among a sample of adults from the Christchurch metropolitan area. Seven hundred and sixty seven participants were selected from the General and Maori electoral registers and invited to participate in an Internet-based self-administered anonymous survey. Data was collected on sexual health, knowledge, attitudes and behaviour and compared to five previous national studies in adult sexual health and wellbeing. Twenty-five men and 17 women responded to the survey. Overall, sexual health and wellbeing behaviours reported in this study are higher than those found in the five comparative studies. However, it is not clear whether this finding is an accurate reflection of the current sexual and reproductive health status of the sample population or whether participation bias has overestimated the rate of behaviours in question. In conclusion, the results from this study provide sufficient motive to continue on researching a possible shift in patterns of adult sexual health and behaviour over the last two decades in New Zealand.
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Bakilana, Anne-Margreth. "Analysis of recent male nuptiality, sexual behaviour and fertility patterns in Tanzania and Zimbabwe." Thesis, London School of Economics and Political Science (University of London), 2001. http://etheses.lse.ac.uk/1587/.
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Traditionally, demographers have studied the determinants of nuptiality, sexual behaviour and fertility patterns from the perspective of women. The 1994 Cairo UN International Conference on Population and Development was an important turning point in demography. Since then, there have been efforts to understand the role of men in shaping nuptiality, sexual behaviour and fertility patterns and how men can be involved in population policies. This analysis of male nuptiality, sexual behaviour and fertility is based on data from the 1992 and 1996 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) and the 1994 Zimbabwe DHS. The aim was to investigate issues of male demography for these two countries. Methods of analysis included descriptive statistics, life table analysis, logistic and hazard regression models. Results show that most of the socio-economic characteristics are not very important determinants of male demography in these two countries. Age at marriage is higher than that of women but there is little evidence that age at marriage for men is rising. Polygamy remains popular in Tanzania, where the proportion of men in polygamous unions is more than twice that in Zimbabwe. However, intensity of polygamy is low, as the majority of polygamous men have only two wives. Age at first sex is earlier in Tanzania than in Zimbabwe and is falling in both countries, more so in Zimbabwe than in Tanzania. Fertility, measured in terms of the number of children ever born per man, is higher in Tanzania than in Zimbabwe. Then again, the differentials in the rate of childbearing did not widely vary once controls for marriage duration and type of union are made. The study makes recommendation for the improvement of the quality of demographic data collected from men. Questionnaires need to be more detailed by, for example, including questions on the timing of various unions that men might have. In the study of male fertility, there is also need for information from more than one partner that a man has had. Given the early initiation into sexual relations, the study recommends intervention policies such as early sex education and a wider campaign for safe sex given the large number of single men who have more than one sexual partner.
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Soonthorndhada, Amara. "Contexts and patterns of sexuality and sexual risk-taking among young people : implication for Aids prevention in Thailand." Thesis, University of East Anglia, 2000. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.327389.
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Vyas, Dhaval K. "Sexually dimorphic developmental patterns of chemosensory behaviors in African elephants (Loxodonta africana) [electronic resource] /." Click here to access thesis, 2006. http://www.georgiasouthern.edu/etd/archive/summer2006/dhaval%5Fk%5Fvyas/vyas%5Fdhaval%5Fk%5F200605%5Fms.pdf.
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Thesis (M.S.)--Georgia Southern University, 2006."A thesis submitted to the Graduate Faculty of Georgia Southern University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Master of Science" ETD. Includes bibliographical references (p. 89-95) and appendices.
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Grange, Christina M. "Familial and Self Systems as Contributors to Sexual Decision-making Patterns of Young African American Women." VCU Scholars Compass, 2007. http://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/etd/880.
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This study utilized a is a two-phase mixed methods design to examine partner-based expectations and perceptions of factors that affecting condom use among African American women recruited at a sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinic. Phase One utilized qualitative methods to analyze interviews from 25 unmarried, African American women between ages 18--26. Interviews explored the following two research questions: (1) How do young adult African American women conceptualize relationships as illustrated by their expectations of their partner and their expectations of themselves in the relationship? (2) What messages do women recall receiving from their family members about sexual opportunities, intercourse, consequences of sex, love, marriage and premarital sex? Data analysis revealed partner-based expectations that included expectations of trust/honesty, respect from partners, stability of partner's behaviors, interest in women's well-being, partner's ability to be self-reliant, and specific behavioral expectations (e.g., communication, family commitment). Some expectations linked to women's ideas about their sexual health. Women's self-expectations included being emotionally supportive, committed, honest, domestic and independent. Familial messages focused on what to expect from partners, who women should be in relationships, messages stressing respect for and from others, messages emphasizing how to prevent negative outcomes of sex and messages warning about consequences of sexual engagement. Findings related to women's HIV/AIDS prevention behavior included responsibility for their own sexual safety, commitment to assessing partner's history, incorrect education regarding sexual safety, and relationship factors affecting condom use. Findings from interviews were used to develop items for the Relationship Expectation Measure (REM), which tested and used as a mediator for Phase Two Hypotheses. Phase Two of the research tested for the association between family process factors, communication and closeness, relationship expectations and sexual health outcomes. Hierchical Linear regression models were used to test associated hypotheses. Findings did not support the association between family process variables, relationship expectations and sexual health outcomes. Findings from this study illuminate the need for further understanding the degree to which different aspects of expectations and familial processes affect women's history of sexual behavior and partner-based expectations. Inconsistencies between what women expect and accept from partners are also discussed.
