Identifying Predictors of Variability in Sexual Health Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Among Eastern and Western European Youth

Background: According to the Eurosurveilllance system, “the countries of Eastern Europe continue to experience some of the highest rates of new HIV infections in the world.”

Methods: Findings from this study are based on responses to a youth trends Web-based survey which was carried out between December 2009 and March 2010 among sexually active youngsters in Europe between ages of 15 and 20. Descriptive statistics and a robust multiple linear regression model was developed to identify the predictor relationship between seven independent variables and a 41-item HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health KAP Scale (Conbrachxs alpha>0.7).

Results: Use of condoms at last sex varied from 49.7% to 78.7% across all countries studied. Final results for linear regression are presented in Table 1. Controlling for various socio-demographic characteristics and clustering of the data, a significant difference was identified for Eastern vs. Western European countries included in the study. Eastern European youth score on average 2.9 points lower if compared to Western Europeans.

Conclusions: By highlighting significant regional differences and some key predictors, the study identified areas that merit further attention: a) Eastern European countries should explore new ways to promote sexual health; b) the need for parents to engage in sex education of their children and periodical visits to a doctor; and c) re-emphasizes the importance of creating targeted opportunities for young males to participate in reproductive health programs.