Trends in teen sexual behaviour and condom use

Results from the 1996/1997 National Population Health Survey and the 2003 and 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey suggest that the proportion of teens who have had sexual intercourse has declined. In 2005, 43% of 15- to 19-year-olds reported that they had had sexual intercourse at least once, down from 47% in 1996/1997. As well, the proportion of teens reporting that they had become sexually active before age 15 declined. About one-third of those who had had intercourse in the previous year did so with more than one partner. Condom use was reported by around three-quarters of sexually active 15- to 19-year-olds who had had multiple partners or who were not married or in a common-law relationship.