Abstract
Background: Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, there was a pronounced change in the availability of modern contraceptive methods and an accompanying shift in the knowledge and attitudes of Georgian women related to sexual behaviors. This study describes differences in sexual behaviors, condom use and family planning practices among several generations of reproductive-aged Georgian women.
Methods: Study participants were recruited from three large cities in Georgia. Women >25 years were recruited from the Cervical Cancer Screening National Program by consecutive sampling; those <25 years were recruited from universities using random sampling. Data collection included self-administered, anonymous surveys. Bivariate analyses were conducted and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) with 95% confidence intervals were computed.
Results: Among the 350 participants, independent predictors of age at first sexual intercourse were age (aPR 0.27; 95% CI 0.12–0.57), level of education (aPR 0.23; 95% CI: 0.11–0.44), marital status (aPR 2.8;95% CI:1.3–6.0) and religion (aPR 4.01; 95% CI:1.17–13.68). Younger women were more likely to have a premarital sexual relationship compared to older women (RR=0.85; 95% CI: 0.80–0.89); older women were also significantly more likely to use family planning methods with a current partner (RR=2.15; 95% CI: 1.48–3.13). Similarly, advanced education was associated with family planning (RR=1.66; CI: 1.13–2.45).
Conclusions: This study describes clear generational differences in current sexual behavior among Georgian women of reproductive age and these differences, especially in age at first sexual intercourse, premarital sexual relationship and use of contraceptive methods, are influenced by age, level of education, marital status and religion. This information is vital to designing contextually appropriate strategies to prevent sexually transmitted infections.
Acknowledgment
This study was supported by the NIH Fogarty International Center, Research Grant # 3D43TW0000233.
Key points
In Georgia, first sexual intercourse at an early age is more common among women born after the 1990s than among women born before the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Premarital sex remains the exception rather than the norm in Georgia
Abortion rates remain high with a median number 3 per woman.
Disclosure
The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.