Sexual Behavior and Health Outcomes Among Adolescents and Young Adults
A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 36
Special Issue Editor
2. Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, 1495-751 Lisbon, Portugal
3. ISAMB/Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-026 Lisboa, Portugal
Interests: sexual health; sex education; health promotion; health and behavior of adolescents and young people
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Adolescence and young adulthood are critical developmental stages marked by profound physical, emotional, and social changes. During this period, individuals begin to explore their identities, form intimate relationships, and engage in sexual behaviours that may have significant and lasting implications for their health and well-being. The intersection between sexual behaviour and health outcomes—including mental health, sexual and reproductive health, and social development—has become an increasingly important area of study in public health and the behavioural sciences.
This Special Issue aims to advance interdisciplinary knowledge on sexual behaviour and its health-related consequences among adolescents and young adults. We welcome original research, systematic reviews, and theoretical contributions that examine topics such as sexual initiation, contraception use, STI prevention, gender identity, sexual orientation, consent, digital sexual behaviours, and the role of education and policy. We also encourage submissions that consider the impact of social determinants of health, cultural contexts, and intersectionality.
By fostering a multidimensional and global perspective, this Special Issue seeks to promote evidence-based strategies and inclusive policies that support safe, informed, and healthy sexual development. Contributions from diverse disciplines and geographical contexts are especially welcome to deepen our understanding and inform future research, practice, and advocacy.
Dr. Marta Reis
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- adolescent sexual behaviour
- young adult health
- sexual and reproductive health
- sexual risk-taking
- STIs and contraception
- LGBTQ+ youth
- digital sexuality
- sexual health education
- mental health and sexuality
- public health interventions
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
