Abstract
Aim To determine changes in sexual behaviors and other
relevant characteristics related to human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infection (STI)
risks among young Croatian adults.
Method We surveyed adults aged 18-24 in 2005 (n = 1092)
and 18-25 in 2010 (n = 1005). Both samples were probabilistic
and stratified by county, settlement size, age, and
gender. The samples were non-matched. Trained interviewers
conducted structured face-to-face interviews in
participants’ households. The part of the questionnaire assessing
sensitive information was self-administered.
Results A majority of participants at both survey points
(85.2%-86.2%) were sexually active. Median age at sexual
debut (17 years) remained unchanged. Lifetime number
of sexual partners was also stable. More women than men
reported only one lifetime sexual partner. The prevalence
of condom use at first intercourse increased (from 62.6 to
70%, P = 0.002), while the prevalence of condom use at
most recent sexual intercourse remained stable (54% in
2005 and 54.7% in 2010). Consistent condom use also remained
unchanged. Consistent condom use in the past
year was reported by 19.2% participants in 2005 nad 20%
in 2010.. At both survey points for both genders, consistent
condom use was associated with age (odds ratio [OR]
W2005 = 0.74, P = 0.004; ORW2010 = 0.72, P < 0.001; ORM2005 = 0.73,
P < 0.001; ORM2010 = 0.80,P = 0.006), negative attitudes toward
condom use (ORW2005 = 0.84, P = 0.001; ORW2010 = 0.90,
P = 0.026; ORM2005 = 0.92, P = 0.032; ORM2010 = 0.90, P = 0.011)),
and condom use at first intercourse (ORW2005 = 3.87,
P < 0.001; ORW2010 = 4.64, P < 0.001; ORM2005 = 5.85, P < 0.001;
ORM2010 = 4.03, P < 0.001). In the observed period, HIV/AIDS
knowledge was stable.
Conclusion Risky sexual practices remain common
among young Croatian adults. Given the recently reported
STI prevalence rates in this age cohort, introduction of
school-based sex education that would focus on protective
behavioral and communication s