WHO: Condom use among adolescents in Europe has declined significantly

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says condom use in Europe has declined “significantly” among adolescents between 2014 and 2022.

In a report on Thursday, the WHO regional office in Europe said the declining rate of condom use is putting young people at significant risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies.

The report is part of the multi-part health behaviour in school-aged children (HBSC) study, which surveyed over 242,000 adolescents (15-year-olds) across 42 countries and regions.

“From the data, it is clear that the decrease in condom use is pervasive, spanning multiple countries and regions, with some experiencing more dramatic reductions than others,” the report reads.

“The report underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to address these concerning trends and promote safer sexual practices among young people within the wider context of equipping them with the foundation they need for optimal health and well-being.

“The proportion of sexually active adolescents who used a condom at last intercourse fell from 70% to 61% among boys and 63% to 57% among girls between 2014 and 2022.

“Almost a third of adolescents (30%) reported using neither a condom nor the contraceptive pill at last intercourse, a figure that has barely changed since 2018.

“Adolescents from low-affluence families were more likely to report not using a condom or the contraceptive pill at last sexual intercourse than their peers from more affluent families (33% compared with 25%).

“The report indicates that contraceptive pill use during last sexual intercourse remained relatively stable between 2014 and 2022, with 26% of 15-year-olds reporting that they or their partners used the contraceptive pill at their last sexual intercourse.”

The WHO said the high prevalence of unprotected sex indicates significant gaps in age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education and access to contraceptive methods.

Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, described the findings as “dismaying,” adding that “immediate and sustained action, underpinned by data and evidence,” is needed to halt negative outcomes.