Introduction:

During adolescence, knowledge is acquired and attitudes toward sex, contraception, and reproduction are developed, aspects that will influence sexual behavior, which has a direct impact on quality of life. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the social and emotional factors associated with the onset of sexual activity and its consequences, such as pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, among adolescents and young adults.

Materials and Methods:

A descriptive, cross-sectional, and cor-relational study involving 1,191 high school students was conducted. A questionnaire containing questions on socio-emotional factors and sexual initiation was administered. Data were processed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's chi-square test to determine the association between the evaluated factors.

Results:

The initiation rate of sexual activity among adolescents was 45%, of whom 14% used protection. However, 88.8% of the adolescents received parental support, 39% accepted violent treatment at home, and 47% had a pregnant adolescent mother, among other aspects.

Conclusions:

There is a significant relationship between the socio-emotional factors of sex, life projects, extracurricular activities, parental support, intra-family violence, and mistreatment. Having a mother with a history of early pregnancy is associated with the onset of sexual activity among adolescents.

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