There has been a lot of discussion in the media on the daggerin' lyrics in popular music. Columnists and other media personalities have debated the Broadcasting Commission's ban on sexually explicit music. An important question is whether music and media encourage teenagers to have sex at an earlier age.

This question is of particular concern for our girls because starting intercourse at an early age is associated with a higher risk for teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. According to data from the Ministry of Health, Jamaican teenage girls, on average, start having sex before age 16 and this age group has the highest rate of HIV infection.

Women as objects

A study published in the United Stated about three years ago showed that if adolescents listened to music with sexually degrading lyrics as opposed to music which was sexual but not degrading, they were more likely to start having intercourse and engage in other sexual activity not involving intercourse. Basically, the authors defined sexually degrading lyrics as those which portrayed women as sex objects and men as pursuing women as conquests ('dawgs' in common parlance). While the study does not tell the entire story, it is certainly suggestive of a problem. These types of lyrics are typical of many of our popular songs.

Sex in the media

Another US study showed that white teenagers exposed to sex in the media (television,movies and magazines) and music were more likely to have sex at an earlier age. Although the study did not show the same result for black teenagers, it did show that black teenagers who had less exposure to sex in the media were less likely to have had sex. Of note is that this study confirmed that parents communicating clearly with their children about sex was a protective factor against starting sex early. Teenagers in both races were less likely to start having intercourse by age 16 if they perceived that their parents disapproved.

Young girls and older men

How about our Jamaican story and, of course, our girls - my primary concern as a gynaecologist. While we may not have relevant local studies, it is not a stretch to imagine that our young people could be influenced similarly to the Americans by degrading lyrics. We are aware of our young girls coupling with much older men, dressing provocatively and going to nightspots certainly not appropriate for their age.

Unfortunately, these actions may have serious social and medical consequences. If a young woman is infected with certain sexually transmitted infections, they can lead to infertility and chronic pelvic pain. While HIV infection may not necessarily be a death sentence as a result of available medications, it often means a life-long medication regime and stigma that is hard to shake despite aggressive advertising.

Therefore, in response to the Broadcasting Commission's ban, we should ask ourselves how much sacrifice are we willing to make for the health and well-being of our teenagers - the future of our nation.

Dr Monique Rainford is a consulting obstetrician and gynaecologist; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.