Adolescent sexuality in rural Norway 1997-2001
Breidablik, H-Johan.; Meland, E.
Tidsskrift for den Norske Laegeforening Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin Ny Raekke 124(13-14): 1769-1771
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0807-7096 PMID: 15229663 Document Number: 556685
In order to understand and prevent unwanted health consequences related to sexual behaviour, we need to know the status and changes of sexual behaviour in adolescence. In 1997 and 2001, surveys were conducted including a total of 1665 adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24 (response rate > 90%) in secondary schools in a small town in a rural district in Norway. We analysed frequencies for boys and girls and estimated the change in median age of first intercourse. Logistic regression analyses of median age and other health-related parameters were performed. A greater proportion of the respondents reported sexual experience in 2001 than in 1997. Girls have their first intercourse at a younger age than boys, often with older partners. 21% of the girls had experienced unwanted sexual situations. Use of contraception has increased, though insignificantly. Still, 11% of sexually active girls had had unwanted pregnancies. First intercourse during adolescence is clearly associated with other forms of behaviour that compromise health. However, a great and stable majority report a stable partner during adolescence. In accordance with other studies we find changes in sexual behaviour over a short period of time among adolescents in rural Norway. Stable sexual relations may still be a protective factor.