Department of Marketing targets Gen Y in comprehensive condom survey

Researchers in the Department of Marketing are undertaking a comprehensive survey of Generation Y attitudes in Australia towards condom use, in a bid to slow the staggering growth in sexually transmitted infections.

The confidential study, which is being funded by condom manufacturer Ansell, will include face-to-face recruitment among university students in Sydney and Melbourne during February and March. Gen Y Australians can also take part in the survey online, by visiting www.monashsexstudy.com.au.

Survey leader Fiona Newton said, “we hope to better understand the attitudes of Generation Y towards safer sex and the use of condoms, as this age group is substantially over-represented with sexually transmitted infections.”

“The number of people diagnosed with chlamydia has increased by more than 340 per cent between 2000 and 2008 (from 16,961 to 58,482 Australians). About eight out of every ten Australians diagnosed with chlamydia in 2008 were aged between 15 and 29 years.

“Similarly, there has been a 31 per cent increase in gonococcal infections (gonorrhoea) in the same seven year period (from 5893 in 2000 to 7733 in 2008). Almost two thirds (61 per cent) of these infections in 2008 were in people aged between 15 and 29.” 

She said the longer-term disease burden of sexually transmitted infections was considerable. Human papilloma virus (HPV) has been linked to the development of cervical cancer, while chlamydia may be linked to female infertility. 

“One simple practical way individuals can protect themselves from sexually transmitted infection is to use a condom, but research shows many adults are not using condoms during casual sexual encounters,” she said.

“The first stage of this research is to understand why condoms are not being used. Subsequent studies will then design and test new ways to curb sexually transmitted infection rates by encouraging Gen Y to practice safe sex.

“I encourage all people between the ages of 18-26, male and female, whether sexually active or not, to share their thoughts and attitudes with us.