Sexual behaviour among Italian adolescents: Knowledge and use of contraceptives

Background Comprehensive data concerning the sexual behaviour of Italian adolescents are lacking; the planning of prevention programmes is therefore difficult. Methods The current study evaluates the knowledge of Italian adolescents about sexuality and their use of methods to prevent pregnancy and s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The European journal of contraception & reproductive health care 2009-01, Vol.14 (4), p.285-289
Main Authors: Capuano, Simona, Simeone, Serena, Scaravilli, Giuseppina, Raimondo, Daniele, Balbi, C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adolescents
Behaviour
Birth control
Contraception Behavior - psychology
Contraception Behavior - statistics & numerical data
Contraceptives
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Humans
Italy - epidemiology
Knowledge
Male
Peer Group
Pregnancy
Sex Distribution
Sex education
Sex Education - organization & administration
Sexual behavior
Sexual Behavior - psychology
Sexual Behavior - statistics & numerical data
Sexual Partners - psychology
Sexuality
Sexually transmitted diseases
Social Values
Socioeconomic Factors
STD
Students - statistics & numerical data
Surveys and Questionnaires
Teenagers
Use
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Summary:Background Comprehensive data concerning the sexual behaviour of Italian adolescents are lacking; the planning of prevention programmes is therefore difficult. Methods The current study evaluates the knowledge of Italian adolescents about sexuality and their use of methods to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. The age at first intercourse in the current sample was compared to that found in past samples to ascertain whether sex education was needed at an earlier age. The efficacy of one school-based sex education programme was analysed. Results Overall 630 students in three Italian cities were surveyed. Just over half the students were sexually active. Among these, the mean age at first intercourse was 15.6 years (SD ± 1.3). The contraception most widely used was the condom although 'coitus interruptus', 'natural family planning' and 'no method' were also mentioned. The knowledge among students from Latina, after they had received sex education, was significantly better. Conclusion Our data show a lower mean age at first intercourse than has been reported for earlier periods by other authors. School-based sexual education is effective in improving knowledge. Sexual health services for young people must be available and counselling services improved.
ISSN:1362-5187
1473-0782
DOI:10.1080/13625180902926920