Influential Factors on Exposure to Pornographic Materials in Out-of-School Youths in Korea

Abstract

This study was conducted to identify the predictors of exposure to pornographic materials among out-of-school youth (OSY) in order to provide foundational data for devising policies to improve their sexual health and prevent social harm caused by pornographic materials.This is a secondary data analysis of the 5th Panel Survey of School Dropouts in Korea. A total of 318 OSY were enrolled in the study, and the collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, x²-test, and logistic regression using the SPSS/WIN 24.0 software.OSY who have been exposed to pornographic materials were at a lower economic status, used alcohol and cigarettes more often, had significantly poorer perceived health. Further, parental neglect, gaming addiction, and social network service (SNS) offending experience were significantly greater in this group.The predictors of exposure to pornographic materials were identified as the male sex (OR=9.75, 95% CI: 3.77, 25.18), history of SNS offending experience (OR=6.14, 95% CI: 1.02, 37.17), and poor subjective health status (OR=3.29, 95% CI: 1.58, 6.84). To reduce exposure to pornographic materials among OSY, strategies that encompass the use of wholesome online media and health promotion are needed, and sex-specific approaches should be taken.