VietNamNet Bridge – Just 7.6% of young people have sex before marriage, of which men account for 11.1% and women 4%, according to a Vietnamese youth survey.

Deputy Health Minister Nguyen Ba Thuy spoke at a seminar held in Hanoi on December 10 that youth development is Vietnam’s top priority as well as the rest of the worlds. People between the ages of 14 and 25 are the largest population group, accounting for 24.5% of the population.

Thuy announced that the same survey will be conducted for the second time in the third quarter of next year.

The first was conducted last year, with the participation of 7,584 young people in 42 provinces and cities who were questioned about education, employment, health, productive health, HIV/AIDS, drug use, accidents, violence and others.

Most of the interviewees said they don’t believe in pre-marital sex and three fourths said they will wait until marriage.

The survey also showed the average Vietnamese loses their virginity around the age of 19 or 20. Around 25-30% said pre-marital sexual relations are acceptable if both sides consent or if they will get married and use contraceptives.

The media is believed to be the most informative source of information about reproductive health for young people. Some 97% of the interviewees said they have been at least somewhat educated about HIV/AIDS.

The second national survey is expected to collect necessary information for making youth development policies in the future.

The Health Ministry assigned the HIV/AIDS Prevention for Youth Project’s management board to develop the survey. At least $100,000 has been allocated.

(Source: TTXVN)