Trends in sexual behaviour in Slovak schoolchildren between 2006-2018

Abstract

Aim: The objective of this study was to analyze changes in incidence of sexual experience in 15-year-old Slovak adolescents between 2006–2018, and use of protection against unwanted pregnancy. Design: A series of cross-sectional school questionnaires. Methods: Data were obtained from an international study of Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) on a representative sample of Slovakian schoolchildren through an anonymous standardized questionnaire to assess the health-related behavior of adolescents. For the analysis, we used data from 15-year-old adolescents from 2006 (n = 1,252), 2010 (n = 1,568), 2014 (n = 1,549), and 2018 (n = 1,293) regarding their experience of sexual intercourse and use of contraceptive methods. Results: During the observed period, there were no significant changes in the prevalence of sexually active adolescents, except for an increase in 2014 (11.7% in 2006; 12.1% in 2010; 16.1% in 2014; and 14.3% in 2018). The most frequently used method of contraception was a condom, which was used by 42.4% of sexually active respondents in 2014, and as many as 74.5% of sexually active respondents in 2010. Hormonal contraception was used by 3.3% of sexually active girls in 2006, compared to 23.4% of sexually active girls in 2010. Conclusion: The results showed that the incidence of early sexual intercourse in Slovakian adolescents did not change significantly during the period 2006 to 2018, and the situation remains relatively favorable compared to other European countries. On the other hand, there was insufficient use of contraception in sexually active adolescents.