Abstract

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Background
Keywords
Findings
Authors

Text begins

Background

Based on data from the 2003 and 2009/2010 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), this article provides current information about the sexual behaviours and condom use of 15- to 24-year-olds and examines changes since 2003. Between 2003 and 2009/2010, the percentage of 15- to 24-year-olds who had had sexual intercourse at least once remained stable, as did the percentages who reported becoming sexually active at an early age and having multiple sexual partners. Condom use increased between 2003 and 2009/2010, particularly among people reporting that they had just one sexual partner.

Keywords

Adolescent behaviour, contraceptive behaviour, sexual intercourse, sexual partners

Findings

Sexual behaviour is a major determinant of sexual and reproductive health. Early sexual intercourse, unprotected sex, and having multiple sexual partners put youth at risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and of unplanned pregnancy. Individuals aged 15 to 24 experience some of the highest rates of STIs.[Full Text]

Authors

Michelle Rotermann (1-613-951-3166; michelle.rotermann@statcan.gc.ca) is with the Health Analysis Division at Statistics Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0T6.