Young women's reproductive health survey

Abstract

A survey of reproductive health issues was conducted on 15 year old Hutt Valley secondary school girls by means of a self-administered anonymous questionnaire. The prevalence of sexual intercourse in the sample was 29%. Sixteen percent of the sexually active respondents used no method of contraception. Knowledge of reproductive health facts and contraception was poor both amongst sexually experienced and inexperienced respondents. Twenty-six percent relied on peers for this information, with mothers, teachers and books being other important sources cited. Respondents requested more information on sexually transmitted diseases, contraception and sexual relationships. Most would like this information more readily accessible. Preferred sources of information mentioned were: parents, books, films/videos, family planning clinics and friends.

PIP: A random sample of 389 15-year-old females attending secondary schools in Hutt Valley, New Zealand, completed a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire covering reproductive health issues. 113 (29%) of these female students had experienced sexual intercourse. There were no significant differences in sexual behavior by ethnic group (European of Maori) or by social class. The age at 1st intercourse was under 13 years in 6.2%, 13 years in 11.5%, 14 years in 31.8%, 15 years in 43.4%, and unremembered in 7.1%. 55% of the sexually experienced girls were "going steady" with their partner at the time of 1st intercourse, while another 22.8% were "just friends" and 12.5% had only recently met. 23% of the sexually active 15-year-olds reported having had more than 3 sexual partners. Overall, only 26% of respondents considered virginity at the time of marriage to be important. The most common sources of information on reproductive health were: mothers (42%), girlfriends (26%), teachers (13%), books (12%), and the media (11%). 90% understood the mechanisms of menstruation, but only 43% could identify the fertile period in the menstrual cycle. Most respondents indicated a desire for more information about sexually transmitted diseases, contraception, and sexual relationships. Preferred sources of information were: books (49%), parents (45%), films (31%), family planning clinics (27%), and friends (26%). The methods of contraception most commonly used by sexually active students were condom (76%), oral contraceptives (48%), and withdrawal (39%); 16% of these students had never used a contraceptive method. Given the high rate of premarital sexual activity among these 15-year-olds, and low knowledge levels of contraception among both sexually experienced and unexperienced respondents, school sex education programs should be started at an early age.