[School children's knowledge of, need for and use of contraception before and after the AIDS campaigns. Sexual activity and contraception habits]. / Skoleelevers viden om, behov for og brug af praevention før og efter AIDS-debatten. Seksuel aktivitet og proeventionsvaner.

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate changes in contraceptional habits or sexual activity among adolescents as a consequence of the AIDS-campaigns. In 1986 and 1993 all pupils in their ninth school year in the municipality of Viborg answered an identical questionnaire concerning the mentioned subjects. Both in 1986 and 1993 one third had had sexual intercourse, and one seventh had had their sexual debut before the age of 15. There were significantly more condom users at the first coitus in 1993 and fewer pill users. The proportion of unprotected intercourse did not differ. More pupils had had experience using condoms in 1993, but, as in 1986, nearly half of the girls had used coitus interruptus or safe periods. The proportion of girls who had had intercourse within a week of answering the questionnaire increased from 26% to 42%, indicating a more sexually active population of girls. It is concluded that the increased sexual activity, the fewer pill users and the persisting large proportion of un- or low-protected intercourse may result in more unintended pregnancies. The coincident use of pill and condom should be encouraged.