Abstract
In 1984 -just before the extensive public information about prevention of HIV infection by the use of the condom (the AIDS campaigns) - personal interviews about sexual experiences and use of contraception were obtained in random samples of 16-20 year old Danes. The investigation was repeated in 1989 addressing the issue of whether the behavior of adolescents regarding sexual intercourse and use of contraception has changed. In 1984 in all 286 females (respondent rate = 75.3%) and 336 males (respondent rate = 77.8%) agreed to be interviewed. The second investigation in 1989 involved new cohorts of 16-20 year olds and here 359 females (respondent rate = 77.9%) and 400 males (respondent rate=76.3%) participated. In 1984 approximately 20% and in 1989 approximately 10% reported no use of contraception at first sexual intercourse. In both investigations oral contraception (OC) and condom were by far the predominant methods mentioned. In 1984 38.1% of females and 34.4% of males used OC and 37.2% of females and 42.1% of males employed condom. In 1989 26.7% of females and 30.8% of males used OC and 64.8% of females and 62.1% of males employed condom. No sex difference in the distribution of the various contraceptive methods could be revealed. From 1984 to 1989 the prevalence of condom increased significantly. In the first investigation 15.9% of sexually experienced females reported no present use of contraception. The most frequently used device was OC (62.7%). The second investigation collected information about contraception employed at the most recent sexual intercourse from both females and males. Approximately 5% of both sexes mentioned no use of contraception. In all 56.7% of females and 49.1% of males reported OC. In conclusion, the AIDS campaigns in Denmark seem to have increased the use of condom at first sexual intercourse. The intention to have a condom handy has also improved among the 16-20 year olds. In 1989 a total of 36.9% of females and 52.0% of males used condom at their most recent sexual intercourse.