Survey Shows Improvements In Teen Contraceptive Use

New Research on contraception, sexual health and crisis pregnancy published by the HSE Crisis Pregnancy Programme shows improvements in sex education and contraceptive use among young people.

This nationally representative study, the Irish Contraception and Crisis Pregnancy Survey, questioned 3002 people living in Ireland in 2010 on a range of topics including contraception, sex education, crisis pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The work was carried out by the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI). The findings of this survey can be compared to the findings of the first Irish Contraception and Crisis Pregnancy survey, conducted in 2003 to chart changes in knowledge and sexual behaviour over a seven year period.

Findings show that young people are more likely to receive sex education now than in the past. 86% of 18-25 year olds compared to 76% of 26-35 year olds and 57% of 36-45 year olds received sex education. Of those who received sex education, approximately 90% of 18-25 year olds said that they received it in school, compared with 80% of 26-35 year olds. The quality of the sex education they received has also increased with approximately 70% of 18-25 year olds saying that the sex education they received was helpful to them in their adult relationships, compared to 60% of 26-35 year olds.

The age of first sex has not decreased over the last 7 years. The median age remains 17 years for men and has increased slightly for women, to 18 years. 15% of 18-25 year olds surveyed had not had sex yet, compared to 13% in 2003. Approximately 90% of adults aged between18-25 reported that they used contraception the first time they had sex compared to 80% of 26-35 year olds. Those who received sex education that they considered to be helpful were almost twice as likely to use contraception when having sex for the first time.

Adults who received sex education at home or in school were 1.5 times more likely to use contraception the first time they had sex, when compared with those who had received sex education from other sources. This finding is significant as there has been a decline over the two surveys in the number of parents reporting that they have spoken to their child about sex and related matters, from 82% to 70%.

In general, consistent use of contraception among young people is high and increasing. Approximately 80% of 18-25 year olds now report that they use contraception every time they have sex. There has also been an increase from 4% to 12% in young people using more reliable methods of contraception such as the implant, injection, the contraceptive ring and the contraceptive patch.

Commenting on the findings, Professor Hannah McGee, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland said: "These are very positive findings, particularly at a time when teenagers and young people are under increased pressure to become sexually active. The findings are backed up by the significant decrease in teenage births in Ireland over the last 10 years and in the reduction in the number of girls under age 20 travelling to the UK for abortion services. When young people become sexually active nowadays, the evidence suggests that they are more likely to use contraception. Condoms and the pill are the most popular methods of contraception among young people, condoms being particularly important in preventing transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Increasing numbers of young women are now choosing more reliable forms of contraception, such as the contraceptive patch or contraceptive implant, in order to prevent pregnancy."

(CD/GK)