Business Wire - September 21, 1999

For the first time in its four-year history, the Durex Global Sex Survey focused exclusively on the sexual attitudes and behavior of today's youth, studying nearly 5,000 sexually active and non-sexually active 16 to 21-year-olds across 14 countries. The survey, commissioned by London International Group, plc., manufacturers of Durex, the world's largest condom brand, reveals a critical need for early sexuality education efforts.

On average, the survey found that sexually active 16 to 21-year-olds have sex 98 times a year, and just over half (51%) expect to have sex within the first month of meeting a new partner. The average number of sexual partners in this demographic globally is 4.9, with the United States ranking highest with a surprising average of 7.5 partners per person. Promiscuity is also on the rise, with more than one-third of young adults stating they had more than one sexual partner in the same period.

"Even though we're in the midst of the Information Age, vital information about sex and its consequences is not reaching today's youth," said Jim Cowsert, director of marketing for Durex Consumer Products. "With young adults having sex more often with more partners, it is imperative that we create an open forum for the discussion of sexuality issues for young people. We need to promote responsibility in both attitude and action."

The survey also revealed that the age of a young person's first sexual experience is on an alarming decline. Young men had first sex at an average age of 15.6 years, compared to 16.2 years for women. The survey showed there are also geographical differences. The United States and Canada have the lowest average age of first sex at 15 years.

"The downward trend in the age of first sexual experience may be directly attributed to the amount of anxiety and fear experienced by teens on a daily basis," said Dr. Robert D. Simmermon, an Atlanta-based psychologist and noted expert on family communication issues and behavioral development. "Young people imitate adult sexual behavior as a way to escape, and to protect themselves, from the vulnerabilities of childhood."

Pregnancy, HIV and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) ranked as the most prominent sexual fears for 70 percent of 16 to 21-year-olds across the globe. Over half (61%) of those surveyed know someone their own age who has had an unwanted pregnancy, and 45 percent know someone who has had an abortion. Nearly one-fifth (18%), claim they know someone who has an STD infection, and 7 percent know a peer who is HIV positive.

Encouragingly, teens are turning to condoms for protection, with more than two-thirds of respondents stating they used condoms as their main method of contraception. But not all teens know the full benefits of condoms. While 92 percent recognized that condoms protect against HIV infection, 18 percent of those surveyed were unaware that a condom protects against pregnancy. The sources tapped for information about sex may contribute to this lack of knowledge.

Globally, friends are cited as the source from which most young people first received sex education and from which they gained the most information (30%). In contrast, when it comes to where young people would prefer to receive sex education, parents were voted top of the list (28%).

"The results of the Durex Global Sex Survey are an excellent starting point for parents to learn about young people's sexual views and behavior, and to provide factual information on sex and sexuality," Simmermon said. "It is time for families to have open discussions about sex and to educate themselves. The psychological health of our children may be riding on it."

The 1999 Durex Global Sex Survey was commissioned by London International Group plc. Approximately 4,900 people between the ages of 16 and 21 across 14 countries participated in the survey. This year is the first time the survey has focused exclusively on teens and young adults. Former surveys questioned a broader age range of 16-45.

Research was conducted by independent fieldwork agencies in each country, with results compiled by an independent research group in London. Respondents were asked to complete a questionnaire focusing on sex education, first sexual experience, sexual intercourse, contraception, sexually transmitted infections and lifestyle. For a complete copy of the 1999 Durex Global Sex Survey, or for further information about Durex Consumer Products, contact Lindsay Woods at (404) 875-1444.

Durex Consumer Products is a division of London International Group plc., the manufacturer of Durex, the world's leading condom brand. Backed by more than 70 years of sexual health experience Durex condoms are sold in more than 140 countries around the world and hold a 21 percent share of the global condom market.

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CONTACT: Manning, Selvage & Lee Lindsay Woods, 404/875-1444 x250 Lwoods@mslpr.com or Robyn Fink 404/875-1444(x229) Rfink@mslpr.com
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