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Sep 15, 2008
Rise in STIs among youths
The incidence of STIs among youths between 15 and 24 years has risen from 231 per 100,000 population in 1998 to 418 per 100,000 in 2007. -- ST PHOTO: TERENCE TAN
MORE young Singaporeans have contracted sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), with some engaging in sexual intercourse as young as at secondary 3 and 4 levels.
Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan told Parliament on Monday that the incidence of STIs among youths between 15 and 24 years has risen from 231 per 100,000 population in 1998 to 418 per 100,000 in 2007.
In his response to questions from Hong Kah GRC MP Zaqy Mohamad, Mr Khaw said a 2006 Students' Health Survey, jointly conducted by the Health Promotion Board (HPB) and the Ministry of Education (MOE), found that 4 per cent of Secondary 3 and 4 students have had sexual intercourse.
Of these, 24 per cent were sexually active, engaging in sex more than five times in a year.
Another study is being carried out by the National University of Singapore to examine the correlation factors, including socio-economic and educational background.
Mr Khaw said several programmes are in place to address the rising trend of STIs among youths.
For example, the topic on STIs is included in the science syllabus and MOE has made it mandatory for schools to implement sexuality education.
HPB also works with Family Service Centres and other youth organisations to reach out to other youths to provide them with knowledge and skills to protect themselves against STIs.
Parents play an important role in the sexuality education of their children, said Mr Khaw.
Rise in STIs among youths
The incidence of STIs among youths between 15 and 24 years has risen from 231 per 100,000 population in 1998 to 418 per 100,000 in 2007. -- ST PHOTO: TERENCE TAN
MORE young Singaporeans have contracted sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), with some engaging in sexual intercourse as young as at secondary 3 and 4 levels.
Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan told Parliament on Monday that the incidence of STIs among youths between 15 and 24 years has risen from 231 per 100,000 population in 1998 to 418 per 100,000 in 2007.
In his response to questions from Hong Kah GRC MP Zaqy Mohamad, Mr Khaw said a 2006 Students' Health Survey, jointly conducted by the Health Promotion Board (HPB) and the Ministry of Education (MOE), found that 4 per cent of Secondary 3 and 4 students have had sexual intercourse.
Of these, 24 per cent were sexually active, engaging in sex more than five times in a year.
Another study is being carried out by the National University of Singapore to examine the correlation factors, including socio-economic and educational background.
Mr Khaw said several programmes are in place to address the rising trend of STIs among youths.
For example, the topic on STIs is included in the science syllabus and MOE has made it mandatory for schools to implement sexuality education.
HPB also works with Family Service Centres and other youth organisations to reach out to other youths to provide them with knowledge and skills to protect themselves against STIs.
Parents play an important role in the sexuality education of their children, said Mr Khaw.
