Sexual behavior pattern in the young attending sexually transmitted infection clinic in a tertiary health-care center

Introduction: Half of all new HIV infections occur in young people(15-24years). Unfortunately, the study on the sexual behaviour pattern in these age group is lacking. Materials and methods: It is retrospective, cross sectional study assessing adolescent and youth between 10 to 24 years presenting to STD clinic in a tertiary health care centre as a part of their risk assessment. Results: Adolescent and youth were a total of 17.13%(165) amongst 963 STD clinic attendees. The male to female ratio was 84:81. The mean age for male +/- 1SD was 21.17 +/- 2.26 years and for female +/- 1SD was 20.54 +/- 2.37 years. Around 47.27% (78) were students at various levels of education. Earliest onset of sexual activity was at 14 years. Risky sexual behaviour was reported in 75.75% clients. Onset of sexual activity was earlier in females with 24.6% having sex before the age of 18 years as compared to 15.4% in males. Condom use was poor. Around 63% had heard of HIV or AIDS. Conclusion: The young being a vulnerable age group, education on safe sex, condom use and other protective measures should be strengthened.