Exploring social attitudes towards sexual adventure among Maltese youths frequenting Paceville

Abstract

A study on social attitudes towards sexual behavior and sexual practices was carried out among youths aged between 16 and 25. This study investigated prevalence and frequency of different sexual practices, the number of sexual partners in a twelve-month period, age of first intercourse and the use of contraceptives and sexual health awareness. The study also focused on social and moral attitudes towards sexuality and gender stereotypes within the context of a society, which is strongly influenced by Catholic morality. The most significant findings include that while 30.5% of respondents have not engaged in any sexual activity at all. 58.5% of respondents have engaged in vaginal penetrative sexual intercourse. The average age of first vaginal penetrative sexual intercourse among respondents is 17.5. While females hold more conservative views on moral issues than males and there are more sexually inactive females than males, sexually active females turned out to be more sexually adventurous than sexually active men, especially as regards number of partners in a twelve-month period. Some results seem to indicate a degree of secularization in this field. Most results are corroborated with international literature and local studies in the field. The results suggest a greater need for a comprehensive sexual education in which the physical, emotional and psychological needs of youths are addressed.