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Monson, Bruce H. "Four Levels of Sexual Involvement, and Their Association with Dating Patterns, Family Relationships, and Other Related Factors." DigitalCommons@USU, 1999. https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/etd/2647.
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This study examined four levels of sexual involvement among adolescents. Levels of sexual involvement were (1) adolescents who had experienced sexual intercourse; (2) adolescents who had been involved in petting but had never had intercourse; (3) adolescents who had made out but had never petted or had sexual intercourse; and (4) adolescents who had never made out, petted, or had sexual intercourse. The sample consisted of 308 eleventh graders from a semi-rural area of the state of Utah.
Dating patterns, particularly early age at first date, were found to be significantly associated with most levels of sexual involvement. Early age at first date was associated with a high level of sexual involvement, with 90% of the adolescents who dated at age 13 or before having experienced sexual intercourse by their junior year in high school. Having a steady boyfriend or girlfriend was also associated with a higher level of sexual involvement, with 58% of those who reported having a steady dating partner reporting sexual intercourse involvement.
Close relationships with family, father, and mother were more predictive of less female involvement in sexual activity than male. Relationship with mother was not significant for adolescent male sexual involvement. Having peers who approved of adolescent sexual involvement was more associated with male than female sexual activity. Higher frequency of church attendance was a strong predictor of less sexual involvement for both genders. More factors proved to be predictive of adolescent female than male sexual activity on all levels of sexual involvement. A history of sexual abuse and having high educational goals were significantly associated with female sexual involvement only.
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Wayal, S. "Sexual networks, partnership patterns and behaviour of HIV positive men who have sex with men : implications for HIV/STIs transmission and partner notification." Thesis, University College London (University of London), 2013. http://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/1402564/.
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Background: In the UK, men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to be disproportionately affected with HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI). Due to the increasing emphasis on using biomedical strategies like cART for prevention of sexual transmission of HIV, I examined HIV positive MSM’s sexual partnerships and behaviours; their attitudes towards biomedical and behavioural HIV transmission risk reduction strategies, and their association with sexual behaviour. I also examined their attitudes towards partner notification for STI, willingness and preferred methods to notify partners of STI in the future. Methods: 429 HIV positive MSM attending a central London clinic completed a computer assisted self-interview on sexual partnerships and behaviours, attitudes, preferences and willingness to notify partners for STI in the future. 24 purposively selected men participated in in-depth interviews. Results: Of 429 men, 380 men had been sexually active in the last year. The survey data showed that the prevalence of unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with a serodiscordant (i.e., HIV negative or unknown status) primary partner and the most recent non-primary partner was high, 18.3% and 16.9% respectively. A substantial minority of men had positive attitudes towards biomedical and various behavioural HIV transmission risk reduction strategies. Duration of partnership, recreational drug use, and belief that undetectable viral load reduces the risk of HIV transmission during UAI were all independently associated with HIV transmission risk behaviours with a serodiscordant primary partner. Disclosure of HIV status and recreational drug use during sex were independently associated with UAI with the most recent serodiscordant non-primary partner. Of the 258 men who had new partners, 53% had engaged in UAI with new partners. Prevalence of anonymous partnerships was high. Stigma associated with HIV/STI diagnosis, and the venues for meeting sexual partners also influenced men’s sexual partnerships and behaviour, and disclosure of HIV status. Approximately one in five sexually active men had not tested for STI and 25% of men had been diagnosed with STI in the last year. Young age; self-reported detectable viral load status; greater number of new anal sex partners; UAI with new and concurrent partners; having a seroconcordant primary partner; frequency of engagement in group sex were independently associated with STI diagnosis in the last year. The qualitative data highlighted that the majority of men felt an emotional responsibility towards and acknowledged the personal health benefits of notifying primary and regular partners of STI. A greater proportion of men would be less willing to notify casual partners of STI in the future (21%) compared to a primary partner (5.3%) and regular partners (7.5%). Attitudes such as ‘it is not my responsibility to notify partners of STI’, and the lack of previous experience of notification were independently associated with unwillingness to notify casual partners of STI in the future. The qualitative study indicates that the lack of emotional responsibility; fear of stigma and breach of HIV-related confidentiality due to partner notification; and fear of criminalisation for HIV/STI transmission were barriers to notifying sexual partners of STI, especially casual and group sex partners. Patient-referral was the most preferred method of notifying partners of STI in the future, particularly a primary partner; whereas there was greater willingness for notifying regular, casual, and group sex partners using remote self-led methods, provider referral or an anonymous e-card. The acceptability of sending an anonymous e-card and taking a home sampling kit for partners, and telephone assessment of partners for STI by clinic staff was low to moderate. Conclusion: The findings of this study underscore the need for sustained interventions to ensure sexual health of HIV positive MSM and prevent HIV/STI in MSM. They highlight that cART should be offered to sexually active HIV positive MSM, especially those in serodiscordant partnerships irrespective of CD4 cell count to minimize the risk of onward HIV transmission in this population. Frequent STI testing of sexually active men should be integral part of routine HIV care. Various partner notification choices should be offered to those diagnosed with STI. Interventions to reduce stigma associated with homosexuality and HIV continue to remain vital in this population. Research examining the feasibility, acceptability, effectiveness, and cost effectiveness of integrating brief behavioural interventions to enhance regular STI testing, adherence to cART, address recreational drug use and mental health needs, and promote safer sex with routine HIV care is urgently needed.
