Sexual life aspects and contraception in Greek adolescents
S. Sifakis (1), R. Papadaki (1), G. Stratoudakis (1), E. Papadpoulou (2), Y.
Fragouli (3), E. Koumantakis (1)
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Crete, Heraklion,
Greece (1); Department of Paediatrics, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
(2); Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Athens, Greece (3)
Introduction: The knowledge of the current opinions and attitudes
regarding the sexuality and contraception among Greek adolescents is important
to plan a strategy of prevention of the sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and
the avoidance of unwanted pregnancies.
Design & Methods: One hundred and sixty Greek adolescents answered
a questionnaire about theirs sexual activity and behaviour as well as their
knowledge about contraception. The participation in the study was voluntary and
anonymous.
Results: 113 (70.6%) of the participants were female and 47 (29.4%)
were male. The mean age was 17.3 years (15–18 years). The Greek teenagers
prefer to have a regular partner (65%) and they want to build up their
relationship on a combination of understanding and sexual pleasure (76%). Sexual
activity starts at the age of 17 for 43% of the teenagers, probably later than
in other European and American countries. The majority of the participants (86%)
consider contraception essential in avoiding STDs and unwanted pregnancies. The
most used contraceptive methods are male condom (56%), following by coitus
interruptus (18%) and oral contraceptive pill (10%). Most of the adolescents
(79%) have a negative point of view regarding the use of intrauterine devices,
mainly due to the risk of contraception failure, pelvic inflammatory disease and
ectopic pregnancy. The use of barrier contraceptives such as diaphragm and
sponges is extremely rare, while they almost ignore the use of spermicides. The
knowledge regarding contraception is mainly derived by friends or the sexual
partners and to a lesser degree by the media. 62% of the teenagers choose a
contraceptive method after discussion with the erotic partner. They believe that
information about contraception should be provided by professionals (54%), as
well as from the parents (35%).
Conclusions: The provided information regarding aspects of sexual life,
especially the need of contraception and the protection by STDs, should be given
by well-organized programs, with a primary role of the physicians. The use rate
of oral pills remains low, and the education of the teenagers regarding the
advantages of such a contraceptive method has to be further enhanced.
