The socioeconomic characteristics of risky sexual behaviour among reproductive-age women in St Petersburg

Abstract

Aims: To examine the sexual behaviour of reproductive age women in St Petersburg and its variation according to socio-demographic characteristics. Methods: A cross-sectional survey with a self-administered questionnaire. A random sample of women aged 18—44 in two districts in St Petersburg in 2004 were invited to a woman's clinic to complete a questionnaire. Of those women who were contacted (n=1719), 67% completed the anonymous questionnaire either in a clinic or at home. Results were analyzed according to three age-groups (18—24, 25—34, 35—44 years). Predictive characteristics were studied by use of multivariate models. Results: Younger respondents had on average started sexual life much earlier than the oldest (mean age 17.6 and 19.7 years respectively). The use of contraception at first coitus had become more common for each consecutive generation, though 25% of women aged 18—25 used no contraception, and only 45% used reliable contraception at first intercourse. Around 16% of the women had had two or more sex partners during the previous year, 55% of the youngest and 43% of the oldest had used reliable contraceptive methods. Older women were less likely to use contraceptives in last intercourse. High personal income, having children and low education were related to early age at first intercourse. Being single (women over 24 years) or having high income (women in all ages) was correlated with having had multiple sexual partners. Conclusions: In addition to youth, sexual education should be targeted to older women, many of whom practice risky sexual behaviour.