The first coitus as an outcome indicator
Raboch, J.; Raboch, J.; Sindelár, M.
Casopis Lekaru Ceskych 133(9): 266-267
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0008-7335 PMID: 8194093 Document Number: 287226
For evaluation of the health status in specialized medical disciplines and comparisons in different regions, the World Health Organization recommends and uses indicators. In the sphere of human sexuality the use of such indicators is difficult, because sexuality cannot be assessed by objective data. The purpose of the present study was to assemble information on the time and course of the first sexual intercourse of contemporary Czech girls. A total of 700 Czech girls aged 16-18 years were interviewed during 1987-93 using a questionnaire made up of 78 items. 49.1% of the total or 344 girls (152 pupils and 192 high school students) reported that they had had heterosexual intercourse: 24.1% had the first intercourse at the age of 15 years and 75.9% between 16 and 18 years. As to the place where it occurred, in 64% it was the parents' apartment. For the contemporary Czech society it is typical that in about 20% the place of the first intercourse was a weekend house as opposed to only 3% in Denmark. 8.5% of the girls were forced to have the intercourse or were under the influence of heavy alcohol use. In Israel and Sweden similar events make up 7%. The use of force or moral pressure for first intercourse was also noted in 42.9% of Mormon women in the US, 37.9% of Americans in general, and 35.6% of Danish women. As far as prevention of unwanted pregnancy is concerned, in 42.0% no contraception was used, coitus interruptus was practiced in 25.3%, i.e. unreliable contraception in 67.3% of sexual intercourse. Condoms were used by 30.4% of partners, and hormonal birth control only by 2.3% of girls. In comparison 7% of Japanese students had first intercourse up to age 19, 55% of English girls up to age 18, 62% of Swedish urban girls, as did 3/4 of girls aged 16-18 in the former East Germany.