Sexual behavior of secondary-school students in Slovenia

Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the sexual behavior of secondary-school students in Slovenia.

Methods The research was carried out on a representative sample of 4706 secondary-school students aged 15–19 years in Slovenia. The data were obtained by a self-administered questionnaire in April 1996.

Results The average age of the students was 17.5 years. Most students had experiences in kissing (70%) and caressing (59%); a lower number had experiences in petting (43%). Sexual intercourse had been experienced by 38% of the students. The median age at the first sexual intercourse was 18.5 years. The main motives for the first sexual intercourse were love (45%), accident (22%) and curiosity (15%). Contraceptive methods currently used were condoms (60%), the pill (14%), coitus interruptus (4%), other methods (3%) and no method (19%). According to the students, the most appropriate sources of information on sexuality were friends (26%), parents (19%), different sources (19%) and professionals (15%).

Conclusion By the age of 18.5 years, approximately one-half of secondary-school students in Slovenia experience sexual intercourse. Most students currently use effective contraception, condoms being the most popular method. The students expect to receive information about sexuality from friends, parents and professionals, but not from the school environment.     

Sexual activity and contraceptive use among secondary-school students in Slovenia

Objectives To evaluate sexual activity and contraceptive use among secondary-school students in Slovenia.

Methods A representative sample of 1095 third grade secondary-school students in Slovenia in 2004 was assessed by means of a self-administered questionnaire.

Results The average age of the students was 17.4 ± 0.7 years. Most students had experienced being in love (92%), dating (82%), kissing (87%), caressing (78%) and petting (61%). One half (53%) of them had already had coitus. Homosexual contacts had occurred among 2% of the boys and 11% of the girls. The main reason for the first sexual intercourse was love (44%) but it occurred by chance in 27% of the cases. Contraceptive methods used foremost at first intercourse were the condom (75%) and the pill (7%). Contraceptive methods resorted to on the occasion of the last intercourse were the condom (50%), the pill (32%), a double method whereby a condom is used in addition to the pill (4%), withdrawal (4%), periodic abstinence (1%), emergency contraception (1%), and other methods (1%); no contraceptive measures at all were applied in 7% of the encounters.

Conclusions At the age of 17 about one half of secondary-school students in Slovenia have already had sexual intercourse. Most students resort to effective contraception, but the double method is underused.     

Effect of Parent-Daughter Communication about Sex on the Use of Less Effective Contraception among Women from Ages 15-24 Years in France

Study Objective

Most women begin sexual activity as teenagers but nearly 20% of women in France younger than 25 years rely on less effective contraceptive methods (condoms or methods such as withdrawal or periodic abstinence). We sought to analyze the association with less effective contraception among women aged 15-24 years in France and communication about sex and contraception with their parents.

Sexual experiences in relation to HPV vaccination status in female high school students in Sweden

Abstract

Objectives To investigate sexual experiences, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and use of condoms in relation to human papillomavirus (HPV)-vaccination status in female high school students.

Methods In 2013, 355 female students with a median age of 18 years from randomly selected high schools in Sweden answered a classroom questionnaire on sexual experiences and HPV-vaccination status.

Results In total 227/348 (65%) of the women reported having received at least one HPV vaccine dose. Median age at first intercourse was 15 and 16 years respectively, in the 141/227 (62%) vaccinated after, and the 86/227 (38%) vaccinated before their sexual debut. There were no differences between the HPV-vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups regarding condom use, STIs, and experiences of oral and anal sex, or friends- with-benefit relationships. However, having had sexual intercourse and ‘one-night stands’ were more common in the vaccinated group (both p < 0.05).

Conclusion Many students (62%) were vaccinated against HPV, with two-thirds after their sexual debut. There were no differences in condom use and STIs, and only a few differences in sexual experiences between the HPV-vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups. Initiating HPV vaccination before sexual debut is important, as is information about the link between HPV, sexual behaviour and cancer.     

