engleski

Sexual risk behaviour disparities among youth on islands and mainland

Background: By the time of this survey, sexual health education was not implemented in school educational programmes of our country. In the year 2011., around 1400 girls aged 15-19 gave birth and 346 had an abortion. Therefore, proper education and awareness of possible immediate and long term consequences is of importance among youth. Aim: The objectives of the study were to investigate the prevalence of sexual risk behaviour and to determine whether there were differences in knowledge about reproductive health and sexual behaviour of adolescents on islands, in comparison with those on mainland. Methods: In the year 2012., a cross-sectional study was conducted among 444 senior high school students in three towns on islands and three mainland towns. The questionnaire used was confidential and self- completed. Results: Sexual experience before the age of 16 years was reported by almost equal percentage of students on islands and in mainland (27, 5% vs 27, 4%). Sexual experience associated with drinking of alcohol (55, 5% vs 39, 7%) and drug taking (21, 5% vs 7, 84%) was more prevalent on islands. The use of condoms and other methods of birth control at first intercourse was also reported by more islanders, then students on mainland. Dating violence was more prevalent among islanders. As for the contraction of STI, 8, 28% of islanders and 3, 08% of mainlanders reported having an STI. Even though students on islands showed slightly better knowledge on STI and contraception, overall knowledge was not satisfactory. Conclusions: The results suggest that adolescents are at sexual health risk when first sexual relationship types are taken into account. Sexual health programs must focus on enhancing communication skills among adolescents so that regardless of relationship type, correct contraceptive behavior is practiced.

sexual health education, dating violence, risk behaviours

nije evidentirano