Youngsters’ ignorance of sex health ‘dumbfounding’

Authorities have an obligation to ensure adolescents are armed to their teeth with information on sexual health, but whatever is being done is “clearly not working”, according to GU Clinic head Philip Carabot. Dr Carabot found youngsters’ ignorance about their bodies and sexual health dumbfounding and highlighted the need for a thorough revision of the sex education delivered in schools. “It makes me weep when young people turn up ignorant of the good and bad stuff on sexual health. Some don’t even know their date of birth and have to look at their ID card or ask their mother [let alone have any knowledge on sexual health]...” Since the clinic moved to Mater Dei from Boffa Hospital last June there has been a 50 per cent increase in the number of patients it sees – more than 200 a month – but the high rate of casual sex and very low rate of condom use has remained unchanged. “This is a very depressing phenomenon year after year,” he said. The new clinic has helped tremendously in encouraging people to come forward as it is much more accessible, has better facilities, and more importantly, provides privacy for patients. The clinic, located on the second floor of the hospital’s...