Contraception and adolescents,Rhone-Alpes, 1990

173 male and 181 female students of a secondary school in the region of Lyons, France, answered a questionnaire in late 1989 on their sexual and contraceptive attitudes and behavior. 76% of the respondents were French, 8% were Algerian, 3% were Portuguese, and the remainder were from various other countries. 16% were 16 years old or less, 32% were 17, 43% were 18-20, and 9% were 20 or over. Only 1 respondent was married. 49.2% were sexually active and their 1st sexual relations occurred on average at 15-16 years of age. Males reported earlier and more frequent sexual activity than females. In the previous year, 47.7% of sexually active respondents reported that they or their partners had used oral contraceptives, 33.3% condoms, .4% withdrawal, 21.3% rhythm, 5.6% spermicides, and 1% diaphragm. 33.6% reported using contraception regularly, 54.5% sporadically, and 11.9% never. Males were significantly less likely to report use of the more effective methods. Effective contraception was not significantly correlated with age of the respondents, age at 1st sexual experience, the sexual experience of friends, the number of partners, or the frequency of intercourse. Neither was there a correlation between effective contraception and the degree of religiosity, sexual permissiveness, or egalitarian attitudes. Attitudes of parents were correlated significantly though weakly with effective use of contraception. Age was significantly correlated with use of condoms, as were use by friends and approval of partners. The principal sources of information were peers for 50% and parents for 35%. Effective use of contraception and use of condoms appeared to be determined by somewhat different social factors, a finding of relevance for AIDS prevention programs.     

Sexual behaviour and contraception in people under the age of 20 in Alicante, Spain.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and to analyse the relationship between patterns of sexually-risky behaviour and emergency contraception among young females attending a Family Planning Centre (FPC). METHODS: Data was obtained from a systematic analysis of 384 health records. RESULTS: Mean age of the sample subjects was 18.24 years (SD 1.47, range 13-20). Of these, 92% were single, 60% students and 83% were with the same partner. Age at first intercourse was 16.5 years (SD 1.52, range 11-20). Those who used condoms systematically totalled 72%. Mean number of sexual partners was 1.85 (SD 2.91, range 1-50). A total of 9% had become pregnant and 2% had had an abortion. Emergency contraception was resorted to by 26% of the young women on at least one occasion. Emergency contraception was related to younger age at first sexual intercourse (p < 0.001) and to a great number of partners (p = 0.011). Of the total number of subjects, 48.4% demonstrated sexually-risky behaviour. This behaviour was related to alcohol consumption (p < 0.0001) and to the existence of dysfunction (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Spanish youngsters have enough knowledge regarding contraception. Condoms are mostly used on the occasion of a first sexual intercourse. However, the frequency of sexually-risky behaviour is still high due to the limited use of condoms in successive sexual relations with the same partner. Sexually-risky behaviour is also related to a high number of partners and to alcohol consumption on weekends.     

Gynaecological and Sexuality Profile of New Patients attending a Family Planning Clinic

2067 first-time attenders (70% of all new patients during the 9-month study period) at a Family Planning Association clinic in Victoria, Australia, completed a questionnaire aimed at obtaining data on the age at onset of sexual activity and contraceptive use patterns. The mean age of study respondents was 23 years; only 13% were married. 86% of the women reported a history of sexual intercourse. The average age at 1st intercourse was 17.4 years, and over 50% were sexually active before 18 years of age. 51% did not use contraception at the time of 1st intercourse, and this rate was lower (37%) among women aged 15 years or less at coitarche. Of those who had used contraception, the most common methods were condoms (52%) and oral contraceptives (37%). When asked to rate the quality of their 1st act of sexual intercourse, 12% indicated the experience was better than they expected, 50% said it was as good as expected, and 38% indicated it was worse than anticipated. 90% claimed that the quality of their sexual experiences has improved since the 1st time. In terms of current frequency of sexual intercourse, 60% reported sexual relations less than twice a week, 26% have sex 2-3 times a week, and 14% have intercourse more than 3 times a week. When asked about their recent contraceptive practice, 47% reported contraception is always used, 26% use contraception most of the time, 10% use contraception sometimes, 5% rarely use such methods, and 12% never use family planning. Since these subjects were either already sexually active or were planning to initiate sexual activity, they are not representative of Australia's female population as a whole. However, they are an important target for family planning education programs.     

Sexual intercourse and current contraceptive use among university students in Finland

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the current frequency of sexual intercourse, the current use of contraceptives, the ever use of emergency contraception, and the ever experience of condom failure among Finnish university students. STUDY DESIGN: The study population consisted of Finnish undergraduate university students (19-34 years of age) in 2004. The randomly selected sample comprised 5030 subjects. The data were collected by postal questionnaire, the response rate being 62.7%. Data were presented with frequency distributions and cross-tabulations. Chi-square test was used. Frequencies for women and men were presented and tested separately. RESULTS: A total of 80% of students were currently practicing sexual intercourse. Approximately half of the female students currently used hormonal contraception and one-third used a condom. Almost half of the men currently used a condom. The simultaneous use of condom and hormonal contraception was rare. Condom failure was common. The ever use of emergency contraception appeared to be associated with condom failure. CONCLUSION: Of Finnish university students 80% were sexually active and hormonal contraceptives were the most popular method of contraception among female students. The use of the condom should be practiced more often for prevention of sexually transmitted diseases.     

