Sexual behaviour and lifestyles of young men in Finland, 1998-2005. Cross-sectional survey of military conscripts.

OBJECTIVE

To reveal sexual risk behaviour over time and to explore the associations of sexual risk behaviour, HIV-testing and socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics, including alcohol and drug use among young men.

METHODS

Cross-sectional, structured health and lifestyle survey carried out during the beginning of the mandatory military service. Data were collected from 10,446 randomized conscripts in 1998-2005, with a response rate of 95%.

RESULTS

There was a minor increase in the prevalence of those reporting early sexual intercourse and multiple lifetime partners between 1998 and 2005 (age adjusted odds ratios [ORs] 0.68 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.54-0.87] and 0.83 [0.70-0.99]), and a minor decrease in multiple partners over the past 12 months or engaging in high risk sex between 2000 and 2005 (ORs: 1.20 [95% CI: 1.08-1.41] and 1.45 [1.13-1.86]). No significant differences were observed in non-condom use and HIV-testing over the study period. Alcohol consumption had an independent, strong dose-contingent relationship with sexual risk behaviour. Illegal drug use showed a trend for similar but weaker association with risky sex as alcohol use.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows minor change in the risk indicators over time, yet the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections has risen. More in-depth research to identify groups with risky sexual behaviour and multiple risk factors related to sex, alcohol and drugs is a matter of public health importance.