News Release

Risky Sexual Behavior Among Youth Highlights Need for Early Sex Education: New Evidence From Croatia

Using a condom the first time one has sex and having positive attitudes about condoms are the best predictors of condom use, according to "HIV/AIDS-Related Knowledge, Attitudes and Sexual Behaviors as Predictors of Condom Use Among Young Adults in Croatia" by Aleksandar Štulhofer, of the University of Zagreb, et al. These findings demonstrate the importance of getting information to young people before they have sex and are a strong argument for early sex education.

Using data from a nationally representative survey of more than 1,000 young Croatians aged 18–24 who were asked about their sexual behaviors and HIV-related knowledge and attitudes, the study shows that while almost a quarter of young people have had only one sex partner in their lifetime, 23% have had 4–6 partners, 11% have had 7–10 and 7% have had more than 10. In addition, 78% of Croatian young people surveyed had not used a condom consistently in the last year and 22% had not used any protection the last time they had sex. However, young men and women who reported using a condom the first time they had sex were much more likely to have used condoms consistently over the past year. The study also found that women whose friends held less traditional beliefs were more likely than other women to be consistent condom users.

In countries like Croatia, where HIV prevalence is low but risky sexual behavior is common among young people, promoting positive attitudes toward condom use and providing information about healthy sexual behavior early on may help to avert a widespread HIV epidemic.

This article was published in the June 2007 issue of International Family Planning Perspectives

Also in this issue:

"Constrained Contraceptive Choice: IUD Prevalence in Uzbekistan," by Jennifer Barrett and Cynthia Buckley, both of the University of Texas.

"Timeliness of Contraceptive Reinjections in South Africa and Its Relation to Unintentional Discontinuation," by Joy Noel Baumgartner of Family Health International, et al.

"Maternal Health and Care-Seeking Behavior in Bangladesh: Findings from a National Survey," by Michael A. Koenig of Johns Hopkins University, et al.