Knowledge, skills, and behaviours of young adults in Malta on sexual health

Abstract

Recent emerging statistics regarding sexually transmitted infections (STIs) diagnosis and unintended pregnancy raise questions as to potential associated factors. Alarmingly high rates of STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are reported for Malta (ECDC, 2024a; ECDC, 2024b). The age of a woman at the birth of their first child has been progressively increasing, alas almost half of all pregnancies worldwide are estimated to be unintended (UNFPA, 2022). Contraceptive methods such as the condom and the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) are designed to help mitigate such aforementioned issues, therefore certain failings in making use of such may be present. The last EHIS done locally reported that 41% of individuals had not made use of a contraceptive method within the past year (Borg et al., 2023). This study set out to find whether young adults’ (YA) in Malta knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours on contraception affects their use of such, and also affects their comprehension and attitudes on STIs and unintended pregnancies. An online questionnaire encompassing these three topics targeting YA in Malta was sent out through four co-operating institutions: the University of Malta, the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology, the Institute of Tourism Studies, and the Ministry for Health. A sample size of 384 individuals was needed, out of which 317 responses were recorded. The results obtained showed that YA in Malta have a good level and understanding on contraceptives, STIs and pregnancy, respectively. Respondents’ skills and behaviours are attributable to such. Whilst the majority of respondents stated that they had sex without using a condom at some point, they affirm that sex without using a condom is not worth the risk. The biggest concern for YA is that of unintended pregnancy, which may be attributable to the consequences and heavy stigma associated with such. On the other hand, the majority of respondents have never been tested for STIs and are unlikely to do so in the near future as they perceive themselves as not being at risk of acquiring a STI. The vast majority of respondents stated they make use of some form of contraceptive method, thus showcasing responsibility and awareness on the risks associated with non-use. Consequential to the results obtained, a set of recommendations were put forth in order to bridge the gap from the shortcomings identified through this study. An integrated policy incorporating the various needs and challenges individuals face nowadays is required, which further implies the need of better sexual education programmes and awareness campaigns. Refining the current services offered whilst introducing new initiatives ought to prove fruitful with regards to finding alternative solutions, particularly on STI testing and contraception use. Further studies on the topic need to be carried out, both locally and internationally, so as to better understand the current atmosphere and its challenges on all individuals.