SEX-EDUCATION AND CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS - KNOWLEDGE AND SOURCES OF INFORMATION AMONG THE ESTONIAN POPULATION

A survey on sex education and contraceptive methods was carried out wi thin a monthly EMOR Omnibus Survey. By using a questionnaire, knowledg e and attitudes, as well as the main sources of information on contrac eptive methods and sex education, among the Estonian adult population (n = 618) was investigated. Of the respondents, 68% were female and 32 % were males: the mean age was 34 years. Almost all respondents expres sed the opinion that sex education should start at school and that edu cation on contraceptive methods would reduce the number of abortions. The majority of the respondents believed that it would be more conveni ent to visit a family doctor than a gynecologist for family planning. Main sources of information on contraception were: literature, doctors and journals, as rated by females; and literature, partners and telev ision, as rated by males. The roles of the school nurse, father and si blings were rated as comparatively small. The level of respondents' kn owledge of contraceptive methods was not too high. It is concluded tha t the prerequisites for changing sexual behavior and knowledge over a short time are wider use of mass media and better sex: education at sc hools. Also, it is necessary to prepare family doctors to offer family planning services to their patients.