Gen-Y Abstinence Program Gets Results
CDC study reports teens delaying sexual activity
Dr. David J. Demko, Editor-in-Chief
AgeVenture News Service www.demko.com 12-13-04
Sexual activity declined significantly for younger teenage girls and for teenage boys according to a U.S. Heatlh and Human Services (HHS) study reported by the National Center for Health Statistics.
The research data suggest that teens, aka Generation-Y, are delaying sex until somewhat older ages.
These changes in sexual activity are consistent with the downward trend in teen pregnancy and births in recent years.
The proportion of never-married females 15-17 years of age who had ever had sexual intercourse dropped significantly from 38 percent in 1995 to 30 percent in 2002. For male teens, the percent of those who were sexually experienced dropped significantly in both age groups: from 43 percent to 31 percent at age 15-17, and from 75 percent to 64 percent at age 18-19.
“There is much good news in these results,” said HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson. “More teenagers are avoiding or postponing sexual activity, which can lead to sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancy or emotional and societal responsibilities for which they are not prepared.”
The HHS report,"Teenagers in the United States: Sexual Activity", presents these and other detailed findings. Those interested in reading the report may log on to the Center for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/nch
HHS cooperates with communities, schools, parents and teenagers in efforts to prevent teen pregnancy. In addition, HHS supports public information intended to prevent teenage pregnancy.
See related articles in the AgeVenture archives.
AgeVenture Lifestyle Features
AgeVenture Headline News
AgeVenture News Service, 19432 Preserve Drive, Boca Raton, FL 33498 USA
| |