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Wong, Wai-lan Eve, and 黃慧蘭. "To talk or not to talk: a study of the knowledge, communication pattern and expectation about sex of couplespreparing for marriage." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 1996. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B31250312.
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Boyd, Covia M. "Predicting Response Patterns to Sexual Violence against Women among Asian College Students Studying in Taiwan: An Exploratory Study." Ohio University / OhioLINK, 2015. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1427065340.
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Arenz, Alexis. "Behavioral Patterns of Blinded vs. Mock-blinded Male Individuals in the Presence of Females: Analysis of the Role of Eyes in Euphilomedes carcharodonta Mating." Scholarly Commons, 2018. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/3108.
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Sexual dimorphism is exhibited throughout various organisms and takes an extensive variety of forms, although rarely does it take the form of eye-reduction within a population. This poses the question of whether this dimorphism arises due to sexual selection in order to increase reproductive success or rather from ecological selection as a result of sex-specific niche partitioning. In this case, we study an organism that displays a drastic form of sexual dimorphism, in that the males have large complex lateral eyes whereas the females lack eyes and merely have rudimentary lateral eye-spots. Euphilomedes carcharodonta is a small crustacean native to the coast of California. Studies on the dimorphism between these individuals have mainly been related to genetics and embryology. However, minimal studies have been performed questioning the evolutionary driving force behind their dimorphism. One study suggests that this driving force is ecological selection, more specifically, predator evasion as a result of the reproductive role hypothesis. In this study, we focus on sexual selection as a driving force and ask whether the eyes play a role in the ability of males to find mates. We blinded and mock-blinded male individuals, placed them in tank settings with females in the absence of predators, and observed their behavior. If sexual selection is involved in the eye development of males, we expected to see changes in male and/or female behavior in response to obstructing the vision of the males. We did not see changes in behavior of the males or the females. This leads us to conclude that the development of complex eyes in male Euphilomedes carcharodonta arises from ecological selection rather than sexual selection. With the previous work on predator evasion, these experiments and findings are the first to experimentally test the reproductive role hypothesis and are the beginning steps for further behavioral studies of these organisms and in discovering more about the unique dimorphism exhibited by Euphilomedes carcharodonta.
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Rudh, Andreas. "Aposematism, Crypsis and Population Differentiation in the Strawberry Poison Frog." Doctoral thesis, Uppsala universitet, Zooekologi, 2012. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-175240.
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Evolutionary transitions between the two major predator avoidance strategies aposematism and crypsis are expected to be associated with changes in many important traits of animals. However, empirical studies on populations experiencing ongoing or recent transitions between these strategies are rare. This thesis investigates the co-evolution of traits among populations of the Strawberry poison frog D.pumilio in Bocas del Toro, Panama. I found that all investigated populations were genetically distinct but that colour and pattern did not correlate with genetic or geographic distance, which suggests that selection needs to be invoked to explain the observed variation. Based on the chromatic contrast between frog dorsal colour and the natural habitat substrates used by the frogs, the populations were defined as bright or dull coloured. I found that frogs from bright coloured populations were larger. This is expected if aposematism is enhanced by large signals while crypsis is enhanced by small size. Further, individuals from bright coloured populations had a coarser black dorsal pattern, which is expected if crypsis is impaired by a bold pattern. The importance of pattern coarseness was confirmed by an avian detection experiment showing that coarse patterned dark green prey were more easily detected than dark green prey without pattern or with fine pattern. I put forward the hypothesis that enhanced protection, gained by aposematism, may affect behaviours that influence dispersal and pairing patterns. Indeed, males from bright coloured populations displayed at more exposed sites and showed a tendency to be more explorative and aggressive. In summary, my results show that the bright and dull coloured populations most likely represent an aposematic and a cryptic strategy, respectively. Furthermore, I show that evolutionary changes between aposematism and crypsis can be associated with coevolution of both morphology and behaviour. I argue that this coevolution may increase the likelihood of both pre- and post-zygotic reproductive isolation. This is because greater phenotypic differences between populations increase the likelihood of selection against badly adapted migrants and hybrids with intermediate traits.
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Friesen, Christopher R. "Patterns and mechanisms : postcopulatory sexual selection and sexual conflict in a novel mating system." Thesis, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/1957/36205.
