WHO Europe Warns of Declining Condom Use Among Teens

The World Health Organization's European office has released a report highlighting a worrying trend in adolescent sexual health. The study, conducted between 2014 and 2022, reveals a significant decline in condom use among teenagers across 42 countries in Europe and North America.

Dr. Hans Kluge, WHO Europe's regional director, expressed concern over the findings, describing them as "dismaying" but "not surprising" given the inadequate sexuality education in many nations. The report, based on surveys of nearly 250,000 15-year-olds, shows a decrease in condom use among sexually active teens.

For boys, condom use during their last sexual encounter dropped from 70% in 2014 to 61% in 2022. Girls reported a similar decline, from 63% to 57% over the same period. These statistics are particularly alarming considering the potential risks of sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancies.

The study also revealed socioeconomic disparities in condom use. Teenagers from less affluent backgrounds were more likely to report not using condoms, with one in three from lower-income families compared to one in four from wealthier families.

Interestingly, the proportion of sexually active teens has remained relatively stable since 2014. Approximately 20% of 15-year-old boys and 15% of girls reported having had sexual intercourse. This figure for boys showed a slight decrease from 2018 when 25% reported being sexually active.

The report highlighted significant variations in condom use across different countries. Among girls, Albania reported the lowest rate at 24%, while Serbia had the highest at 81%. For boys, Sweden had the lowest rate at 43%, with Switzerland leading at 77%.

Dr. Kluge emphasized the importance of comprehensive sexuality education, noting that in countries where it is available, it has faced unwarranted criticism based on false assumptions about encouraging sexual behavior.

"While results varied widely across the countries and regions, the most important observed trend since the (health behavior in school-age children survey) in 2014 is of declines in some countries and regions in condom use among sexually active 15-year-olds."

It's worth noting that the World Health Organization, established on April 7, 1948, has a long history of addressing global health issues. WHO Europe, one of six regional offices, continues to play a crucial role in monitoring and improving public health across its member states.

The organization urges policymakers to prioritize comprehensive sexuality education and take steps to address the declining trend in condom use among adolescents. As WHO collaborates with various UN agencies, including UNICEF, efforts to improve adolescent sexual health are likely to involve multi-faceted approaches.