Often, adolescents do not prevent

42 percent of young people in Europe do not use it

26.09.2011

While adults largely follow the rules of birth control they have learned to protect themselves from unwanted pregnancies or from communicable, serious infections such as HIV, many adolescents in Europe and developing countries tend to adopt a laissez-fair approach to contraception. This not only endangers the health of young people but also leads to unwanted pregnancies.

In Europe and developing countries, many of the young people under the age of eighteen often have unprotected sex. In this context, the initiative speaks „Foundation World Population“ of alarming numbers. A study entitled: „Unknowing or knowing: your right to be informed about contraceptives“ showed that 42% of young people surveyed in Europe had unprotected traffic with a new partner. In some Asian and African countries, the rate is even higher. More than 50 percent of young people in Kenya and 62 percent in Thailand say they have unprotected traffic with new partners. In Thailand, the youngest compared to the other countries of the world the least.

Many adolescents know too little about contraceptive methods
In many cases insufficient background knowledge is the main reason for the lack of protection. Many adolescents know little about possible health consequences and effective methods of contraception. Fewer than half of respondents in Europe said they were aware of the different forms of contraception available „very well“ keep informed. In African countries such as Uganda and Kenya, only a quarter of young people could claim this. "The study makes it clear that young people need better education so that they can protect themselves from unwanted pregnancies and HIV / Aids infection," says the chairman of the World Population Foundation, Renate Bähr. Especially young people are affected by the health risks of lacking or missing contraception such as HIV or hepatitis. "In addition, complications in pregnancy or childbirth in developing countries are the leading cause of death for girls between 15 and 19 years.“ Bähr added. Young people need more education, according to the demand of the association "Stiftung Weltbevölkerung" and ten other organizations that commissioned the Weltstudie.

Many women die of unwanted pregnancies in poor countries
In this context, the initiators demanded improved access to controlled family planning worldwide. Many young women could be saved their lives, as Bähr emphasized. This is especially important for the families of the girls and for the development of the poor countries. On the occasion of the World Prevention Day, the initiative launches the campaign entitled "Sign of Life" with numerous other international associations..

A total of 5253 teens from 25 states across the globe were selected for the study by the Research and Opinion Institute „GfK Healthcare“ interviewed by Bayer. The main reason for the survey is this year's World Prevention Day. The research institute interviewed the young people in May of this year. The Foundation World Population speaks in this context of "alarming numbers", which were brought to light by commissioned study. "Parents should seek early on the conversation with their children," added Dipl. Gritli Bertram, social worker from Hanover. "Without moralizing, contraceptive methods should be introduced early on". Adequate brochures are offered by numerous counseling centers and gynecologists. (Sb)

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Picture: Rainer Sturm