Different Types of Perceived Social Support and its Role on Sexual Risk Behaviour Among Young Adults From Hungary, Lithuania and Slovakia

Abstract

Previous studies have found that specific sources of perceived social support may play different roles in health risk behaviour and sexual risk behaviour as well. The aim of this study is to explore the associations between three types of perceived social support from family, friends and others and sexual risk behaviour among young adults in Hungary, Lithuania and Slovakia. An online questionnaire concerning health behaviour,perceived social support and sexual behaviour was distributed to first year university students from Slovakia (N=807,75% females, mean age 20.8), Lithuania (N=928, 70% females, mean age 20,0), and Hungary (N=819, 66% females, mean age 21,4). Binary logistic regression was performed in SPSS 16. Young adults from all countries reported the same pattern of associations between social support and sexual risk behaviour. Higher levels of support from family and others was associated with lower rates of sexual risk behaviour. Students with a higher level of support from friends were more likely to report multiple partners, sex under the influence of alcohol and inconsistent condom use. Young adults are sensitive regarding the source of social support as their behaviour differs depending on the source. The identification of students with their peers and friends in addition to perceived social norms may explain this.