A report from the World Health Organisation revealed that one in six 15-year-olds has already had sexual intercourse, raising concerns about adolescent sexual health. However, the more alarming finding is that a third of these adolescents reported not using a condom during their last sexual encounter.
The report also notes that the age at which adolescents engage in sexual activity has increased due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which limited opportunities for romantic relationships. Furthermore, a declining proportion of boys reporting sexual intercourse aligns with a decrease in risk behaviours, suggesting that young people may be maturing at a slower pace.
Conducted in 2021 and 2022, the recent WHO survey focused on adolescent sexual health in Europe, Central Asia, and Canada. The survey asked 15-year-olds whether they had ever had sexual intercourse. In Cyprus, 6 per cent of girls and 24 per cent of boys reported having done so, while the highest percentages were found in Denmark for girls (49 per cent) and in Bulgaria for boys (38 per cent).
Among those who reported having had sex, the survey further asked whether they or their partners had used a condom during their last sexual encounter. In Cyprus, 63 per cent of girls and 61 per cent of boys responded affirmatively.
The highest percentages were recorded in Serbia for girls (81 per cent) and in Switzerland for boys (77 per cent).
Asked if they or their partner had used the contraceptive pill at their last sexual intercourse, 21 per cent of girls and 17 per cent of boys in Cyprus responded yes.
The highest percentages were recorded in The Netherlands for girls (61 per cent) and in Belgium for boys (50 per cent).
In Cyprus, those who said they or their partners had not used a condom or the contraceptive pill were 35 per cent for both girls and boys.
The highest percentages were recorded in Kyrgyzstan for girls (71 per cent) and in Denmark for boys (50 per cent).
In Cyprus, 28 per cent of girls and 19 per cent of boys reported not using a condom, while 9 per cent of girls and 20 per cent of boys stated they did not know if a condom had been used.
Additionally, 70 per cent of girls and 56 per cent of boys in Cyprus reported not using the contraceptive pill, with 9 per cent of girls and 26 per cent of boys unsure if the pill had been used.
The report notes socioeconomic differences in sexual behaviour were observed in only a few countries, with no consistent patterns among girls. However, among boys, those from higher affluence backgrounds were more likely to report having had sexual intercourse and to have used a condom during their last encounter compared to those from lower affluence backgrounds.
In its conclusions, the WHO emphasises that the most significant trend observed between 2014 and 2022 is the decline in condom use among adolescents who reported having had sexual intercourse.
The trend is concerning, WHO says, adding that the patterns highlight the urgent need to invest more in evidence-based sex education and youth-friendly sexual health services.
The decreasing trend in a number of countries and regions in the proportion of boys who reported having had sexual intercourse is in line with a more widespread decline in adolescent risk behaviours – including smoking, alcohol use, drug use and juvenile crime – since the early 21st century.
It is also in line with the notion that today’s young people may be growing up slower and are delaying taking up adult behaviours, WHO says.
It adds that national responses to the Covid pandemic, such as the closure of schools, clubs and restaurants, may have intensified this trend by affecting young people’s opportunities to form romantic relationships.
