2001 Alabama Adolescent Survey State Report

SEXUALITY ISSUES

I believe that it is OK for people my age to have sex with someone they have dated for a long time.

Gender

Responses

2001

1998

1993

1990

1988

Female

Strongly Agree

19.0%

14.5%

14.7%

26.3%

20.5%

Agree

37.6%

42.2%

42.3%

28.8%

30.0%

Not Sure

17.2%

18.4%

18.4%

16.0%

17.4%

Disagree

12.9%

11.8%

10.9%

7.7%

8.7%

Strongly Disagree

13.3%

13.1%

13.6%

21.1%

23.5%

Male

Strongly Agree

29.2%

30.0%

27.5%

46.0%

44.1%

Agree

36.0%

37.2%

37.3%

26.4%

26.5%

Not Sure

15.5%

15.8%

13.8%

10.2%

11.4%

Disagree

10.7%

8.7%

9.0%

4.9%

7.4%

Strongly Disagree

8.7%

8.1%

11.9%

12.4%

10.4%

When one combines strongly agree and agree categories, percentages remain consistent across the various time periods examined over the course of the study.  A consideration in the phrasing of the question for this survey item is how students define "have been dating for a long time."  Over half of the students seem to agree with this statement.  Alabama has traditionally been one of the states with high rates of sexually transmitted diseases and teenage pregnancy.  Any campaigns attempting to address these issues should consider addressing appropriate dating behaviors.

2001 Alabama Adolescent Survey State Report

SEXUALITY ISSUES

I believe that it is OK for people my age to have sex with several different people.

Gender

Responses

2001

1998

1993

1990

1988

Female

Strongly Agree

4.5%

2.5%

4.1%

6.4%

5.2%

Agree

4.9%

4.3%

4.8%

3.5%

2.5%

Not Sure

7.8%

9.6%

8.5%

7.5%

6.7%

Disagree

23.6%

25.8%

23.3%

9.9%

9.2%

Strongly Disagree

59.1%

57.8%

59.2%

72.5%

76.2%

Male

Strongly Agree

11.2%

11.7%

11.2%

18.7%

13.8%

Agree

16.7%

15.9%

13.6%

9.5%

9.7%

Not Sure

20.1%

19.5%

14.8%

14.8%

12.5%

Disagree

25.8%

25.7%

23.6%

15.0%

16.1%

Strongly Disagree

26.2%

27.0%

36.5%

41.8%

47.8%

Sexual intercourse with multiple partners is a high risk and dangerous activity.  Among males approximately half of the students have historically viewed this type of behavior as unacceptable.  Similarly, approximately 80% of girls have viewed this behavior as unacceptable.  Campaigns focusing on sexual behavior should emphasize the high risks of engaging in sexual intercourse with multiple partners.

2001 Alabama Adolescent Survey State Report

SEXUALITY ISSUES

Have you used any methods, strategies, or ideas that you learned in school to refuse sexual intercourse?

Gender

Responses

2001

1998

Female

Yes, I used the methods or strategies.

38.4%

34%

I haven't used the methods or strategies.

50.4%

50.5%

I have not been taught methods or strategies to refuse sex.

11.1%

15.6%

Male

Yes, I used the methods or strategies.

30.0%

22.4%

I haven't used the methods or strategies.

56.3%

56.7%

I have not been taught methods or strategies to refuse sex.

13.7%

20.8%

Overall, there has been a 6% increase in the number of students who were taught methods or strategies to refuse sex, since 1998.  This change coincided with a 6% increase among students who used the methods or strategies that they were taught.  These are positive indicators of program delivery.

2001 Alabama Adolescent Survey State Report

SEXUALITY ISSUES

How likely is it that you will have sex in the next year?

Gender

Responses

2001

1998

Female

I'm sure I won't have sex.

23.2%

23.7%