Evaluation of sexual behaviors and use of contraceptive methods among
teenagers and young adults from Silesian Region in Poland
V. Skrzypulec, A. Drosdzol, K. Nowosielski
Chair of Women’s Health, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
Introduction: According to WHO, contraception is defined as a
conscious action in order to prevent an unwanted pregnancy and equally, to
enable human to take independent decision of having progeny. The development of
science enables to create more and more effective methods of family planning and
prevention of sexual transmitted diseases (STD). Effectiveness, safety as well
as individual preferences are the main elements in evaluation of contraception
methods.
Objectives: The aim of the study is to evaluate sexual behaviors and
activity, awareness and propagation of contraceptives among young adults in
Upper Silesian Region, and to establish the correlations between contraceptive
methods used, knowledge about family planning, prevention of STD, sexual
behaviors and age, gender, education and religion.
Design and Methods: A group of 360 pupils, students and working adults
were included in the study. Age between 18 and 26 was a criterion for
qualification to the investigated group. The research tool was an individually
prepared ‘Sexual Behaviors Questionnaire’ containing 26 questions.
Statistica 6,0 computer software with multiple regression model, ch2 and F
Fisher- Snedecor tests were used for statistical analysis.
Results: The results were obtained on the basis of questionnaire
analysis. General population was divided into 3 subgroups, relating to the age.
75,8 % of young adults had initiated sexual life. The average initiation age for
the general population was 18,4 (+1,92); the earliest time of initiation
was observed at the age of 14 (0,8%), the latest – at the age of 24 (24%).
2,5% of sexual active respondents did not use any of contraceptives (they were
all below the age of 20). A contraceptive method used the most frequently was a
male condom (60,8%); the least – emergency contraception – (4,2%).
Conclusions: The present study established that an average age of
sexual initiation (which is 18,4) was attenuated by the age of respondents and
their higher education. Therefore, it seems to be essential that young people
should be provided with appropriate and complete information about sexual
behaviors before first sexual contacts.