Experiences of Sexuality Six Years After Stroke: A Qualitative Study

BackgroundLittle is known about the long-term consequences of stroke on sexuality, and studies on how individuals with stroke communicate with health care professionals about information and/or interventions on sexuality are even sparser.AimTo explore experiences of sexuality 6 years after stroke, including communication with health care professionals concerning sexuality.MethodsThis qualitative study was based on data collected by semistructured interviews with 12 informants 43 to 81 years old 6 years after stroke. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis was performed.ResultsThe analysis resulted in the following three themes. Not exclusively negative experiences in sexuality after stroke: Most informants experienced some change in their sexual life from before their stroke. Decreased sexual interest and function were ascribed to decreased sensibility, post-stroke pain, or fatigue. Some informants reported positive changes in sexuality, which were attributed to feelings of increased intimacy. Individual differences and variability on how to handle sexuality after stroke: Different strategies were used to manage unwanted negative changes such as actively trying to adapt by planning time with the partner and decreasing pressure or stress. Open communication about sexuality with one’s partner also was described as important. Strikingly, most informants with negative experiences of sexual life attributed these to age or a stage in life and not to the stroke or health issues. Furthermore, they compared themselves with others without stroke but with changes in sexuality, thus achieving a sense of normality. Communication and counseling concerning sexuality—many unmet needs: Experiences of communication with health care professionals varied. Very few informants had received any information or discussed sexuality with health care professionals during the 6 years since the stroke, although such needs were identified by most informants.Clinical TranslationWhen encountering individuals with previous stroke, there is a need for vigilance concerning individual experiences of stroke on sexuality to avoid under- or overestimating the impact and to raise the subject, which currently might be seldom.Strengths and LimitationsIndividuals with long-term diverse consequences of stroke and with different sociodemographic backgrounds were interviewed. Because most individuals in the present study had retained functioning, this could decrease transferability to populations with more severe sequelae after stroke.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe individuals in the present study had different experiences of sexuality after stroke. The results point to the importance of acknowledging sexual rehabilitation as part of holistic person-centered stroke rehabilitation.Nilsson MI, Fugl-Meyer K, von Koch L, Ytterberg C. Experiences of Sexuality Six Years After Stroke: A Qualitative Study. J Sex Med 2017;14:797–803.     

Prevalence of sexual activity and outcome among female secondary school students in Port Harcourt,Nigeria

Sexual activity among 534 Nigerian female secondary school students was studied using self-administered questionnaire. Prevalence of sexual intercourse was 25.7%. There was no significant difference between the junior (48.2%) and senior (51.8%) students (p > 0.05). Seventeen (12.4%) students had initiated sexual intercourse before 11 years. The frequency of sexual exposure was high, with 34.3% of the students having intercourse more than once in a week. Pregnancy rate among sexually active females was 27.0%, with 24.8% rate of induced abortion. Early sexual health education starting from primary school would be helpful in influencing the reproductive decisions and sexual behaviour of the students, including contraceptive acceptance and usage, to avoid teenage pregnancy. Education of parents is also recommended in order to overcome the cultural barriers that discourage parents from providing sex education to their children at home.     

Factors associated with early sexual initiation in girls: French data from the international survey Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC)/WHO

OBJECTIVE: Inspite of unquestionable progress, the protection of girls at first sexual intercourse is still not perfect. The main risks are well known (sexually transmitted infections [STIs], unwanted pregnancies, psychological consequences) and seem to be higher in the case of early sexual initiation. The aim of this epidemiological study is to analyse factors associated with early heterosexual intercourse (age 15 or before) among girls, considered as risk factors for pregnancies and STIs. POPULATION AND METHODS: Our data come from the 2002 international survey Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC)/WHO. The questionnaire is completed anonymously in class and measures health, health behaviours and their contexts among 11-, 13- and 15-year-old students. Only the 15 year-olds are asked about their sexual behaviour. In France, 1264 15-year-old (plus or minus six months) girls have answered the survey. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-four girls (17,7 %) state they have already had sexual intercourse. Among these, 88,4 % say that condoms and/or pills were used at last sexual intercourse. Multivariate analysis (n=1159) show that seven variables are significantly and independently linked to a higher frequency of early sexual intercourse: single-parent or reconstructed family, repeated drunkenness, daily smoking, cannabis experimentation, frequent evenings out, negative life appreciation and early menarche. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Identifying factors associated with early sexual initiation should help professionals to better take care of those high risk adolescent girls.     