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Postcopulatory sexual selection—sperm competition and cryptic female choice—has become a major area of research over the past 40 years. Within this field there are many outstanding questions at every level of analysis, from proximate to ultimate. The fitness consequences for both sexes in the period after copulation and before fertilization are considerable, but are obscured within the female reproductive tract. Our understanding of postcopulatory mechanisms is especially sparse in taxa other than birds and insects. Nearly nothing is known in reptiles except that multiple paternity is common and widespread, and often results from long-term sperm storage across breeding seasons. We present some of the very first data on the determinants of fertilization success in the context of sperm competition in reptiles, a group that accounts for 30% of terrestrial vertebrates.
In the first chapter, "Asymmetric gametic isolation between two populations of red-sided garter snakes", we discuss the use of between-population crosses to reveal gametic isolation. The effect of population density and operational sex ratios on mating systems and the speciation process has fueled theoretical debate. We attempted to address these issues using two populations of red-sided garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis) from Manitoba, Canada. Our study populations differ markedly in their density mating aggregations, with a 10-fold difference between them. Using microsatellite markers for paternity analysis of litters produced from within and between population crosses. We found that the population with highest aggregation density, and presumably with the highest level of sexual conflict (i.e., when the evolutionary interests of the sexes differ) over mating, was also the population that exhibited homotypic sperm precedence. The less dense population showed a distinct postcopulatory male-size advantage. We also demonstrated that sperm stored within the female over hibernation can father 20-30% of offspring in a litter.
In the second chapter, "Sperm competition and mate-order effects in red-sided garter snakes", we test whether females use mate-order effects to ensure that a larger (fitter) male will sire her offspring. Does that second male should have precedence in sperm competition? We tested for second-male precedence using singly-mated females that mated with a second male. Average proportion of paternity was shared equally among the first (P₁, i.e., proportion of offspring from a litter fathered by the first male to mate) and second males (P₂) to mate, and stored sperm (P[subscript ss]). This may be a case where last male precedence breaks down with more than two males. All females were spring virgins (they had not mated that spring, but may have stored sperm from fall matings); thus sperm stored presumably from fall matings is important in this system. As the interval between matings increased P₁ increased at the expense of P[subscript ss]. As the second male to mate's copulation duration increased, P₁ also increased at the expense of P₂. This last result may indicate female influence over sperm transfer during coerced matings.
Copulatory plugs (CPs) are found in many taxa, but the functional significance is debated. Male garter snakes produce a gelatinous copulatory plug during mating that occludes the opening of the female reproductive tract for approximately two days. In chapter three, "Not just a chastity belt: the role of mating plugs in red-sided garter snakes revisited", we experimentally tested the role of the CPs. In snakes, sperm are produced in the testes and delivered through the ductus deferens, and the copulatory plug is thought to be produced by the sexual segment of the kidney and conveyed through the ureter. We manipulated the delivery of the two fluids separately by ligating the ducts. We confirmed that the CP is not formed in ureter-ligated males and that sperm leaks out immediately after copulation. The CP is analogous to a spermatophore. The protein matrix contains most of the sperm which are liberated as the plug dissolves within the female's vaginal pouch.
One of the fundamental principles in sperm competition is that increased sperm numbers increase the odds of winning in competitions for fertilization success and males will adjust their ejaculate relative to competition and the quality of his mate. In chapter four, "Sperm depleted males and the unfortunate females who mate with them", we detect significant among-male variation in the number of sperm ejaculated, and that male mate-order reduces sperm numbers. Male sperm numbers drop significantly from one mating to the next, and this has implications for sperm competiveness, as Thamnophis sirtalis exhibits a disassociated reproductive tactic, in that sperm stores are produced outside the breeding season, and thus cannot be replenished after mating. Interestingly, however, the on average the mobility of the sperm increased for a male's second mating. Therefore, increased sperm quality may compensate for reduced numbers in a competitive context. Further, females increase their remating rate when mating with males that are unable to deliver sperm.
In chapter five, "Sexual conflict during mating in red-sided garter snakes as evidenced by genital manipulation", we revisited the CP in the context of sexual conflict. Sex-differences in optimal copulation duration can be a source of conflict, as increased copulation duration may be advantageous for males as it delays female remating. Males of many species actively guard females to prevent them from remating, and in some cases males produce copulatory plugs to prevent remating. If precopulatory choice is limited at the time of her first mating, conflict may be especially onerous to a female. The size of the plug is influenced by the copulation duration. We experimentally tested the contribution of male and female control over copulation duration. We ablated the largest basal spine on the male's hemipene and found a reduction in copulation duration and an increase in the variation of plug mass. Further, we anesthetized the female's cloaca and found copulation duration increased, which suggests that males benefit from increased copulation duration while females actively try to reduce copulation duration. Therefore, sexual conflict is manifest in divergent copulation duration optima for males and females.Graduation date: 2013
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Nigro, Tracey Lynn Bilan. "The associations between psychologists' attachment patterns and their experiences with clients, including sexual attraction and sexual contact : a national survey." 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/1828/751.
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"Patterns of concurrent sexual partnerships among newly hiv-diagnosed persons in New York City, 2007-2017: A DISSERTATION." Tulane University, 2020.
