No Increase in Condom Use Among U.S. High School Students
for the First Time in 14 Years
2005 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Released
New York, NY - Today the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released its 2005 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). This report monitors six categories of health-risk behaviors, including sexual behavior, among young people.
Trends in sexual behavior among high school students have been positive over the last 14 years; high school students who have ever had sexual intercourse declined from 54 percent in 1991 to 47 percent in 2005, and condom use among high school students at last intercourse increased from 46 percent in 1991 to 62.8 percent in 2005. However, this is the first time since 1991, when the CDC began collecting this data, that condom use has not increased. The survey also shows that the number of students who have ever had sexual intercourse has remained consistent over the four past years.
"While the overall decline in sexual activity and increase in condom use over the past 14 years is a positive trend, it is of great concern that condom use did not increase since the last survey," said Monica Rodriguez , vice president for education and training at the Sexuality Information and Education Council of the U.S. (SIECUS).
According to the YRBS, sexual activity among high school students remained consistent at 46.8% in 2005 as compared to 46.7% in 2003. And, 63% of high school seniors report having had sexual intercourse. "The data show us, once again, that a large proportion of our high school students are sexually active. It is vitally important that we arm these young people with the information and skills they need to protect themselves from STDs and unintended pregnancy," Rodriguez said.
The YRBS also found differences among racial and ethnic groups. Black students are more likely than Hispanic and white students to have ever had sexual intercourse; 67.6% of Black students reported ever having had sexual intercourse, as compared to 51% and 43% of Hispanic and white students, respectively. On the other hand, among sexually active students, Hispanic students are much more likely not to use a condom. In fact, 42.3% of Hispanic students report not using a condom at last intercourse as compared to 31.1% of Black and 36.4% of white students. "We need further research to find out why racial and ethnic differences continue to exist and help us create effective ways to address them," Rodriguez explained.
Condom use among sexually active youth saw no change between 2003 (63%) and 2005 (62.8%), as compared to a 5% increase between 2001 (57.9%) and 2003. "This new data shows that we must examine what has changed for today's young people and question why we did not see a continued positive trend in condom use," Rodriguez said. "Specifically, this calls into question the federal government's one billion dollar investment in abstinence-only-until-marriage programs, many of which openly discourage condom use," Rodriguez concluded.
To see the entire YRBS report, go to http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/yrbs/index.htm
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