Title: Survey supports arguments to start sexuality education in Russia.

POPLINE Document Number: 120348

Author(s):

Chervyakov V

Source citation:

SIECUS REPORT, 1997 Jan;25(2):8-9.

Abstract:

In October 1996, Russia launched a 3-year sexuality education pilot project. A survey conducted in 1995 by the Transnational Family Research Institute confirmed both the need for such a program and widespread youth support. The survey found that 43.9% of 16-year-old boys and 24.0% of 16-year-old girls had had sexual intercourse; these rates were 62.7% and 46.9%, respectively, among vocational school students. Early initiation of sexual activity was associated with behaviors such as smoking, drinking, and using drugs as well as with lower grades in school. Almost 60% of young people surveyed believed that sexual relationships were as important as education or a career; 75% of females and 80% of males considered it necessary for a male to have sexual experience before marriage. Only 17% of sexually inexperienced and 30% of sexually experienced students considered their knowledge of sexuality to be adequate. Support for introducing sex education into the school curriculum was expressed by 74.9% of inexperienced males, 85.3% of inexperienced females, 78.9% of experienced males, and 90.7% of experienced females.

Keywords:

Russia
Surveys
Sex Education
Attitude
Adolescents
Program Activities
Developing Countries
Asia, Northern
Asia
Sampling Studies
Studies
Research Methodology
Education
Psychological Factors
Behavior
Youth
Age Factors
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Programs
Organization and Administration