Abstract:
Adolescence refers to the transitional phase of physical and
psychological development that occurs from puberty to
adulthood. This phase includes a desire for autonomy and an
increase in sexual risk-taking behaviours, making adolescents
particularly vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases. The
Youth Risk Behaviour Surveillance Systems trend from 1991 to
2015 reports a decrease in the rate of sexual activity from 54% to
41% and the rate of sex with more than four partners from 19%
to 12%.1,2 In the United States, approximately 5 to 10% of teens
identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual.3,4 Youth from 15 to 24 years
of age account for a disproportionate number of new sexually
transmitted infections (STI’s) and approximately 25% of sexually
active adolescent females have had a sexually transmitted
infection.5,6 In South Africa young women between the ages of
15 and 24 years made up 37% of new HIV infections in 2016.7
Improvement of adolescent sexual behaviour should be one of
the primary goals of the 21st century. This includes providing
protection from sexually transmitted diseases, improvement
of contraception compliance and the correct use of mass
media. South Africa’s commitment to this is shown in one of
the millennium development goals to combat HIV and other
diseases. The World Health Organization also identifies
adolescent health as a worldwide priority
