Teenagers, sex, and risk taking.

This study provides a baseline examination of teenage sexual relationships in 1991 in a sample drawn from 9 state and independent schools in southwest England; a follow up was conducted in 1992. 1025 students in year 11 and aged 15-16 responded in 1991; the follow up in 1992 showed 315 returning the questionnaire. Information was requested on knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), age at first intercourse, sexual intercourse without use of contraception, the frequency of "one night stands" or relationships measured in days, and knowledge of friends who had STDs. Relative risk ratios were calculated for those engaging in sexual activity before and after the age of 16 years. The results showed that in the follow up more girls and persons with more academic interests, as represented by the school subjects taken for the General Certificate of Secondary Education, responded. There were no differences by social class. The average age of the sample was 16.9 years. 54% were sexually active. 84 had sexual intercourse when they were under 16 years and 84 has sexual intercourse between the ages of 16 and the administration of the questionnaire. Those engaging in intercourse prior to the age of 16 were twice as likely to not have used contraception (relative risk [RR] = 1.86, confidence interval [CI] = 1.33 - 2.60 at 95%). They also were more likely to have had sex within a short relationship (RR = 2.24, CI = 1.38 - 3.62). They were 3 times more likely to know a close friend with an STD (RR = 2.97, CI = 1.55 - 5.70). Only 5 of the nonsexually active teenagers knew someone with an STD. The extent of sexual activity was lower than reported from other surveys. The results confirm prior understanding that younger teenagers engage in more sexual risk taking and are less likely to use contraception. The suggestion is that this risk-taking behavior is related to the cognitive development of younger teenagers of the age of first intercourse.