Sexual and reproductive health behaviours
Unprotected sex can lead to a variety of adverse outcomes, from sexually transmitted infections to unintended pregnancy, with its risks of early childbearing or unsafe abortion. The GSHS and HBSC ask about sexual behaviours in 80 of 109 countries.
Ever had sex. The percentage of younger adolescents (ages 13–15) who report that they have had sex ranges widely among countries in every region. Worldwide, the reports range from 69% of boys in Samoa and 71% of girls in Greenland to fewer than 1% of boys and girls in Indonesia.
In most of the participating countries, more boys than girls at these ages report that they have had sex. However, in some European countries, such as Greenland and the UK, more girls than boys report ever having sex, while in a few other countries, such as Canada, Denmark and Thailand, boys and girls report similar percentages. There are no clear trends in the high income countries of Europe and North America.
Condom use. Of the 80 countries whose school-based surveys ask about sexual intercourse, 74 also ask about sexual health-related behaviours. In most of these countries, half or more of sexually active 15-year-olds reported using condoms the last time that they had sex. The rates range up to 91% of sexually active boys and 89% of sexually active girls in Estonia. Condom use is increasing among sexually active younger adolescents, especially among girls, in some European and North American countries.
Condom use at last higher risk sex. Data for older adolescents (ages 15–19 years) are available from DHS surveys in 51 countries on “male condom use at last higher risk sex” (that is, sex with non-marital, non-cohabiting partners) among sexually active adolescents who have had higher risk sex in the past 12 months. The rates vary from very low in Madagascar (9% of young men and 5% of young women) to high in Guyana (85% of young men and 59% of young women).
In general, young men report higher condom use rates at last higher risk sex than young women. In 9 of the 12 countries of Eastern and Southern Africa where HIV is of concern, only one-third or fewer sexually active adolescent women report using condoms at last higher risk sex.
Condom use (HBSC)For the three Asian countries with DHS data, rates of condom use at last higher risk sex are low—in the Philippines 9% of adolescent women (no data for adolescent men), in Timor Leste 11% of young men (no data for young women) and in India 20% for young women and 31% for young men.
Condom use (GSHS)In Europe and the Americas the prevalence of condom use is somewhat higher. For example, in the low and middle income countries of Europe, condom use at last higher risk sex among sexually active young women varies from 36% in Kazakhstan to 73% in Ukraine. In nine countries in Central and South America, these young women report condom use rates of 30–60%, except for Nicaragua, at just 10%.
Condom use (DHS) Unmet need for family planning among adolescents
I haven’t learned about what I should and shouldn’t eat.
female, 18-19, Mexico
I love sweets, and I haven’t found a balance between normal and excessive consumption.
female, 18-19. Venezuela
Physically I am in good health, but mentally only partially because several obstacles find their way along my path, affecting my mental health, and I have to overcome them.
female, 15-17, Canada
Adolescents on what should be done to improve their health: Raising awareness about sexual identities and orientation.
trans, 12-14, Argentina
Adolescents on definition of health: To have the ability to do things well, without any sort of discomfort or pain. To ensure a comfortable future, without any complications like diabetes or any sort of cardiac disease, etc., caused by what was done in the past.
female, 18-19, Mexico
I just wanted to test it out, then it became a habit.
female, 15-17, France
When I became sexually active I never wore a condom, and I didn’t know how to use one.
male, 18-19. Mexico
I love drinking and partying, I do it quite often. I also smoke quite often.
male, 18-19, France
It’s basically a thing you do, in part because of the social aspect of these activities, in part, and this especially counts for the cigarettes, as a stress reliever.
male, 18-19, Denmark
Adolescents on bad habits: Sometimes laziness and inactivity, I'm not doing sports, and excessive eating of sweets and harmful foods and soft drinks and fruit after midnight.
female, 15-17, Saudi Arabia
That cigarettes, alcohol and drugs not be in style anymore.
female, 15-17, France
I think I am physically and mentally healthy, but I feel emotional pain as a result of many different things that have happened over time.
female, 18-19, Mexico
To be in good health not only means taking care of your body (through participating in sports, eating well, etc.) or just the absence of illness; it also equally involves feeling good in your own skin, being happy with your choices in life and doing what you love.
female, 15-17 Canada
Give us real information about our rights and about sexual health. Also information about nutrition and healthy behaviours.
male, 15-17, Mexico
Each individual has his or her own life philosophy. I have my own life philosophy: Enjoy the present moment and take each day at a time. Enjoy the moments of youth that are supposed to be the greatest of our existence. It is the age of excess.
male, 18-19, France
Adolescents on definition of health: To find myself comfortable with body, and to feel nothing that could make me feel bad about or within myself.
female, 18-19, Spain
I feel stress over sexual issues - no one wants to give me information, and I also get anxious because I feel that I am doing something wrong.
male, 15-17, Mexico
Sometimes it's just hard to pass up on something that tastes so good even if it is bad for your body. I have to remind myself that part of the reason it does taste so good is because of the added artificial flavouring or excess sugar content.
female, 18-19, United States of America
Adolescent on bad habits: To party and escape your daily troubles!
male, 15-17, France
Adolescents on bad habits: it’s a quicker and easier way to satisfy my hunger. I like to eat.
female, 12-14, Peru