Women's Sexuality: From Aging to Social Representations

IntroductionStudies designed in northern countries show that most women are still sexually active after the age of 50. Many factors other than hormones influence sexual life in and after middle age; they include social status, personal characteristics, physical and psychological conditions, relationship factors, and social representations of sexuality.AimThis study aims to analyze various components of sexuality, including its social representations, among women aged 45–55 years, as they reach menopause.MethodsComparison of three groups: all postmenopausal women (277), postmenopausal women not currently using hormonal treatment (HT) (209), postmenopausal women currently using HT (68), with a reference group of premenopausal women (408). All were recruited in a national general population‐based survey of sexual behaviors and interviewed by telephone.Main Outcome MeasuresPractices, sexual function, satisfaction, and representations and expectations concerning sexuality.ResultsThe women did not differ according to menopausal status for sexual activity, practices (wide range of practices beyond sexual intercourse), dysfunction, or satisfaction. They also attributed equal importance to sexuality. Nevertheless, although postmenopausal women not using HT did not report less sexual activity than premenopausal women, they were less likely to consider that a 3‐month period without sex is a sign of difficulty in a relationship (30.3% vs. 47.7%; odds ratio: 0.35 [0.21–0.57], P = 0.000). This difference was not observed between postmenopausal women using HT and premenopausal women.ConclusionsOur results suggest that for middle‐aged women who are at the onset of menopause, the biological/hormonal changes characterizing menopause do not negatively affect sexual life. Any negative reported effects on sexuality are more likely due to anticipation or negative representations of sexuality around menopause than to biological or hormonal effects. The effect of menopause at this point in women's lives may thus be more symbolic than biological, expressed as a form of anticipation of old age.Ringa V, Diter K, Laborde C, and Bajos N. Women's sexuality: From aging to social representations. J Sex Med 2013;10:2399–2408.     

Sexual Activity and Physical Tenderness in Older Adults: Prevalence and Associated Characteristics From a Belgian Study

BackgroundDespite the World Health Organization calling for sexuality to be recognized as an aspect of well-being, no studies have explored sexual activity and physical tenderness in older adults aged ≥ 75 years in Belgium or those aged ≥ 85 years worldwide.AimTo assess the prevalence and predictors of sexual activity and physical tenderness in a sample of older adults.MethodsUsing data from a Belgian cross-sectional study on sexual violence (UN-MENAMAIS), information on sexual activity, physical tenderness, and associated characteristics was collected during structured face-to-face interviews with older adults living in the community, assisted living facilities, or nursing homes. Cluster random probability sampling with a random route-finding approach was used to select the participants.OutcomesCurrent sexual activity and physical tenderness in the previous 12 months, sociodemographic characteristics, chronological age, subjective age, number of sexual partners, sexual satisfaction, attitudes toward sexuality in later life, quality of life, and lifetime sexual victimisation.ResultsAmong the 511 participants included, 50.3% were in a relationship, mainly living with their partner; 31.3% indicated they were sexually active; and 47.3% of sexually inactive participants reported having experienced forms of physical tenderness in the previous 12 months. Sexual activity was associated with the presence of a partner, satisfaction with sexual life, permissive attitudes regarding sexuality in later life, a younger age, and a lack of disability. Physical tenderness was associated with the presence of a partner, community residency, and permissive attitudes regarding sexuality in later life.Clinical ImplicationsRaising awareness among the general population, healthcare professionals, and older adults about sexuality in later life could contribute to ending this taboo and should therefore be a priority for society.Strengths and LimitationsOur study fills a gap in the literature regarding sexual activity and physical tenderness in older adults aged ≥ 70 years, including respondents aged up to 99 years. Additionally, we explored different forms of sexual expression beyond intercourse, and face-to-face interviews contributed to the quality of the collected data. The main limitation of this study was the sample size, although the findings were similar to recent statistical indicators in Belgium.ConclusionOne in 3 older adults aged ≥ 70 years living in Belgium are sexually active. These findings provide an opportunity to inform the general public and older adults about later life sexuality and to educate healthcare professionals about aging sexuality to increase discussions and avoid assumptions of asexuality in later life.Cismaru-Inescu A, Hahaut B, Adam S et al. Sexual Activity and Physical Tenderness in Older Adults: Prevalence and Associated Characteristics From a Belgian Study. J Sex Med 2022;19:569–580.     

