Moderating Effect of Gender on the Relationship Between Sexual Knowledge and Sexual Activity Among Adolescents

Abstract Introduction Adolescent sexual activity is an important topic for public health policies and can be shaped by them. This study examines the relationship between sexual knowledge and sexual activity and tests the moderating effect of gender. Methods This study uses a random sample of 1246 Polish adolescents aged 18−19 years. The methods of partial least squares path modeling and bootstrap testing are utilized. Results Among boys, unlike among girls, a low level of sexual knowledge was associated with early and intense sexual activity represented by an early age of sexual initiation, a high number of sexual partners, and a short time since last sexual intercourse. Additionally, the average level of sexual knowledge was lower among boys than among girls. More specifically, the difference in knowledge of every element of the male reproductive system between boys and girls was not significant; however, girls were more aware of the female reproductive system than boys. Conclusions Gender differentiated the relationship between sexual knowledge and sexual activity. The revealed moderating effect could reflect gender differences in the motives of sexual activity of adolescent men and women. The early and intense sexual activity exhibited by boys with limited sexual knowledge exposed them to sexually transmitted diseases and unintended parenthood. Policy Implications The self-selection of boys with low sexual knowledge levels into early and intense sexual activity may be of interest to public health.