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archives@tulane.eduConcurrency is defined as overlapping sexual partnerships where sexual intercourse with one partner occurs between two acts of intercourse with another partner. The behavior is frequently reported in the literature and can be considered normative within certain groups around the world. Despite this, there are many unanswered questions on the topic, which can impact HIV prevention and control service-delivery programs. Three studies were conducted among a group of newly HIV-diagnosed persons identified by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. First, bivariate analyses were conducted in order to address the differences between those who named their sexual partners and those who did not as well as those who reported sexual partner concurrency and those who did not among those who named their sexual partners. Tests of trend over the ten-year time period were conducted in order to assess trends in both the elicitation of sexual partners, self-report of anonymous sexual partners, and sexual partner concurrency. In the next study, bivariate analyses were conducted in order to identify differences in sexual risk behaviors between those reported sexual partner concurrency and those who did not. Both crude and adjusted logistic regression analyses were conducted in order to determine which sexual risk behaviors were predictors of sexual partner concurrency. In the final study, an additional set of bivariate analyses were conducted to determine differences in substance use behaviors between those who reported sexual partner concurrency and those who did not. Crude and adjusted logistic regression analyses were conducted in order to determine which substance use behaviors were predictors of sexual partner concurrency. Of the 16345 newly HIV-diagnosed persons eligible for a partner services interview, the majority (83%) were interviewed. Of these 13697 patients, just over half named their sexual partners (N=6943). Of these, approximately 15% self-reported engagement in sexual partner concurrency. The first study indicated that several demographic differences existed between those who named their sexual partners and those who did not, as well as those who reported sexual partner concurrency and those who did not. In addition, trends indicate that the elicitation of sexual partners is decreasing over time, as is the trend in those reporting sexual partner concurrency. However, there is no linear trend in the self-report of anonymous sexual partners. The second study showed significant differences between those who reported sexual partner concurrency and those who did not with regard to HIV sexual-risk behavior. Further, several of these behaviors acted as predictors of sexual partner concurrency in both the crude and adjusted models. The third study also showed that there were several significant differences between those who reported sexual partner concurrency with regard to substance use behavior. Several of these behaviors acted as predictors of sexual partner concurrency in both the crude and adjusted models. However, contrary to the hypothesis, more stigmatized drug use (drug use other than or addition to marijuana and injection drug use) did not result in a stronger relationship with sexual partner concurrency compared to less stigmatized drug use. Concurrent partnerships and accompanying relationship dynamics have implications for HIV programs including prevention, treatment, partner tracing, and notification. The results from this dissertation can be used to improve our understanding of relationship dynamics. This can be used to improve upon HIV service delivery programs, both future and those already in existence.
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Nicole Burton
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Evans, Melissa L. "Extensive mate guarding and patterns of promiscuous behaviour in the socially monogamous passerine, the wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) /." 2005.
Find full textAbstract:
Thesis (M.Sc.)--York University, 2005. Graduate Programme in Biology.Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 83-95). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url%5Fver=Z39.88-2004&res%5Fdat=xri:pqdiss &rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:MR11784
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Gummelt, Kyle L. Hwang Lu-Yu Douglas Tommy C. Glasser Jay H. "Sexual orientation and sexual behavior patterns : evaluation of agreement and variation in a cohort of male, African American drug users in Houston, Texas." 2007. http://gateway.proquest.com/openurl?url_ver=Z39.88-2004&rft_val_fmt=info:ofi/fmt:kev:mtx:dissertation&res_dat=xri:pqdiss&rft_dat=xri:pqdiss:1444362.
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"A two-mode network approach in assessing and modelling HIV transmission patterns among men who have sex with men in Hong Kong." 2015. http://repository.lib.cuhk.edu.hk/en/item/cuhk-1291494.
Full textAbstract:
In the past decade, the rising incidence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in men who have sex with men (MSM) calls for targeted epidemiological investigations. However, the approach of most current epidemiological studies might be inadequate for characterising transmission risks of MSM, as they focus largely on the practice of risk behaviours in population context and have assumed a homogeneous distribution of such behaviours and their resultant risks in HIV transmission. A study investigating the networking pattern of MSM, in addition to their sexual behaviour, was therefore proposed to re-examine HIV epidemiology in Hong Kong and model HIV transmission dynamics.Following literature review on network analyses conducted in MSM, it was found that the use of two-mode network data for constructing sexual affiliation network had not been widely applied. Such two-mode network approach could be more feasible in describing sexual structure of MSM, who are connected by their preferred social venues. To adopt this approach, a two-part study, composing a field survey and a modelling study, was performed. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted between January and April 2013 to obtain data about sex-networking venues and associated behavioural profiles of MSM in Hong Kong. Comparisons of networking patterns, risk behaviour and demographics between MSM in different networks, delineated by two-mode network analysis, were made. Based on the survey data and assumptions derived from other network-based and behavioural studies, HIV transmission dynamics was simulated by building a stochastic agent-based model.
In the field survey, a total of 932 respondents were recruited from physical venues (n=625), including nine bars and six saunas, and the Internet (n=307). The proportion of MSM using condom for every anal sex with casual partners met in physical venues was 66.6% (225/338), while that for partners met in the Internet was 62.6% (139/222). Only 51.5% (204/396) MSM always used condom while having anal sex with regular partners. Community detection by networks of social venues identified nine clusters of MSM from three network bases. The simulation model gave a median number of new HIV infections over a 5-year period at 83 per 1000 MSM. The median numbers of annual infections ranged between 14 and 20. In over 30% of MSM networked through the Internet, having regular sex partners or practising receptive anal sex, more than 50 infections out of 500 iterations could occur in the model simulation, suggesting their higher risk of HIV infection.
