Dope, poor home life linked to unsafe sex

Dope-smoking and an unhappy home life are the biggest risk factors for unsafe sexual behaviour by Maori teenagers, research has found.

The study, Contraceptive Use by Maori Youth, by the Adolescent Health Research Group, found that 30 per cent of sexually active Maori high school students failed to use contraception, putting them at risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease.

"Like many of the world's indigenous people, Maori youth in New Zealand are a particularly vulnerable group that bears greater-than-expected poor health (including sexual and reproductive health)," says the report, published in this month's New Zealand Medical Journal.

Using data from the Youth2000 survey, an anonymous national secondary school health and wellbeing survey undertaken in 2001, researchers found about half the Maori students (54 per cent of males, 48 per cent of females) reported having had sexual intercourse.

A third were currently sexually active.

By the age of 13, 32 per cent of boys and 20 per cent of girls had had sex.

By age 17, the number had increased to 67 per cent of males and 68 per cent of females. Consistent use of contraception was reported by about 70 per cent of sexually active Maori students.

Students who reported spending enough time with their parents were 40 per cent more likely to consistently use contraception.

Other "protective variables" included: regular family meals, feeling that teachers cared about them, having an adult to talk to, and feeling that neighbourhoods were safe.

However, those who used marijuana on a weekly basis were 65 per cent less likely to use contraception.

Depression, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts were other factors in unsafe sexual behaviours. The study's authors note that the survey did not include school dropouts, so it probably underestimates the level of risky sexual behaviour among youth. The findings suggest that "positive and caring family connections are a significant protective factor for safer sexual behaviour", which ties in with Maori holistic beliefs that health is connected with the broader whanau (family) environment.

The authors call for a move away from blaming individuals, which results in "stigma and shame", to understanding that multiple factors influence health behaviour.

Sexual health initiatives should include programmes aimed at strengthening family relationships, minimising substance abuse and reducing barriers to condom use, such as lowering the cost.

- NZPA