More youths contract sexually-transmitted infections
By Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 15 September 2008 2250 hrs
SINGAPORE: The number of sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) among youths in Singapore has nearly doubled in the past ten years.
Latest figures by the Ministry of Health (MOH) showed that 418 of every 100,000 people aged 15 to 24 had contracted a sexually-transmitted infection, compared to 213 in 1998.
In the last five years, the number of females infected have outnumbered males. 479 females contracted STIs last year compared to 362 males.
A Students' Health Survey, which was last conducted in 2006, also found that students as young as Secondary 3 and 4 have had sexual intercourse. And of these, 24 per cent were sexually active, having sex at least five times within 12 months.
Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan released these figures in Parliament on Monday in response to a written question from MP for Hong Kah GRC, Zaqy Mohamad.
Mr Khaw added that the National University of Singapore is conducting a survey to study the correlation factors, including the socio-economic and educational backgrounds.
He said there are programmes to address the rising trend, including working with youth organisations.
The Health Promotion Board also runs sexually-transmitted infections and AIDS awareness programmes. These are targeted at Secondary 3 students, covering issues such as abstinence and condom use. - CNA/vm
By Hoe Yeen Nie, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 15 September 2008 2250 hrs
SINGAPORE: The number of sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) among youths in Singapore has nearly doubled in the past ten years.
Latest figures by the Ministry of Health (MOH) showed that 418 of every 100,000 people aged 15 to 24 had contracted a sexually-transmitted infection, compared to 213 in 1998.
In the last five years, the number of females infected have outnumbered males. 479 females contracted STIs last year compared to 362 males.
A Students' Health Survey, which was last conducted in 2006, also found that students as young as Secondary 3 and 4 have had sexual intercourse. And of these, 24 per cent were sexually active, having sex at least five times within 12 months.
Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan released these figures in Parliament on Monday in response to a written question from MP for Hong Kah GRC, Zaqy Mohamad.
Mr Khaw added that the National University of Singapore is conducting a survey to study the correlation factors, including the socio-economic and educational backgrounds.
He said there are programmes to address the rising trend, including working with youth organisations.
The Health Promotion Board also runs sexually-transmitted infections and AIDS awareness programmes. These are targeted at Secondary 3 students, covering issues such as abstinence and condom use. - CNA/vm
