Youth, Volume 6, Issue 4 (December 2026) – 2 articles

Adolescence and young adulthood are critical periods for sexual initiation with implications for lifelong sexual and reproductive health. This study assessed the prevalence of sexual activity and risky sexual behavior among individuals aged 15–24 years in Serbia and examined their sociodemographic, health-related, and behavioral correlates. A nationwide cross-sectional study used data from the 2019 Serbian National Health Survey (EHIS-wave 3). The final analytical sample included 777 participants aged 15–24 years. Sexual intercourse experience was analyzed as the primary outcome, while risky sexual behavior, defined as the presence of at least one prespecified high-risk sexual practice, was assessed as a composite outcome among sexually active respondents. Associations were examined using chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression. Overall, 51.6% of participants reported sexual intercourse experience, and 20.9% were classified as having risky sexual behavior. Sexual activity was significantly associated with age, marital status, employment, smoking, and alcohol consumption (p < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, age group and marital status remained significant independent correlates of risky sexual behavior. Among sexually active participants, risky sexual behavior was significantly associated with age group and marital status in the adjusted model, whereas sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, education level, and employment status were not statistically significant predictors. HIV-related knowledge was high (84.2%) but was not associated with risky sexual behavior. Conclusions: Sexual activity and risky sexual behavior are common among young people in Serbia and are significantly associated with sociodemographic characteristics, particularly age and marital status. The findings highlight the need for targeted, age-appropriate, and behaviorally oriented sexual and reproductive health interventions that address broader sociodemographic and lifestyle determinants of sexual risk. Full article

It is important to understand young people’s attitudes towards artificial intelligence (AI) in order to ensure responsible use. Positive Youth Development (PYD) has been identified as a protective factor against risks related to digital technologies. Further research is needed concerning attitudes toward AI from a strengths-based perspective. This study aimed to examine these attitudes and their relationships with the 5Cs of the PYD model among undergraduates. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2025. A sample of 407 university students (63.1% women, M_age = 21.93), enrolled at 10 universities in the region of Andalusia (Spain) completed the PYD-SF and the AIAS-4 measures. The students in Science, Engineering, and Architecture degrees showed the most positive attitude scores, whereas those in Arts and Humanities scored the lowest. The hypothesized positive association between the 5Cs and attitudes toward AI was partially supported. Competence and Confidence were positively associated with these attitudes, while Character showed an inverse relationship, suggesting that students with higher moral awareness may remain particularly vigilant about ethical risks and social inequalities. Ultimately, it is crucial to utilize these psychological resources to foster proactive youth leadership that can navigate and shape ethical practices in an increasingly digital world. Full article