HP-07-003 First Sexual Intercourse among High School Students in Slovenia

Objective

We present results on first sexual intercourse gathered from the national survey on sexual behaviour of high school students in Slovenia in 2014. The aim of the study was to study opinions, attitudes and behaviour regarding different aspects of sexuality (sexual initiation, partner relationships, practices, circumstances of the first sexual intercourse, contraception use and so on). In the presentation, the focus will be put on main characteristics of first sexual intercourse (mean age, sexual repertoire, protection used etc.) taking into account gender differences.

Methods

The study was done on a random sample of 2,143 high school students from all regions of Slovenia. 57.8 % were from vocational and 42.2 % from grammar schools (proportional to size). In each school 2 sections of mostly third year students participated in a web survey in school computer labs, monitored by postgraduate students of the Faculty of Social Sciences and workers from the school. The sampling frame was the list of secondary schools on the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport webpage. Out of 65 schools in the initial systematic random sample 52 participated, 6 refused participation or appropriate dates could not be co-ordinated and 7 could not be contacted after several attempts by email and telephone. A pilot test was done on one vocational and one grammar school. Parts of the survey questionnaire were also tested by focus groups. Data were analysed by SPSS.

Results

50.0 % of female respondents and 38.8 % of male respondents already had sexual intercourse. The mean age at FSI is 15.8 for female respondents and 15.7 for male respondents. The mean age of partner was 18.0 for female respondents and 16.1 for male respondents. 77.1 % of female respondents and 60.0 % of male respondents had FSI with an intimate partner. 87.4 % of female respondents and 86.7 % of male respondent used a condom at FSI. The results on views regarding condom use show that in general respondents do not have negative views toward condom use, however there are statistically significant gender differences with women having more positive views.

Conclusion

In comparison with previous surveys data from the latest survey show the trend of decreasing age at FSI. However, majority of FSIs happen within intimate partnership and are at least expected if not planned. Also, the share of those who use condom at FSI (or some other method of protection) is high. The social, cultural and political reasons for such situation and consequences for public health will be discussed in the presentation.

Policy of full disclosure

None