Alarming Decline in Condom Use Among European Adolescents
A recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveals a troubling trend in condom use among adolescents across Europe. Over the past decade, the percentage of sexually active 15-year-olds using condoms has significantly dropped, exposing them to increased risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies. The survey, part of the Health Behavior in School-aged Children study, assessed over 242,000 adolescents from 42 countries, highlighting a decline from 70% to 61% among boys and 63% to 57% among girls between 2014 and 2022.
Disparities in Condom Use
The report further indicates that adolescents from low-income families are more likely to forgo condom use, with 33% reporting no protection during their last sexual encounter compared to 25% from higher-income families. Alarmingly, nearly 30% of the surveyed adolescents reported using neither condoms nor contraceptive pills, a figure that has remained unchanged since 2018. These statistics underscore the urgent need for effective interventions to promote safer sexual practices among young people.
The Call for Comprehensive Sexuality Education
WHO Regional Director for Europe, Hans Henri Kluge, emphasizes the critical role of age-appropriate sexuality education in combating this trend. He noted that comprehensive sexuality education is often neglected or attacked in many countries, which can lead to detrimental health outcomes. "Equipping young people with the right knowledge at the right time leads to optimal health outcomes, linked to responsible behaviors and choices," Kluge stated. Without immediate action from governments and health authorities, the report warns that the repercussions of inadequate sexual education will continue to escalate.
- The decline in condom use is pervasive across various regions in Europe, with some countries experiencing more severe reductions than others. This trend raises significant public health concerns, as the lack of protection during sexual activity can lead to a surge in STIs, including those that can cause cancer, as well as an increase in unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. The WHO report strongly advocates for targeted interventions and policies to address these alarming trends and promote safer sexual practices among adolescents.