The Impact of Mental Health and Stress Concerns on Relationship and Sexuality Amidst the COVID-19 Lockdown

BackgroundSince January 23, 2020, the Chinese government has imposed restrictive measures including self-isolation, travel restrictions and lockdown of Wuhan city in order to prevent the incoming waves of COVID-19 outbreak in the country. However, the impact of mental health and stress concerns on relationship and sexuality amidst the COVID-19 lockdown was currently unclear.AimThe cross-sectional study was designed to determine the changes in health, relationship and sexuality among the Chinese couples who lived together amid the early stages of COVID-19 pandemic in China.MethodsParticipants of Chinese nationality aged ≥18 years were asked to complete a self-administered online questionnaire regarding sexuality behaviour and impact of event scale (IES) in March 2020. Nonrandom sampling was used for participant recruitment. Also assessed were sociodemographic data including sex, age, employment, region, sexual dysfunction, and whether participants tested positive for COVID-19.OutcomesIES score, frequency of sexual intercourse per week, quality of usual sex life, emotional bonding and duration of relationship were measured.ResultsA total of 1,139 participants (ie, 735 males and 404 females) were included in the study. Mean age and IES of participants was 33.6 ± 9.5 years and 27.4 ± 8.6, respectively. Being male was significantly associated with increased frequency of sexual intercourse amid the COVID-19 pandemic (P = .012). Also, participants with an IES score <26 were more likely to report that they had increased frequency of sexual intercourse per week (P < .001) and the COVID-19 pandemic had positively affected the quality of their usual sex lives (P < .001). On the other hand, participants with IES score ≥26 were more likely to report that the COVID-19 pandemic had positively affected their emotional bonding (P < .001).Clinical implicationsFrequency of sexual intercourse and quality of sex life in participants who experienced high stressful impact were more likely to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.Strengths and limitationsThis was one of the first studies to assess sexual behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic in Chinese adults. Since participants were asked to self-report their sexual behavior, this potentially introduced self-reporting and recall bias into our findings.ConclusionsOur study reported that despite the moderate-to-severe stressful impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority reported no significant changes in the frequency of their sexual intercourse per week, quality of their usual sexual lives and emotional bonding. Zhang Y, Wen C, Zhang Y, et al. The Impact of Mental Health and Stress Concerns on Relationship and Sexuality Amidst the COVID-19 Lockdown. J Sex Med 2021;18:1843–1850.     

Sexual behaviour among adolescents aged 16- and 18-years in Poland in 2005

OBJECTIVES: Presentation of: frequency of sexual debut and its age among 16- and 18-year-olds; number of sexual partners and use contraception methods among sexually active adolescents. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Representative sample of adolescents aged 16 and 18 years in Poland, students of different type of high schools (N=2893; 1490 boys, 1403 girls) was used. Four questions concerning sexual behaviour were included in anonymous questionnaire and were derived from U.S. the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). RESULTS: Among 18-year-olds 49.9% of boys and 47.3% of girls reported sexual debut with mean age 16.5 and 16.8 years respectively. 26.4% of students have had sexual intercourse at age 15 years or earlier. The frequency of sexual initiation increased with age, was higher among adolescents living in towns than in villages and was the highest among vocational school students. 26.3% of adolescents had three or more and 8,8% had six or more sexual partners. 11.1% of sexually active adolescents reported that either they or their partners had use any method of contraception during their last sexual intercourse. The most common contraception methods used was condom (it was reported by 82.9% of boys and 75.2% of girls). 41.1% of adolescents used ineffective methods: withdrawal and "natural methods". CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of 18-year-olds started their sexual life. There is not gender differences in sexual debut frequency. The risk of unwanted pregnancy, STDs infections and other sexual and reproductive health problems is the highest among girls living in towns and students of vocational schools. The development of family planning and sexual and reproductive health services for young people in Poland is necessary.     