In conclusion, the modelling results suggested that HIV transmission in Hong Kong might have occurred largely between regular partners. The potential impact of local sex-networking pattern through social venues with casual partners on HIV transmission is relatively little and indirect. To prevent HIV from spreading into new networks, intervention shall be targeted at MSM having unprotected anal sex with regular partners and seeking casual partners in social venues, especially through the Internet. Network approach in HIV epidemiology, such as collection of network-based data from HIV-infected MSM as part of surveillance, and assessing the network configuration from time to time, shall also be considered.
過去十年間，透過同性性行為感染愛滋病病毒的個案持續上升，令針對男男性接觸者的流行病學研究顯得重要。現時大部分相關研究都假設所涉行為和相應的傳染風險是平均分佈於研究人群中，採用這研究方法去了解男男性接觸者間的病毒傳播風險明顯有所不足。有鑑於此，本研究透過了解男男性接觸者的社交網絡模式及其風險行為，重新審視本地愛滋病病毒感染的流行病學狀況及設計相關模型，用以了解病毒的傳播及流行規律。
探討過往文獻發現，雖然二模網絡能勾劃出男男性接觸者與其結識性伴侶的社交場所間的關係，卻未被廣泛應用於流行病學研究。本研究採納二模網絡的分析方法，並分兩部分進行。實地調查部分於二零一三年一月至四月期間進行，透過問卷收集本港男男性接觸者結交性伴侶的場所及相關性行為等資料，並比較其網絡模式、風險行為及人口特徵。建模研究部分則是利用調查所得之數據及參考其他研究去建立模型，用以模擬愛滋病病毒的傳播規律。
問卷調查從九間酒吧、六間桑拿及互聯網中，招募了九百三十二位受訪者參與研究。受訪者中，每次肛交均使用安全套的比率因性伴侶的種類而異，比率介乎百分之五十二至六十七。透過分析三種社交場所的網絡結構，本港男男性接觸者社群共可分為九個群組。由模擬模型得知，五年間新增的愛滋病病毒感染個案為八十三宗（每千人計），而相應的年度感染數字則介乎十四至二十宗。從五百次模擬運算中，發現超過三成透過互聯網結識性伴侶或擁有固定性伴侶的男男性接觸者與及受體肛交者的感染次數多於五十次，顯示其較高的愛滋病病毒感染風險。
總括而言，研究發現本港愛滋病病毒的傳播多於固定性伴侶間發生。相反，透過本地社交場所結識非固定性伴侶的網絡模式只間接影響本港愛滋病病毒的散播。為有效預防愛滋病病毒散播，干預措施應針對有與固定伴侶進行不安全性行為及透過互聯網結識性伴侶的男男性接觸者，同時衛生部門亦可考慮將感染愛滋病病毒的男男性接觸者的網絡數據納入恆常監測及不時評估同志社群間的網絡結構。
Poon, Chin Man.
Thesis Ph.D. Chinese University of Hong Kong 2015.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 112-121).
Abstracts and appendix B also in Chinese.
Title from PDF title page (viewed on 07, October, 2016).
Detailed summary in vernacular field only.
Detailed summary in vernacular field only.
Detailed summary in vernacular field only.
Detailed summary in vernacular field only.
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Ashby, Clive Norman. "Factors contributing to the sexual behavioural patterns and increased risk of HIV infection amongst migrant construction workers in Botswana." Thesis, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/4832.
Full textAbstract:
Background: HIV/AIDS has been one of the major crises to affect Southern Africa,
particularly Botswana where prevalence rates have reached 37.3% of the adult population
(2003). Due to the difficult working environment and long periods of separation from their
partner, migrant workers have been highly susceptible to HIV infection and one of the
main vehicles through which the virus has been transmitted. While much research has
been carried out with mine workers, truck drivers, and other migrant groups, few studies
have investigated the risk factors of construction workers, which form one of the largest
employment groups in Botswana and Southern Africa. The purpose of this study was to
determine which factors contributed to construction workers’ engagement in sexual risk
behaviours, which have placed them at greater risk of HIV infection.
Methods: A cross-sectional analytic study design was used. Structured interviews were
carried out with individual migrant workers using a standardised questionnaire. 171 male
migrant workers were interviewed, involved in skilled, semi-skilled, and supervisory
professions. Interviews took place at three construction sites across Botswana, in the
capital city of Gaborone and the rural village of Serowe. Bivariate and multivariate
logistic regression analysis were carried out to determine which contributing factors were
significantly associated with respondents’ sexual risk behaviours.
