[The first coitus as an outcome indicator].

BACKGROUND

For evaluation of the health status in specialized medical disciplines and comparisons in different regions (countries, world-wide comparisons) the World Health Organization recommends and uses so-called indicators. In the sphere of human sexuality the use of such indicators is difficult, because it cannot be assessed by objective data. The purpose of the present study was to assemble information on the time and course of the first sexual intercourse of contemporary Czech girls.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 700 Czech girls aged 16-18 years were interviewed; all menstruated already. 344 girls (49.1%) reported that they had heterosexual intercourse: in 24.1% the first intercourse occurred at the age of 15 years and in 75.9% between 16 and 18 years. As to the place where it occurred, in 64% it was the parents' apartment. For the contemporary Czech society it is typical that in cca 20% the place of the first intercourse was a weekend house. In 8.5% of the girls the intercourse was implemented by force or under the influence of abundant alcoholic drinks. As far as prevention of unwanted pregnancy is concerned, in 42.0% no contraception was used, coitus interruptus was practiced in 25.3%--i.e. unreliable contraception in 67.3% of sexual intercourse. A condom was used by 30.4% partners, hormonal birth control only by 2.3% girls.

CONCLUSIONS

Information on "outcome indicators" on the time of the first sexual intercourse and the place where it occurred was assembled. The authors recorded also data on the use of force, the influence of alcohol and the use of contraception. These data make it possible to gain an idea on the sexual life during adolescence.