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The Association of Religion and Virginity Status Among Brazilian Adolescents
Authors: Curtis P. Ogland, Xiaohe Xu, John P. Bartkowski, Emmanuelle G. Ogland
Source: Journal of Adolescent Health, Volume 48, Issue 6, June 2011, Pages 651-653, doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2010.09.018
Topic(s): First intercourse
Religion
Sexual behavior
Youth
Country: Latin American/Caribbean
  Brazil
Published: JUN 2011
Abstract: Abstract This study examines the association between religious factors and the virginity status of unmarried Brazilian female adolescents aged 15–19 years. The analysis draws on data from the Brazilian National Demographic and Health Survey (2006) using a sub-sample of unmarried Brazilian female adolescents aged 15–19 years (N = 2,364). Multinomial logistic regression is used to test the association between denominational affiliation, worship service participation, and self-reported virginity status. The findings reveal that adolescents affiliated with Protestant faiths, particularly Pentecostalism, and those who attend worship services often have significantly higher odds of remaining a virgin because of a commitment to not have sex until marriage. This premarital chastity rationale for virginity is most strongly evidenced among frequently attending teens who are affiliated with Protestant and Pentecostal faiths. Similar to patterns observed in the United States, teen involvement with Protestant faiths, particularly strict traditions, such as Pentecostalism, is associated with a commitment to virginity in Brazil. Keywords: Brazil; Adolescent; Religion; Protestant; Virginity; Sexual behavior