Gender differences in Ayrshire teenagers' attitudes to sexual relationships, responsibility and unintended pregnancies

Disadvantages and risks related to teenage pregnancy, together with a recen t increase in Scottish conception rates among teenagers aged 13-15 years ol d, give cause for concern. Using an illustrated short story and questionnai re, attitudes of 129 Ayrshire teenagers aged 14-15 years old were examined to teenage pregnancy, and more generally to early sex. Seventy-three percen t of girls advocated joint responsibility for contraceptive protection comp ared with only 46% of boys (p<0.01). Also, significantly more boys than gir ls saw nothing wrung with casual sex (21% vs. 5%, p<0.01), and significantl y less boys than girls upheld the virtue of commitment in sexual relationsh ips (27% vs. 54%, p<0.01). Sex education programmes should explore these ge nder-related disparities. (C) 2000 The Association for Professionals in Ser vices for Adolescents.