Results: Unprotected sex was the most prevalent sexual risk behaviour, practised by
68.1% of construction workers. Significantly more workers engaged in unprotected sex
with their long-term partner (70.3%) than with their casual girlfriend (35.1%). The second
most common sexual risk behaviour was having multiple sexual partners. 57% of migrant
construction workers reported having an extra girlfriend in addition to their long-term
partner during the last five years. Transactional sex, involving the exchange of sex and
material support, was a key part of most workers’ (76.6%) sexual relations with casual
girlfriends. Commercial sex, though, was rarely reported and accounted for only 1.8% of
workers. Men having sex with men (MSM) was strongly denied by construction workers,
although 9.5% reported its occurrence in the workplace.
In the multivariate analysis, migration was one of the most significant factors associated
with respondents’ sexual risk behaviours. Compared to those who remained in one
location during the last year, workers who migrated between work locations were 3.01
times more likely to have had transactional sex (p=0.013) and 4.42 times more likely to
have had an extra girlfriend over the last five years (p=0.005). Workers who were
separated from their main partner for a month or more at a time were 3.74 times more
likely to have had an extra girlfriend in the last year (p=0.009) and 4.57 times more likely
to have had transactional sex in the last five years (p=0.001). Workers who stayed in the
construction on-site accommodation when away from home were 3.00 times (p=0.023)
more likely to have multiple partners compared to those who stayed in private
accommodation, where their partner had more opportunity to visit them.
A second major contributing factor was respondents’ gender attitudes, particularly the
perception that ‘one woman is not enough to sexually satisfy me as man’. Workers with
this attitude were 6.21 times more likely to have currently multiple partners (p<0.001),
9.05 times more likely to have had an extra girlfriend in the last five years (p=0.015), and
3.35 times likely to have had transactional sex (p=0.031). A number of socio-demographic
factors were significantly associated with sexual risk behaviours including respondents’
age, number of children, employment position, salary, workplace location, and education
level. It is important to note, however, that respondents’ alcohol consumption and level of
HIV/AIDS awareness did not significantly influence their sexual risk behaviours.
Conclusion: These findings indicate that labour migration plays a central role in
determining whether workers engage in sexual risk behaviours. Steps taken by employers
to: (i) increase the frequency with which workers can visit their partner, (ii) provide
facilities for long-term partners to visit the workplace, and (iii) reduce the frequency with
which workers are transferred between sites - could significantly reduce workers’
susceptibility to HIV infection. Alongside migration, though, gender attitudes played a
major role, pointing to the need for more education which focuses on gender attitudes and
behaviour change rather than solely HIV/AIDS awareness.
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Magagula, Mmamotlhoa Dolphin. "An investigation into the sexual behaviours of adolescents attending sexually transmitted disease clinics in the western district of the Vaal region." Diss., 1998. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/17287.
Full textAbstract:
Understanding the sexual behaviour patterns that can place the adolescent at risk for the
development of sexually transmitted diseases is crucial in the HIV I AIDS epidemic era.
An explorative descriptive survey was conducted among adolescents in the age group 14 to
19 years attending sexually transmitted disease services in the Vaal Region clinics.
The purpose of the study was to explore the sexual behaviours of the adolescents and the
impact the life style health education programme had on their sexual practices.
Of the 89 respondents who attended the sexually transmitted disease clinic more than half
were found to be engaging in sexual intercourse on a weekly basis. The study further
revealed that the adolescents lacked in-depth information on sex and sexuality and expressed
the need for change in the implementation of the adolescent life style health education
programme.Health Studies
M.A. (Nursing Science)
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Huang, Wen-Kun, and 黃文焜. "The patterns of sexual behaviors described in the Chinese sexual fictions of the Ming and Ching dynastie." Thesis, 2005. http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/45123499546441268867.
Full textAbstract:
碩士樹德科技大學
人類性學研究所
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There was a lots of studies on the Chinese sexual fictions of the Ming-Ching dynasties by the experts from different fields and angels such as psychology, literature, politics, sociology, and other perspectives. Although those studies have had a plenty of significant results, but none of academic studies on the styles of sexual acts. The subject of this research is to study mainly on the sexual acts described in the Chinese sexual fictions of the Ming-Ching dynasties. It is a brand new research based on the viewpoint of sexology. After defining sexual fiction, sexual acts, and the styles of sexual acts, and listing the book titles of the Chinese sexual fictions of the Ming-Ching dynasties to be studied in this study, the literatures of researches on the styles of sexual acts, and on the Chinese sexual fictions of the Ming-Ching dynasties in both eastern and western learning world were discussed. It showed the originality and specialty of this study. Then the paper focused on the classification of the styles of sexual acts: describing the significance of classification, setting the standard of the classification, and grouping the texts of sexual acts descriptions in the fictions in a large table of the classification, so it was apparent and easy to checking. In the discussion and conclusion, this paper indicated that the significance of the sexual acts described in the Chinese sexual fictions of the Ming-Ching dynasties to Chinese sexological culture, compared it with the strict limitation of sexual acts in the western culture and showed the historical superiority of Chinese sexual culture, also compared it with the prominent changes of sexual acts in the western sexual revolution, and showed the common characteristics and consistency of sexual acts of human being. At the last, the paper discussed the moving backward of the modern times of Chinese societies in the styles of sexual acts and indicated that there will be a lot of space to improving the styles of sexual acts in contemporary Chinese societies and people. It is the real and actual social significance of this study.
