The purpose of this study was to compare the sexual behavior of Swedis
h teenagers in the late 1980s with that in the late 1970s, when a simi
lar study was performed in the same city. Another aim was to discover
differences between boys and girls, smokers and nonsmokers, and pupils
in theoretical and practical classes. A total of 383 high-school stud
ents answered a questionnaire about their sexual behavior, education,
and attitudes. Almost one-half of the teenagers had already had interc
ourse. The median age at sexual debut was about 17 years. Among girls
who had had intercourse, the median age at debut was lower than 10 yea
rs ago. A majority stated that their sexual behavior had been affected
by the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) debate. This was, ho
wever, not clearly seen in their sexual behavior. Intercourse seemed t
o take place earlier in the relationship than 10 years ago, and the wi
sh for more sexual experience had increased. The use of alcohol at the
time of first intercourse had decreased significantly. Only 2% though
t that they had too much sex education at school. As many as 41% felt
they could not talk about sex with their parents. Efforts should be ma
de both to enhance the quantity of sex education at school and to impr
ove its quality. This might increase the chances of young people avoid
ing unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases.