Predictor Factors Associated with Premarital Sexual Behaviors Among University Students in an Islamic Culture

We examined premarital sexual behaviors among Turkish university students and the predictor factors for these behaviors. The study included 638 eligible students ( 256 women and 382 men). Masturbation was reported by 53.3% of the participants, and sexual intercourse experience was reported by 26.3%. Men, heterosexual orientation, and non-religious/liberal religiosity were predictor factors for masturbation and premarital sexual intercourse/foreplay experience. Men having more sexual experiences than women may indicate gender double standards, while heterosexual orientation as a predictor of sexual behaviors could relate to homophobia, still prominent in Turkey. These findings highlight Islam's restrictive attitude towards sexuality despite continued Western influences.