Risk and Protective Factors of High-risk Sexual Behaviors in Young People: A Systematic Review

Context: This research aimed to determine the protective and risk factors of high-risk sexual behaviors. Evidence Acquisition: Studies assessing high-risk sexual behaviors from 2000 to 2021 were reviewed. We retrieved 743 articles from SAGE, Wiley, Science Direct, Taylor & Francis Group, SID, and Google Scholar. Two independent reviewers extracted data using a tool developed by the review team. Forty-five articles were included in the final analysis. Results: Religion, parental care, education, health literacy, and active participation in work activities act as protective factors. On the other hand, negative sexual self-concept, parental divorce, weak religious beliefs, and escaping social rejection make people vulnerable to risky behaviors. Conclusions: The joint actions of families, schools, and society can effectively deal with such behaviors.