[Sexual activity and use of contraception in ninth grade pupils during the last 21 years]

The study surveys sexual activity, use of contraception at sexual debut and changes in sexual habits during a 21-year period.

A questionnaire was handed out on the same day in all ninth grade classes in the Municipality of Viborg. Neither teachers nor pupils were given prior notice. The results were compared with similar studies performed in 1986, 1993 and 2000.

A total of 394 of 398 questionnaires were answered and returned. In both genders, 40% had had debuted sexually. The frequency among the boys had increased in comparison with the previous 21 years. The amount of sexual debuts before the legal age of consent at 15 years was 18%, which is similar to previous years. In both genders an increased proportion had experienced coitus within the last week. Condoms were used by 76% and the pill by 15% at sexual debut. Subsequently, 27% shifted from condom use to pill use alone or in combination with a condom at the latest coitus; thus, 34% used the pill at their latest coitus. Practical experience with condoms was found in 90% of both genders among those who had debuted sexually, while 56% of the boys and 68% of the girls indicated that they had experience with the pill.

Knowledge of and use of condoms are widespread among adolescents already at sexual debut. A shift from the use of condoms to more frequent use of the pill occurs from debut to later coitus. A considerable amount of adolescents (10-20%) still do not protect themselves against sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancies at debut or later coitus.