High level of unprotected teenage sex worrying – WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has expressed concern over a notable decrease in condom use among sexually active adolescents since 2014, leading to a rise in unprotected sex and its associated risks.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the WHO’s Regional Office for Europe drew attention to alarming trends highlighted in a recent report, which reveals a significant drop in condom use among young people.

The report, based on the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study, surveyed over 242,000 15-year-olds across 42 countries in Europe, Central Asia, and Canada from 2014 to 2022. It underscores the increased vulnerability of adolescents to sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancies, and unsafe abortions due to this decline.

The data indicates a marked reduction in condom use. Specifically, the percentage of sexually active boys using condoms during their most recent sexual encounter fell from 70% to 61%, while for girls, it decreased from 63% to 57% over the same period.

Additionally, nearly one-third of adolescents reported not using any form of protection—either condoms or contraceptive pills—during their last sexual encounter. The report also highlighted socioeconomic factors, noting that adolescents from lower-income families were more likely to forgo protection compared to their peers from more affluent backgrounds.

Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, linked the decline in condom use to inadequate comprehensive sex education, which has faced increasing scrutiny and criticism. He stressed the importance of equipping young people with proper knowledge to make informed decisions about their sexual health, thereby improving their overall well-being.