More Pinoy youth having early (usually unprotected) sex, says gov't study

Young Filipinos are having their sexual initiation at an earlier age, according to government studies, with most engaging in unprotected sex.

The Commission on Population (POPCOM) pointed to low education, the proliferation of internet and communications technologies (ICTs) and community behaviors as factors that affect the sexuality of youths and the onset of their sexual debuts.

POPCOM, together with the Demographic Research and Development Foundation (DRDF) Inc. and the University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI), launched these findings at the Bulwagan ng Dangal, University of the Philippines on Thursday.

"The results of the three YAFS rounds indicate an increasing proportion of youth who have begun sexual activity before age 18, from 13 percent in 1994 to 23 percent in 2013 for both males and females," the study found.

"Among males, this proportion increased from 13.8 per cent in 1994 to 25.1 per cent in 2013 while for females the increase was from 12 percent in 1994 to 22 percent two decades later."

While casual, extramarital, paid, and non-romantic sexual encounters are low, the study said it is still a cause of alarm as only 27.3 percent of youths used condoms in paid sex and 18 percent used protection in casual sex.

The (Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study) YAFS4 Book was completed in July 2014 while further regional studies were made in subsequent years.

Commission on Population (POPCOM) Executive Director Dr. Juan Antonio Perez said these figures support the need to lift the temporary restraining order (TRO) by the Supreme Court on the full implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Law.

“The results of the studies are very alarming especially on the increased incidence of unprotected sex among our youth. The risks of teenage pregnancy and STIs are relatively high," Perez stressed.

"We should not deprive our youth of reproductive health services and comprehensive sexuality and education that would help them become healthy, happy and empowered adolescents.” he added.

The Department of Health (DOH), World Health Organization (WHO) and the HIV/AIDS and ART Registry of the Philippines (HARP) reported that more than half of the 7,756 new HIV/AIDS cases were aged 15 to 34 in 2016. —JST, GMA News