Lilith
12-06-2002, 09:58 PM
SHOCK new figures show that almost 50% of girls aged 16-19 in one health board area in the Republic are sexually active.
The survey was carried out by the North Eastern Health Board and revealed that 45% of girls in that age bracket are sexually active.
According to Dr Fenton Howell, specialist in Public Health with the board, these results underscore the need for proper education on family planning and improving the self-esteem of those who may be pressurised into sexual activity by peer pressure.
"There is cause to be concerned because of the likelihood of unprotected sex and, as a result, teenage pregnancies and spreading infectious diseases," Dr Howell added.
The survey was carried out by the North Eastern Health Board and revealed that 45% of girls in that age bracket are sexually active.
According to Dr Fenton Howell, specialist in Public Health with the board, these results underscore the need for proper education on family planning and improving the self-esteem of those who may be pressurised into sexual activity by peer pressure.
"There is cause to be concerned because of the likelihood of unprotected sex and, as a result, teenage pregnancies and spreading infectious diseases," Dr Howell added.