Sexual health and youth
N. Salakos, S. Voskakis, K. Tseberi, G. Detsis, G. Papadopoulou
Division of Family Planning Association of the 2nd Department of
Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Athens, Aretaieion Hospital, Athens,
Greece
Introduction: Sexuality is undoubtly an integral part of the human
existence. From times to times, a lot have been said about sexuality and the
biases that surrounds it. What do young people believe? Which are their own
opinions about sexuality, sex, and sexual behavior? A lot of researches,
qualitative (focus group discussions, in-depth interviews) and quantitative (in
form of questionnaires) have dealt with this serious subject. Below, specific
answers of a research are reported which the main subject was ‘Sexual health
and Youth’ and it realised by the Division of Family Planning of the 2nd
Departure of Ob/Gyn. University of Athens ‘Aretaieion Hospital’ in
collaboration with the Hellenic Family Planning Association.
Method: The questionnaires were answered by 200 individuals aged 16–25
years old. The 53% was answered by women, while the 47% by men. The 40% were
between 19–22 years old, in rate the 37% were between 16–18 years old and
the final age team was between 23–25 years old. The 76% were students of
middle school and universities, while the 24% where from samples.
Results: The answers in the question ‘From where do young people
take information about sex’ were given as follows: 81% answered that they take
information from their friends, 44% from the media, a 47%, never answered that
rarely take information about sex from their families and 69% answered that that
they never take advice by church.
In the question ‘Which are the most important subjects that concern sexual
and reproductive health’ the 87% consider the Sexual Transmitted Diseases (STDs)/AIDS,
the 64% the unwanted pregnancy and the 65% believe in the importance of
contraception.
In another question which was ‘According to your opinion which from the
services below are more important’, the 86% answered that great deal of
importance is to be tested for AIDS, the 79% considered important the method of
contraception, the 77% the examination and the treatment of STDs, and finally
the 75% emphasize the importance of the pregnancy test.
Conclusion: The existence and maintenance of sexual health in young
people is not so easy to deal with. However, the achievement of this aim has
essential importance if we want them to have a healthy life and afterwards as
time goes by a healthy and happy family.
