PERCEPTION OF THE RISK OF GETTING IN CONTACT WITH A SEXUALLY TRANSMISSIBLE DISEASE: EXPERIENCE FROM A GROUP OF TEENAGERS FROM TIRGU MURES, ROMANIA

Abstract

THE OBJECTIVE of the study was focused on describing the perception of adolescents from an urban climate on their knowledge about sexually transmitted diseases, their sexual experiences, to identifying the level of knowledge regarding contraceptive methods and information sources. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used a cross-sectional study, by applying an evaluation questionnaire about education and sexual behaviour to 200 students. The data were collected during the period of 01.10.2012-15.12.2012 in high schools from Tg Mures city. RESULTS: Boys were earlier to practice sex and had an earlier sexual debut compared to girls. At age of 17-18 years, we identified equal proportions between the sexes, with increasing numbers of girls who have had a sexual contact. Among questioned adolescents who had sexual contact 42.8 to 44.8% reported they had protected sex. Out of all the teenagers who have had sexual intercourse, 60% had received sexual education information. These were provided primarily by friends, and after by parents and physicians. Girls are more interested than boys to talk to their sexual partner about the risk of a possible pregnancy or methods of contraception. In conclusion, our result can provide useful information on the sexual behaviour of Romanian teenagers in urban areas, which can be beneficial for starting health programs in schools, with the aim to assist the young population to avoid unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. Keywords: sexually transmitted diseases, sexual behaviour, adolescent.