Cent Eur J Public Health 2025, 33(4):253-259 | DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a8664

Trends in sexual initiation and contraception use among Czech adolescents between 2002–2022

Anna Ševčíková1, Vít Suchý1, Peter Kolarčik2, 3, Lukas Blinka1
1 Psychology Research Institute, Faculty of Social Studies, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
2 Department of Health Psychology and Research Methodology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Košice, Slovak Republic
3 Sts Cyril and Methodius Faculty of Theology, Olomouc University Social Health Institute, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic

Objectives: This study examined trends in sexual behaviour and the timing of sexual initiation among 15-year-old adolescents in Czechia between 2002 and 2022, with a focus on the age of sexual debut (15 and older; early at 14; very early at 13 or younger). It also investigated trends in condom and hormonal contraceptive use at most recent intercourse.

Methods: Data were drawn from six nationally representative waves of the Czech Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study, which was conducted between 2002 and 2022. Only 15-year-olds were included (N = 19,384). Descriptive trend analyses were conducted using survey weights, with subgroup comparisons by gender and age at sexual initiation.

Results: The findings indicate a shift toward later sexual initiation, particularly among girls, with increasing proportions initiating at age 15 or older and declining initiation at age 14. A significant gender gap emerged in 2022, with fewer girls (13.9%) than boys (18.7%) reporting a sexual experience. The prevalence of very early initiation (age 13 or younger) remained stable over time, yet this group - especially boys - consistently accounted for a substantial minority of sexually active adolescents. Condom use declined from 81.2% to 69.9% across all initiation groups between 2014 and 2022, with the most persistent decline among very early initiators.

Conclusions: The findings suggest a modest postponement of sexual debut among Czech adolescents and highlight a growing gender disparity in sexual activity by age 15. Persistent early initiation and declining condom use highlight the need for differentiated sexual health education strategies, particularly for younger initiators.

Klíčová slova: sexual intercourse, adolescent sexuality, sexual health, contraception use

Vloženo: 16. květen 2025; Revidováno: 28. listopad 2025; Přijato: 28. listopad 2025; Zveřejněno: 31. prosinec 2025  Zobrazit citaci

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Ševčíková A, Suchý V, Kolarčik P, Blinka L. Trends in sexual initiation and contraception use among Czech adolescents between 2002–2022. Cent Eur J Public Health. 2025;33(4):253-259. doi: 10.21101/cejph.a8664.
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