@article{ref1,
title="Sexual behaviour and sex education in Irish school-going teenagers",
journal="International journal of STD and AIDS",
year="1997",
author="MacHale, E. and Newell, J.",
volume="8",
number="3",
pages="196-200",
abstract="The sexual behaviour and factors which affect such behaviour, source of knowledge and education about sex was assessed by means of an anonymous self-administered questionnaire among 2754 pupils (15-18 years) attending 40 (85%) second level schools in Galway City and County. The purpose of the study was to make recommendations in relation to a school sexual health education programme. Overall 21% of pupils had had sexual intercourse, with boys more than twice as likely as girls to have experienced this. The mean age of first sexual intercourse was 15.5 years, 72% reported having used a condom at first intercourse but of 475 pupils who had sexual intercourse regularly only 67% used condoms all the time with 33% using them sometimes or never. Over half reported that first intercourse was with a 'casual' partner and 35% and 9% respectively claimed that alcohol and non-prescribed drugs were a contributory factor. In relation to sexual risk beliefs, 72% believed that condoms used properly reduced the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and 78% knew that the contraceptive pill is not protective against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. While the level of knowledge regarding sex education was generally high over one-third of sexually active respondents had been involved in high-risk behaviour. A need for health education programmes which focus on behaviour change and assertiveness has been identified.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0956-4624",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}