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. methods: 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.