JAMAICANS are still opting for sex at an early age, despite the threat of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, a recent study has shown.According to a National Knowledge, Attitude, Behaviour and Practice (National KABP) study, which focused on youths ages 15 to 19, the number of young people who were willing to wait before initiating sexual activity has declined. The study was conducted last year by the Ministry of Health.
"The figure (for those who would wait) fell among both males and females. For males, the figure was nine per cent in 1996 and moved to seven per cent in 2000, and for females, it was 15 per cent in 1996, but is now 14 per cent," said Althea Bailey, behaviour change communication programme manager in the Ministry.
According to the National KABP survey, the average age of engaging in first sexual activity is age 13 for males, and age 14 for girls. Government officials are deeply concerned.
"The findings are quite disturbing," said Miss Bailey.
"Further, it is a fact that females in the age groups 10 to 14, and 15 to 19, have twice and three times higher risk of HIV infection than boys of the same age group."
Figures from the Ministry of Health indicate that there has been an increase in the number of syphilis cases among young teenage girls in the age group 10 to 14 since 1998.
