A METHOD FOR DETERMINING RATES OF SEXUAL-ACTIVITY IN SCHOOLCHILDREN

This report details a novel methodology for determining rates of sexua l activity in schoolchildren. The method has been found to be acceptab le to schools, parents and students, it receives a high level of co-op eration, a low (1%) parental withdrawal, and a low number (3%) of inad equate responses. A marked advantage of this method is the absence of direct questioning about first intercourse which is often considered i nappropriate within schools. Validation conducted by interview at the time of the questionnaire and one year postal questionnaire follow-up indicates that this method gives a good estimate of sexual activity fo r school populations.