title: Sexual practice associated with knowledge in adolescents in ninth grade.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of the present study was to reveal any association of sexual practice with knowledge about sex education, reproductive physiology and abortion. The study was performed in a non-intervention setting to minimize information bias.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional questionnaire was handed out without prior notice to all ninth grade pupils in the Municipality of Viborg, Denmark, in 2007.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found that sexual debut was associated with a greater probability of knowing that chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Knowledge of chlamydia was strongly associated with knowledge about the first symptom of pregnancy. A high general level of knowledge of STI was associated with the father being the source of the knowledge among pupils who had not yet had their sexual debut (p < 0.04) and among girls (p < 0.04). The general of knowledge of STI was associated with knowing the first signs of pregnancy and the criteria for legal abortion. A high level of knowledge of STI was significantly associated with the use of contraceptives to avoid pregnancy. The vast majority of condom users (81% compared to 56% of pill users) stated protection against STI as a reason for using contraception (p < 0.006). Concern about the partner's opinion was more outspoken among condom users than among pill users (19% versus 6%, condom versus pill users, p < 0.035).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Discrepancy between sexual knowledge and practice is a fact. The discrepancy, however, varies according to sexual experience, gender and whether the respondent's actual behaviour aimed at avoiding unwanted pregnancy or STI.
authors: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Herning Regional Hospital, Gl. Landevej 61, Herning, Denmark. finlau@rm.dk
authors: Finn Friis
authors: FF
authors: Lauszus
authors: Jacob Lauesgaard
authors: JL
authors: Nielsen
authors: Jane
authors: J
authors: Boelskifte
authors: Jørgen
authors: J
authors: Falk
mesh_terms: D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000523:psychology; D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D017280:Condoms / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003276:Contraceptives, Oral / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003718:Denmark; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055703:Reproductive Physiological Phenomena; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
chemical_list: D003276:Contraceptives, Oral