Rates, Age, & Impact of Exposure to Pornography
Problematic Pornography Consumption and Its Associated Factors Among Undergraduate Students of Kathmandu Metropolitan City: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Open Access: No.
Abstract
Background and Aims: Problematic pornography consumption has been linked to various physical, mental, and social issues, particularly among young adults. Despite global attention to this issue, limited research exists on its prevalence and contributing factors in Nepal. This cross‐sectional study aimed to assess the factors associated with problematic pornography consumption (PPC) among undergraduate students of Kathmandu Metropolitan City.
Methods: A total of 361 undergraduate students residing in hostels in Kathmandu Metropolitan City were sampled. Data were collected using a self‐administered questionnaire, and problematic pornography consumption was measured using the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale (PPCS). Bivariate analyses (Chi‐square test and unadjusted odds ratios) and multivariable logistic regression were performed to identify factors associated with PPC, with adjusted odds ratios (aOR) calculated at 95% confidence interval (CI) and 5% level of significance.
Results: Out of 361 undergraduate students, 62 (17.2%; 95% CI: 13.3%–21.3%) students were observed to exhibit PPC. PPC was found to be associated with younger age (< 20 years, aOR: 3.671; 95% CI: 1.546–8.717; 20–22 years, aOR: 2.491; 95% CI: 1.133–5.477), male gender (aOR: 6.178; 95% CI: 2.349–16.244), alcohol consumption (aOR: 2.630; 95% CI: 1.182–5.849), and poor knowledge of risky sexual behavior (aOR: 1.944; 95% CI: 1.042–3.624).
Conclusion: PPC is prevalent among Nepali undergraduate students. The findings highlight the need for gender‐sensitive interventions and educational programs addressing the impacts of pornography on sexual health.
Relevance
It was observed that nearly one in five undergraduate students exhibited problematic pornography use (PPC). They were more likely to be under the age of 22, which is consistent with other studies that show an early age of exposure tends to result in a higher likelihood of PPC. (” It is important to note that exposure to pornography from earlier ages may affect the psychosocial development in childhood and adolescence, which could further lead to an adverse outcome on social relationships, mental health, and sexual performance.”
Males were six times as likely as females to have PPC.
A “statistically significant” relationship existed between PPC and alcohol use.
“Students who were observed to have a poor level of knowledge regarding risky sexual behavior were found to be more engaged in pornography consumption.”
“PPC was higher among those who reported involving in sexual activities with commercial sex workers.”
Citation
Chalise, A., Pandey, S., Paudel, S., Chaudhary, R. K., & Marasine, N. R. (2025). Problematic Pornography Consumption and Its Associated Factors Among Undergraduate Students of Kathmandu Metropolitan City: A Cross-Sectional Study. Health science reports, 8(7), Article e71030. https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.71030
