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  • Title: Netherlands: study of teenagers gives pointers for better sex education.
    Author: Rademakers J.
    Journal: Entre Nous Cph Den; 1991 Apr; (17):6. PubMed ID: 12222220.
    Abstract:
    Even though the Dutch have the lowest teenage pregnancy rate, an effort has been made to better understand contraceptive and abortion behavior. For 15-19 year olds, the Netherlands pregnancy rate was 14/1000 girls in 1980-81 compared with 35 in Sweden, 43 in France, 44 in Canada, 45 in England, and 96 in the US. The reasons given for the low rate were 1) easily accessible contraceptives through health practitioners or the 36 family planning clinics; 2) open, tolerant attitudes to sexuality; and 3) high quality sex education in or out of school. A 3-year study was begun in 1986 comparing sexual life styles and interaction skills of clinical contraceptive clients and abortion clients. Other participants were drawn from the general teen population. Findings were that 70% of both sexes used contraceptives at 1st intercourse (40% condoms, 20% the pill, 10% both). At the most recent intercourse, 85% used the pill and/or condoms. But 25% used no contraceptive at 1st intercourse or an ineffective method such as withdrawal. Of recent users, only 50% always used protection, and 1 in 10 made love more than 5 times without protection. Abortion clients, ineffective contraceptors, took more risks as a rule. 3 reasons account for this: 1) good contraceptors used contraceptives to prevent unwanted pregnancy. Ineffective ones identified contraception as a symbol of sexual readiness. 2) Good contraceptors were better communicators, while ineffective ones left the decision to the other partner. 3) Good contraceptors learned how to control and manipulate the situation, while abortion clients exercised no control. The importance for sex education is that it should include information as well as developing skills in responsible behavior. Understanding and accepting without disapproval the teen viewpoint and experience is very important. Peers need to learn how to negotiate and not take a passive role. Unwanted pregnancy, AIDS, and STDs should be included in the focus on sexuality.
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