Changes in the sexual lifestyles of young people in Somerset, 1990-1996.
OBJECTIVE
The immediate objective was to up-date knowledge of the socio-sexual lifestyles and AIDS awareness of young people (16-24 years of age) in Somerset, and to compare these 1996 survey findings to the Somerset Survey findings from 1990. The ultimate objective was to provide information to assist the continuing development of HIV risk-reduction and sexual health promotion strategies for young people.


METHODS
An identical schedule-structured survey strategy to that employed in 1990 was undertaken in May to July 1996 among 498 young people throughout Somerset. A quota sampling strategy was undertaken in 50 electoral wards, randomly selected in proportion to population size. The interviews, undertaken in respondents' homes, involved a combined personal interview and self-completion booklet.


RESULTS
Between 1990 and 1996 broad shifts in sexual lifestyles were identified, involving earlier ages of first intercourse, slight increases in numbers of sexual partners and more 'casual-recreational' sexual attitudes. These changes were accompanied by a substantial increase in condom use.


CONCLUSIONS
The trend among youth in Somerset is towards more open sexual lifestyles, but with the positive public health implications of higher levels of 'safer sex' practice.
Ford
N J
NJ
Department of Geography, University of Exeter, Amory Building, Rennes Drive, Exeter EX4 4RJ, UK.
Halliday
J
J
Little
J
J
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003267:Contraception / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012737:Sex Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom