21 May 2007

Latest Research Shows New Zealand Youth Understand Risks But Don't Practise Safer Sex

Females have more sexual partners, have sex earlier & less likely to use condoms

Fear of rejection driving unsafe sex - and regrets come later

Youth positive about condoms but 'don't roll on' at crunch time

An on-line study into the sexual behaviour and attitudes of young New Zealanders has found that while the respondents understand the risks associated with unsafe sex, there is still a group prepared to compromise their sexual health.

The 'Youth and Condoms Sex Survey', commissioned by Durex and the Family Planning Association, and conducted by 18 Ltd, surveyed over 550 people aged between 16 and 25 about their behaviour and attitudes towards condoms and sex. Of the 554 self-selected survey respondents, 74% were sexually active. The qualitative research has been released as part of National Condom Week (21-27 May 2007) which celebrates the importance of using condoms - the only form of contraception that provides protection against STIs, HIV/AIDs and unplanned pregnancies.

Women taking greater risks with sexual health:

Results revealed that young New Zealand women appear to take more risks than their male counterparts, engaging in sex much earlier and having, on average, more sexual partners. Up to 20% of females surveyed stated they first had sex at the age of 15 or under, compared to only 13% of males. Up to 13% of females stated they have had more than 10 sexual partners compared to only 7% of males.

Furthermore, the results also showed that men are more likely to use condoms than women - 62% of females stated they sometimes or never use condoms (compared to 49% of males). This could be due to young women finding it difficult negotiating condom use with their partners.

Positive attitudes to condoms but still regrets in the morning:

The research indicates that youth are generally positive about condoms and they are aware that they will help protect them from the risks of STIs and pregnancy - 27% indicated that prevention of STIs would make them wear a condom at all times, 25% cited pregnancy. Despite this awareness, when it comes to casual sex, only 29% of sexually active youth always use condoms when having sex.

The research also indicated that a number of youth who'd had unsafe sex regretted their behaviour afterwards. Several stated the only reason they had an STI test was because they'd previously had unprotected sex or had been "promiscuous" - more females than males used this justification. For those that did not use condoms during casual sex, 5% claimed the reason for this was they were too drunk.

When asked their opinions about condoms (positive and negative), 42% stated that condoms made them feel safe, are innovative (17%), gave them confidence (13.5%), and are fun (10%). Only 18% stated they were passion killers, too expensive (18%), a hassle to use (17%), and embarrassing to buy (15%).

Family Planning Chief Executive Jackie Edmond says the survey is a useful tool in adding to the body of information currently available about the sexual and reproductive health of young New Zealanders. The survey reported good awareness of condoms as a tool for safer sex and relatively high rates of condom use, but still indicated there is an issue when it comes to negotiation and ultimately consistent use.

"Consistent use of condoms is crucial to lowering the transmission of STIs. Again, we know that delaying the onset of sexual activity and having good quality sexual and reproductive health education programmes are key to helping young people protect themselves. We need to continue giving young people strategies to decide if and when to be sexually active, to negotiate condom use with their partners and to make good decisions about their sexual health," Ms Edmond says.

Good access to condoms:

Regardless of age, the two preferred places to get condoms from are the Family Planning Clinic/doctor and the supermarket/dairy. Males are more likely to purchase their condoms from the supermarket/dairy (49.3%) compared to their female counterparts (35.5%).

"As the survey indicates condoms are readily available to young people. The FPA, and others in this field, are working relentlessly to translate this availability into higher condom use," says Ms Edmond.

Fear of rejection leads youth to have unsafe sex:

Victoria Potter, Durex NZ manager says this research indicates that while youth understand the importance of practicing safer sex - and know they should be - they are still willing to risk their health in order to avoid rejection, and embarrassment.

Ms Potter says: "The breakdown seems to be just before sex, and even if a condom is at hand, it seems that negotiating its use does not always happen. Both genders are concerned that a condom may suggest that they are prepared but promiscuous and this may ultimately lead to rejection, embarrassment, and the ruination of the moment."

Respondents were asked their opinion of both a girl and guy carrying condoms. The response to the girl carrying a condom was positive, with most respondents stating that this was "good" (28%), "safe" (18%) and "smart" (14%). However, 12% of all respondents stated that this was "slutty behaviour". When asked about a guy carrying a condom, some comments were positive - 18% said this was "good" and "responsible" (14%). However, respondents were more inclined (23%) to say the guy was "sleazy".

This research reinforces the positive feelings about condoms and clear understanding of their importance. However the issue of unsafe sex arises when it comes to "closing the deal".

"We want to use this research, and events such as National Condom Week, to highlight the importance of safer sex and motivate youth to build condoms into their sexual repertoire. By doing so, we are taking greater steps to safeguard their sexual health, and their future," says Ms Potter.

ENDS