Healthcare in Low-resource Settings 2025 - Cybersex Activity, Self-Control, and Premarital Sexual Behaviors Among Adolescents

Healthcare in Low-resource Settings 2025 - Cybersex Activity, Self-Control, and Premarital Sexual Behaviors Among Adolescents

Authors

Puji Hastuti1, Adellia Eka Kartikasari2, Taufan Agung Prasetya1, Astrida Budiarti1
1Department of Nursing, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Hang Tuah, Surabaya;
2Department of Social Affairs, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Hang Tuah, Surabaya, Indonesia

Abstract

  • Context & Importance: Increasing internet use among adolescents has both positive and negative effects, including facilitation of communication but also increased risks for premarital sexual behaviors.
  • Objective: To determine the relationship between cybersex activity and premarital sexual behaviors, and the association of self-control with premarital sexual behaviors in adolescents.
  • Methodology: Descriptive-analytic approach utilizing a cross-sectional design with a sample of 147 adolescents. Key variables include:
    • Independent: Cybersex activity, self-control
    • Dependent: Premarital sexual behaviors
  • Instruments:
    • Internet Sex Screening Test (ISST)
    • Self-Control Scale (SCS)
    • Adolescent Sexual Activity Index (ASAI)
  • Findings: 43.5% of participants had low self-control and 27.2% engaged in early sexual activity. Significant associations were found:
    • Cybersex activity & premarital sexual behaviors (p=0.001)
    • Self-control & premarital sexual behaviors (p=0.001)
  • Implications: Calls for promoting healthier internet usage and improving self-control among adolescents to mitigate risks related to premarital sexual behaviors.

Introduction

  • Dual Nature of Internet: Rapid growth in internet usage has benefits (e.g., communication, access to information) and drawbacks, particularly regarding cybersex activities among adolescents.
  • Cybersex Activities Defined: Engaging in sexual behaviors online including sexual conversations and sharing explicit images; consequences can include addiction and increased premarital sexual behaviors.
  • Premarital Sexual Behavior: Encompasses actions like kissing and sexual intercourse, which increase risks of STDs and early pregnancies.
  • Statistics: According to the Indonesian Health Demographic Survey 2018:
    • 33% report hugging while dating, 50% kissing, 22% petting, and 8% sexual intercourse.
  • Internet Usage in Indonesia (2021-2022): Reached 77.02% overall, with adolescents ages 13-18 making up 99.16% of users.

Background

Cybersex Activity and Premarital Sexual Behavior
  • Increased Risk Factors: Adolescents with low self-control are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior due to impulses.
  • Connection to Self-Control: Adequate self-control helps mitigate impulsive behaviors such as participating in cybersex activities.
  • Consequences of Low Self-Control: Includes STDs, unwanted pregnancies, and psychological issues.

Materials and Methods

Study Design
  • Approach: A descriptive-analytic study with cross-sectional data collection.
Sample Size and Technique
  • Participants: 147 senior high school students from Surabaya, Indonesia.
  • Sampling Method: Cluster simple random sampling, focusing on students willing to participate.
  • Inclusion Criteria: Grade 12 students; Exclusion: Withdrawn or incomplete questionnaires.
Data Collection
  • Method: Online questionnaires administered via Google Forms, with clear explanations of study purposes provided to respondents. Participants were assured confidentiality and offered a tumbler as a reward for participation.
Variables and Instruments

  1. Cybersex Activity Variable:

    • Measured using the ISST, a 25-item questionnaire (Cronbach's alpha = 0.86).
    • Scoring: Favorable responses scored 4-1, unfavorable items scored inversely.
    • Categorization: Recreational (20-39), Risk (40-59), Compulsive (60-80).

  2. Self-Control Variable:

    • Measured via SCS with 24 items (Cronbach's alpha = 0.91).
    • Scoring: Similar structure to ISST. Categories are Low (36-71), Moderate (72-107), High (108-144).

  3. Premarital Sexual Behavior Variable:

    • Evaluated with ASAI consisting of 13 items (Cronbach's alpha = 0.91).
    • Scoring: Responses scored as 1 (yes) and 0 (no) giving ranges for less risk to sexually active.
Data Analysis
  • Software: SPSS for frequency distribution; Spearman correlation test for relationships, significance level at p<0.05.

Results

Respondent Characteristics
  • Demographics: 55.1% male, 44.9% female; 67.3% in a relationship; parent permission for dating reported by 61.9%.
  • Cybersex Activity Distribution:
    • At-risk users: 43.5% (64 respondents)
    • Recreational: 37.4% (51 respondents)
    • Compulsive: 19.0% (32 respondents)
  • Self-Control Distribution:
    • Low: 42.9% (63 respondents)
    • Moderate: 40.1% (59 respondents)
    • High: 17.0% (25 respondents)
  • Premarital Sexual Behavior:
    • Early sexual intercourse: 27.2% (40 respondents)
    • Less risky behavior: 25.9% (38 respondents)
    • Engaged in sexual intercourse: 19.0% (28 respondents)
Statistical Relationships
  • Cybersex Activity & Premarital Behavior:
    • Significant correlation (p=0.00, r=0.586).
  • Self-Control & Premarital Behavior:
    • Significant correlation (p=0.00, r=-0.673).

Discussion

  • Implications of Findings: Most respondents identified as at-risk for cybersex activities related to low self-control can be linked to higher risks of engaging in premarital sexual behaviors.
  • Demographic Insights: Male respondents were generally more open about sexual topics, often exhibiting lower self-control.
  • Role of Parenting: Emphasizes that proper guidance plays a critical role in enhancing adolescents' self-control and reducing risky behaviors.
  • Conclusion on Low Self-Control: Strongly predicts increased risks of adolescent premarital sexual behavior and escalation of related issues.

Limitations

  • Study is limited to senior high school adolescents, and results may not generalize to all Indonesian youth.

Conclusions

  • Summary: Cybersex activities correlate with low self-control, linked to premarital sexual behavior risk in adolescents. Encouraging positive social media use and promoting self-control through education and parenting can help mitigate these risks. Recommendations for the development of responsible internet use programs for adolescents are critical.

Acknowledgments

  • Gratitude expressed towards Stikes Hang Tuah Surabaya for support.

Conflict of Interest

  • The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest.

Ethical Approval

  • Approval by the Stikes Hang Tuah Surabaya Ethical Clearance Committee, informed consent obtained from all participants.

References

  • A comprehensive list of studies and surveys relevant to cybersex, self-control, and adolescent behaviors observed in the context of Indonesian society.