Level of Contraceptive Use is Moderate Among Romanians Aged 15-24

Abstract

This report presents a summary of findings from the Servanescu and Morris study (1996) of young reproductive health in Romania. Data were obtained from 2047 men and 2025 women aged 15-24 years. 50% of the respondents were aged 15-19 years. 67% of women and 86% of men were unmarried. 46% of women and 66% of men had sexual intercourse. Only 11% of women but 36% of men had first sex under the age of 16 years. 25% of all women and about 50% of sexually experienced women had engaged in premarital sex. Premarital sex was more common among urban youth. 88% of women and 65% of men had only 1 partner in the prior 3 months. 1% of women and 15% of men had multiple partners. 93% of married men and women were monogamous. 81% of sexually experienced women had only 1 sexual partner; 60% of sexually experienced men had 4 or more partners. Knowledge of modern contraceptive methods was almost universal. Women had more accurate knowledge of how to use family planning methods. About 66% of sexually active unmarried men and women were current users. Marital patterns of use differed. 32% of women reported ever having a pregnancy. 38% had an induced abortion and 52% had a live birth. Abortion among never married women was twice as high as married women. Over 43% of pregnancies were unintended. 96% of abortions involved unintended pregnancies. Knowledge of AIDS was universal but knowledge of genital herpes trichomoniasis and genital warts was only 13-35% among women and 12-28% among men. 10-20% were unaware of common modes of transmission of AIDS.