Time trends in adolescent sexual behaviour in Italy
Claudia Marino A B , Alessio Vieno A , Michela Lenzi A and Massimo Santinello AA University of Padova, Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Via Venezia 8, 35131 Padova, Italy.
B Corresponding author. Email: claudia.marino3@yahoo.it
Sexual Health 11(4) 379-380 https://doi.org/10.1071/SH14094
Submitted: 8 May 2014 Accepted: 24 June 2014 Published: 7 August 2014
Abstract
Background: There has been little research investigating sexual health in Italy. The aim of the present study was to present time trends over 8 years in sexual behaviour among adolescents. Methods: This study is part of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study (sample: 3983 adolescents aged 15 years; 51.9% girls). Measures included sexual initiation, condom use and age of first sexual intercourse. Results: No variation was observed in the prevalence of sexual initiation and in condom use. The mean age of first sexual intercourse decreased among surveyed adolescents. Conclusions: Considering the tendency of Italian adolescents to begin having intercourse at an earlier age, increased knowledge on sexual behaviours is needed to improve sexual health.
Additional keywords: age at first intercourse, condom use, sexual initiation, sexual debut.
References
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