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Robi, Teshome Motuma. "Pattern of sexual practices contraceptive use among college students, in north Shoa, central Ethiopia." Diss., 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/18854.
Full textAbstract:
In Ethiopia the number of young people going to college is steadily increasing. This predisposes them to risky sexual behaviour which leads to unwanted pregnancy, unsafe abortions and HIV. This study has aimed to determine the patterns of sexual practice and contraceptives use and risk behaviours among those students in central Ethiopia.
A descriptive cross-sectional survey was employed. Data on sexual practice, knowledge and contraceptive use were collected from 327 college students. The data were cleaned, entered and analysed using SPSS version 20.
The results revealed that despite their knowledge of the methods of safe sex, there are still considerable misconceptions regarding the effectiveness of contraceptives, their side effects and their proper use.
In terms of the sexual practice reported by the respondents, 142 (43.4%) practised sex and 110 (77.5%) of respondents had used contraceptives at least once. The age of the respondents, the number of years for which they stayed in college and their fields of study were significantly associated with their sexual practice. In conclusion, a significant number of college students practised sex without using contraceptives to prevent pregnancy, and a considerable number of their partners disapproved of the use of contraceptivesHealth Studies
M.A. (Public Health)
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Maotwe, Tshegofatso. "Patterns of utilization of sexual and reproductive health services by secondary school-going adolescents in Gaborone, Botswana, 2012." Thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/11086.
Full textAbstract:
Background: Adolescents in Botswana, especially women, face many sexual and reproductive
health (SRH) challenges including high maternal mortality, sexually transmitted infections
(STIs) including HIV, and unintended pregnancies, despite available SRH services. The youth
friendly service (YFS) concept has been initiated and various strategies developed to address
adolescents concerns. However, services remain underutilized and barriers to accessing services
still exist.
Aim: The aim of this study was to determine patterns of utilization of sexual and reproductive
health services by adolescents attending senior secondary schools in Gaborone in 2012. The
specific objectives were to: identify SRH services utilized by adolescents in the district; identify
factors associated with adolescent utilization of YFS in the district; and determine barriers and
facilitators to utilization of available YFS by adolescents.
Design: This was a health systems research, which was conducted through an observational
study, with descriptive and analytic components.
Methods: 506 adolescents attending at the three (3) senior secondary schools in Gaborone were
sampled through a simple random sampling strategy in each school. Parental consent and assent
from participants was requested before respondents completed a self-administered questionnaire
which was designed for the data collection. The questionnaire was pilot tested prior to the study.
SPSS version 16 was used to analyse the data. A chi-squared test and logistic regression were
used investigate association, and a p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.
Results: The findings of this study revealed that utilization of SRH by adolescents was low and
the level of awareness of youth friendly services was also low. The study revealed that utilization
of SRH was higher among female adolescents compared to their male counterparts. The study
identified factors which hinder adolescents YFS utilization, which include: location of the
facility, no interest in YFS, staff attitudes and behaviours, and inconvenient hours of operation.
Conclusion: Identifying patterns of utilization of SRH services by adolescents attending senior
secondary schools in Gaborone can help strengthen programmes at all levels of service delivery
and the country at large. The Botswana Ministries of Health, and Education and Skills
Development can re-orientate, or develop new initiatives that will deal with barriers to access
and assist adolescents to fully utilize the available services.Thesis (M.Med.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2014.
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Ulugia-Veukiso, Analosa. "What's God got to do with sex? : exploring the relationship between patterns of spiritual engagement and the sexual health activities of Samoan youth : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Public Policy at Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand." 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10179/783.
Full textAbstract:
What’s God got to do with Sex? Exploring the relationship between Spiritual engagement and the sexual health activities of Samoan youth. Improving the health and social wellbeing of Pacific youth is a key priority for the New Zealand Government. When the Pacific youth population’s sexual health is compared with that of other ethnic groups in New Zealand there are clear disparities. At the same time, spiritual engagement is frequently noted as protecting young people from engaging in health-risk taking behaviours. Objectives: This study determines whether a relationship exists between patterns of spiritual engagement and the sexual health activities of Samoan attending secondary schools in New Zealand. Does going to church or rating spiritual beliefs as important influence the sexual health activities of Samoan youth? Method: This research analyses data from ‘Youth 2000’, a youth health and wellbeing survey conducted in 2001. The survey was conducted with approximately 10,000 New Zealand secondary school students which included 646 Samoan and 5219 New Zealand Europeans. Nine sexual health activities were explored. Data relating to spiritual engagement and the sexual health activities of Samoan and New Zealand European students were extracted from the survey, measured and compared. Results: A significant proportion of Samoan youth have not had sexual intercourse. Just under a third of Samoan students (32.1%) have had sexual intercourse, with the average age of first sexual intercourse around 14 years. Findings reveal that the spiritual engagement variables: church attendance and the importance of spiritual beliefs have mixed influences on the different sexual health activities of Samoan youth. Conclusions: This study reinforces the central importance of spiritual engagement in the lives of many Samoan secondary school students. Government policies and interventions require an understanding of key health behaviours and their related risk and protective factors specific to New Zealand youth.