Sexual activity and contraceptive use among secondary-school students in Slovenia

Health Care Experiences of Youth Living With HIV Who Were Lost to Follow-up in Western Kenya

HIV is the leading cause of mortality for youth in sub-Saharan Africa. Youth are more likely than any other age group to be lost to follow-up (LTFU) from care. We investigated the health care-related experiences of youth living with HIV (YLWH) who were LTFU (i.e., had not returned to care for at least 4 months), as well as the perceptions of the community health workers who supported them. Data were collected from two focus group discussions with community health workers (n = 18) who worked with YLWH and 27 semistructured interviews with YLWH (ages 15-21 years) who were LTFU. Attitudes toward health care were presented in the context of a social-ecological model. Respondents highlighted the need for improved youth-oriented services, including youth-friendly clinics and training for care providers about specific needs of YLWH. Researchers should develop and test the impact of these interventions to improve retention of YLWH in care.

The Outcomes of Pregnancy and Childbirth in Adolescents in Slovenia

Introduction

The objective of the study was to determine the course and outcomes of pregnancy and childbirth in adolescents compared to women aged 20–24 years in Slovenia.

Methods

In the retrospective study, the course of pregnancy and labour and the perinatal outcome of newborns in primiparous adolescents aged ≤19 years (study group) have been compared to the control group of primiparous women aged 20–24 years. The study group was further divided into a study subgroup of adolescents aged ≤17 years. Data were retrieved from the National Perinatal Information System in Slovenia for the period 2008–2012. Altogether, 13,663 women and their newborns were included.

Results

Adolescent pregnancy was associated with increased rates of unknown estimated date of delivery, preterm labour, low birth weight newborns, small for gestational age newborns and low gestational weight gain. Spontaneous labour was more common in adolescents, while emergency and elective Caesarean sections were less common than in women aged 20–24 years. In addition, pregnancy in adolescents aged ≤17 years was associated with increased rate of maternal anaemia and labour without complications. Higher rates of smoking, lower rates of parenting school attendance, lower rates of pregnancy check-ups and screening tests in pregnancy such as nuchal translucency in adolescents were found.

Conclusions

The results of the study show that adolescent pregnancy is related to higher health risks for pregnant adolescents and their newborns. In addition, adolescents are subject to poorer prenatal care comparing to older women.

Review of HIV vulnerability and condom use in central and eastern Europe

The epidemiological trend of increasing HIV incidence rates due to sexual transmission in central and eastern Europe has been documented. The current review analysed research articles that report on a wide spectrum of vulnerable populations from this world region. Studies of injection drug users, commercial sex workers, men who have sex with men, adolescents and young adults all reported inconsistent condom use. However, these patterns varied across populations and geographic areas. Populations in former Soviet countries - the most affected by HIV - also often appeared to have lower condom use rates. Intensified, comprehensive and locally tailored measures to curb sexual HIV transmission are urgently needed. Social development programs need to incorporate HIV prevention.

Factors associated with the onset of sexual activity among Greek high school students

OBJECTIVE

To record variables of the sexual behaviour of high school students in Northern Greece and to investigate factors associated with the onset of sexual activity.

METHODS

A questionnaire (Centers of Disease Control /Prevention) adapted to national characteristics, was distributed to students from a representative sample of 11 high schools (7 public, 2 private, 2 vocational). A total of 523 students (1st, 2nd, 3rd grade) completed the questionnaire. Frequencies of certain sexual behaviours were estimated and multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate correlates of the onset of sexual activity.

RESULTS

Onset of sexual activity was reported by 48% of adolescents, half of whom stated this had occurred by the age of 15. At last sexual intercourse 76% had used a condom and 21% no contraception at all. Initiation of sexual activity was influenced by gender, age, type of school and smoking. Boys, students attending vocational high schools and smokers were significantly more likely to have been sexually active.

CONCLUSIONS

Sexually-related behaviours among Greek high school students are quite frequent; they should be regularly registered. Sexual education programmes specifically designed for youths must be implemented.