Significant number of 13-15 year old students sexually active, survey finds

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, CMC - A school-based Student Health Survey has found that one third of children between the ages of 13 and 15 are sexually active.



The survey conducted in March this year also found that while they all brushed their teeth on a daily basis, just about one quarter of them are engaged in physical activity at least one hour daily.



A Government statement said that the report on the survey had been presented to Cabinet on Wednesday by the Ministry of Health as part of its efforts to better serve the health interest of the twin island federation.



“It was critical that the Ministry gleaned statistically-valid information in relation to various dimensions of the health and habits of young people in the Federation,” the statement added.



It said that the survey conducted in all secondary schools in the two islands involved 1, 740 students from Forms 2, 3 and 4 who fell into the 13 – 15 year age group.



“Significant findings include: 32.5% of students being overweight; 96.3% of students brush their teeth once or more daily; 25.6% of students engaged in physical activity for at least one hour per day and 31.7% of students have had sexual intercourse,” the statement said.



It said that the survey also attempted to assess dietary behaviours, mental health, physical activity, protective factors, sexual behaviour, and violence and injuries profile of the students.



It said as a result, Cabinet has given the green light for a national stakeholder consultation to determine practical and sustainable responses to the findings of the research.