National survey of sexual lifestyles and Chlamydia trachomatis infection in Slovenia

Abstract

A total of 849 men and 903 women participated in the first national general population probability sample survey of sexual behaviour and Chlamydia trachomatis infection in Slovenia. A combination of face-to-face interviews and anonymous self completion of questionnaires was used. Survey response rate was 67.0% and urine specimens were obtained from 82.7% of respondents. The median age at first heterosexual Intercourse declined from 18 to 17 years among men born during the late sixties and among women born during the late seventies. A substantial proportion of those who experienced early first heterosexual intercourse regretted this especially women, and a substantial proportion of these women had been persuaded or forced. Condom use increased during the late eighties and nineties which coincided with heightened AIDS awareness. Receipt of information on sexual matters from school lessons was associated with decreased risk of early first heterosexual intercourse among women and increased likelihood of condom use among men. There was great variability in the numbers of heterosexual partners between individuals of different ages, between men and women, and according to marital status. Men of all ages and any marital status reported higher numbers than women. Mean numbers of lifetime heterosexual partners for men and women were 8.3 and 5.6. Annual rates of acquisition of new heterosexual partners were 22.7% for men and 9.5% for women. Reported frequency of heterosexual intercourse showed high levels of consistency between men and women. Experience of vaginal intercourse was nearly universal. The great majority also reported oral heterosexual intercourse. Anal intercourse was reported by 31.6% of men and 22.3% of women. Having been forced into heterosexual sex was reported by 12.0% of women. At least one homosexual partner during the past five years was reported by 0.6% of men and 0.4% of women. Among 18 to 24 year olds 0.6% of men and 0.4% of women reported having injected illicit drugs during the past five years. All men who had sex with men also reported sex with women and all injecting drug users heterosexual sex with non-users. The prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among 18 to 24 year old sexually experienced individuals was 4.7%. Sexual and reproductive health and life skills education programmes should be implemented in primary schools. An expert advisory group to the Ministry of Health should prepare recommendations for prevention and control of Chlamydia trachomatis infection.