Correlates of Sexuality in Men and Women Aged 52–90 Years Attending a University Medical Health Service in Colombia

IntroductionLimited information is available regarding sexuality among Colombian adults aged 50 years and older.AimTo assess demographic or health characteristics associated with sexuality measures among middle‐ and older‐aged men and women.MethodsCross‐sectional face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with retired persons from a university ambulatory medical care setting. Data on sexuality were obtained along with data on their demographic, emotional intimacy, practice of religion, medical conditions, and functional health measures. There were 136 participants.Main Outcome MeasuresAppropriateness of sex, sexual desire, importance of sex, masturbation, and sexual intercourse.ResultsFifty‐seven percent of the participants were over 65 years of age, 52% were female, and 66% reported being married; 67% indicated sex is appropriate, 58% reported having sexual desire, 45% considered sex very important in their lives, 54% reported one or more instances of sexual intercourse, and 16% reported masturbating within the last year. In multivariate analyses, importance of sex and sexual intercourse decreased by age. Women had decreased odds ratios (0.20 to 0.33) for sexuality measures compared with men with the exception of appropriateness of sex. Married persons had increased odds ratios (3.06 to 9.45) for importance of sex, appropriateness of sex, and sexual intercourse compared with those of the same age who reported being unmarried. Other factors associated with some particular sexuality measures were emotional intimacy, religious practice, medical conditions, and functional health measures. There were significant mediation effects for appropriateness of sex on the relationship between sexual desire and sexual intercourse, and for importance of sex on the relationship between appropriateness of sex and sexual intercourse.ConclusionsMen and married persons had higher rates of most sexuality measures compared with women or their unmarried counterparts. These differences were greater at older ages (≥65) for all sexuality measures except sexual intercourse. Arias‐Castillo L, Ceballos‐Osorio J, Ochoa JJ, and Reyes‐Ortiz CA. Correlates of sexuality in men and women aged 52–90 years attending a university medical health service in Colombia.     

Factors Related to Contraceptive Methods among Female Higher Education Students in Greece

Study ObjectiveWe aimed to determine the prevalence of contraceptive methods and identify factors associated with the use of contraception by Greek female higher education students.DesignCross-sectional epidemiologic survey on the factors determining the use of contraception among higher educational students.Subject3,624 female students between 18 and 26 years of age.Main Outcome MeasuresWe used primary individualized data drawn from a survey carried among female college students in Greece. The dependent dichotomous variables were the responses “YES” or “NO” to the question: “During the last 12 months, what contraceptive method have you generally used in your sexual intercourses?” The methods were male condoms, oral contraceptive use (OCs) and emergency contraception (EC). The independent variables which were analysed in this survey were socio-demographic characteristics, variables related to lifestyle and variables associated with sexual habits.ResultsCondom was the most widely used (53.87%). The variables associated independently and significantly with a greater likelihood of the use of condoms were condom use at first sexual intercourse, occupational status and higher educational level of parents. As for OCs, those who had relationship, had more than 2 sexual lifetime partners and had ever visited gynecologist (OR 6.40; 95%CI 2.80-9.40) was more likely to use. For the use of EC, those who were older, had relationship, were smokers and had more than 2 sexual lifetime partners (OR 2.15; 95%CI 1.75-2.64), was more likely to use this method.ConclusionsCondom is the most used contraceptive method among female higher educational students in Greece, followed by EC. The variable most strongly associated with use of the OCs was a gynecologist visit. The factors associated with use of EC were having more than 2 sexual partners, smoking, and having a stable sexual partner.     

Sexual behavior and adolescence

BACKGROUND: Adolescence represents the period with the highest frequency of negative consequences associated with sexual activities (sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies). An epidemiological study was carried out in symptomatic patients attending our Outpatient Clinic for Sexually Transmitted Diseases between April 1995 and April 1999 in order to evaluate the behaviour pattern of the adolescent population and identify the differences compared to the adult population. METHODS: A questionnaire was used to assess the characteristics of two groups of patients: the first consisted of 54 teenagers (13-19 years-old) and the second, the control group, consisted of 917 women aged between 20 and 40 years old. RESULTS: A high percentage of pregnancies (22.2%) and voluntary abortions (41.6%) was observed in teenagers, associated with different sexual behaviours. The age of sexual intercourse was below 15 in 44.4% of adolescents (vs 7.7% of controls), whereas 61.1% had more than one sexual partner and 20.4% had changed partners in the last 6 months (vs 7.4%). 50% of teenagers did not use any method of contraception (vs 44.2%) and barrier methods were only used by 20.4% (vs 18.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms the existence of a high-risk behavioural pattern in the adolescent population and draws attention yet again to the need for a serious programme of prevention and sexual education which will allow adolescents to experience the discovery of their own sexuality with greater awareness and safety.